Virtual reality exposure therapy for the treatment of anxiety disorders: an evaluation of research quality.

PubMed

McCann, Russell A; Armstrong, Christina M; Skopp, Nancy A; Edwards-Stewart, Amanda; Smolenski, Derek J; June, Jennifer D; Metzger-Abamukong, Melinda; Reger, Greg M

2014-08-01

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) support the effectiveness of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) for anxiety disorders; however, the overall quality of the VRET RCT literature base has yet to be evaluated. This study reviewed 27 VRET RCTs and the degree of adherence to 8 RCT research design criteria derived from existing standards. Adherence to the study quality criteria was generally low as the articles met an average 2.85 criteria (SD=1.56). None of the studies met more than six quality criteria. Study quality did not predict effect size; however, a reduction in effect size magnitude was observed for studies with larger sample sizes when comparing VRET to non-active control groups. VRET may be an effective method of treatment but caution should be exercised in interpreting the existing body of literature supporting VRET relative to existing standards of care. The need for well-designed VRET research is discussed. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Breastfeeding and Blogging: Exploring the Utility of Blogs to Promote Breastfeeding

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

West, Joshua; Hall, P. Cougar; Hanson, Carl; Thackeray, Rosemary; Barnes, Michael; Neiger, Brad; McIntyre, Emily

2011-01-01

Background: People are increasingly using the Internet and social networking sites for behavior support. Almost no literature exists exploring the utility of these sites for supporting breastfeeding behavior. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which blogs are currently being used to support breastfeeding behavior.…

Parental leave policies in graduate medical education: A systematic review.

PubMed

Humphries, Laura S; Lyon, Sarah; Garza, Rebecca; Butz, Daniel R; Lemelman, Benjamin; Park, Julie E

2017-10-01

A thorough understanding of attitudes toward and program policies for parenthood in graduate medical education (GME) is essential for establishing fair and achievable parental leave policies and fostering a culture of support for trainees during GME. A systematic review of the literature was completed. Non-cohort studies, studies completed or published outside of the United States, and studies not published in English were excluded. Studies that addressed the existence of parental leave policies in GME were identified and were the focus of this study. Twenty-eight studies addressed the topic of the existence of formal parental leave policies in GME, which was found to vary across time and ranged between 22 and 90%. Support for such policies persisted across time. Attention to formal leave policies in GME has traditionally been lacking, but may be increasing. Negative attitudes towards parenthood in GME persist. Active awareness of the challenges faced by parent-trainees combined with formal parental leave policy implementation is important in supporting parenthood in GME. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Parent Training and Parent Support: The Efficacy of a Parent-Focused Parent Training Support Group for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Disruptive Behavior

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gattuso, Jonna L.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of parents' participation in a supplemental parent-focused parent education/support group following participation in a pre-existing parent training program. For the purpose of this study, the term "parent" will be used for the child's primary caregiver(s). Parents participated in a…

Supporting Non-Tenure-Track Faculty at 4-Year Colleges and Universities: A National Study of Deans' Values and Decisions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gehrke, Sean J.; Kezar, Adrianna

2015-01-01

This study examines the values held by 264 academic deans and the decisions they make pertaining to supporting non-tenure-track faculty (NTTF). Multiple analyses are utilized to examine the prevalence of supportive policies for both full- and part-time NTTF, as well as the extent to which deans' values are associated with the existence of these…

A Peer-Support and Mindfulness Program to Improve the Mental Health of Medical Students.

PubMed

Moir, Fiona; Henning, Marcus; Hassed, Craig; Moyes, Simon A; Elley, C Raina

2016-01-01

There is evidence that peer-support programs can improve mental health indices and help-seeking behavior among students in some secondary school and university settings and that mindfulness can improve mental health in medical students. Peer-led programs have not been formally assessed in a medical student population, where psychological issues exist and where it has been shown that students approach peers for help in preference to staff members or professional services. Medical students elected peer leaders who underwent training and then provided the intervention. The peer leaders provided support to students in the intervention group, as well as offering teaching in mindfulness meditation. An exploratory study was conducted with 2nd- and 3rd-year medical students at 1 medical school in New Zealand randomized into 2 groups. In addition to existing mental health resources, intervention participants received a program including peer support and peer-taught mindfulness practice. Study participants not offered the intervention participants could use existing mental health resources. Primary measures included depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) scores. Secondary measures were quality of life, resilience (15-item resilience scale), academic self-concept, and motivation to learn, assessed at baseline and 6 months. Of the 402 students eligible, 275 (68%) participated and 232 (58%) completed the study. At baseline, 53% were female and mean age was 21 years (SD = 3)-PHQ-9 score (M = 5.2, SD = 3.7) and GAD-7 score (M = 4.5, SD = 3.4). Twelve peer leaders were elected. There was good participation in the intervention. One fourth of intervention students used the face-to-face peer support and more than 50% attended a peer social event and/or participated in the mindfulness program. Although improvements in mental health were seen in the intervention group, the difference between the intervention and nonintervention groups did not reach statistical significance. Although evidence exists for effectiveness of peer support and mindfulness in other contexts, this exploratory study was not able to show a statistically significant effect. Future studies could consider using a longer training period for the peer leaders, as well as targeting the study population to those most likely to benefit such as those with poorer mental health, or using a more intensive intervention or larger sample size. A cluster randomized study design would also reduce the risk of contamination.

Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support Tier Two Interventions: Teacher Perspectives on Their Effectiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrison, Susan

2017-01-01

Schoolwide positive behavior support (SWPBS) is a framework developed to address negative student behaviors in a less punitive manner than traditional discipline. The majority of research studies addressing SWPBS take place in elementary settings as opposed to secondary. Additionally, the majority of the existing research studies do not take into…

CometQuest: A Rosetta Adventure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leon, Nancy J.; Fisher, Diane K.; Novati, Alexander; Chmielewski, Artur B.; Fitzpatrick, Austin J.; Angrum, Andrea

2012-01-01

This software is a higher-performance implementation of tiled WMS, with integral support for KML and time-varying data. This software is compliant with the Open Geospatial WMS standard, and supports KML natively as a WMS return type, including support for the time attribute. Regionated KML wrappers are generated that match the existing tiled WMS dataset. Ping and JPG formats are supported, and the software is implemented as an Apache 2.0 module that supports a threading execution model that is capable of supporting very high request rates. The module intercepts and responds to WMS requests that match certain patterns and returns the existing tiles. If a KML format that matches an existing pyramid and tile dataset is requested, regionated KML is generated and returned to the requesting application. In addition, KML requests that do not match the existing tile datasets generate a KML response that includes the corresponding JPG WMS request, effectively adding KML support to a backing WMS server.

Tiled WMS/KML Server V2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plesea, Lucian

2012-01-01

This software is a higher-performance implementation of tiled WMS, with integral support for KML and time-varying data. This software is compliant with the Open Geospatial WMS standard, and supports KML natively as a WMS return type, including support for the time attribute. Regionated KML wrappers are generated that match the existing tiled WMS dataset. Ping and JPG formats are supported, and the software is implemented as an Apache 2.0 module that supports a threading execution model that is capable of supporting very high request rates. The module intercepts and responds to WMS requests that match certain patterns and returns the existing tiles. If a KML format that matches an existing pyramid and tile dataset is requested, regionated KML is generated and returned to the requesting application. In addition, KML requests that do not match the existing tile datasets generate a KML response that includes the corresponding JPG WMS request, effectively adding KML support to a backing WMS server.

Community Support for a Gold Cyanide Process Mine: Resident and Leader Differences in Rural Montana

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richards, Rebecca T.; Brod, Rodney L.

2004-01-01

Previous studies have established that community residents and leaders differ in their support for hazardous waste facility siting in rural areas (Spies et al. 1998). We examine whether these same differences exist in rural communities that face other high-risk development decisions by analyzing resident and leader support for a proposed gold…

Identifying Empirically Supported Treatments for Pica in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hagopian, Louis P.; Rooker, Griffin W.; Rolider, Natalie U.

2011-01-01

The purpose of the current study was to critically examine the existing literature on the treatment of pica displayed by individuals with intellectual disabilities. Criteria for empirically supported treatments as described by Divisions 12 and 16 of APA, and adapted for studies employing single-case designs were used to review this body of…

Relationship between Teacher Perception of Positive Behavior Interventions Support and the Implementation Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansen, Janice Marie

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relationship existed between teacher perception of a school's behavior management program and the implementation process. This study explored perceptions of teachers from three aspects of the Positive Behavior Intervention Support model as they relate to the implementation processes for PBIS.…

Aging Widows and Widowers: Does the Impact of Bereavement Differ?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feinson, Marjorie Chary

Though many theories of the greater impact of a spouse's death on men than on women derive some support from role theory, little empirical data exist to support the hypotheses. Behavioral studies of widowhood have focused on social participation as a determinant in coping, without studying the survivor's degree of social involvement before the…

A domains-based taxonomy of supported accommodation for people with severe and persistent mental illness.

PubMed

Siskind, Dan; Harris, Meredith; Pirkis, Jane; Whiteford, Harvey

2013-06-01

A lack of definitional clarity in supported accommodation and the absence of a widely accepted system for classifying supported accommodation models creates barriers to service planning and evaluation. We undertook a systematic review of existing supported accommodation classification systems. Using a structured system for qualitative data analysis, we reviewed the stratification features in these classification systems, identified the key elements of supported accommodation and arranged them into domains and dimensions to create a new taxonomy. The existing classification systems were mapped onto the new taxonomy to verify the domains and dimensions. Existing classification systems used either a service-level characteristic or programmatic approach. We proposed a taxonomy based around four domains: duration of tenure; patient characteristics; housing characteristics; and service characteristics. All of the domains in the taxonomy were drawn from the existing classification structures; however, none of the existing classification structures covered all of the domains in the taxonomy. Existing classification systems are regionally based, limited in scope and lack flexibility. A domains-based taxonomy can allow more accurate description of supported accommodation services, aid in identifying the service elements likely to improve outcomes for specific patient populations, and assist in service planning.

Research on Internet-Supported Learning: A Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bekele, Teklu Abate; Menchaca, Michael Paul

2008-01-01

How did the Internet affect learning in higher education? What methodological and theoretical issues characterized research on Internet-Supported Learning (ISL)? What implications existed for future research? A constant comparative, qualitative analysis of 29 studies indicated grade achievement was the prime measure of effectiveness in ISL…

Online information and support needs of women with advanced breast cancer: a qualitative analysis.

PubMed

Kemp, Emma; Koczwara, Bogda; Butow, Phyllis; Turner, Jane; Girgis, Afaf; Schofield, Penelope; Hulbert-Williams, Nicholas; Levesque, Janelle; Spence, Danielle; Vatandoust, Sina; Kichenadasse, Ganessan; Roy, Amitesh; Sukumaran, Shawgi; Karapetis, Christos S; Richards, Caroline; Fitzgerald, Michael; Beatty, Lisa

2018-04-24

Women with advanced breast cancer (ABC) face significant adjustment challenges, yet few resources provide them with information and support, and attendance barriers can preclude access to face-to-face psychosocial support. This paper reports on two qualitative studies examining (i) whether information and support-seeking preferences of women with ABC could be addressed in an online intervention, and (ii) how an existing intervention for patients with early stage cancer could be adapted for women with ABC. Women with ABC participated in telephone interviews about their information and support-seeking preferences (N = 21) and evaluated an online intervention focused on early-stage cancer (N = 15). Interviews were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis using the framework method to identify salient themes. Participants most commonly sought medical, lifestyle-related, and practical information/support; however, when presented with an online intervention, participants most commonly gave positive feedback on content on coping with emotional distress. Difficulty finding information and barriers to using common sources of information/support including health professionals, family and friends, and peers were reported; however, some women also reported not wanting information or support. All participants evaluating the existing intervention gave positive feedback on various components, with results suggesting an online intervention could be an effective means of providing information/support to women with ABC, given improved specificity/relevance to ABC and increased tailoring to individual circumstances and preferences. Adaptation of an existing online intervention for early stage cancer appears to be a promising avenue to address the information and support needs of women with ABC.

Adjusting an Available Online Peer Support Platform in a Program to Supplement the Treatment of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety

PubMed Central

Schueller, Stephen M

2016-01-01

Background Perinatal depression and anxiety are common and debilitating conditions. Novel, cost effective services could improve the uptake and the impact of mental health resources among women who suffer from these conditions. E-mental health products are one example of such services. Many publically available e-mental health products exist, but these products lack validation and are not designed to be integrated into existing health care settings. Objective The objective of the study was to present a program to use 7 Cups of Tea (7Cups), an available technological platform that provides online peer (ie, listener) based emotional support, to supplement treatment for women experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety and to summarize patient’s feedback on the resultant program. Methods This study consisted of two stages. First, five clinicians specializing in the treatment of perinatal mood disorders received an overview of 7Cups. They provided feedback on the 7Cups platform and ways it could complement the existing treatment efforts to inform further adjustments. In the second stage, nine women with perinatal depression or anxiety used the platform for a single session and provided feedback. Results In response to clinicians’ feedback, guidelines for referring patients to use 7Cups as a supplement for treatment were created, and a training program for listeners was developed. Patients found the platform usable and useful and their attitudes toward the trained listeners were positive. Overall, patients noted a need for support outside the scheduled therapy time and believed that freely available online emotional support could help meet this need. Most patients were interested in receiving support from first time mothers and those who suffered in the past from perinatal mood disorders. Conclusions The study results highlight the use of 7Cups as a tool to introduce accessible and available support into existing treatment for women who suffer from perinatal mood disorders. Further research should focus on the benefits accrued from such a service. However, this article highlights how a publicly available eHealth product can be leveraged to create new services in a health care setting. PMID:27001373

Methodological Issues in Mobile Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (mCSCL): What Methods, What to Measure and When to Measure?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Song, Yanjie

2014-01-01

This study aims to investigate (1) methods utilized in mobile computer-supported collaborative learning (mCSCL) research which focuses on studying, learning and collaboration mediated by mobile devices; (2) whether these methods have examined mCSCL effectively; (3) when the methods are administered; and (4) what methodological issues exist in…

Facilitating Student Learning in Distance Education: A Case Study on the Development and Implementation of a Multifaceted Feedback System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Uribe, Samantha N.; Vaughan, Michelle

2017-01-01

This paper reports on a case study conducted in an American university investigating the role of feedback within a distance education environment. Based on data gathered from online and hybrid undergraduate students in a teacher education program and supported by existing research, we describe how we support online learners by implementing a…

In Public Education Expenditures We Trust: Does Trust Increase Support for Public Education Expenditures?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gur, Nurullah; Boyaci, Israfil; Ozcan, Yunus

2015-01-01

Trust is one crucial prerequisite for the welfare state. However, very few empirical studies exist that help us understand the mechanisms through which trust affects the welfare state. Influencing public support for developing friendly public policies might be one of these mechanisms. In this study, we use unique micro data from 34 countries to…

Population and hierarchy of active species in gold iron oxide catalysts for carbon monoxide oxidation.

PubMed

He, Qian; Freakley, Simon J; Edwards, Jennifer K; Carley, Albert F; Borisevich, Albina Y; Mineo, Yuki; Haruta, Masatake; Hutchings, Graham J; Kiely, Christopher J

2016-09-27

The identity of active species in supported gold catalysts for low temperature carbon monoxide oxidation remains an unsettled debate. With large amounts of experimental evidence supporting theories of either gold nanoparticles or sub-nm gold species being active, it was recently proposed that a size-dependent activity hierarchy should exist. Here we study the diverging catalytic behaviours after heat treatment of Au/FeO x materials prepared via co-precipitation and deposition precipitation methods. After ruling out any support effects, the gold particle size distributions in different catalysts are quantitatively studied using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). A counting protocol is developed to reveal the true particle size distribution from HAADF-STEM images, which reliably includes all the gold species present. Correlation of the populations of the various gold species present with catalysis results demonstrate that a size-dependent activity hierarchy must exist in the Au/FeO x catalyst.

Non-Symbolic Halving in an Amazonian Indigene Group

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCrink, Koleen; Spelke, Elizabeth S.; Dehaene, Stanislas; Pica, Pierre

2013-01-01

Much research supports the existence of an Approximate Number System (ANS) that is recruited by infants, children, adults, and non-human animals to generate coarse, non-symbolic representations of number. This system supports simple arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, and ordering of amounts. The current study tests whether an…

Elicitation Support Requirements of Multi-Expertise Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bitter-Rijpkema, Marlies; Martens, Rob; Jochems, Wim

2005-01-01

Tools to support knowledge elicitation are used more and more in situations where employees or students collaborate using the computer. Studies indicate that differences exist between experts and novices regarding their methods of work and reasoning. However, the commonly preferred approach tends to deal with team members as a single system with…

Perceptions of importance, preparedness and classroom implementation of the National Science Education Standards as perceived by Texas science education leaders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutcher, Joyce Marie

At a time when the nation is challenged by a competitive world economy, learning organizations are experiencing the dynamics of change. Recent mandates, like the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) and the Texas' 1999 education reform law initiating the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills put an impetus on educators to implement standards reform practices that would lead to improved teaching and learning. Texas science education leaders have the challenging task of leading National Science Education Standards (NSES) reform in Texas schools/districts. Therefore, it is important that they are informed about the NSES and are prepared to provide leadership support for their implementation. How they perceive themselves in this role could possibly affect the support they give to teachers and others, ultimately affecting how the NSES are implemented in classrooms. This correlational and descriptive research study used archival data collected at a time the NSES were first being implemented to (a) determine the degree of relations that exist between the leaders' perceived importance of effective practices and their perceived preparedness to provide leadership support for their implementation, and (b) examine influences that may exist between the leaders' perceived importance/preparedness and their perceived frequency of occurrence of related teacher and student activities. The data set used was gathered from a preliminary study of the researcher (Dutcher, 2000). It involved responses from 90 Texas science education leaders who voluntarily responded to the, "Leader Survey Questionnaire: Principles of the National Science Education Standards". Results showed support for the idea that leaders' perceptions of importance for effective practices were significant predictors of their own perceived preparedness to provide leadership support for the same. However in contrast, the results did not show consistent support for the idea that the leaders' perceived importance or preparedness to provide leadership support for the effective practices influenced their perceived frequency of occurrence of related teacher or student activities. These findings will contribute to existing literature and may help educators identify gaps that exist in the science education reform process. These results may be used to design and plan professional development programs for leaders and their teachers.

The etiology and determinants of hospital closure.

PubMed

Longo, D R; Sohn, M W; Shortell, S M

1996-01-01

This article examines the etiology of hospital closure and the correlates of hospital closure and the extent of similarity in this organizational outcome between pre- and post-Prospective Payment System (PPS) implementation. It also replicates a study from an earlier time period. Findings support the study's main hypotheses: in more stringent and turbulent markets, institutional and strategic variables are more important determinants of hospital closure. Merger acquisitions are found to be similar to both system acquisitions and autonomous hospitals. Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) status and regulation show an effect on hospital closure and merger acquisition. While many similarities exist when compared to the replicated study and findings prior to PPS implementation, it appears that sufficient differences exist to support the hypothesis that the PPS has an impact upon hospital organizational outcome.

Use of formative research and social network theory to develop a group walking intervention: Sumter County on the Move!

PubMed

Forthofer, Melinda; Burroughs-Girardi, Ericka; Stoisor-Olsson, Liliana; Wilcox, Sara; Sharpe, Patricia A; Pekuri, Linda M

2016-10-01

Although social support is a frequently cited enabler of physical activity, few studies have examined how to harness social support in interventions. This paper describes community-based formative research to design a walking program for mobilizing naturally occurring social networks to support increases in walking behavior. Focus group methods were used to engage community members in discussions about desired walking program features. The research was conducted with underserved communities in Sumter County, South Carolina. The majority of focus group participants were women (76%) and African American (92%). Several important themes emerged from the focus group results regarding attitudes toward walking, facilitators of and barriers to walking, ideal walking program characteristics, and strategies for encouraging community members to walk. Most noteably, the role of existing social networks as a supportive influence on physical activity was a recurring theme in our formative research and a gap in the existing evidence base. The resulting walking program focused on strategies for mobilizing, supporting and reinforcing existing social networks as mechanisms for increasing walking. Our approach to linking theory, empirical evidence and community-based formative research for the development of a walking intervention offers an example for practitioners developing intervention strategies for a wide range of behaviors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Remote lift fan study program, volume 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A study program to select and conduct preliminary design of advanced technology lift fan systems to meet low noise goals of future V/STOL transport aircraft is discussed. This volume contains results of additional studies conducted to support the main preliminary design effort done under the Remote Lift Fan Study Program (Contract NAS3-14406) and a companion effort, the Integral Lift Fan Study (NAS3-14404). These results cover engine emission study, a review of existing engines for research aircraft application and support data for aircraft studies.

Repurposing Existing Material for Performance Support.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, Francis A.; Nelson, Adam

1995-01-01

Presents an overview of performance support systems (PSS), describes their role in promoting productivity in agile organizations, and discusses issues related to developing effective performance support using existing orientation, training, or procedural manuals. Topics include strategic principles of agility, and adding value when incorporating…

A Framework to Support the Sharing and Reuse of Computable Phenotype Definitions Across Health Care Delivery and Clinical Research Applications.

PubMed

Richesson, Rachel L; Smerek, Michelle M; Blake Cameron, C

2016-01-01

The ability to reproducibly identify clinically equivalent patient populations is critical to the vision of learning health care systems that implement and evaluate evidence-based treatments. The use of common or semantically equivalent phenotype definitions across research and health care use cases will support this aim. Currently, there is no single consolidated repository for computable phenotype definitions, making it difficult to find all definitions that already exist, and also hindering the sharing of definitions between user groups. Drawing from our experience in an academic medical center that supports a number of multisite research projects and quality improvement studies, we articulate a framework that will support the sharing of phenotype definitions across research and health care use cases, and highlight gaps and areas that need attention and collaborative solutions. An infrastructure for re-using computable phenotype definitions and sharing experience across health care delivery and clinical research applications includes: access to a collection of existing phenotype definitions, information to evaluate their appropriateness for particular applications, a knowledge base of implementation guidance, supporting tools that are user-friendly and intuitive, and a willingness to use them. We encourage prospective researchers and health administrators to re-use existing EHR-based condition definitions where appropriate and share their results with others to support a national culture of learning health care. There are a number of federally funded resources to support these activities, and research sponsors should encourage their use.

A Framework to Support the Sharing and Reuse of Computable Phenotype Definitions Across Health Care Delivery and Clinical Research Applications

PubMed Central

Richesson, Rachel L.; Smerek, Michelle M.; Blake Cameron, C.

2016-01-01

Introduction: The ability to reproducibly identify clinically equivalent patient populations is critical to the vision of learning health care systems that implement and evaluate evidence-based treatments. The use of common or semantically equivalent phenotype definitions across research and health care use cases will support this aim. Currently, there is no single consolidated repository for computable phenotype definitions, making it difficult to find all definitions that already exist, and also hindering the sharing of definitions between user groups. Method: Drawing from our experience in an academic medical center that supports a number of multisite research projects and quality improvement studies, we articulate a framework that will support the sharing of phenotype definitions across research and health care use cases, and highlight gaps and areas that need attention and collaborative solutions. Framework: An infrastructure for re-using computable phenotype definitions and sharing experience across health care delivery and clinical research applications includes: access to a collection of existing phenotype definitions, information to evaluate their appropriateness for particular applications, a knowledge base of implementation guidance, supporting tools that are user-friendly and intuitive, and a willingness to use them. Next Steps: We encourage prospective researchers and health administrators to re-use existing EHR-based condition definitions where appropriate and share their results with others to support a national culture of learning health care. There are a number of federally funded resources to support these activities, and research sponsors should encourage their use. PMID:27563686

Methods for Upgrading an Intramural-Recreational Sports Program: An Agency Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newman, Richard E.; Miller, Michael T.

This study assessed the state of intramural-recreational (IR) programs at Peru State College (Nebraska) and offered suggestions for the improvement of existing IR programs. The existing IR sports program is directed by a part-time adjunct staff member with the aid of student assistants and receives limited support. Upgrading the directorship of…

Generalized environmental control and life support system computer program (G189A) configuration control. [computer subroutine libraries for shuttle orbiter analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blakely, R. L.

1973-01-01

A G189A simulation of the shuttle orbiter EC/lSS was prepared and used to study payload support capabilities. Two master program libraries of the G189A computer program were prepared for the NASA/JSC computer system. Several new component subroutines were added to the G189A program library and many existing subroutines were revised to improve their capabilities. A number of special analyses were performed in support of a NASA/JSC shuttle orbiter EC/LSS payload support capability study.

Identifying Gaps in Asthma Education, Health Promotion, and Social Support for Mi’kmaq Families in Unama’ki (Cape Breton), Nova Scotia, Canada

PubMed Central

Watson, Rob; Masuda, Jeffrey; King, Malcolm; Stewart, Miriam

2012-01-01

Introduction Asthma is the most common chronic condition affecting Aboriginal youth aged 8 to 12 years in Canada. Research investigating psychosocial challenges associated with asthma is limited. This study examines support resources, support-seeking strategies, support and education needs, and intervention preferences of Aboriginal youth with asthma and their caregivers in an effort to encourage community-wide, health-promoting behaviors. Methods We employed a community-based participatory research design to conduct interviews with 21 youths aged 8 to 12 years and 17 caregivers from 5 Mi’kmaq communities in Unama’ki (Cape Breton) Nova Scotia, Canada. After conducting interviews that explored existing and desired social, educational, and health support in participating communities, we held a 2-day asthma camp to engage participants in asthma education, social support networking, and cultural activities. At the camp, we collected data through participant observation, sharing circles, focus groups, and youth drawings of their experiences living with asthma. Results Our study yielded 4 key findings: 1) asthma triggers included household mold, indoor smoking, pets, season change, strenuous exercise, extreme cold, and humidity; 2) social and educational support is lacking in Mi’kmaq communities despite a strong desire for these services; 3) cultural, linguistic, and geographic barriers to accessing support exist; and 4) family members are primary support resources. Conclusion Improved support and educational resources are needed to foster effective Mi’kmaq asthma support networks. Future asthma interventions for marginalized populations must be culturally meaningful and linguistically accessible to those using and providing asthma support. PMID:22898237

Local existence of solutions to the Euler-Poisson system, including densities without compact support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brauer, Uwe; Karp, Lavi

2018-01-01

Local existence and well posedness for a class of solutions for the Euler Poisson system is shown. These solutions have a density ρ which either falls off at infinity or has compact support. The solutions have finite mass, finite energy functional and include the static spherical solutions for γ = 6/5. The result is achieved by using weighted Sobolev spaces of fractional order and a new non-linear estimate which allows to estimate the physical density by the regularised non-linear matter variable. Gamblin also has studied this setting but using very different functional spaces. However we believe that the functional setting we use is more appropriate to describe a physical isolated body and more suitable to study the Newtonian limit.

Rover Traverse Planning to Support a Lunar Polar Volatiles Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heldmann, J.L.; Colaprete, A.C.; Elphic, R. C.; Bussey, B.; McGovern, A.; Beyer, R.; Lees, D.; Deans, M. C.; Otten, N.; Jones, H.;

The Ufa indenter: stratigraphic and geophysic evidences for an actual indentation of the Southern Urals by the East European craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lefort, Jean-Pierre; Danukalova, Guzel

2014-07-01

Study of the altitudes of the lowest part of the Upper Cretaceous-Eocene and Aktschagylian-Quaternary stratigraphic ensembles known on the western slope of the Southern Urals evidences the existence of an East-West elongated dome which follows the N53° latitude. This ridge is superimposed at depth with the remnants of the Sernovodsk-Abdulino Aulacogen and with the Belaya tear fault, which support the existence of a recent rejuvenation of these old structures. North of these disruptions the Southern Urals display a clear bent towards the East. Detailed microstructural studies show that this curvature is associated with a typical stress pattern which suggests the existence of an indentation of the fold belt by the East European craton. The hypothesis of an Ufa indenter is not supported by an equivalent East-West deep fault north of the bend. However, a long N100° magnetic anomaly, interpreted as a shear zone, suggests that the indenter is a reality. Quaternary uplift and crustal thickening at its front as well as seismological data support our interpretation. It is not stressed that the curvature of the Urals observed at 56° latitude results solely from this recent indentation. It is only assumed that the actual indentation is rejuvenating a former unevenness which existed before in the East European craton. Study of the inner part of the indenter shows that this type of structure is not necessarily rigid and undeformed. Some of the structures described on the URSEIS deep seismic line could be much younger than previously expected.

The Nature of Parent Support Provided by Parent Mentors for Families with Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Children: Voices from the Start

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman Narr, Rachel; Kemmery, Megan

2015-01-01

This study used a qualitative design to explore parent mentors' summaries of conversations with more than 1,000 individual families of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children receiving parent-to-parent support as part of an existing family support project. Approximately 35% of the families were Spanish speaking. Five parent mentors who have…

Conceptual Coherence, Comprehension, and Vocabulary Acquisition: A Knowledge Effect?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cervetti, Gina N.; Wright, Tanya S.; Hwang, HyeJin

2016-01-01

Previous research has documented the role of readers' existing topic knowledge in supporting students' comprehension of text; yet, we know less about how to build students' knowledge in order to support comprehension and vocabulary learning. In the current study, we test the hypothesis that knowledge can be built and leveraged simultaneously in…

Person-Centered Emotional Support and Gender Attributions in Computer-Mediated Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spottswood, Erin L.; Walther, Joseph B.; Holmstrom, Amanda J.; Ellison, Nicole B.

2013-01-01

Without physical appearance, identification in computer-mediated communication is relatively ambiguous and may depend on verbal cues such as usernames, content, and/or style. This is important when gender-linked differences exist in the effects of messages, as in emotional support. This study examined gender attribution for online support…

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

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Katrina Lanelle

2010-01-01

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

A Descriptive, Multiyear Examination of Positive Behavior Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunlap, Glen; Carr, Edward G.; Horner, Robert H.; Koegel, Robert L.; Sailor, Wayne; Clarke, Shelley; Koegel, Lynn Kern; Albin, Richard W.; Vaughn, Bobbie J.; McLaughlin, Darlene Magito; James, Kim Mullen; Todd, Anne W.; Newton, J. Stephen; Lucyshyn, Joseph; Griggs, Peter; Bohanon, Hank; Choi, Jeong Hoon; Vismara, Laurie; Minjarez, Mendy Boettcher; Buschbacher, Pamelazita; Fox, Lise

2010-01-01

A major goal of positive behavior support (PBS) is to produce broad-based, long-term improvements in adaptive behavior; however, the empirical base, at present, is mainly composed of relatively short-term studies carried out in circumscribed contexts. Therefore, a need exists for reliable data that can inform the field regarding the comprehensive…

Premarital Sex, Social Support, Submissive Behaviors, and Loneliness among Turkish University Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yalcin, Ilhan; Aricioglu, Ahu; Malkoc, Asude

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether differences in social support, submissive behaviors, and loneliness existed among Turkish university students who had had premarital sexual intercourse and those who had not. Using self-reported questionnaires, students who had experienced sexual intercourse were contrasted with those who had…

Catalogue Support Systems Study. Final Report for British Columbia Library Development Commission.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacDonald, R. W.; And Others

To determine the need for additional bibliographic resources in the libraries of British Columbia, Canada, an evaluation was undertaken which included visits to libraries and existing operational catalog support systems, and meetings with advisory committees. Recommendations included: (1) implementation of a province-wide, on-line catalog system;…

Mobile Affordances and Learning Theories in Supporting and Enhancing Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacCallum, Kathryn; Day, Stephanie; Skelton, David; Verhaart, Michael

2017-01-01

Mobile technology promises to enhance and better support students' learning. The exploration and adoption of appropriate pedagogies that enhance learning is crucial for the wider adoption of mobile learning. An increasing number of studies have started to address how existing learning theory can be used to underpin and better frame mobile learning…

Perceived Sociability and Social Presence in a Collaborative Serious Game

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oksanen, Kimmo; Hämäläinen, Raija

2013-01-01

Collaborative serious games have proven to have the potential to support joint knowledge construction, and there is a growing interest in applying such games to promote high-level learning. However, most of the existing studies have focused on the effects of functional, task-specific support while ignoring the social aspects of collaborative…

Place Disparities in Supportive Environments for Extracurricular Physical Activity in North Carolina Middle Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Michael B.; Bocarro, Jason N.; Kanters, Michael A.

2013-01-01

Disadvantaged rural youth may be especially at risk for obesity and poorer health due to physical inactivity. Research suggests that extracurricular school programs can increase physical activity for this population. This study sought to determine whether local differences existed in the availability of supportive environments for extracurricular…

Moderating effects of nurses' organizational justice between organizational support and organizational citizenship behaviors for evidence-based practice.

PubMed

Chang, Ching-Sheng

2014-10-01

Lack of existing literature on the correlation among organizational justice, organizational support, and organizational citizenship behaviors has created a research gap in previous evidence-based practice (EBP) studies on nursing personnel. To investigate whether organizational justice among nurses has a moderating effect between their organizational support and organizational citizenship behaviors in order to bridge such a gap of existing literature with the EBP study on nursing personnel. Nursing staff of one large and influential hospital in Taiwan was surveyed. Four hundred questionnaires were distributed, and 386 were collected with a valid response rate of 96.50%. SPSS 17.0 and Amos 17.0 statistical software packages were used for data analysis. Nurses' organizational support positively influences their organizational citizenship behaviors, and their organizational justice perception has a positive moderating effect between organizational support and organizational citizenship behaviors. Results call hospitals' attention to the type of individual behaviors that may improve organizational performance. When nursing staff perceive fair and impartial treatment by the organization and supportive emotional attachment, behaviors beneficial for the organization are expressed in return. Subjective perceptions of nursing staff play an important role in organizational exchange relationship; the higher the degree of nursing staff's perceived organizational justice, the higher the degree of their organizational support, perception, and exhibition of organizational citizenship behaviors such as altruistic behavior and dedication to the work. © 2014 Sigma Theta Tau International.

Critical soft landing technology issues for future US space missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macha, J. M.; Johnson, D. W.; Mcbride, D. D.

1992-01-01

A programmatic need for research and development to support parachute-based landing systems has not existed since the end of the Apollo missions in the mid-1970s. Now, a number of planned space programs require advanced landing capabilities for which the experience and technology base does not currently exist. New requirements for landing on land with controllable, gliding decelerators and for more effective impact attenuation devices justify a renewal of the landing technology development effort that existed during the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. A study was performed to evaluate the current and projected national capability in landing systems and to identify critical deficiencies in the technology base required to support the Assured Crew Return Vehicle and the Two-Way Manned Transportation System. A technology development program covering eight landing system performance issues is recommended.

Social support and protection from depression: systematic review of current findings in Western countries.

PubMed

Gariépy, Geneviève; Honkaniemi, Helena; Quesnel-Vallée, Amélie

2016-10-01

Numerous studies report an association between social support and protection from depression, but no systematic review or meta-analysis exists on this topic. To review systematically the characteristics of social support (types and source) associated with protection from depression across life periods (childhood and adolescence; adulthood; older age) and by study design (cross-sectional v cohort studies). A systematic literature search conducted in February 2015 yielded 100 eligible studies. Study quality was assessed using a critical appraisal checklist, followed by meta-analyses. Sources of support varied across life periods, with parental support being most important among children and adolescents, whereas adults and older adults relied more on spouses, followed by family and then friends. Significant heterogeneity in social support measurement was noted. Effects were weaker in both magnitude and significance in cohort studies. Knowledge gaps remain due to social support measurement heterogeneity and to evidence of reverse causality bias. © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016.

DOD Competitive Sourcing: Questions About Goals, Pace, and Risks of Key Reform Initiative.

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-02-01

internal audit , and the function being studied. To the extent existing in-house resources are limited, if resources need to be shifted to meet new...contractor support costs and $24 million for existing in-house staff—to compete 4,000 positions in a multifunction, multilocation study, at least $7,000...competitions and of personnel separation costs on their installations. Army officials, based on work by the Army Audit Agency, have expressed concern that

Servant leadership and affective commitment in the Chinese public sector: the mediating role of perceived organizational support.

PubMed

Zhou, Yingying; Miao, Qing

2014-10-01

This study examined a possible mediating mechanism between servant leadership and the affective commitment in Chinese employees. Servant leadership, perceived organizational support, and affective commitment was assessed among 239 full-time employees in the Chinese public sector in three rounds of surveys. Servant leadership influenced affective commitment through perceived organizational support. The effect of servant leadership exists in Chinese culture as well as Western cultures.

A model of awareness to enhance our understanding of interprofessional collaborative care delivery and health information system design to support it.

PubMed

Kuziemsky, Craig E; Varpio, Lara

2011-08-01

As more healthcare delivery is provided by collaborative teams there is a need for enhanced design of health information systems (HISs) to support collaborative care delivery. The purpose of this study was to develop a model of the different types of awareness that exist in interprofessional collaborative care (ICC) delivery to inform HIS design to support ICC. Qualitative data collection and analysis was done. The data sources consisted of 90 h of non-participant observations and 30 interviews with nurses, physicians, medical residents, volunteers, and personal support workers. Many of the macro-level ICC activities (e.g. morning rounds, shift change) were constituted by micro-level activities that involved different types of awareness. We identified four primary types of ICC awareness: patient, team member, decision making, and environment. Each type of awareness is discussed and supported by study data. We also discuss implication of our findings for enhanced design of existing HISs as well as providing insight on how HISs could be better designed to support ICC awareness. Awareness is a complex yet crucial piece of successful ICC. The information sources that provided and supported ICC awareness were varied. The different types of awareness from the model can help us understand the explicit details of how care providers communicate and exchange information with one another. Increased understanding of ICC awareness can assist with the design and evaluation of HISs to support collaborative activities. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The faces of breastfeeding support: Experiences of mothers seeking breastfeeding support online.

PubMed

Bridges, Nicole

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to advance understanding of the experiences of mothers using closed Facebook groups attached to the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) and how these mothers find and share breastfeeding support and information using this forum. The study involved members of three closed Facebook groups that were chosen as interesting cases for study, based on the volume and nature of their posts. Members of these three groups then participated in online depth interviews and online semi-structured focus groups. The overarching theme identified was support, with four sub-themes that describe the nature of online breastfeeding support within the Facebook environment. These sub-themes are: community, complementary, immediate and information. It was found that social networking sites (SNSs) provide support from the trusted community. It is immediate, it complements existing support or services that ABA provides and also provides practical and valuable information for its users.

Population and hierarchy of active species in gold iron oxide catalysts for carbon monoxide oxidation

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

He, Qian; Freakley, Simon J.; Edwards, Jennifer K.

The identity of active species in supported gold catalysts for low temperature carbon monoxide oxidation remains an unsettled debate. With large amounts of experimental evidence supporting theories of either gold nanoparticles or sub-nm gold species being active, it was recently proposed that a size-dependent activity hierarchy should exist. Here we study the diverging catalytic behaviors after heat treatment of Au/FeO x materials prepared via co-precipitation and deposition precipitation methods. After ruling out any support effects, the gold particle size distributions in different catalysts are quantitatively studied using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). A counting protocol is developed tomore » reveal the true particle size distribution from HAADF-STEM images, which reliably includes all the gold species present. As a result, correlation of the populations of the various gold species present with catalysis results demonstrate that a size-dependent activity hierarchy must exist in the Au/FeO x catalyst.« less

Population and hierarchy of active species in gold iron oxide catalysts for carbon monoxide oxidation

DOE PAGES

He, Qian; Freakley, Simon J.; Edwards, Jennifer K.; ...

2016-09-27

The identity of active species in supported gold catalysts for low temperature carbon monoxide oxidation remains an unsettled debate. With large amounts of experimental evidence supporting theories of either gold nanoparticles or sub-nm gold species being active, it was recently proposed that a size-dependent activity hierarchy should exist. Here we study the diverging catalytic behaviors after heat treatment of Au/FeO x materials prepared via co-precipitation and deposition precipitation methods. After ruling out any support effects, the gold particle size distributions in different catalysts are quantitatively studied using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). A counting protocol is developed tomore » reveal the true particle size distribution from HAADF-STEM images, which reliably includes all the gold species present. As a result, correlation of the populations of the various gold species present with catalysis results demonstrate that a size-dependent activity hierarchy must exist in the Au/FeO x catalyst.« less

Nuclear matrix and structural and functional compartmentalization of the eucaryotic cell nucleus.

PubMed

Razin, S V; Borunova, V V; Iarovaia, O V; Vassetzky, Y S

2014-07-01

Becoming popular at the end of the 20th century, the concept of the nuclear matrix implies the existence of a nuclear skeleton that organizes functional elements in the cell nucleus. This review presents a critical analysis of the results obtained in the study of nuclear matrix in the light of current views on the organization of the cell nucleus. Numerous studies of nuclear matrix have failed to provide evidence of the existence of such a structure. Moreover, the existence of a filamentous structure that supports the nuclear compartmentalization appears to be unnecessary, since this function is performed by the folded genome itself.

"You've Changed": Low Self-Concept Clarity Predicts Lack of Support for Partner Change.

PubMed

Emery, Lydia F; Gardner, Wendi L; Finkel, Eli J; Carswell, Kathleen L

2018-03-01

People often pursue self-change, and having a romantic partner who supports these changes increases relationship satisfaction. However, most existing research focuses only on the experience of the person who is changing. What predicts whether people support their partner's change? People with low self-concept clarity resist self-change, so we hypothesized that they would be unsupportive of their partner's changes. People with low self-concept clarity did not support their partner's change (Study 1a), because they thought they would have to change, too (Study 1b). Low self-concept clarity predicted failing to support a partner's change, but not vice versa (Studies 2 and 3), and only for larger changes (Study 3). Not supporting a partner's change predicted decreases in relationship quality for both members of the couple (Studies 2 and 3). This research underscores the role of partners in self-change, suggesting that failing to support a partner's change may stem from self-concept confusion.

The Impact of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports on Teachers' Perceptions of Teaching Conditions and Student Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Houchens, Gary W.; Zhang, Jie; Davis, Kelly; Niu, Chunling; Chon, Kyong Hee; Miller, Stephen

2017-01-01

Previous research suggests that Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) can reduce student disciplinary office referrals and out-of-school suspensions, especially when implemented with fidelity. Existing research is mixed as to whether PBIS also contributes to improvements in student achievement, but at least one study has found that…

A Review of Qualitative Data Gathering Methods and Their Applications To Support Organizational Strategic Planning Processes. Study Number Six.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, Phillip C.; Geroy, Gary D.

Exploring existing methodologies to determine whether they can be adapted or adopted to support strategic goal setting, this paper focuses on information gathering techniques as they relate to the human resource development professional's input into strategic planning processes. The information gathering techniques are all qualitative methods and…

Is there a sensitive period in human incest avoidance?

PubMed

Luo, Liqun

2011-06-24

Many studies support the proposition that early cosocialization with opposite-sex children has the effect of inhibiting later mutual sexual attraction, but the existence of a period in the life cycle in which individuals are sensitive to the effect of early cosocialization has been a matter of controversy. Drawing on earlier traditional psychological research, and on more recent work guided by parental investment theory, we hypothesized that only for maternal perinatal association (MPA)-absent males a less-than- around-three-years age difference with the sister can predict stronger aversion to sibling incest. The results corroborated the hypothesis. The results can be interpreted as support for the existence of a sensitive period as well as for the potent role of MPA. Cross-cultural comparative studies were called on to further test the hypothesis.

A framework for assessing Health Economic Evaluation (HEE) quality appraisal instruments.

PubMed

Langer, Astrid

2012-08-16

Health economic evaluations support the health care decision-making process by providing information on costs and consequences of health interventions. The quality of such studies is assessed by health economic evaluation (HEE) quality appraisal instruments. At present, there is no instrument for measuring and improving the quality of such HEE quality appraisal instruments. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to establish a framework for assessing the quality of HEE quality appraisal instruments to support and improve their quality, and to apply this framework to those HEE quality appraisal instruments which have been subject to more scrutiny than others, in order to test the framework and to demonstrate the shortcomings of existing HEE quality appraisal instruments. To develop the quality assessment framework for HEE quality appraisal instruments, the experiences of using appraisal tools for clinical guidelines are used. Based on a deductive iterative process, clinical guideline appraisal instruments identified through literature search are reviewed, consolidated, and adapted to produce the final quality assessment framework for HEE quality appraisal instruments. The final quality assessment framework for HEE quality appraisal instruments consists of 36 items organized within 7 dimensions, each of which captures a specific domain of quality. Applying the quality assessment framework to four existing HEE quality appraisal instruments, it is found that these four quality appraisal instruments are of variable quality. The framework described in this study should be regarded as a starting point for appraising the quality of HEE quality appraisal instruments. This framework can be used by HEE quality appraisal instrument producers to support and improve the quality and acceptance of existing and future HEE quality appraisal instruments. By applying this framework, users of HEE quality appraisal instruments can become aware of methodological deficiencies inherent in existing HEE quality appraisal instruments. These shortcomings of existing HEE quality appraisal instruments are illustrated by the pilot test.

A framework for assessing Health Economic Evaluation (HEE) quality appraisal instruments

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Health economic evaluations support the health care decision-making process by providing information on costs and consequences of health interventions. The quality of such studies is assessed by health economic evaluation (HEE) quality appraisal instruments. At present, there is no instrument for measuring and improving the quality of such HEE quality appraisal instruments. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to establish a framework for assessing the quality of HEE quality appraisal instruments to support and improve their quality, and to apply this framework to those HEE quality appraisal instruments which have been subject to more scrutiny than others, in order to test the framework and to demonstrate the shortcomings of existing HEE quality appraisal instruments. Methods To develop the quality assessment framework for HEE quality appraisal instruments, the experiences of using appraisal tools for clinical guidelines are used. Based on a deductive iterative process, clinical guideline appraisal instruments identified through literature search are reviewed, consolidated, and adapted to produce the final quality assessment framework for HEE quality appraisal instruments. Results The final quality assessment framework for HEE quality appraisal instruments consists of 36 items organized within 7 dimensions, each of which captures a specific domain of quality. Applying the quality assessment framework to four existing HEE quality appraisal instruments, it is found that these four quality appraisal instruments are of variable quality. Conclusions The framework described in this study should be regarded as a starting point for appraising the quality of HEE quality appraisal instruments. This framework can be used by HEE quality appraisal instrument producers to support and improve the quality and acceptance of existing and future HEE quality appraisal instruments. By applying this framework, users of HEE quality appraisal instruments can become aware of methodological deficiencies inherent in existing HEE quality appraisal instruments. These shortcomings of existing HEE quality appraisal instruments are illustrated by the pilot test. PMID:22894708

Support Documents for EPA’s Second Review of Existing Drinking Water Standards

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The support documents for the Six-Year Review 2 of existing National Primary Drinking Water Standards contain extensive information including protocol for the review, and chemical contaminant health effects among others

Support Documents for EPA’s Third Review of Existing Drinking Water Standards

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The support documents for the Six-Year Review 3 of existing National Primary Drinking Water Standards contain extensive information including protocol for the review, and chemical contaminant health effects among others

Transactional Distance as a Predictor of Perceived Learner Satisfaction in Distance Learning Courses: A Case Study of Bachelor of Education Arts Program, University of Nairobi, Kenya

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mbwesa, Joyce Kanini

2014-01-01

There is a long history of study and recognition of the critical role of interaction in supporting and even defining distance education. Interaction has been identified as key to the success of distance learning. It is key in fostering, supporting and engaging in the learning process. Moore (1989) posits that the physical distance that exists in…

The effect of pre-existing affect on the sexual responses of women with and without a history of childhood sexual abuse.

PubMed

Rellini, Alessandra H; Elinson, Samantha; Janssen, Erick; Meston, Cindy M

2012-04-01

Women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at greater risk for experiencing sexual problems in their adult lives. Yet, little is known about the possible role of cognitive and affective mechanisms in the development of sexual arousal difficulties in this population. This study investigated the role of pre-existing affect (affect prior to exposure to sexual stimuli) on genital responses, subjective sexual arousal, and affect elicited during the presentation of erotic film excerpts in a community sample of 25 women with and 25 women without a history of CSA. The CSA group showed greater pre-existing negative affect and smaller genital responses to the erotic film stimuli compared to the NSA group. Findings support a moderating effect of CSA, in that pre-existing negative affect was associated with strength of genital responses in the NSA but not in the CSA group. The results did not support a mediation model of pre-existing negative affect as an explanation for smaller physiological sexual responses in the CSA group. Taken together, the findings suggest that pre-existing affect may be more relevant for women with no history of CSA and call for more research on factors implicated in impaired sexual responses in women with a history of CSA.

Data standards for clinical research data collection forms: current status and challenges.

PubMed

Richesson, Rachel L; Nadkarni, Prakash

2011-05-01

Case report forms (CRFs) are used for structured-data collection in clinical research studies. Existing CRF-related standards encompass structural features of forms and data items, content standards, and specifications for using terminologies. This paper reviews existing standards and discusses their current limitations. Because clinical research is highly protocol-specific, forms-development processes are more easily standardized than is CRF content. Tools that support retrieval and reuse of existing items will enable standards adoption in clinical research applications. Such tools will depend upon formal relationships between items and terminological standards. Future standards adoption will depend upon standardized approaches for bridging generic structural standards and domain-specific content standards. Clinical research informatics can help define tools requirements in terms of workflow support for research activities, reconcile the perspectives of varied clinical research stakeholders, and coordinate standards efforts toward interoperability across healthcare and research data collection.

Return migration and the health of older aged parents: evidence from rural Thailand.

PubMed

Zimmer, Zachary; Knodel, John

2010-10-01

To examine the extent to which an association exists between health of older parents and return migration of children in rural Thailand. Data come from the 2006 Migration Impact Survey specifically designed to obtain information on the impact of migration on older adults in rural areas. Associations are examined from both the perspectives of parents (N = 883) and migrating children (N = 2,150) using equations that adjust for demographic characteristics of parents and children and factors that may indicate unmet support needs. A robust association with poor health promoting migration returns from both parent and child perspective exists and remains even with controls that might attenuate the relationship. Although media discussions have pointed out dangers of out-migration for older adults, little systematic evidence exists. This study supports the viewpoint that accommodations for older adults can be made despite social changes promoting out-migration and demographic aging of the population.

In support of a hot hand in professional basketball and baseball.

PubMed

Shea, Stephen

2014-06-01

Recent studies have found little empirical evidence to suggest that National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB) players have hot streaks. This has led some to suggest that hot hands do not exist and that offensive and defensive strategies adjusting to perceived hot hands are suboptimal. We study the MLB's Home Run Derby and the NBA's 3-point Shootout. When there is no defense, extended time between shots has been removed, and shot or swing selection is constant, we find evidence that player performance is nonstationary. Our results are consistent with beliefs long held by players, coaches, and fans, research on the importance of self-efficacy in sports, and studies that support the existence of hot streaks in sports with no or limited defense. © 2013 The Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Video prompting versus other instruction strategies for persons with Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Perilli, Viviana; Lancioni, Giulio E; Hoogeveen, Frans; Caffó, Alessandro; Singh, Nirbhay; O'Reilly, Mark; Sigafoos, Jeff; Cassano, Germana; Oliva, Doretta

2013-06-01

Two studies assessed the effectiveness of video prompting as a strategy to support persons with mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease in performing daily activities. In study I, video prompting was compared to an existing strategy relying on verbal instructions. In study II, video prompting was compared to another existing strategy relying on static pictorial cues. Video prompting and the other strategies were counterbalanced across tasks and participants and compared within alternating treatments designs. Video prompting was effective in all participants. Similarly effective were the other 2 strategies, and only occasional differences between the strategies were reported. Two social validation assessments showed that university psychology students and graduates rated the patients' performance with video prompting more favorably than their performance with the other strategies. Video prompting may be considered a valuable alternative to the other strategies to support daily activities in persons with Alzheimer's disease.

Effect of social support on depression of internet addicts and the mediating role of loneliness.

PubMed

He, Fei; Zhou, Qin; Li, Jing; Cao, Rong; Guan, Hao

2014-01-01

Many studies have determined the existence of an extremely close association between Internet addiction and depression. However, the reasons for the depression of Internet addicts have not been fully investigated. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the factors that influence depression among Internet addicts. A total of 162 male Internet addicts completed the Emotional and Social Loneliness Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Loneliness and lack of social support are significantly correlated with depression among Internet addicts. Structural Equation Modeling results indicate that social support partially mediates loneliness and depression. Both social support and loneliness were negatively associated with depression of Internet addicts whereas loneliness plays a mediating role between social support and depression.

Reliability and validity of the perspectives of Support From God Scale.

PubMed

Hamilton, Jill B; Crandell, Jamie L; Carter, J Kameron; Lynn, Mary R

2010-01-01

Existing spiritual support scales for use with cancer survivors focus on the support believed to come from a religious community, clergy, or health care providers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a new measure of spiritual support believed to come from God in older Christian African American cancer survivors. The Perceived Support From God Scale was administered to 317 African American cancer survivors aged 55-89 years. Psychometric evaluation involved identifying underlying factors, conducting item analysis and estimating reliability, and obtaining evidence on the relationship to other variables or the extent to which the Perceived Support From God Scale correlates with religious involvement and depression. The Perceived Support From God Scale consists of 15 items in two subscales (Support From God and God's Purpose for Me). The two subscales explained 59% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were .94 and .86 for the Support From God and God's Purpose for Me subscales, respectively. Test-retest correlations were strong, supporting the temporal stability of the instrument. Pearson's correlations to an existing religious involvement and beliefs scale were moderate to strong. Subscale scores on Support From God were negatively correlated to depression. Initial support for reliability and validity was demonstrated for the Perceived Support From God Scale. The scale captures a facet of spirituality not emphasized in other measures. Further research is needed to evaluate the scale with persons of other racial/ethnic groups and to explore the relationship of spirituality to other outcome measures.

Hearing Math: Algebra Supported eText for Students With Visual Impairments.

PubMed

Bouck, Emily C; Weng, Pei-Lin

2014-01-01

Supported eText for students with visual impairments in mathematics has a promising, emerging literature base, although little of the existing research focuses on implementation within a classroom setting. This qualitative study sought to understand the use of supported eText to deliver algebra to students with visual impairments enrolled in algebra mathematics courses. The study also sought to explore supported eText in contrast to students' traditional means of accessing an algebra text. The main results suggest supported eText holds potential in terms of delivering mathematics content; however, more research and more reflection on the field is needed regarding this approach as a sole means of presenting text. Implications for teacher professional development and implementation practices are discussed.

The Motive for Support and the Identification of Responsive Partners

PubMed Central

Turan, Bulent; Horowitz, Leonard M.

2010-01-01

To obtain support from others, a person must first identify responsive partners. One strategy for doing so is to use indicators of responsive partners. We argue that a person with a strong motive for support should rate all indicators highly useful—the “Elevated Motives Effect.” Study 1 confirmed this hypothesis by correlating participants’ total ratings with existing measures of motive-strength. Study 2 applied the Elevated Motives Effect to demonstrate that motive-strength (in interaction with knowledge of indicators) predicts performance on a laboratory task in which participants evaluated a person: Superior knowledge led to superior performance only when motive-strength was high. Study 3, an experience-sampling study, showed that in everyday life, motivated people more often seek support from others when distressed. PMID:20544011

The internet as a source of support for youth with chronic conditions: A qualitative study.

PubMed

Ahola Kohut, S; LeBlanc, C; O'Leary, K; McPherson, A C; McCarthy, E; Nguyen, C; Stinson, J

2018-03-01

Adolescents living with chronic conditions often portray themselves as "healthy" online, yet use the Internet as one of their top sources of health information and social communication. There is a need to develop online support programs specific to adolescents with chronic conditions in order to provide a private space to discuss concerns. This paper endeavors to increase our understanding of the online support needs and wants of these adolescents and their interest in and preferences for an online support program. A qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews was completed. Stratified purposive sampling was utilized to ensure a representative sample based on age and diagnosis. English speaking adolescents (aged 12-18 years) diagnosed with a chronic condition were recruited from clinic and inpatient areas across 3 paediatric hospitals in Canada. Thirty-three participants aged 15.3 ± 1.8 years (64% female) completed the study. The main topics identified were (a) the purpose of current online activity, (b) the benefits and challenges of existing online supports, and (c) a description of ideal online resources. The purpose of online activity was social networking, information, online gaming, and social support. When accessing health information online, participants prioritized websites that were easy to access and understand despite the trustworthiness of the site. The reported benefits and challenges varied across participants with many areas perceived as both a benefit and a challenge. The majority of participants were interested in participating in an online support program that included both accurate disease-related information and a community of other adolescents to provide social support. Adolescents with chronic conditions are interested in online support that encompasses health information and social support that is flexible and easy to navigate. Findings can be used to develop or adapt existing online support programs for adolescents with chronic conditions to help increase engagement and utilization. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Community College Partnerships for Student and Career Success: Program Profile of "Carreras en Salud." Fact Sheet #C397

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Henrici, Jane

2012-01-01

Postsecondary students with children often need an array of supports to succeed in their studies, which can require significant coordination among new and existing services (Conway, Blair, and Helmer 2012; Henrici n.d.; Miller, Gault, and Thorman 2011). Such supports might include financial aid, academic and career counseling, job placement…

Rurality and Resilience in Education: Place-Based Partnerships and Agency to Moderate Time and Space Constraints

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ebersohn, Liesel; Ferreira, Ronel

2012-01-01

In an ongoing longitudinal intervention study (STAR) we found that, although similarities existed in the way teachers promoted resilience, rural schools (in comparison to other STAR case schools) took longer to implement strategies to buoy support and found it difficult to sustain such support. Using rurality we wanted to understand how forces,…

Combating AIDS in South Africa and Mozambique: The Role of Open, Distance, and Flexible Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pridmore, Pat; Yates, Chris

2005-01-01

This article examines the potential for open, distance, and flexible learning (ODFL) to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people. Based on experience from a field study in Mozambique and South Africa, the authors show how ODFL can support and extend the work of existing infrastructures supporting vulnerable youth. As neighboring…

The Widening Gap: A New Book on the Struggle To Balance Work and Caregiving. Research-in-Brief.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rahmanou, Hedieh

This research brief presents some main findings from a study of employer-based support systems in the United States to help families meet their caregiving responsibilities, and focuses on the failure of existing policies to support caregiving responsibilities of low-income parents and women. The brief also presents policy alternatives to help…

Root distribution and seasonal water status in weathered granitic bedrock under chaparral

Treesearch

P. D. Sternberg; M. A. Anderson; R. C. Graham; J. L. Beyers; K. R. Tice

1996-01-01

Soils in mountainous terrain are often thin and unable to store sufficient water to support existing vegetation through dry seasons. This observation has led to speculation about the role of bedrock in supporting plant growth in natural ecosystems, since weathered bedrocks often have appreciable porosity and, like soil, can store and transmit water. This study, within...

All in One Stop? The Accessibility of Work Support Programs at One-Stop Centers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richer, Elise; Kubo, Hitomi; Frank, Abbey

The accessibility of work support programs at one-stop centers was examined in a study during which 33 telephone directors or managers of one-stop centers in 22 states were interviewed by telephone. The interviews established the existence of extensive differences between one-stop centers from the standpoint of all aspects of their operation,…

The Support of Deaf Students in the Transition between Further Education and School into Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Saunders, Jo

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the support that exists for deaf students in the transition between further education and school into higher education in the UK. Deaf students make applications to higher education from a variety of educational institutions, such as Specialist Colleges for the Deaf, hearing impaired units within…

Perceived Support and Internalizing Symptoms in African American Adolescents: Self-Esteem and Ethnic Identity as Mediators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaylord-Harden, Noni K.; Ragsdale, Brian L.; Mandara, Jelani; Richards, Maryse H.; Petersen, Anne C.

2007-01-01

Existing research leaves a gap in explaining why African American adolescents do not exhibit more anxiety and depression than other youth, at the same time that they experience more contextual risk factors. The current study examined the roles of social support as well as possible mediators self-esteem and ethnic identity (sense of belonging to…

The Experiences and Perceptions of Social Support by Single Mothers of Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Varin-Mignano, Regina

2013-01-01

This study explored the single mothers perceptions of social support relative to raising a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It used a qualitative framework with grounded theory methods. Two well-researched stressors exist that affect the lives of single mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: parenting a child…

Improving Quality and Reducing Waste in Allied Health Workplace Education Programs: A Pragmatic Operational Education Framework Approach.

PubMed

Golder, Janet; Farlie, Melanie K; Sevenhuysen, Samantha

2016-01-01

Efficient utilisation of education resources is required for the delivery of effective learning opportunities for allied health professionals. This study aimed to develop an education framework to support delivery of high-quality education within existing education resources. This study was conducted in a large metropolitan health service. Homogenous and purposive sampling methods were utilised in Phase 1 (n=43) and 2 (n=14) consultation stages. Participants included 25 allied health professionals, 22 managers, 1 educator, and 3 executives. Field notes taken during 43 semi-structured interviews and 4 focus groups were member-checked, and semantic thematic analysis methods were utilised. Framework design was informed by existing published framework development guides. The framework model contains governance, planning, delivery, and evaluation and research elements and identifies performance indicators, practice examples, and support tools for a range of stakeholders. Themes integrated into framework content include improving quality of education and training provided and delivery efficiency, greater understanding of education role requirements, and workforce support for education-specific knowledge and skill development. This framework supports efficient delivery of allied health workforce education and training to the highest standard, whilst pragmatically considering current allied health education workforce demands.

Resources for Functional Genomics Studies in Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Mohr, Stephanie E.; Hu, Yanhui; Kim, Kevin; Housden, Benjamin E.; Perrimon, Norbert

2014-01-01

Drosophila melanogaster has become a system of choice for functional genomic studies. Many resources, including online databases and software tools, are now available to support design or identification of relevant fly stocks and reagents or analysis and mining of existing functional genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, etc. datasets. These include large community collections of fly stocks and plasmid clones, “meta” information sites like FlyBase and FlyMine, and an increasing number of more specialized reagents, databases, and online tools. Here, we introduce key resources useful to plan large-scale functional genomics studies in Drosophila and to analyze, integrate, and mine the results of those studies in ways that facilitate identification of highest-confidence results and generation of new hypotheses. We also discuss ways in which existing resources can be used and might be improved and suggest a few areas of future development that would further support large- and small-scale studies in Drosophila and facilitate use of Drosophila information by the research community more generally. PMID:24653003

Measuring Combat Logistics Force (CLF) Adequacy in Supporting Naval Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

existing fuel consumption rates and the hotel services load. Because logistics planning factors for foreign carriers were not available, existing... LOGISTICS FORCE (CLF) ADEQUACY IN SUPPORTING NAVAL OPERATIONS by Philip J. Mock March 2012 Thesis Advisor: Wayne Hughes Second Reader...DATES COVERED Master’s Thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Measuring Combat Logistics Force (CLF) Adequacy in Supporting Naval Operations 5. FUNDING

OVERVIEW OF THE 1999 ATLANTA SUPERSITE PROJECT

EPA Science Inventory

This paper presents an overview of the 1999 Atlanta Supersite Project coordinated through the Southern Oxidants Study and the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) and funded by the US EPA along with other sponsors who provided in-kind support primarily through existing studies. ...

Forgotten, excluded or included? Students with disabilities: A case study at the University of Mauritius.

PubMed

Pudaruth, Sameerchand; Gunputh, Rajendra P; Singh, Upasana G

2017-01-01

Students with disabilities in the tertiary education sector are more than a just a phenomenon, they are a reality. In general, little attention is devoted to their needs despite the fact that they need more care and attention. This paper, through a case study at the University of Mauritius, sought to answer some pertinent questions regarding students with disabilities. Does the University of Mauritius have sufficient facilities to support these students? Are students aware of existing facilities? What additional structures need to be put in place so that students with any form of disability are neither victimised, nor their education undermined? Are there any local laws about students with disabilities in higher education? To answer these questions and others, an online questionnaire was sent to 500 students and the responses were then analysed and discussed. The response rate was 24.4% which showed that students were not reticent to participate in this study. Our survey revealed that most students were not aware of existing facilities and were often neglected in terms of supporting structures and resources. ICT facilities were found to be the best support that is provided at the University of Mauritius. The right legal framework for tertiary education was also missing. Ideally, students with disabilities should have access to special facilities to facilitate their learning experiences at tertiary institutions. Awareness about existing facilities must also be raised in order to offer equal opportunities to them and to enable a seamless inclusion.

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

Balser, S.; Sankar, S.; Miller, R.

In order to more fully integrate renewable resources, such as wind and solar, into the transmission system, additional capacity must be realized in the short term using the installed transmission capacity that exists today. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Transmission and Grid Integration Group supported this study to assemble the history of regulations and status of transmission technology to expand existing grid capacity. This report compiles data on various transmission technology methods and upgrades for increased capacity utilization of the existing transmission system and transmission corridors. The report discusses the technical merit ofmore » each method and explains how the method could be applied within the current regulatory structure to increase existing transmission conductor and/or corridor capacity. The history and current state of alternatives to new construction is presented for regulators, legislators, and other policy makers wrestling with issues surrounding integration of variable generation. Current regulations are assessed for opportunities to change them to promote grid expansion. To support consideration of these alternatives for expanding grid capacity, the report lists relevant rules, standards, and policy changes.« less

Material selection and evaluation of new encapsulation compounds for electric cables for launch support system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Asit K.

1992-01-01

Eight urethane compounds were evaluated as possible replacement for the existing encapsulating compoounds for electrical cables for the Launch Support System at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The existing encapsulating compound, PR-1535, contains the curative MOCA 4-4'-Methylene-BIS (2-chloroaniline), which is a suspect carcinogen and hence may be the subject of further restrictions of its use by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The samples made in the configuration of cable joints and in the form of disks were evaluated for flammability and hypergolic compatibility. These also underwent accelerated weatherability tests that measured the residual hardness of the exposed samples. Three candidates and the existing compound passed the hardness test. Of these, only one candidate and the existing compound passed the flammability test. The thermal and hydrolytic stability (weatherability) of these samples was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (DSC) techniques. The TMA and DSC data correlated with the residual hardness data; whereas, the TGA data showed no correlation. A hypergolic compatibility test will be conducted on the compound V-356-HE80, which passed both the flammability and accelerated weatherability tests.

Bridging the gap: leveraging business intelligence tools in support of patient safety and financial effectiveness.

PubMed

Ferranti, Jeffrey M; Langman, Matthew K; Tanaka, David; McCall, Jonathan; Ahmad, Asif

2010-01-01

Healthcare is increasingly dependent upon information technology (IT), but the accumulation of data has outpaced our capacity to use it to improve operating efficiency, clinical quality, and financial effectiveness. Moreover, hospitals have lagged in adopting thoughtful analytic approaches that would allow operational leaders and providers to capitalize upon existing data stores. In this manuscript, we propose a fundamental re-evaluation of strategic IT investments in healthcare, with the goal of increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving outcomes through the targeted application of health analytics. We also present three case studies that illustrate the use of health analytics to leverage pre-existing data resources to support improvements in patient safety and quality of care, to increase the accuracy of billing and collection, and support emerging health issues. We believe that such active investment in health analytics will prove essential to realizing the full promise of investments in electronic clinical systems.

Bridging the gap: leveraging business intelligence tools in support of patient safety and financial effectiveness

PubMed Central

Langman, Matthew K; Tanaka, David; McCall, Jonathan; Ahmad, Asif

2010-01-01

Healthcare is increasingly dependent upon information technology (IT), but the accumulation of data has outpaced our capacity to use it to improve operating efficiency, clinical quality, and financial effectiveness. Moreover, hospitals have lagged in adopting thoughtful analytic approaches that would allow operational leaders and providers to capitalize upon existing data stores. In this manuscript, we propose a fundamental re-evaluation of strategic IT investments in healthcare, with the goal of increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving outcomes through the targeted application of health analytics. We also present three case studies that illustrate the use of health analytics to leverage pre-existing data resources to support improvements in patient safety and quality of care, to increase the accuracy of billing and collection, and support emerging health issues. We believe that such active investment in health analytics will prove essential to realizing the full promise of investments in electronic clinical systems. PMID:20190055

Case for Deploying Complex Systems Utilizing Commodity Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryant, Barry S.; Pitts, R. Lee; Ritter, George

2003-01-01

This viewgraph representation presents a study of the transition of computer networks and software engineering at the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) from a client/server UNIX based system to a client/server system based on commodity priced and open system components. Topics covered include: an overview of HOSC ground support systems, an analysis for changes to the existing ground support system, an analysis of options considered for the transition to a new system, and a consideration of goals for a new system.

Visual event-related potential studies supporting the validity of VARK learning styles' visual and read/write learners.

PubMed

Thepsatitporn, Sarawin; Pichitpornchai, Chailerd

2016-06-01

The validity of learning styles needs supports of additional objective evidence. The identification of learning styles using subjective evidence from VARK questionnaires (where V is visual, A is auditory, R is read/write, and K is kinesthetic) combined with objective evidence from visual event-related potential (vERP) studies has never been investigated. It is questionable whether picture superiority effects exist in V learners and R learners. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether vERP could show the relationship between vERP components and VARK learning styles and to identify the existence of picture superiority effects in V learners and R learners. Thirty medical students (15 V learners and 15 R learners) performed recognition tasks with vERP and an intermediate-term memory (ITM) test. The results of within-group comparisons showed that pictures elicited larger P200 amplitudes than words at the occipital 2 site (P < 0.05) in V learners and at the occipital 1 and 2 sites (P < 0.05) in R learners. The between-groups comparison showed that P200 amplitudes elicited by pictures in V learners were larger than those of R learners at the parietal 4 site (P < 0.05). The ITM test result showed that a picture set showed distinctively more correct responses than that of a word set for both V learners (P < 0.001) and R learners (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the result indicated that the P200 amplitude at the parietal 4 site could be used to objectively distinguish V learners from R learners. A lateralization existed to the right brain (occipital 2 site) in V learners. The ITM test demonstrated the existence of picture superiority effects in both learners. The results revealed the first objective electrophysiological evidence partially supporting the validity of the subjective psychological VARK questionnaire study. Copyright © 2016 The American Physiological Society.

Setting up a domestic violence telephone helpline for general practitioners in Australia: What exists and what works?

PubMed

Forsdike-Young, Kirsty; Hegarty, Kelsey

2016-08-01

Domestic violence is a global health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends training health professionals to respond appropriately to victims of domestic violence. Despite those who experience domestic violence attending general practice, general practitioners (GPs) receive little training in managing this issue. Helplines predominantly exist to support the general public and patients; however, few exist for GPs, and there are none regarding domestic violence. This article explores how helplines can support GPs in the management of patients who have experienced domestic violence. A scoping review of helplines targeting GPs was used in this study. Few helplines target health professionals and limited evaluations on these helplines have been undertaken. Health professional helplines cover broad specialist fields, and health professionals value access to specialists. Helplines are educational and increase the confidence of health professionals in providing quality patient care. Key challenges include helpline awareness and timely support. Developing a domestic violence helpline for GPs is unexplored, but there is potential for education and improved response to patients. Helpline workers need tailored training to respond to health professionals' complex, specialist needs. These helplines need extensive marketing to ensure uptake and funding.

NASA Remote Sensing Observations for Water Resource and Infrastructure Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granger, S. L.; Armstrong, L.; Farr, T.; Geller, G.; Heath, E.; Hyon, J.; Lavoie, S.; McDonald, K.; Realmuto, V.; Stough, T.; Szana, K.

2008-12-01

Decision support tools employed by water resource and infrastructure managers often utilize data products obtained from local sources or national/regional databases of historic surveys and observations. Incorporation of data from these sources can be laborious and time consuming as new products must be identified, cleaned and archived for each new study site. Adding remote sensing observations to the list of sources holds promise for a timely, consistent, global product to aid decision support at regional and global scales by providing global observations of geophysical parameters including soil moisture, precipitation, atmospheric temperature, derived evapotranspiration, and snow extent needed for hydrologic models and decision support tools. However, issues such as spatial and temporal resolution arise when attempting to integrate remote sensing observations into existing decision support tools. We are working to overcome these and other challenges through partnerships with water resource managers, tool developers and other stakeholders. We are developing a new data processing framework, enabled by a core GIS server, to seamlessly pull together observations from disparate sources for synthesis into information products and visualizations useful to the water resources community. A case study approach is being taken to develop the system by working closely with water infrastructure and resource managers to integrate remote observations into infrastructure, hydrologic and water resource decision tools. We present the results of a case study utilizing observations from the PALS aircraft instrument as a proxy for NASA's upcoming Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission and an existing commercial decision support tool.

Understanding the Online Information-Seeking Behaviours of Young People: The Role of Networks of Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eynon, R.; Malmberg, L.-E.

2012-01-01

Information seeking is one of the most popular online activities for young people and can provide an additional information channel, which may enhance learning. In this study, we propose and test a model that adds to the existing literature by examining the ways in which parents, schools, and friends (what we call networks of support) effect young…

FY04 Advanced Life Support Architecture and Technology Studies: Mid-Year Presentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lange, Kevin; Anderson, Molly; Duffield, Bruce; Hanford, Tony; Jeng, Frank

2004-01-01

Long-Term Objective: Identify optimal advanced life support system designs that meet existing and projected requirements for future human spaceflight missions. a) Include failure-tolerance, reliability, and safe-haven requirements. b) Compare designs based on multiple criteria including equivalent system mass (ESM), technology readiness level (TRL), simplicity, commonality, etc. c) Develop and evaluate new, more optimal, architecture concepts and technology applications.

Tier 2 Supports to Improve Motivation and Performance of Elementary Students with Behavioral Challenges and Poor Work Completion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oakes, Wendy Peia; Lane, Kathleen Lynne; Cox, Meredith; Magrane, Ashley; Jenkins, Abbie; Hankins, Katy

2012-01-01

We offer a methodological illustration for researchers and practitioners of how to conduct a development study consistent with the parameters delineated by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES; U.S. Department of Education [USDE], 2010) to explore the utility of an existing Tier 1 intervention applied as a Tier 2 support within a three-tiered…

Outdoor Learning Can Help Children Flourish in Science and across the Curriculum--The FSC Takes a Lead

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rose, Hannah; Kempton, Anneke

2014-01-01

The recent explosive growth of the Wild Network, which exists to champion and support connection with nature and wildness in children and young people, suggests that there is a groundswell of support for getting young people outdoors. Hannah Rose and Anneke Kempton of the Field Studies Council (FSC) explain why the outdoors is such an important…

Reliability and Validity of the Perspectives of Support From God Scale

PubMed Central

Hamilton, Jill B.; Crandell, Jamie L.; Carter, J. Kameron; Lynn, Mary R.

2010-01-01

Background Existing spiritual support scales for use with cancer survivors focus on the support believed to come from a religious community, clergy, or health care providers. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a new measure of spiritual support believed to come from God in older Christian African American cancer survivors. Methods The Perceived Support From God Scale was administered to 317 African American cancer survivors aged 55–89 years. Psychometric evaluation involved identifying underlying factors, conducting item analysis and estimating reliability, and obtaining evidence on the relationship to other variables or the extent to which the Perceived Support From God Scale correlates with religious involvement and depression. Results The Perceived Support From God Scale consists of 15 items in two subscales (Support From God and God’s Purpose for Me). The two subscales explained 59% of the variance. Cronbach’s α coefficients were .94 and .86 for the Support From God and God’s Purpose for Me subscales, respectively. Test–retest correlations were strong, supporting the temporal stability of the instrument. Pearson’s correlations to an existing religious involvement and beliefs scale were moderate to strong. Subscale scores on Support From God were negatively correlated to depression. Discussion Initial support for reliability and validity was demonstrated for the Perceived Support From God Scale. The scale captures a facet of spirituality not emphasized in other measures. Further research is needed to evaluate the scale with persons of other racial/ethnic groups and to explore the relationship of spirituality to other outcome measures. PMID:20216012

Space station environmental control and life support systems conceptual studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Humphries, W. R.; Powell, L. E.

1985-01-01

It is pointed out that the establishment of a permanent manned Space Station requires the development of a comprehensive approach which combines new technologies and existing spacecraft subsystem capabilities into an optimum design. The present paper is concerned with studies which were conducted in connection with the development of the regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) for the Space Station. Attention is given to the current state of the ECLSS subsystems and system level analytical selection and group studies related to the integrated system conceptual design.

Environmental control and life support system selection for the first Lunar outpost habitat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Alan

1993-01-01

The planning for and feasibility study of an early human return mission to the lunar surface has been undertaken. The First Lunar Outpost (FLO) Mission philosophy is to use existing or near-term technology to achieve a human landing on the lunar surface in the year 2000. To support the crew the lunar habitat for the FLO mission incorporates an environmental control/life support system (ECLSS) design which meets the mission requirements and balances fixed mass and consumable mass. This tradeoff becomes one of regenerable life support systems versus open-loop systems.

Extending BPM Environments of Your Choice with Performance Related Decision Support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fritzsche, Mathias; Picht, Michael; Gilani, Wasif; Spence, Ivor; Brown, John; Kilpatrick, Peter

What-if Simulations have been identified as one solution for business performance related decision support. Such support is especially useful in cases where it can be automatically generated out of Business Process Management (BPM) Environments from the existing business process models and performance parameters monitored from the executed business process instances. Currently, some of the available BPM Environments offer basic-level performance prediction capabilities. However, these functionalities are normally too limited to be generally useful for performance related decision support at business process level. In this paper, an approach is presented which allows the non-intrusive integration of sophisticated tooling for what-if simulations, analytic performance prediction tools, process optimizations or a combination of such solutions into already existing BPM environments. The approach abstracts from process modelling techniques which enable automatic decision support spanning processes across numerous BPM Environments. For instance, this enables end-to-end decision support for composite processes modelled with the Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN) on top of existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) processes modelled with proprietary languages.

Social support mediates the relationships between extraversion, neuroticism, and cognitive function in older adults.

PubMed

McHugh Power, J E; Lawlor, B A; Kee, F

2017-06-01

We supplement existing findings on a link between social support and cognitive function in later life by considering the role of personality as an antecedent to both, and of social support as a mediator of the link between personality and cognitive function. An observational cohort study. We evaluated social support using the Lubben Social Network Scale, across 624 adults aged over 60 years, and investigated this measure as a mediator of the relationships between extraversion and neuroticism at baseline 2007-2009, and cognitive function at follow-up, 2 years later. A half-longitudinal mediation design, within a structural equation modelling framework, was used. There was a direct effect of extraversion, such that lower levels were related to higher scores of cognitive function. There was no significant direct effect of neuroticism on cognitive function at follow-up. Social support partially mediated the paths between both extraversion and neuroticism and cognitive function at follow-up. Decomposing the mediation effects by using social support subscales (measuring support from friends, relatives and neighbours) showed meaningful indirect effects for both predictors. Results suggest that social support may offer a target for interventions for cognitively at-risk older adults and add to the existing empirical evidence describing the link between personality and cognitive function. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOTD support for UTC project : traffic counting using existing video detection cameras, [research project capsule].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-10-01

This study will evaluate the video detection technologies currently adopted by the city : of Baton Rouge, LA, and DOTD with the purpose of establishing design guidelines based : on the detection needs, functionality, and cost. The study will also dev...

Outcomes of online support and resources for cancer survivors: a systematic literature review.

PubMed

Hong, Yan; Peña-Purcell, Ninfa C; Ory, Marcia G

2012-03-01

This study aims to review systematically the available literature on health outcomes of online cancer support and resources. We searched major databases with the following selection criteria: (1) empirical study on use of online support or resources by cancer survivors, (2) reporting effects or outcomes of online support or resources, (3) focusing on adult cancer survivors, and (4) peer-reviewed articles published by 2010. A total of 24 studies (37 articles) were included in the review. Most studies were focused on breast cancer survivors and had small sample sizes. Fifteen studies employed a cross-sectional design including eight qualitative studies. Only five studies used pre-post design, and four employed RCT design. The outcome measures have focused on psychosocial effects; most studies reported positive effects, although none of the RCT studies reported significant outcomes. Existing studies of online cancer support and resources have demonstrated preliminary but inconclusive evidence for positive outcomes. We call for additional studies with rigorous study designs and the inclusion of more diverse participants and cancer conditions. Connecting diverse cancer survivors to culturally appropriate, evidence-based online support and resources is a strategy to enhance health outcomes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role Stress and Emotional Exhaustion Among Health Care Workers: The Buffering Effect of Supportive Coworker Climate in a Multilevel Perspective.

PubMed

Portoghese, Igor; Galletta, Maura; Burdorf, Alex; Cocco, Pierluigi; D'Aloja, Ernesto; Campagna, Marcello

2017-10-01

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between role stress, emotional exhaustion, and a supportive coworker climate among health care workers, by adopting a multilevel perspective. Aggregated data of 738 health care workers nested within 67 teams of three Italian hospitals were collected. Multilevel regression analysis with a random intercept model was used. Hierarchical linear modeling showed that a lack of role clarity was significantly linked to emotional exhaustion at the individual level. At the unit level, the cross-level interaction revealed that a supportive coworker climate moderated the relationship between lack of role clarity and emotional exhaustion. This study supports previous results of single-level burnout studies, extending the existing literature with evidence on the multidimensional and cross-level interaction associations of a supportive coworker climate as a key aspect of job resources on burnout.

Magnetic suspension and balance systems (MSBSs)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Britcher, Colin P.; Kilgore, Robert A.

1987-01-01

The problems of wind tunnel testing are outlined, with attention given to the problems caused by mechanical support systems, such as support interference, dynamic-testing restrictions, and low productivity. The basic principles of magnetic suspension are highlighted, along with the history of magnetic suspension and balance systems. Roll control, size limitations, high angle of attack, reliability, position sensing, and calibration are discussed among the problems and limitations of the existing magnetic suspension and balance systems. Examples of the existing systems are presented, and design studies for future systems are outlined. Problems specific to large-scale magnetic suspension and balance systems, such as high model loads, requirements for high-power electromagnets, high-capacity power supplies, highly sophisticated control systems and position sensors, and high costs are assessed.

Power law f(𝒢,T) gravity models supporting wormhole solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shamir, M. Farasat; Ahmad, Mushtaq

This work provides some feasible regions for the existence of traversable wormhole geometries in modified f(𝒢,T) gravity. For this purpose, three different matter contents have been studied with special emphasis on anisotropic fluid by considering a specific f(𝒢,T) gravity power law model. It has been shown that the null energy conditions for the effective energy-momentum tensor are widely violated for the ordinary matter content. However, some small feasible regions to support the wormhole solutions have been noted. Furthermore, the stability of the anisotropic feasible regions for the wormhole solutions has been discussed. It is concluded that the wormhole geometries threaded by the ordinary matter actually exist and are well stable in f(𝒢,T) gravity.

Draft Permit & Supporting Documentation for the Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge Deepwater Port, Federal Waters of Massachusetts Bay (Modification to Existing Permit LNG Regasification Vessel/DWP Project)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

List of draft permit & supporting documentation for the Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge Deepwater Port, Federal Waters of Massachusetts Bay (Modification to Existing Permit LNG Regasification Vessel/DWP Project).

Novel Hyperspectral Sun Photometer for Satellite Remote Sensing Data Radiometric Calibration and Atmospheric Aerosol Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pagnutti, Mary; Ryan, Robert E.; Holekamp, Kara; Harrington, Gary; Frisbie, Troy

2006-01-01

A simple and cost-effective, hyperspectral sun photometer for radiometric vicarious remote sensing system calibration, air quality monitoring, and potentially in-situ planetary climatological studies, was developed. The device was constructed solely from off the shelf components and was designed to be easily deployable for support of short-term verification and validation data collects. This sun photometer not only provides the same data products as existing multi-band sun photometers, this device requires a simpler setup, less data acquisition time and allows for a more direct calibration approach. Fielding this instrument has also enabled Stennis Space Center (SSC) Applied Sciences Directorate personnel to cross calibrate existing sun photometers. This innovative research will position SSC personnel to perform air quality assessments in support of the NASA Applied Sciences Program's National Applications program element as well as to develop techniques to evaluate aerosols in a Martian or other planetary atmosphere.

Anterior Medial Temporal Lobe Activation during Encoding of Words: FMRI Methods to Optimize Sensitivity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parsons, Michael W.; Haut, Marc W.; Lemieux, Susan K.; Moran, Maria T.; Leach, Sharon G.

2006-01-01

The existence of a rostrocaudal gradient of medial temporal lobe (MTL) activation during memory encoding has historically received support from positron emission tomography studies, but less so from functional MRI (FMRI) studies. More recently, FMRI studies have demonstrated that characteristics of the stimuli can affect the location of activation…

Vaginal eroticism: a replication study.

PubMed

Alzate, H

1985-12-01

Vaginal eroticism was investigated in a group of 27 coitally experienced volunteers by means of systematic digital stimulation of both vaginal walls. Erogenous zones were found in all subjects, mainly located on the upper anterior wall and the lower posterior one. An orgasmic response was elicited by stimulation of these zones in 89% of the subjects. This study supports previous findings regarding vaginal eroticism. It does not support the existence of the discrete anatomical structure called the Grafenberg spot. It supports the contention that there are two distinct types of female orgasm, vaginally evoked and clitorally evoked. It also supports the finding that some women expel a fluid through the urethra at the time of orgasm. In this particular case the fluid was chemically indistinguishable from urine.

MACHETE: Environment for Space Networking Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jennings, Esther H.; Segui, John S.; Woo, Simon

2010-01-01

Space Exploration missions requires the design and implementation of space networking that differs from terrestrial networks. In a space networking architecture, interplanetary communication protocols need to be designed, validated and evaluated carefully to support different mission requirements. As actual systems are expensive to build, it is essential to have a low cost method to validate and verify mission/system designs and operations. This can be accomplished through simulation. Simulation can aid design decisions where alternative solutions are being considered, support trade-studies and enable fast study of what-if scenarios. It can be used to identify risks, verify system performance against requirements, and as an initial test environment as one moves towards emulation and actual hardware implementation of the systems. We describe the development of Multi-mission Advanced Communications Hybrid Environment for Test and Evaluation (MACHETE) and its use cases in supporting architecture trade studies, protocol performance and its role in hybrid simulation/emulation. The MACHETE environment contains various tools and interfaces such that users may select the set of tools tailored for the specific simulation end goal. The use cases illustrate tool combinations for simulating space networking in different mission scenarios. This simulation environment is useful in supporting space networking design for planned and future missions as well as evaluating performance of existing networks where non-determinism exist in data traffic and/or link conditions.

Standard Anatomic Terminologies: Comparison for Use in a Health Information Exchange–Based Prior Computed Tomography (CT) Alerting System

PubMed Central

Lowry, Tina; Vreeman, Daniel J; Loo, George T; Delman, Bradley N; Thum, Frederick L; Slovis, Benjamin H; Shapiro, Jason S

2017-01-01

Background A health information exchange (HIE)–based prior computed tomography (CT) alerting system may reduce avoidable CT imaging by notifying ordering clinicians of prior relevant studies when a study is ordered. For maximal effectiveness, a system would alert not only for prior same CTs (exams mapped to the same code from an exam name terminology) but also for similar CTs (exams mapped to different exam name terminology codes but in the same anatomic region) and anatomically proximate CTs (exams in adjacent anatomic regions). Notification of previous same studies across an HIE requires mapping of local site CT codes to a standard terminology for exam names (such as Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes [LOINC]) to show that two studies with different local codes and descriptions are equivalent. Notifying of prior similar or proximate CTs requires an additional mapping of exam codes to anatomic regions, ideally coded by an anatomic terminology. Several anatomic terminologies exist, but no prior studies have evaluated how well they would support an alerting use case. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the fitness of five existing standard anatomic terminologies to support similar or proximate alerts of an HIE-based prior CT alerting system. Methods We compared five standard anatomic terminologies (Foundational Model of Anatomy, Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms, RadLex, LOINC, and LOINC/Radiological Society of North America [RSNA] Radiology Playbook) to an anatomic framework created specifically for our use case (Simple ANatomic Ontology for Proximity or Similarity [SANOPS]), to determine whether the existing terminologies could support our use case without modification. On the basis of an assessment of optimal terminology features for our purpose, we developed an ordinal anatomic terminology utility classification. We mapped samples of 100 random and the 100 most frequent LOINC CT codes to anatomic regions in each terminology, assigned utility classes for each mapping, and statistically compared each terminology’s utility class rankings. We also constructed seven hypothetical alerting scenarios to illustrate the terminologies’ differences. Results Both RadLex and the LOINC/RSNA Radiology Playbook anatomic terminologies ranked significantly better (P<.001) than the other standard terminologies for the 100 most frequent CTs, but no terminology ranked significantly better than any other for 100 random CTs. Hypothetical scenarios illustrated instances where no standard terminology would support appropriate proximate or similar alerts, without modification. Conclusions LOINC/RSNA Radiology Playbook and RadLex’s anatomic terminologies appear well suited to support proximate or similar alerts for commonly ordered CTs, but for less commonly ordered tests, modification of the existing terminologies with concepts and relations from SANOPS would likely be required. Our findings suggest SANOPS may serve as a framework for enhancing anatomic terminologies in support of other similar use cases. PMID:29242174

Space Station Mission Planning System (MPS) development study. Volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klus, W. J.

1987-01-01

The process and existing software used for Spacelab payload mission planning were studied. A complete baseline definition of the Spacelab payload mission planning process was established, along with a definition of existing software capabilities for potential extrapolation to the Space Station. This information was used as a basis for defining system requirements to support Space Station mission planning. The Space Station mission planning concept was reviewed for the purpose of identifying areas where artificial intelligence concepts might offer substantially improved capability. Three specific artificial intelligence concepts were to be investigated for applicability: natural language interfaces; expert systems; and automatic programming. The advantages and disadvantages of interfacing an artificial intelligence language with existing FORTRAN programs or of converting totally to a new programming language were identified.

75 FR 47602 - Clinical Studies of Safety and Effectiveness of Orphan Products Research Project Grant (R01)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-06

...] Clinical Studies of Safety and Effectiveness of Orphan Products Research Project Grant (R01) AGENCY: Food... product will be superior to the existing therapy. FDA provides grants for clinical studies on safety and... vaccine annually) and an explanation of how the proposed study will either help support product approval...

$10M Gift Supports "Data Recycling" at UCSF.

PubMed

2017-10-01

The University of California, San Francisco's Institute for Computational Health Sciences has received a $10 million gift to support "data recycling" investigations. The approach to medical research involves mining existing data to potentially uncover new uses for existing drugs and help improve clinical care. ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

24 CFR 888.113 - Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 4 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Fair market rents for existing... DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM, SECTION 202 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY PROGRAM AND SECTION 811 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM) SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAM-FAIR MARKET...

24 CFR 888.111 - Fair market rents for existing housing: Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 24 Housing and Urban Development 4 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Fair market rents for existing... DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM, SECTION 202 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY PROGRAM AND SECTION 811 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM) SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAM-FAIR MARKET...

ACHP | News

Science.gov Websites

structures that will be used to support fixed wireless antennas within the existing railroad right of way alongside existing tracks. The antennas are used to support the wireless flow of information needed for the : Steve DelSordo, Federal Preservation Officer of the FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418

Pragmatic cluster randomised trial of a free telephone-based health coaching program to support women in managing weight gain during pregnancy: the Get Healthy in Pregnancy Trial.

PubMed

Clements, Vanessa; Leung, Kit; Khanal, Santosh; Raymond, Jane; Maxwell, Michelle; Rissel, Chris

2016-08-30

Excessive gestational weight gain can result in poor maternal and child health outcomes. Estimates from single studies indicate the prevalence of excessive gestational weight gain in Australia could lie between 38 and 67 %. The risk of excessive weight gain can be reduced through healthy eating and exercise. We describe the rationale and methods of the Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service, a trial service which aims to support women in achieving appropriate gestational weight gain through an existing telephone-based health coaching service. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of a telephone-based health coaching program versus provision of information only in supporting pregnant women to achieve appropriate gestational weight gain. A pragmatic stratified clustered randomised controlled trial will be conducted with 710 women who present to 5 hospitals for their first antenatal appointment during the recruitment period (6-8 months), have a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥ 18.50 (healthy weight or above), are 18 years and over, singleton gestation, English speaking, have no pre-existing medical conditions that may limit their ability to exercise or require a restricted diet and are 18 weeks or less gestation. Hospitals will be randomised into one of two intervention models: a) information only; or b) information plus 10 telephone-based health coaching sessions with a university qualified coach. Both interventions will set a weight-range target with pregnant women. The women attending antenatal clinics at participating hospitals will be screened at their initial hospital appointment to assess their eligibility. Women recruited to the trial will have a number of measures recorded including anthropometrics (self-reported height and weight) and dietary and physical activity scores during and following pregnancy. These measurements will be collected at baseline (prior to 18 weeks gestation), 36 weeks gestation and 12 months post-birth. This study responds to a need for an effective intervention that targets excessive gestational weight gain at a population level. This study investigates the potential for an innovative intervention combining two existing services; a free state-wide telephone-based health coaching service and hospital-based antenatal care to support pregnant women to achieve healthy weight gain during pregnancy. The use of existing services provides the potential for immediate post-study implementation. While the impacts of telephone-based lifestyle programmes have been tested in a number of settings, there are few studies which evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of telephone support in achieving healthy gestational weight gain in association with routine antenatal care. ACTRN12615000397516 (Registration date: 26 June 2014, retrospectively registered).

In sickness and in health: classmates are highly motivated to provide in-hospital support during childhood cancer therapy.

PubMed

Lindgren, Lea H; Schmiegelow, Kjeld; Helms, Anne Sofie; Thorsteinsson, Troels; Larsen, Hanne B

2017-01-01

Extended hospitalization for school-aged cancer patients increases their risk of social marginalization. School-aged children mature through peer-interaction, but healthcare providers fail to incorporate this in rehabilitation efforts. The RESPECT study offers classmates to cancer patients to become ambassadors during hospital stays. This study explores classmate decision-making patterns about ambassadorship. An open-ended question was prospectively and consecutively provided to classmates (N = 221) (and parents) of 10 children diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and enrolled in the RESPECT study. Statements were analysed using thematic content analysis. Of 221 classmates, 140 responded (63%). Of these, 81 applied for ambassadorship (median 8/patient), 58 declined, one was undecided. Nine forms were incomplete; leaving 131 in total that revealed 303 statements for analysis. Five major themes emerged: existing friendship (132/303 statements), personal resources (academic, emotional and social) (107/303), attitudes towards the ambassadorship (34/303), hospital environment (18/303) and logistics (12/303). Of the classmates with pre-existing friendships, 77% applied for ambassadorship and 80% with a surplus of personal resources applied. These were predominant predictors for ambassadorship application. Classmate motives were condensed into four archetypes: pre-existing friendship with a surplus of resources (100% applied), non-friend classmates with a surplus of resources (63% applied), pre-existing friendship with limited resources (22% applied) and non-friend classmates with limited resources (0% applied). Classmates are highly motivated to support patients during serious illness, irrespective of pre-existing friendships. Ambassadors offer a novel in-hospital approach to promote rehabilitation in children with severe/chronic diseases. Results need validation in other settings. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Korean Word Frequency and Commonality Study for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shin, Sangeun; Hill, Katya

2016-01-01

Background: Vocabulary frequency results have been reported to design and support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions. A few studies exist for adult speakers and for other natural languages. With the increasing demand on AAC treatment for Korean adults, identification of high-frequency or core vocabulary (CV) becomes…

The home environment and disability-related outcomes in aging individuals: what is the empirical evidence?

PubMed

Wahl, Hans-Werner; Fänge, Agneta; Oswald, Frank; Gitlin, Laura N; Iwarsson, Susanne

2009-06-01

Building on the disablement process model and the concept of person-environment fit (p-e fit), this review article examines 2 critical questions concerning the role of home environments: (a) What is the recent evidence supporting a relationship between home environments and disability-related outcomes? and (b) What is the recent evidence regarding the effects of home modifications on disability-related outcomes? Using computerized and manual search, we identified relevant peer-reviewed original publications and review articles published between January 1, 1997, and August 31, 2006. For Research Question 1, 25 original investigations and for Research Question 2, 29 original investigations and 10 review articles were identified. For Research Question 1, evidence for a relationship between home environments and disability-related outcomes for older adults exists but is limited by cross-sectional designs and poor research quality. For Research Question 2, evidence based on randomized controlled trials shows that improving home environments enhances functional ability outcomes but not so much falls-related outcomes. Some evidence also exists that studies using a p-e fit perspective result in more supportive findings than studies that do not use this framework. Considerable evidence exists that supports the role of home environments in the disablement process, but there are also inconsistencies in findings across studies. Future research should optimize psychometric properties of home environment assessment tools and explore the role of both objective characteristics and perceived attributions of home environments to understand person-environment dynamics and their impact on disability-related outcomes in old age.

The Home Environment and Disability-Related Outcomes in Aging Individuals: What Is the Empirical Evidence?

PubMed Central

Wahl, Hans-Werner; Fänge, Agneta; Oswald, Frank; Gitlin, Laura N.; Iwarsson, Susanne

2009-01-01

Purpose: Building on the disablement process model and the concept of person–environment fit (p-e fit), this review article examines 2 critical questions concerning the role of home environments: (a) What is the recent evidence supporting a relationship between home environments and disability-related outcomes? and (b) What is the recent evidence regarding the effects of home modifications on disability-related outcomes?Design and Methods: Using computerized and manual search, we identified relevant peer-reviewed original publications and review articles published between January 1, 1997, and August 31, 2006. For Research Question 1, 25 original investigations and for Research Question 2, 29 original investigations and 10 review articles were identified.Results: For Research Question 1, evidence for a relationship between home environments and disability-related outcomes for older adults exists but is limited by cross-sectional designs and poor research quality. For Research Question 2, evidence based on randomized controlled trials shows that improving home environments enhances functional ability outcomes but not so much falls-related outcomes. Some evidence also exists that studies using a p-e fit perspective result in more supportive findings than studies that do not use this framework.Implications: Considerable evidence exists that supports the role of home environments in the disablement process, but there are also inconsistencies in findings across studies. Future research should optimize psychometric properties of home environment assessment tools and explore the role of both objective characteristics and perceived attributions of home environments to understand person–environment dynamics and their impact on disability-related outcomes in old age. PMID:19420315

Forgotten, excluded or included? Students with disabilities: A case study at the University of Mauritius

PubMed Central

Gunputh, Rajendra P.

2017-01-01

Background Students with disabilities in the tertiary education sector are more than a just a phenomenon, they are a reality. In general, little attention is devoted to their needs despite the fact that they need more care and attention. Objectives This paper, through a case study at the University of Mauritius, sought to answer some pertinent questions regarding students with disabilities. Does the University of Mauritius have sufficient facilities to support these students? Are students aware of existing facilities? What additional structures need to be put in place so that students with any form of disability are neither victimised, nor their education undermined? Are there any local laws about students with disabilities in higher education? Method To answer these questions and others, an online questionnaire was sent to 500 students and the responses were then analysed and discussed. The response rate was 24.4% which showed that students were not reticent to participate in this study. Results Our survey revealed that most students were not aware of existing facilities and were often neglected in terms of supporting structures and resources. ICT facilities were found to be the best support that is provided at the University of Mauritius. The right legal framework for tertiary education was also missing. Conclusion Ideally, students with disabilities should have access to special facilities to facilitate their learning experiences at tertiary institutions. Awareness about existing facilities must also be raised in order to offer equal opportunities to them and to enable a seamless inclusion. PMID:28936422

Role of Social Support in Examining Acculturative Stress and Psychological Distress Among Asian American Immigrants and Three Sub-groups: Results from NLAAS.

PubMed

Singh, Shipra; McBride, Kimberly; Kak, Vivek

2015-12-01

This study examined the impact of acculturative stress and social support (family and friend) on psychological distress among Asian American immigrants and three Asian sub-groups (Vietnamese, Filipino and Chinese) immigrants. The National Latino and Asian American Study 2002-2003 dataset was used. The study findings were: (1) among all Asian American immigrants high language barrier and discrimination stress were associated with increased level of psychological distress, but similar association was not present for legal stress; (2) among all Asian American immigrants high family social support decreased the levels of psychological distress, and in addition, friend social support buffered the relationship of discrimination and psychological distress; and (3) among Vietnamese, Filipino, and Chinese, differential association of social support and acculturative stress to psychological distress were observed. These findings highlight the importance of social support among Asian American immigrants, while also paying attention to the variation that may exist between different sub-groups.

Exploring Peer Support Needs of Caregivers for Youth with Mental Illness or Addictions Concerns in Family Navigation Services.

PubMed

Markoulakis, R; Turner, M; Wicik, K; Weingust, S; Dobbin, K; Levitt, A

2017-11-16

Roles for peer support workers are increasingly recognized as a valuable component of mental health and addictions (MHA) services. In youth MHA care, caregivers are often closely involved in finding and accessing services and may also require support for themselves, yet caregiver peer support is not readily available in existing service delivery models. In order to understand the potential role and value of a caregiver peer support worker in a Family Navigation service, a descriptive qualitative study was conducted to explore the needs and potential value of a peer worker from caregiver client perspectives. Study findings indicate that a caregiver peer support worker can provide support for engaging in the caregiving role, utilize lived experience as a skill, and complement navigation support through lived experience. The discussion highlights implications for the implementation of a caregiver peer role at a family-focused service as well as implications for peer work within the MHA system.

Preparing for the future: a review of tools and strategies to support autonomous goal setting for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders.

PubMed

Hodgetts, Sandra; Park, Elly

2017-03-01

Despite recognized benefits, current clinical practice rarely includes direct input from children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in setting rehabilitation goals. This study reviews tools and evidence-based strategies to assist with autonomous goal settings for children and youth with ASD. This study included two components: (1) A scoping review of existing tools and strategies to assist with autonomous goal setting in individuals with ASD and (2) a chart review of inter-disciplinary service plan goals for children and youth with ASD. Eleven data sources, evaluating five different tools to assist with autonomous goal setting for children and youth with ASD, were found. Three themes emerged from the integration of the scoping review and chart review, which are discussed in the paper: (1) generalizability of findings, (2) adaptations to support participation and (3) practice implications. Children and youth with ASD can participate in setting rehabilitation goals, but few tools to support their participation have been evaluated, and those tools that do exist do not align well with current services foci. Visual aids appear to be one effective support, but further research on effective strategies for meaningful engagement in autonomous goal setting for children and youth with ASD is warranted. Implications for rehabilitation Persons with ASD are less self-determined than their peers. Input into one's own rehabilitation goals and priorities is an important component of self-determination. Few tools exist to help engage children and youth with ASD in setting their own rehabilitation goals. An increased focus on identifying, developing and evaluating effective tools and strategies to facilitate engagement of children and youth with ASD in setting their own rehabilitation goals is warranted.

Deprivation and Social Support in Mental Health of Welfare Recipients in Japan.

PubMed

Yoshizumi, Takahiro; Mizutani, Seiko; Yamada, Soshiro

2016-04-01

Although many Western studies examining the mental health of welfare recipients exist, Japanese welfare recipients have been overlooked. This study investigated mental health among welfare recipients in Japan and relations with a sense of deprivation of life's necessities and social support. Participants (n = 305) completed the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Proportional Deprivation Index, and a social support scale. Participants' GHQ-12 scores exceeded those of the general public, as 54.9% scored above the cut-off, suggesting poorer mental health among welfare recipients than the general population. Proportional Deprivation Index and emotional support from relatives and friends were associated with GHQ-12 scores. These results suggest that while chronic deprivation is associated with poorer mental health among welfare recipients, receiving emotional support may help cope with distress and maintain mental health. © The Author(s) 2016.

Exploring Organizational Barriers to Strengthening Clinical Supervision of Psychiatric Nursing Staff: A Longitudinal Controlled Intervention Study.

PubMed

Gonge, Henrik; Buus, Niels

2016-05-01

This article reports findings from a longitudinal controlled intervention study of 115 psychiatric nursing staff. The twofold objective of the study was: (a) To test whether the intervention could increase clinical supervision participation and effectiveness of existing supervision practices, and (b) To explore organizational constraints to implementation of these strengthened practices. Questionnaire responses and registration of participation in clinical supervision were registered prior and subsequent to the intervention consisting of an action learning oriented reflection on staff's existing clinical supervision practices. Major organizational changes in the intervention group during the study period obstructed the implementation of strengthened clinical supervision practices, but offered an opportunity for studying the influences of organizational constraints. The main findings were that a) diminishing experience of social support from colleagues was associated with reduced participation in clinical supervision, while b) additional quantitative demands were associated with staff reporting difficulties finding time for supervision. This probably explained a negative development in the experienced effectiveness of supervision. It is concluded that organizational support is an imperative for implementation of clinical supervision.

Multi-model-based interactive authoring environment for creating shareable medical knowledge.

PubMed

Ali, Taqdir; Hussain, Maqbool; Ali Khan, Wajahat; Afzal, Muhammad; Hussain, Jamil; Ali, Rahman; Hassan, Waseem; Jamshed, Arif; Kang, Byeong Ho; Lee, Sungyoung

2017-10-01

Technologically integrated healthcare environments can be realized if physicians are encouraged to use smart systems for the creation and sharing of knowledge used in clinical decision support systems (CDSS). While CDSSs are heading toward smart environments, they lack support for abstraction of technology-oriented knowledge from physicians. Therefore, abstraction in the form of a user-friendly and flexible authoring environment is required in order for physicians to create shareable and interoperable knowledge for CDSS workflows. Our proposed system provides a user-friendly authoring environment to create Arden Syntax MLM (Medical Logic Module) as shareable knowledge rules for intelligent decision-making by CDSS. Existing systems are not physician friendly and lack interoperability and shareability of knowledge. In this paper, we proposed Intelligent-Knowledge Authoring Tool (I-KAT), a knowledge authoring environment that overcomes the above mentioned limitations. Shareability is achieved by creating a knowledge base from MLMs using Arden Syntax. Interoperability is enhanced using standard data models and terminologies. However, creation of shareable and interoperable knowledge using Arden Syntax without abstraction increases complexity, which ultimately makes it difficult for physicians to use the authoring environment. Therefore, physician friendliness is provided by abstraction at the application layer to reduce complexity. This abstraction is regulated by mappings created between legacy system concepts, which are modeled as domain clinical model (DCM) and decision support standards such as virtual medical record (vMR) and Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT). We represent these mappings with a semantic reconciliation model (SRM). The objective of the study is the creation of shareable and interoperable knowledge using a user-friendly and flexible I-KAT. Therefore we evaluated our system using completeness and user satisfaction criteria, which we assessed through the system- and user-centric evaluation processes. For system-centric evaluation, we compared the implementation of clinical information modelling system requirements in our proposed system and in existing systems. The results suggested that 82.05% of the requirements were fully supported, 7.69% were partially supported, and 10.25% were not supported by our system. In the existing systems, 35.89% of requirements were fully supported, 28.20% were partially supported, and 35.89% were not supported. For user-centric evaluation, the assessment criterion was 'ease of use'. Our proposed system showed 15 times better results with respect to MLM creation time than the existing systems. Moreover, on average, the participants made only one error in MLM creation using our proposed system, but 13 errors per MLM using the existing systems. We provide a user-friendly authoring environment for creation of shareable and interoperable knowledge for CDSS to overcome knowledge acquisition complexity. The authoring environment uses state-of-the-art decision support-related clinical standards with increased ease of use. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving public health evaluation: a qualitative investigation of practitioners' needs.

PubMed

Denford, Sarah; Lakshman, Rajalakshmi; Callaghan, Margaret; Abraham, Charles

2018-01-30

In 2011, the House of Lords published a report on Behaviour Change, in which they report that "a lot more could, and should, be done to improve the evaluation of interventions." This study aimed to undertake a needs assessment of what kind of evaluation training and materials would be of most use to UK public health practitioners by conducting interviews with practitioners about everyday evaluation practice and needed guidance and materials. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 public health practitioners in two UK regions, Cambridgeshire and the South West. Participants included directors of public health, consultants in public health, health improvement advisors, public health intelligence, and public health research officers. A topic guide included questions designed to explore participants existing evaluation practice and their needs for further training and guidance. Data were analysed using thematic analyses. Practitioners highlighted the need for evaluation to defend the effectiveness of existing programs and protect funding provisions. However, practitioners often lacked training in evaluation, and felt unqualified to perform such a task. The majority of practitioners did not use, or were not aware of many existing evaluation guidance documents. They wanted quality-assured, practical guidance that relate to the real world settings in which they operate. Practitioners also mentioned the need for better links and support from academics in public health. Whilst numerous guidance documents supporting public health evaluation exist, these documents are currently underused by practitioners - either because they are not considered useful, or because practitioners are not aware of them. Integrating existing guides into a catalogue of guidance documents, and developing a new-quality assured, practical and useful document may support the evaluation of public health programs. This in turn has the potential to identify those programs that are effective; thus improving public health and reducing financial waste.

Ideas, actors and institutions: lessons from South Australian Health in All Policies on what encourages other sectors' involvement.

PubMed

Baum, Fran; Delany-Crowe, Toni; MacDougall, Colin; Lawless, Angela; van Eyk, Helen; Williams, Carmel

2017-10-16

This paper examines the extent to which actors from sectors other than health engaged with the South Australian Health in All Policies (HiAP) initiative, determines why they were prepared to do so and explains the mechanisms by which successful engagement happened. This examination applies theories of policy development and implementation. The paper draws on a five year study of the implementation of HiAP comprising document analysis, a log of key events, detailed interviews with 64 policy actors and two surveys of public servants. The findings are analysed within an institutional policy analysis framework and examine the extent to which ideas, institutional factors and actor agency influenced the willingness of actors from other sectors to work with Health sector staff under the HiAP initiative. In terms of ideas, there was wide acceptance of the role of social determinants in shaping health and the importance of action to promote health in all government agencies. The institutional environment was initially supportive, but support waned over the course of the study when the economy in South Australia became less buoyant and a health minister less supportive of health promotion took office. The existence of a HiAP Unit was very helpful for gaining support from other sectors. A new Public Health Act offered some promise of institutionalising the HiAP approach and ideas. The analysis concludes that a key factor was the operation of a supportive network of public servants who promoted HiAP, including some who were senior and influential. The South Australian case study demonstrates that despite institutional constraints and shifting political support within the health sector, HiAP gained traction in other sectors. The key factors that encouraged the commitment of others sectors to HiAP were the existence of a supportive, knowledgeable policy network, political support, institutionalisation of the ideas and approach, and balancing of the economic and social goals of government.

Statistical studies in stellar rotation 2: A method of analyzing rotational coupling in double stars and an introduction to its applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernacca, P. L.

1971-01-01

The correlation between the equatorial velocities of the components of double stars is studied from a statistical standpoint. A theory of rotational correlation is developed and discussed with regard to its applicability to existing observations. The theory is then applied to a sample of visual binaries which are the least studied for rotational coupling. Consideration of eclipsing systems and spectroscopic binaries is limited to show how the degrees of freedom in the spin parallelism problem can be reduced. The analysis lends support to the existence of synchronism in closely spaced binaries.

Appraisal Support from Natural Mentors, Self-worth, and Psychological Distress: Examining the Experiences of Underrepresented Students Transitioning Through College.

PubMed

Hurd, Noelle M; Albright, Jamie; Wittrup, Audrey; Negrete, Andrea; Billingsley, Janelle

2018-05-01

The current study explored whether cumulative appraisal support from as many as five natural mentors (i.e., nonparental adults from youth's pre-existing social networks who serve a mentoring role in youth's lives) led to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety via improved global self-worth among underrepresented college students. Participants in the current study included 340 college students (69% female) attending a 4-year, predominantly White institution of higher education. Participants were first-generation college students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and/or students from underrepresented racial/ethnic minority groups. Participants completed surveys during the Fall and Spring of their first year of college and in the Spring of their second and third years of college. Results of the structural equation model (including gender, race/ethnicity, and extraversion as covariates) indicated that greater total appraisal support from natural mentoring relationships predicted decreases in students' psychological distress via increases in self-worth (indirect effects assessed via boot-strapped confidence intervals; 95% CI). The strength of association between appraisal support and self-worth was not moderated by the proportion of academic natural mentors. Findings from the current study extend previous research by measuring multiple natural mentoring relationships and pinpointing supportive exchanges that may be of particular consequence for the promotion of healthy youth development. Institutional efforts to reinforce pre-existing natural mentoring relationships and encourage the onset of new natural mentoring relationships may serve to bolster the well-being and success of underrepresented students attending predominantly White universities.

A systematic review of patient tracking systems for use in the pediatric emergency department.

PubMed

Dobson, Ian; Doan, Quynh; Hung, Geoffrey

2013-01-01

Patient safety is of great importance in the pediatric emergency department (PED). The combination of acutely and critically ill patients and high patient volumes creates a need for systems to support physicians in making accurate and timely diagnoses. Electronic patient tracking systems can potentially improve PED safety by reducing overcrowding and enhancing security. To enhance our understanding of current electronic tracking technologies, how they are implemented in a clinical setting, and resulting effect on patient care outcomes including patient safety. Nine databases were searched. Two independent reviewers identified articles that contained reference to patient tracking technologies in pediatrics or emergency medicine. Quantitative studies were assessed independently for methodological strength by two reviewers using an external assessment tool. Of 2292 initial articles, 22 were deemed relevant. Seventeen were qualitative, and the remaining five quantitative articles were assessed as being methodologically weak. Existing patient tracking systems in the ED included: infant monitoring/abduction prevention; barcode identification; radiofrequency identification (RFID)- or infrared (IR)-based patient tracking. Twenty articles supported the use of tracking technology to enhance patient safety or improve efficiency. One article failed to support the use of IR patient sensors due to study design flaws. Support exists for the use of barcode-, IR-, and RFID-based patient tracking systems to improve ED patient safety and efficiency. A lack of methodologically strong studies indicates a need for further evidence-based support for the implementation of patient tracking technology in a clinical or research setting. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Proposal for a Computer Network for the Indonesian Air Force’s Remote Site Radar System

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

This thesis proposes two alternatives for a preliminary design of a computer network to support this need. It suggests how existing communication...suggests how existing communication resources such as telephones, microwave links and satellite systems can be used to support the network. The first...telephone, radio-link, microwave-link and satellite systems. The goal of this thesis is to suggest how to utilize or implement these resources to support

Active-passive bistatic surveillance for long range air defense

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wardrop, B.; Molyneux-Berry, M. R. B.

1992-06-01

A hypothetical mobile support receiver capable of working within existing and future air defense networks as a means to maintain essential surveillance functions is considered. It is shown how multibeam receiver architecture supported by digital signal processing can substantially improve surveillance performance against chaff and jamming threats. A dual-mode support receiver concept is proposed which is based on the state-of-the-art phased-array technology, modular processing in industry standard hardware and existing networks.

Socially disadvantaged parents of children treated with allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT): report from a supportive intervention study, Denmark.

PubMed

Larsen, Hanne Bækgaard; Heilmann, Carsten; Johansen, Christoffer; Adamsen, Lis

2013-06-01

This study was undertaken to test a daily Family Navigator Nurse (FNN) conducted intervention program, to support parents during the distressful experience of their child's Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). A qualitative analysis of the supportive intervention program for parents whose child is under HSCT treatment while hospitalized. Parents to 25 children were included in the intervention group. Twenty-five parents were included in a participant observational study and 21 of these completed a semi-structured interview 100 days following HSCT. Three main problems faced by all parents included 1) the emotional strain of the child's HSCT; 2) re-organizing of the family's daily life to include hospitalization with the child; and 3) the financial strain of manoeuvring within the Danish welfare system. The FNN performed daily intervention rounds to ease each of these problems during the study period. Having the following pre-existing risk factors, negatively influenced the parents' ability to address these problems: 1) being a single parents; 2) low-level income; 3) low-level education; 4) low-level network support: 5) being a student or unemployed; 6) physical/psychiatric illness; and 7) ethnicity. Six families with 4 or more risk factors had complex emotional, social and financial problems that required extensive intervention by the FNN and that impacted their ability to provide care for the child. The parents' pre-existing risk factors were further complicated by their children's HSCT. A recommendation for clinical practice is to identify families with multiple interrelated problems and allocate resources to support these families. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Returns to Scale in the Production of Hospital Services

PubMed Central

Berry, Ralph E.

1967-01-01

The primary purpose of this article is to investigate whether or not economies of scale exist in the production of hospital services. In previous studies the results have implied the existence of economies of scale, but the question has not been satisfactorily resolved. The factor most responsible for clouding the issue is the overwhelming prevalence of product differences in the outputs of hospitals. In this study a method which avoids the problem of product differentiation is developed. The analysis strongly supports the conclusion that hospital services are produced subject to economies of scale. PMID:6054380

Development of decision support systems for real-time freeway traffic routing : volume II.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-01-01

Real-time traffic flow routing is a promising approach to alleviating congestion. Existing approaches to developing real-time routing strategies, however, have limitations. This study explored the potential for using case-based reasoning (CBR), an em...

In Pursuit of Theoretical Ground in Behavior Change Support Systems: Analysis of Peer-to-Peer Communication in a Health-Related Online Community.

PubMed

Myneni, Sahiti; Cobb, Nathan; Cohen, Trevor

2016-02-02

Research studies involving health-related online communities have focused on examining network structure to understand mechanisms underlying behavior change. Content analysis of the messages exchanged in these communities has been limited to the "social support" perspective. However, existing behavior change theories suggest that message content plays a prominent role reflecting several sociocognitive factors that affect an individual's efforts to make a lifestyle change. An understanding of these factors is imperative to identify and harness the mechanisms of behavior change in the Health 2.0 era. The objective of this work is two-fold: (1) to harness digital communication data to capture essential meaning of communication and factors affecting a desired behavior change, and (2) to understand the applicability of existing behavior change theories to characterize peer-to-peer communication in online platforms. In this paper, we describe grounded theory-based qualitative analysis of digital communication in QuitNet, an online community promoting smoking cessation. A database of 16,492 de-identified public messages from 1456 users from March 1-April 30, 2007, was used in our study. We analyzed 795 messages using grounded theory techniques to ensure thematic saturation. This analysis enabled identification of key concepts contained in the messages exchanged by QuitNet members, allowing us to understand the sociobehavioral intricacies underlying an individual's efforts to cease smoking in a group setting. We further ascertained the relevance of the identified themes to theoretical constructs in existing behavior change theories (eg, Health Belief Model) and theoretically linked techniques of behavior change taxonomy. We identified 43 different concepts, which were then grouped under 12 themes based on analysis of 795 messages. Examples of concepts include "sleepiness," "pledge," "patch," "spouse," and "slip." Examples of themes include "traditions," "social support," "obstacles," "relapse," and "cravings." Results indicate that themes consisting of member-generated strategies such as "virtual bonfires" and "pledges" were related to the highest number of theoretical constructs from the existing behavior change theories. In addition, results indicate that the member-generated communication content supports sociocognitive constructs from more than one behavior change model, unlike the majority of the existing theory-driven interventions. With the onset of mobile phones and ubiquitous Internet connectivity, online social network data reflect the intricacies of human health behavior as experienced by health consumers in real time. This study offers methodological insights for qualitative investigations that examine the various kinds of behavioral constructs prevalent in the messages exchanged among users of online communities. Theoretically, this study establishes the manifestation of existing behavior change theories in QuitNet-like online health communities. Pragmatically, it sets the stage for real-time, data-driven sociobehavioral interventions promoting healthy lifestyle modifications by allowing us to understand the emergent user needs to sustain a desired behavior change.

Cross-sectoral optimization and visualization of transformation processes in urban water infrastructures in rural areas.

PubMed

Baron, S; Kaufmann Alves, I; Schmitt, T G; Schöffel, S; Schwank, J

2015-01-01

Predicted demographic, climatic and socio-economic changes will require adaptations of existing water supply and wastewater disposal systems. Especially in rural areas, these new challenges will affect the functionality of the present systems. This paper presents a joint interdisciplinary research project with the objective of developing an innovative software-based optimization and decision support system for the implementation of long-term transformations of existing infrastructures of water supply, wastewater and energy. The concept of the decision support and optimization tool is described and visualization methods for the presentation of results are illustrated. The model is tested in a rural case study region in the Southwest of Germany. A transformation strategy for a decentralized wastewater treatment concept and its visualization are presented for a model village.

In silico substrate dependence increases community productivity but threatens biodiversity.

PubMed

Daly, Aisling J; Baetens, Jan M; De Baets, Bernard

2016-04-01

The critical role that biodiversity plays in ecosystem functioning has motivated many studies of the mechanisms that sustain biodiversity, a notable example being cyclic competition. We extend existing models of communities with cyclic competition by incorporating variable community evenness and resource dependence in demographic processes, two features that have generally been neglected. In this way, we align previous approaches more closely with real-world microbial ecosystems. We demonstrate the existence of a trade-off between increasing biomass production and maintaining biodiversity. This supports experimental observations of a net negative biodiversity effect on biomass productivity, due to competition effects suffered by highly productive species in diverse communities. Our results also support the important role assigned by microbial ecologists to evenness in maintaining ecosystem stability, thus far largely overlooked in in silico approaches.

Psychosocial Interventions for Families with Parental Cancer and Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation and Use – A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Inhestern, Laura; Haller, Anne-Catherine; Wlodarczyk, Olga; Bergelt, Corinna

2016-01-01

Background Parental cancer has a significant impact on minor children and families. Psychosocial interventions for affected families can provide support where necessary. This systematic review aims at providing an overview of existing interventions and support programs and focuses on the systematic investigation of barriers and facilitators for using psychosocial interventions for families affected by parental cancer (PROSPERO; registration number CRD42014013020). Methods A search of five electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Psyndex, CINAHL) was conducted in June 2014, and updated in September 2015. We included any kind of studies reporting psychosocial support services or interventions for families affected by parental cancer. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Method Assessment Tool. Narrative synthesis and thematic analyses were undertaken to examine the included interventions and to identify barriers and facilitators for use and implementation. Results A total of 36 studies covering 19 interventions and support services were included in the systematic review. Interventions focused on children, parents or several family members and analyses revealed a broad picture of theoretical background and primary aims. Several studies focused on developmental or implementation phases or descriptions of interventions. Other included studies reported results of evaluations using qualitative and quantitative methods. Results suggest that interventions are helpful and that participants improved in various outcomes. The thematic analyses indicate that barriers for use of support services refer to aspects concerning the patients and families, such as practical difficulties, perceived need for support or fear of stigma. Cancer patients who understood the need and benefit of support services may have used them more often. Additionally, intervention characteristics such as a flexible structure and accessibility were important to reach families affected by parental cancer. Disease characteristics and complications in collaborations were identified as potential barriers. The provision of information about interventions by clinicians and understanding the support as part of routine care seem to be key issues for implementation and use of psychosocial support. Conclusion This review identified a broad number of intervention concepts for families with minor children affected by parental cancer. Findings provide a basis for existing or future psychosocial interventions to anticipate potential barriers and facilitators to implementation and use and can help to reach a wider range of families in need for support. PMID:27276079

A Look at Poor Dads Who Don't Pay Child Support. Discussion Papers. Assessing the New Federalism: An Urban Institute Program To Assess Changing Social Policies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sorensen, Elaine; Zibman, Chava

The barriers that poor fathers face in paying child support and how existing programs assist them were studied and contrasted to the barriers faced by poor custodial mothers using data from the National Survey of America's Families (NSAF). Efforts to serve these fathers through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families welfare-to-work grants, and…

Improving the process of process modelling by the use of domain process patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koschmider, Agnes; Reijers, Hajo A.

2015-01-01

The use of business process models has become prevalent in a wide area of enterprise applications. But while their popularity is expanding, concerns are growing with respect to their proper creation and maintenance. An obvious way to boost the efficiency of creating high-quality business process models would be to reuse relevant parts of existing models. At this point, however, limited support exists to guide process modellers towards the usage of appropriate model content. In this paper, a set of content-oriented patterns is presented, which is extracted from a large set of process models from the order management and manufacturing production domains. The patterns are derived using a newly proposed set of algorithms, which are being discussed in this paper. The authors demonstrate how such Domain Process Patterns, in combination with information on their historic usage, can support process modellers in generating new models. To support the wider dissemination and development of Domain Process Patterns within and beyond the studied domains, an accompanying website has been set up.

Bound acoustic modes in the radiation continuum in isotropic layered systems without periodic structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maznev, A. A.; Every, A. G.

2018-01-01

We study the existence of guided acoustic modes in layered structures whose phase velocity is higher than that of bulk waves in a solid substrate or an adjacent fluid half space, which belong to the class of bound states in the radiation continuum (BICs). We demonstrate that in contrast to the electromagnetic case, non-symmetry-protected BICs exist in isotropic layered systems without periodic structures. Two systems supporting non-symmetry-protected sagittally polarized BICs have been identified: (i) a supported solid layer yields BICs whose phase velocity is higher than the transverse velocity of the substrate but lower than the longitudinal velocity; (ii) a supported solid layer loaded by a fluid half space supports BICs whose velocity is higher that the bulk velocity of the fluid but lower than acoustic velocities of the substrate. The latter case is a unique example of BICs in the sense that it does not involve an evanescent field in the fluid half space providing the radiation continuum. In either case, BICs are represented by isolated points in the dispersion relations located within "leaky" branches. We show that these BICs are robust with respect to small perturbations of the system parameters. Numerical results are provided for realistic materials combinations. We also show that no BICs exist in all-fluid layered structures, whereas in solid layered structures there are no shear horizontal BICs and no sagittally polarized BICs whose velocity exceeds the longitudinal velocity of the substrate.

WITHDRAWN: Systemic treatments for metastatic cutaneous melanoma.

PubMed

Crosby, Tom; Fish, Reg; Coles, Bernadette; Mason, Malcolm

2018-02-07

Systemic therapies for metastatic cutaneous melanoma, the most aggressive of all skin cancers, remain disappointing. Few lasting remissions are achieved and the therapeutic aim remains one of palliation.Many agents are used alone or in combination with varying degrees of toxicity and cost. It is unclear whether evidence exists to support these complex regimens over best supportive care / placebo. To review the benefits from the use of systemic therapies in metastatic cutaneous melanoma compared to best supportive care/placebo, and to establish whether a 'standard' therapy exists which is superior to other treatments. Randomised controlled trials were identified from the MEDLINE, EMBASE and CCTR/CENTRAL databases. References, conference proceedings, and Science Citation Index/Scisearch were also used to locate trials. Cancer registries and trialists were also contacted. Randomised controlled trials of adults with histologically proven metastatic cutaneous melanoma in which systemic anti-cancer therapy was compared with placebo or supportive care. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers. Data extraction forms were used for studies which appeared to meet the selection criteria and, where appropriate, full text articles were retrieved and reviewed independently. No randomised controlled trials were found comparing a systemic therapy with placebo or best supportive care in metastatic cutaneous melanoma. There is no evidence from randomised controlled clinical trials to show superiority of systemic therapy over best supportive care / placebo in the treatment of malignant cutaneous melanoma.Given that patients with metastatic melanoma frequently receive systemic therapy, it is our pragmatic view that a future systematic review could compare any systemic treatment, or combination of treatments, to single agent dacarbazine.

End-user support for primary care electronic medical records: a qualitative case study of users’ needs, expectations and realities

PubMed Central

Shachak, Aviv; Montgomery, Catherine; Dow, Rustam; Barnsley, Jan; Tu, Karen; Jadad, Alejandro R.; Lemieux-Charles, Louise

2015-01-01

Support is considered an important factor for realizing the benefits of health information technology (HIT) but there is a dearth of research on the topic of support, especially in primary care. We conducted a qualitative multiple case study of 4 family health teams (FHTs) and one family health organization (FHO) in Ontario, Canada in an attempt to gain insight into users’ expectations and needs, and the realities of end-user support for primary care electronic medical records (EMRs). Data were collected by semi-structured interviews, documents review, and observation of training sessions. The analysis highlights the important role of on-site information technology (IT) staff and super-users in liaising with various stakeholders to solve technical problems and providing hardware and functional (‘how to’) support; the local development of data support practices to ensure consistent documentation; and the gaps that exist in users’ and support personnel’s understanding of each other’s work processes. PMID:26225209

The Vlasov-Navier-Stokes System in a 2D Pipe: Existence and Stability of Regular Equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glass, Olivier; Han-Kwan, Daniel; Moussa, Ayman

2018-05-01

In this paper, we study the Vlasov-Navier-Stokes system in a 2D pipe with partially absorbing boundary conditions. We show the existence of stationary states for this system near small Poiseuille flows for the fluid phase, for which the kinetic phase is not trivial. We prove the asymptotic stability of these states with respect to appropriately compactly supported perturbations. The analysis relies on geometric control conditions which help to avoid any concentration phenomenon for the kinetic phase.

Investigative Study to Determine Effects of Hydro-Treated Renewable JP-8 Jet Fuel Blend in Existing Fuels Infrastructure

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

blended fuel be certified for use in USAF facilities. The introduction of the new fuel does have a few measureable effects that warrant monitoring: The...in surge suppressors and control valves. The blends may also cause shrinkage in certain seals which may result in short term leakage when the new...Agency (AFPA) and Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA) have been tasked by AFCO to certify HRJ/JP-8 blended fuels for use in existing

Structural and Morphological Properties of Carbon Supports: Effect of Catalyst degradation, ECS Transactions 33(1), 425 (2010)

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

A. Patel; K. Artyushkova; P. Atanassov

The object of this work was to identify correlations between performance losses of Pt electrocatalysts on carbon support materials and the chemical and morphological parameters that describe them. Accelerated stress testing, with an upper potential of 1.2 V, was used to monitor changes to cathode properties, including kinetic performance and effective platinum surface area losses. The structure and chemical compositions were studied using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Digital Image Processing. As this is an ongoing study, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions, though a trend between support surface area overall performance loss was foundmore » to exist.« less

Nonlinear Dynamics of a Foil Bearing Supported Rotor System: Simulation and Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Feng; Flowers, George T.

1996-01-01

Foil bearings provide noncontacting rotor support through a number of thin metal strips attached around the circumference of a stator and separated from the rotor by a fluid film. The resulting support stiffness is dominated by the characteristics of the foils and is a nonlinear function of the rotor deflection. The present study is concerned with characterizing this nonlinear effect and investigating its influence on rotordynamical behavior. A finite element model is developed for an existing bearing, the force versus deflection relation characterized, and the dynamics of a sample rotor system are studied. Some conclusions are discussed with regard to appropriate ranges of operation for such a system.

Structural and Morphological Properties of Carbon Supports: Effect on Catalyst Degradation

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

Patel, Anant; Artyushkova, Kateryna; Atanassov, Plamen

2010-07-01

The object of this work was to identify correlations between performance losses of Pt electrocatalysts on carbon support materials and the chemical and morphological parameters that describe them. Accelerated stress testing, with an upper potential of 1.2 V, was used to monitor changes to cathode properties, including kinetic performance and effective platinum surface area losses. The structure and chemical compositions were studied using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Digital Image Processing. As this is an ongoing study, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions, though a trend between support surface area overall performance loss was foundmore » to exist.« less

Catching Fire: An Analysis of Maine's Combined Heat and Power Energy Incentive Policies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laufer, Joshua A.

This study qualitatively reviews and analyzes Maine's state-level incentive policies and regulations to catalyze the development of renewably fueled Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facilities by utilizing a framework developed by Janet Sawin. The results of the analysis indicate that additional opportunities exist to promote additional renewable CHP plant development through both strengthening existing state policies and passing new legislation. Maine's Renewable Portfolio Standard and Production-Based Incentive pilot program could be expanded in scope and in their level of support for renewable CHP. New policies could be enacted to further accelerate renewable CHP development in the state, such as a Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the creation of a grant program for level 2 feasibility studies within the existing Public Benefits Fund (PBF), Efficiency Maine Trust.

Financing the Public Schools of South Dakota.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Educational Finance Project, Gainsville, FL.

This is the fourth of a series of comprehensive State school financing studies conducted by the National Educational Finance Project. The report provides a summary of study findings and recommendations, a brief overview of the existing State school support program in South Dakota, a complete report and summary of the findings of each of seven…

Supporting Teachers' Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Fractions through Co-Designing a Virtual Manipulative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hansen, Alice; Mavrikis, Manolis; Geraniou, Eirini

2016-01-01

This study explores the impact that co-designing a virtual manipulative, Fractions Lab, had on teachers' professional development. Tapping into an existing community of practice of mathematics specialist teachers, the study identifies how a cooperative enquiry approach utilising workshops and school-based visits challenged 23 competent primary…

Manned systems utilization analysis (study 2.1). Volume 4: Program manual and users guide for the LOVES computer code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wray, S. T., Jr.

1975-01-01

Information necessary to use the LOVES computer program in its existing state or to modify the program to include studies not properly handled by the basic model is provided. A users guide, a programmers manual, and several supporting appendices are included.

A Correlational Study of the Factors that Influence Lifelong Learning in the Army Civilian Corps

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Godinez, Eileen U.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative, correlational study was to determine if a relationship existed between employee value for learning, supervisor support for training, education, and leader development, perceived access to learning opportunities, demographic characteristics, and pursuit of lifelong learning. A researcher-generated survey was used to…

Community College Presidents' Decision-Making Processes during a Potential Crisis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berry, Judith Kaye

2013-01-01

This case study addressed how community college presidents make decisions under conditions that can escalate to full-scale crises. The purpose of this study was to gather data to support the development of alternative models or refinement of existing models for crisis decision making on community college campuses, using an abbreviated…

Social Support in Family Reunification: A Qualitative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lietz, Cynthia A.; Lacasse, Jeffrey R.; Cacciatore, Joanne

2011-01-01

When children are removed from their parents due to child maltreatment, the goal remains to reunite families whenever possible. Although extensive research exists regarding barriers to reunification, little is known about the families who are successfully reunited. The aim of this study was to examine the strengths families found helpful in the…

Vocational Education and Training Against Social Exclusion: Albania. Country Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haxhiymeri, Edlira; Shala, Zef; Muca, Mirela

The main causes of social exclusion in Albania were studied along with ways in which vocational education and training could help combat it. The study identified target groups, analyzed existing policies and the role of education and training for target groups, and pilot tested projects to support the identified groups. The following policy…

Researchers Supporting Schools to Improve Health: Influential Factors and Outcomes of Knowledge Brokering in the COMPASS Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Kristin M.; Elliott, Susan J.; Leatherdale, Scott T.

2018-01-01

Background: Although schools are considered opportune settings for youth health interventions, a gap between school health research and practice exists. COMPASS, a longitudinal study of Ontario and Alberta secondary students and schools (2012-2021), used integrated knowledge translation to enhance schools' uptake of research findings. Schools…

Exploring emotions using invasive methods: review of 60 years of human intracranial electrophysiology

PubMed Central

Guillory, Sean A.

2014-01-01

Over the past 60 years, human intracranial electrophysiology (HIE) has been used to characterize seizures in patients with epilepsy. Secondary to the clinical objectives, electrodes implanted intracranially have been used to investigate mechanisms of human cognition. In addition to studies of memory and language, HIE methods have been used to investigate emotions. The aim of this review is to outline the contribution of HIE (electrocorticography, single-unit recording and electrical brain stimulation) to our understanding of the neural representations of emotions. We identified 64 papers dating back to the mid-1950s which used HIE techniques to study emotional states. Evidence from HIE studies supports the existence of widely distributed networks in the neocortex, limbic/paralimbic regions and subcortical nuclei which contribute to the representation of emotional states. In addition, evidence from HIE supports hemispheric dominance for emotional valence. Furthermore, evidence from HIE supports the existence of overlapping neural areas for emotion perception, experience and expression. Lastly, HIE provides unique insights into the temporal dynamics of neural activation during perception, experience and expression of emotional states. In conclusion, we propose that HIE techniques offer important evidence which must be incorporated into our current models of emotion representation in the human brain. PMID:24509492

Social Support, Parenting Competence, and Parenting Satisfaction Among Adolescent, African American, Mothers.

PubMed

Brown, Sara G; Hudson, Diane B; Campbell-Grossman, Christie; Kupzyk, Kevin A; Yates, Bernice C; Hanna, Kathleen M

2018-04-01

This secondary analysis explored how social support changed during the first 6 months postpartum and examined the relationships among social support, parenting competence, and parenting role satisfaction. Single, low-income, adolescent, new mothers ( N = 34) completed measures of perceived parenting competence, parenting role satisfaction, and four types of received social support (emotional, informational, tangible, problematic) from the entire social network at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. Results indicated that social support did not change over time. Emotional, informational, and tangible social support were significantly correlated, concurrently and predictively, with perceived competence and satisfaction at most data collection points. Future social support intervention studies using social support as a modifiable variable with this high-risk group of African American adolescent new mothers are advocated. Health care professionals are encouraged to examine existing social support within these mothers' identified family units.

Mental health service user and staff perspectives on tobacco addiction and smoking cessation: A meta-synthesis of published qualitative studies.

PubMed

Malone, V; Harrison, R; Daker-White, G

2018-05-01

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There are high rates of tobacco smoking in people living with mental illness, and rates are much higher than the general population. People living with mental illness experience high rates of cardiovascular disease and other physical health problems as a result of tobacco smoking. There is a lack of evidence on successful interventions for reducing the rates of smoking in people living with mental illness. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: A meta-synthesis of data from a number of studies to support mental health nurses to access data quickly and support the translation of findings into practice. Studies found staff working in mental health services expressed they did not have the confidence to adequately address smoking cessation for people living with mental illness. People living with mental illness would like support and encouragement support to help them achieve successful smoking cessation. People living with mental illness want support from mental health service staff to increase their confidence in smoking cessation rather than mainstream smoking cessation services. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Existing evidence-based interventions for smoking cessation has had limited impact on the smoking rates of people living with mental illness. Research is needed into innovative smoking cessation interventions and the service delivery of these interventions for people living with mental illness. Interventions to support people living with mental illness in smoking cessation could be part of mainstream mental health service delivery. Opportunities for smoking cessation training for mental health service staff could be provided. Introduction People with mental illness are up to three times more likely to smoke and experience greater challenges and less success when trying to quit and therefore have higher risk of smoking-related morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of evidence on successful interventions to reduce the smoking rates in people living with serve mental illness. A meta-synthesis was undertaken to summarize the data from multiple studies to inform the development of future smoking cessation intervention studies. Methods MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL were searched in March 2017. A total of 965 titles and abstracts were screened for inclusion with 29 papers reviewed in full and 15 studies that met inclusion criteria. Included studies were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Key data across studies were examined and compared, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Results Analysis and synthesis developed five analytical themes: environmental and social context, living with a mental health illness, health awareness, financial awareness and provision of smoking cessation support. Themes generated the interpretive construct: "Whose role is it anyway?" which highlights tensions between staff perspectives on their role and responsibilities to providing smoking cessation support and support service users would like to receive. Relevance to mental health nursing Routine smoking cessation training for mental health professionals and research on innovative smoking cessation interventions to support people living with mental illness are needed. The Cochrane tobacco group has not found sufficient direct evidence of existing evidence-based interventions that have beneficial effect on smoking in people living with mental illness. With this in mind, mental health professionals should be encouraged to engage in future research into the development of new interventions and consider innovative harm reduction strategies for smoking into their practice, to reduce the morbidity and mortality many people living with mental illness experience from tobacco smoking. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Sample Language of Modified Contract Elements from Existing CBAs, MOUs, or EWAs to Support Turnaround

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mass Insight Education (NJ1), 2011

2011-01-01

Organized by the key conditions areas for turnaround, "People, Program, Time and Money," this tool offers sample language for each contract element to serve as a model for modifications from a traditional CBA that may support a district's turnaround efforts. Sample language is offered from existing provisions in district-wide collective bargaining…

Building Capacity to Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Modular Approach to Intervention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Cynthia M.; Smith, Tristram; Iovannone, Rose

2018-01-01

There is a large gap between research-based interventions for supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and current practices implemented by educators to meet the needs of these children in typical school settings. Myriad reasons for this gap exist including the external validity of existing research, the complexity of ASD, and…

Child support and the postdivorce economic well-being of mothers, fathers, and children.

PubMed

Bartfeld, J

2000-05-01

This article provides national estimates of the current and potential impact of private child support transfers on the economic well-being of custodial and noncustodial families following marital dissolution. Mothers and children fare dramatically worse than fathers after marital dissolution; these differences, however, would be much more pronounced in the absence of private child support. Simulations of four existing child support guidelines show that substantial increases in economic well-being among mother-custody families are possible within the structure of the existing child support system, with minimal impact on poverty among nonresident fathers. Under all of these guidelines, however, custodial-mother families would continue to fare substantially worse than nonresident fathers.

A longitudinal study of the effects of dual-earner couples' utilization of family-friendly workplace supports on work and family outcomes.

PubMed

Hammer, Leslie B; Neal, Margaret B; Newsom, Jason T; Brockwood, Krista J; Colton, Cari L

2005-07-01

Little research exists on the effects of the utilization of workplace supports on work-family conflict and job satisfaction. With family systems theory as a framework, 2 waves of national survey data were collected from 234 couples (N = 468) caring for children and for aging parents. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling techniques. Longitudinal results indicate that individuals' use of workplace supports was related to work-family conflict in the direction opposite to expectations and was related to job satisfaction in the direction consistent with expectations. Differential effects for wives versus husbands were found. In addition, couples' use of workplace supports was only minimally related to wives' outcomes. Results are discussed in terms of gender differences, family systems theory, and methodological and measurement issues related to the longitudinal study of utilization of workplace supports. Copyright 2005 APA, all rights reserved.

[Validation of food security and social support scales in an Afro-Colombian community: application on a prevalence study of nutritional status in children aged 6 to 18 months].

PubMed

Alvarado, Beatriz Eugenia; Zunzunegui, María Victoria; Delisle, Helene

2005-01-01

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 193 mothers of children 6 to 18 months of age in an African-Colombian community, with the objectives: (1) to adapt and validate the Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project scale, the DUKE-UNC-11 social support scale, and the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD) partner support scale, and (2) to identify any existent relationship between nutritional status in infancy and both food insecurity and social support. We determined construct validity using factor analysis and theoretical models-based non-parametric correlations. Length-for-age and weight-for-length Z-results were calculated. Factor analyses reduced the hunger scale to one factor, the DUKE-UNC-11 scale to two factors, and the QLSCD scale to one factor. The Cronbach's alpha test ranged between 0.70 and 0.90. Both food insecurity and social support scales were correlated with mother's social conditions, and social support was positively associated with social networks and mother's self-perceived health status. Food insecurity, emotional-social support, and partner's negative support were associated with lower height-to-age and therefore a higher ratio of chronic malnutrition. The study supports the appropriateness of the instruments to measure the expressed concepts.

Aggressive versus Nonaggressive Antisocial Behavior: Distinctive Etiological Moderation by Age

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burt, S. Alexandra; Neiderhiser, Jenae M.

2009-01-01

Research has supported the existence of distinct behavioral patterns, demographic correlates, and etiologic mechanisms for aggressive (AGG) versus nonaggressive but delinquent (DEL) antisocial behavior. Though behavioral genetic studies have the potential to further crystallize these dimensions, inconsistent results have limited their…

Application of IHSDM: KY 30 case study : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-09-01

A section of KY 30 in Jackson and Owsley Counties is targeted for redesign to provide a safer and more efficient corridor that will support economic activity in eastern Kentucky. Data for the existing KY 30 alignment and eight alternative alignments ...

Do Hospitals Support Second Victims? Collective Insights From Patient Safety Leaders in Maryland.

PubMed

Edrees, Hanan H; Morlock, Laura; Wu, Albert W

2017-09-01

Second victims-defined as health care providers who are emotionally traumatized after a patient adverse event-may not receive needed emotional support. Although most health care organizations have an employee assistance program (EAP), second victims may be reluctant to access this service because of worries about confidentiality. A study was conducted to describe the extent to which organizational support for second victims is perceived as desirable by patient safety officers in acute care hospitals in Maryland and to identify existing support programs. Semistructured interviews (using existing and newly developed questions) were conducted with 43 patient safety representatives from 38 of the 46 acute care hospitals in Maryland (83% response rate). All but one of the responding hospitals offered EAP services to their employees, but there were gaps in the services provided related to timeliness, EAP staff's ability to relate to clinical providers, and physical accessibility. There were no valid measures in place to assess the effectiveness of EAP services. Participants identified a need for peer support, both for the second victim and potentially for individuals who provide that support. Six (16%) of the 38 hospitals had second victim support programs, which varied in structure, accessibility, and outcomes, while an additional 5 hospitals (13%) were developing such a program. Patient safety officers thought their organizations should reevaluate the support currently provided by their EAPs, and consider additional peer support mechanisms. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. Copyright © 2017 The Joint Commission. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Existing and Required Modeling Capabilities for Evaluating ATM Systems and Concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Odoni, Amedeo R.; Bowman, Jeremy; Delahaye, Daniel; Deyst, John J.; Feron, Eric; Hansman, R. John; Khan, Kashif; Kuchar, James K.; Pujet, Nicolas; Simpson, Robert W.

1997-01-01

ATM systems throughout the world are entering a period of major transition and change. The combination of important technological developments and of the globalization of the air transportation industry has necessitated a reexamination of some of the fundamental premises of existing Air Traffic Management (ATM) concepts. New ATM concepts have to be examined, concepts that may place more emphasis on: strategic traffic management; planning and control; partial decentralization of decision-making; and added reliance on the aircraft to carry out strategic ATM plans, with ground controllers confined primarily to a monitoring and supervisory role. 'Free Flight' is a case in point. In order to study, evaluate and validate such new concepts, the ATM community will have to rely heavily on models and computer-based tools/utilities, covering a wide range of issues and metrics related to safety, capacity and efficiency. The state of the art in such modeling support is adequate in some respects, but clearly deficient in others. It is the objective of this study to assist in: (1) assessing the strengths and weaknesses of existing fast-time models and tools for the study of ATM systems and concepts and (2) identifying and prioritizing the requirements for the development of additional modeling capabilities in the near future. A three-stage process has been followed to this purpose: 1. Through the analysis of two case studies involving future ATM system scenarios, as well as through expert assessment, modeling capabilities and supporting tools needed for testing and validating future ATM systems and concepts were identified and described. 2. Existing fast-time ATM models and support tools were reviewed and assessed with regard to the degree to which they offer the capabilities identified under Step 1. 3 . The findings of 1 and 2 were combined to draw conclusions about (1) the best capabilities currently existing, (2) the types of concept testing and validation that can be carried out reliably with such existing capabilities and (3) the currently unavailable modeling capabilities that should receive high priority for near-term research and development. It should be emphasized that the study is concerned only with the class of 'fast time' analytical and simulation models. 'Real time' models, that typically involve humans-in-the-loop, comprise another extensive class which is not addressed in this report. However, the relationship between some of the fast-time models reviewed and a few well-known real-time models is identified in several parts of this report and the potential benefits from the combined use of these two classes of models-a very important subject-are discussed in chapters 4 and 7.

Perceptions of Social Loafing in Online Learning Groups: A Study of Public University and U.S. Naval War College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Piezon, Sherry L.; Ferree, William D.

2008-01-01

Social loafing research has spanned several decades and fields of study. Research has provided support for both the existence of social loafing and its antecedents within the laboratory, classroom, and work place. Studies regarding the perceptions of social loafing and its effects in the online learning environment, however, are largely…

Evaluation of existing district health management information systems a case study of the district health systems in Kenya.

PubMed

Odhiambo-Otieno, George W

2005-09-01

This paper discusses some of the issues and challenges of implementing appropriate and coordinated District Health Management Information System (DHMIS) in environments dependent on external support especially when insufficient attention has been given to the sustainability of systems. It also discusses fundamental issues which affect the usability of DHMIS to support District Health System (DHS), including meeting user needs and user education in the use of information for management; and the need for integration of data from all health-providing and related organizations in the district. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in three DHSs in Kenya. Data was collected through use of questionnaires, focus group discussions and review of relevant literature, reports and operational manuals of the studied DHMISs. Key personnel at the DHS level were not involved in the development and implementation of the established systems. The DHMISs were fragmented to the extent that their information products were bypassing the very levels they were created to serve. None of the DHMISs was computerized. Key resources for DHMIS operation were inadequate. The adequacy of personnel was 47%, working space 40%, storage space 34%, stationery 20%, 73% of DHMIS staff were not trained, management support was 13%. Information produced was 30% accurate, 19% complete, 26% timely, 72% relevant; the level of confidentiality and use of information at the point of collection stood at 32% and 22% respectively and information security at 48%. Basic DHMIS equipment for information processing was not available. This inhibited effective and efficient provision of information services. An effective DHMIS is essential for DHS planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities. Without accurate, timely, relevant and complete information the existing information systems are not capable of facilitating the DHS managers in their day-today operational management. The existing DHMISs were found not supportive of the DHS managers' strategic and operational management functions. Consequently DHMISs were found to be plagued by numerous designs, operational, resources and managerial problems. There is an urgent need to explore the possibilities of computerizing the existing manual systems to take advantage of the potential uses of microcomputers for DHMIS operations within the DHS. Information system designers must also address issues of cooperative partnership in information activities, systems compatibility and sustainability.

Space biology initiative program definition review. Trade study 5: Modification of existing hardware (COTS) versus new hardware build cost analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, L. Neal; Crenshaw, John, Sr.; Davidson, William L.; Blacknall, Carolyn; Bilodeau, James W.; Stoval, J. Michael; Sutton, Terry

1989-01-01

The JSC Life Sciences Project Division has been directly supporting NASA Headquarters, Life Sciences Division, in the preparation of data from JSC and ARC to assist in defining the Space Biology Initiative (SBI). GE Government Services and Horizon Aerospace have provided contract support for the development and integration of review data, reports, presentations, and detailed supporting data. An SBI Definition (Non-Advocate) Review at NASA Headquarters, Code B, has been scheduled for the June-July 1989 time period. In a previous NASA Headquarters review, NASA determined that additional supporting data would be beneficial to determine the potential advantages in modifying commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware for some SBI hardware items. In order to meet the demands of program implementation planning with the definition review in late spring of 1989, the definition trade study analysis must be adjusted in scope and schedule to be complete for the SBI Definition (Non-Advocate) Review. The relative costs of modifying existing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware is compared to fabricating new hardware. An historical basis for new build versus modifying COTS to meet current NMI specifications for manned space flight hardware is surveyed and identified. Selected SBI hardware are identified as potential candidates for off-the-shelf modification and statistical estimates on the relative cost of modifying COTS versus new build are provided.

The Impact of Worksite Supports for Healthy Eating on Dietary Behaviors.

PubMed

Dodson, Elizabeth Anne; Hipp, James Aaron; Gao, Mengchao; Tabak, Rachel Gail; Yang, Lin; Brownson, Ross Charles

2016-08-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the availability of worksite supports (WSS) for healthy eating and examine associations between existing supports and dietary behaviors. A cross-sectional, telephone-based study was conducted with 2013 participants in four metropolitan areas in 2012. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between dietary behaviors and the availability or use of WSS. Those reporting the availability of a cafeteria/snack bar/food services at the worksite were more likely to consume fruits and vegetables more than twice/day, and less likely to consume fast food more than twice/week. Study results highlight the utility of specific WSS to improve employee dietary behaviors while raising questions about why the presence of healthy foods at the worksite may not translate into employee consumption of such foods.

A latent class analysis of bullies, victims and aggressive victims in Chinese adolescence: relations with social and school adjustments.

PubMed

Shao, Aihui; Liang, Lichan; Yuan, Chunyong; Bian, Yufang

2014-01-01

This study used the latent class analysis (LCA) to identify and classify Chinese adolescent children's aggressive behaviors. It was found that (1) Adolescent children could be divided into four categories: general children, aggressive children, victimized children and aggressive victimized children. (2) There were significant gender differences among the aggressive victimized children, the aggressive children and the general children. Specifically, aggressive victimized children and aggressive children had greater probabilities of being boys; victimized children had equal probabilities of being boys or girls. (3) Significant differences in loneliness, depression, anxiety and academic achievement existed among the aggressive victims, the aggressor, the victims and the general children, in which the aggressive victims scored the worst in all questionnaires. (4) As protective factors, peer and teacher supports had important influences on children's aggressive and victimized behaviors. Relative to general children, aggressive victims, aggressive children and victimized children had lower probabilities of receiving peer supports. On the other hand, compared to general children, aggressive victims had lower probabilities of receiving teacher supports; while significant differences in the probability of receiving teacher supports did not exist between aggressive children and victimized children.

A Latent Class Analysis of Bullies, Victims and Aggressive Victims in Chinese Adolescence: Relations with Social and School Adjustments

PubMed Central

Shao, Aihui; Liang, Lichan; Yuan, Chunyong; Bian, Yufang

2014-01-01

This study used the latent class analysis (LCA) to identify and classify Chinese adolescent children's aggressive behaviors. It was found that (1) Adolescent children could be divided into four categories: general children, aggressive children, victimized children and aggressive victimized children. (2) There were significant gender differences among the aggressive victimized children, the aggressive children and the general children. Specifically, aggressive victimized children and aggressive children had greater probabilities of being boys; victimized children had equal probabilities of being boys or girls. (3) Significant differences in loneliness, depression, anxiety and academic achievement existed among the aggressive victims, the aggressor, the victims and the general children, in which the aggressive victims scored the worst in all questionaires. (4) As protective factors, peer and teacher supports had important influences on children's aggressive and victimized behaviors. Relative to general children, aggressive victims, aggressive children and victimized children had lower probabilities of receiving peer supports. On the other hand, compared to general children, aggressive victims had lower probabilities of receiving teacher supports; while significant differences in the probability of receiving teacher supports did not exist between aggressive children and victimized children. PMID:24740096

Facing the challenge: household responses to HIV/AIDS in Mumbai, India.

PubMed

Bharat, S; Aggleton, P

1999-02-01

How households and families respond to AIDS is of fundamental importance when it comes to designing programmes and interventions to provide support and care to people living with HIV disease. Where household and family responses are negative, different kinds of interventions may be needed from those where responses are more supportive. This paper reports on findings from an in-depth study of household and family responses to HIV and AIDS in India. Using individual and couple interviews, data were collected on the ways in which care and support were offered (or denied) to people living with HIV and AIDS. Findings show that responses are greatly influenced by prevailing gender relations, with men being responded to more positively than women, as well as other variables such as social status. The quality of responses is also influenced by pre-existing patterns of support and discord within the family. Where trust is high and spousal conflict slight, for example, HIV and AIDS are reacted to more positively than when there is mistrust and inter-spousal conflict. Suggestions are made concerning programme and intervention development so as to strengthen existing responses, and to maximize the success of home-based care.

Quality of life in stroke survivor-caregiver dyads: a new conceptual framework and longitudinal study protocol.

PubMed

Savini, Serenella; Buck, Harleah G; Dickson, Victoria Vaughan; Simeone, Silvio; Pucciarelli, Gianluca; Fida, Roberta; Matarese, Maria; Alvaro, Rosaria; Vellone, Ercole

2015-03-01

To describe a new conceptual framework and the research protocol of a study designed to examine the quality of life in stroke survivor-caregiver dyads. Stroke has a significant impact on the patient-caregiver dyad. Few studies have been guided by a specific conceptual framework which considers the interactions among pre-existing situations prior to stroke, the new situation caused by the stroke and the moderating effects of environmental and caregiver-related variables. Longitudinal study. A sample of stroke survivor-caregiver dyads will be enrolled at patient discharge from rehabilitation hospitals and will be surveyed every 3 months for 1-year. Hypotheses generated from the conceptual framework will test predictors, mediators and moderators of stroke survivor and caregiver quality of life from the pre-existing situation prior to the stroke, the new situation mediation poststroke and situation moderators. The study is supported by a grant from the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship, Rome, December 2013. This study seeks to identify variables in the pre-existing situation prior to the stroke (e.g. living condition), the new situation mediation poststroke (e.g. type of stroke and caregiver burden) as well as situation moderators (e.g. social support) that influence stroke survivor-caregiver dyad's quality of life across the stroke trajectory. Also, the study will inform clinical practice and research by identifying variables that are potentially modifiable and therefore amenable to intervention. The proposed framework will also be helpful for future research focused on stroke survivor-caregiver dyads. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Do Structural Equity Issues in Middle Schools Lead to Achievement Disparities?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolf, Chyrese S.

2012-01-01

Striking statistically significant differences were noted across school ranking conditions in terms of professional teacher preparation, organizational health variables, school leadership characteristics, academic emphasis, and resource support. The general conclusion of this study is that a strong correlation exists between structural equity…

Novel Hyperspectral Sun Photometer for Satellite Remote Sensing Data Radiometeic Calibration and Atmospheric Aerosol Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pagnutti, Mary; Ryan, Robert E.; Holekamp, Kara; Harrington, Gary; Frisbie, Troy

2006-01-01

A simple and cost-effective, hyperspectral sun photometer for radiometric vicarious remote sensing system calibration, air quality monitoring, and potentially in-situ planetary climatological studies, was developed. The device was constructed solely from off the shelf components and was designed to be easily deployable for support of short-term verification and validation data collects. This sun photometer not only provides the same data products as existing multi-band sun photometers but also the potential of hyperspectral optical depth and diffuse-to-global products. As compared to traditional sun photometers, this device requires a simpler setup, less data acquisition time and allows for a more direct calibration approach. Fielding this instrument has also enabled Stennis Space Center (SSC) Applied Sciences Directorate personnel to cross-calibrate existing sun photometers. This innovative research will position SSC personnel to perform air quality assessments in support of the NASA Applied Sciences Program's National Applications program element as well as to develop techniques to evaluate aerosols in a Martian or other planetary atmosphere.

A therapist version of the Alliance Negotiation Scale.

PubMed

Doran, Jennifer M; Gómez-Penedo, Juan Martín; Safran, Jeremy D; Roussos, Andrés

2018-05-02

The aim of the current study was to design and evaluate a therapist version of the Alliance Negotiation Scale (ANS). The ANS was created in order to operationalize the construct of dyadic negotiation in psychotherapy and to augment existing conceptualizations of the working alliance. The ANS has existed only as a client self-report form since its inception and has demonstrated promise as a psychotherapy process measure. This research intended to develop a complementary therapist self-report version of the measure. The scale creation process is discussed in detail, and the results of a preliminary psychometric investigation are reported. The ANS-Therapist version (ANS-T) was developed using a sample of therapists (n = 114) through a principal components analysis procedure. The ANS-T contains 9 unidimensional items and was moderately correlated with therapist-reported working alliance (r = .468). The results of the study support the composition of the ANS-T and provide initial support for the reliability and validity of the measure. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Attachment-Based Family Therapy: A Review of the Empirical Support.

PubMed

Diamond, Guy; Russon, Jody; Levy, Suzanne

2016-09-01

Attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) is an empirically supported treatment designed to capitalize on the innate, biological desire for meaningful and secure relationships. The therapy is grounded in attachment theory and provides an interpersonal, process-oriented, trauma-focused approach to treating adolescent depression, suicidality, and trauma. Although a process-oriented therapy, ABFT offers a clear structure and road map to help therapists quickly address attachment ruptures that lie at the core of family conflict. Several clinical trials and process studies have demonstrated empirical support for the model and its proposed mechanism of change. This article provides an overview of the clinical model and the existing empirical support for ABFT. © 2016 Family Process Institute.

Self-esteem and hope mediate the relations between social support and post-traumatic stress disorder and growth in adolescents following the Ya'an earthquake.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiao; Wu, Xinchun; Zhen, Rui

2018-01-01

Although posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) can co-exist, and several theories suggest that social support, self-esteem, and hope can predict both PTSD and PTG, no study to date has examined the combined role of social support, self-esteem, and hope in PTSD and PTG. The present study aimed to simultaneously examine the mediating roles of self-esteem and hope in the relations between social support and PTSD, and between social support and PTG. This study included 397 adolescents living in Lushan County, China, who were affected by the Ya'an earthquake. The participants completed the self-report questionnaires at two and a half years after the earthquake. Structural equation models were built to examine the roles of social support, self-esteem, and hope in PTSD and PTG. Social support directly and negatively predicted PTSD and positively predicted PTG. Moreover, social support negatively predicted PTSD via self-esteem, and positively predicted PTG via hope. In addition, social support positively predicted PTG through multiple mediating paths from self-esteem to hope. PTSD and PTG had different predictive paths. Specifically, social support reduced PTSD through enhanced self-esteem and promoted PTG through hope, or through the path from self-esteem to hope.

Existence domain of electrostatic solitary waves in the lunar wake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubia, R.; Singh, S. V.; Lakhina, G. S.

2018-03-01

Electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs) and double layers are explored in a four-component plasma consisting of hot protons, hot heavier ions (He++), electron beam, and suprathermal electrons having κ-distribution using the Sagdeev pseudopotential method. Three modes exist: slow and fast ion-acoustic modes and electron-acoustic mode. The occurrence of ESWs and their existence domain as a function of various plasma parameters, such as the number densities of ions and electron beam, the spectral index, κ, the electron beam velocity, the temperatures of ions, and electron beam, are analyzed. It is observed that both the slow and fast ion-acoustic modes support both positive and negative potential solitons as well as their coexistence. Further, they support a "forbidden gap," the region in which the soliton ceases to propagate. In addition, slow ion-acoustic solitons support the existence of both positive and negative potential double layers. The electron-acoustic mode is only found to support negative potential solitons for parameters relevant to the lunar wake plasma. Fast Fourier transform of a soliton electric field produces a broadband frequency spectrum. It is suggested that all three soliton types taken together can provide a good explanation for the observed electrostatic waves in the lunar wake.

Understanding Social Support Burden Among Family Caregivers

PubMed Central

Washington, Karla; Demiris, George; Parker Oliver, Debra; Shaunfield, Sara

2014-01-01

Despite the abundance of research on social support, both as a variable in larger studies and as a central focus of examination, there is little consensus about the relationship between social support and health outcomes. Current social support measures typically account only for frequency and size of network and a paucity of research exists that has explained social support burden, defined as the burden associated with accessing and receiving support from others. We analyzed audio-recorded discussions by hospice family caregivers about their caregiving problems and potential solutions to examine social relationships within networks and identify the processes that influence social support seeking and receiving. Using qualitative thematic analysis, we found that caregivers providing hospice care experience social support burden resulting from perceived relational barriers between friends and family, the inclination to remain in control, recognition of the loss of the patient as a source of social support and guidance in decision-making, family dynamics and decreased availability of emotional support. Social support researchers should consider how the quality of communication and relationships within social networks impacts the provision and subsequent outcomes of social support in varying contexts. Findings from this study suggest that hospice social support resources should be tailored to the caregiver’s support needs and include assessment on the type of support to be offered. PMID:24345081

"My YAP Family": Analysis of a Facebook Group for Young Adults Living with HIV.

PubMed

Gaysynsky, Anna; Romansky-Poulin, Kathryn; Arpadi, Stephen

2015-06-01

Little research exists regarding the use of social networking sites, like Facebook, for improving patient well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate a private Facebook group established for members of an HIV clinic's young adult program. This study employed directed content analysis to examine the types and frequencies of interactions observable in the 3,838 posts and comments that appeared on the Facebook group page between March 1, 2011 and July 1, 2012. Analysis revealed that a large percentage (41.7 %) of the content was classified as "administrative/engagement in group" and functioned to enhance the operations of the program as a whole. Additionally, positive interactions were frequently observed, especially socializing (24.8 %), banter (20.2 %), and offers of social support (15.1 %). Emotional support was the most frequent type of support requested, while esteem support was the most commonly provided form of support. The results of this study demonstrate that a Facebook group can be a means of providing patients with social support and positive social interaction and can improve services for young adults with HIV.

Low energy stage study. Volume 4: Cost benefits analysis and recommendations. [orbital launching of space shuttle payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The costs and benefits of existing/planned systems, new propulsion concepts, and adaptations of existing/planned systems (as supported by Orbiter interface requirements and operations requirements) were quantified. Scenarios of these propulsion approaches were established which accommodate the low energy regime as defined by the new low energy payload mission model. These scenarios were screened on a cost and then a benefits basis. A propulsion approach comprising existing/planned systems and a new propulsion concept were selected as the most cost effective approach to accommodate the model payloads and the low energy regime they represent. Key cost drivers and sensitivity trends were identified. All costs were derived in 1977 dollars.

Social Support and Violence-prone Relationships as Predictors of Disclosure of HIV Status Among Newly Diagnosed HIV-positive South Africans.

PubMed

Fifield, Jocelyn; O'Sullivan, Lucia; Kelvin, Elizabeth A; Mantell, Joanne E; Exner, Theresa; Ramjee, Gita; Blanchard, Kelly; Hoffman, Susie

2018-05-09

Despite the salience of social support and violence as potential outcomes of disclosure, how pre-existing social support and relationship violence among people living with HIV shapes and influences HIV status disclosure has received limited attention. Following the Disclosure Process Model, this study investigated pre-disclosure support and violence-prone relationships as predictors of disclosure using data from a prospective study of 459 newly diagnosed South African women and men. Most (88%) disclosed their status to at least one person by their 8-month interview. Level of social support was unrelated to disclosure to a partner. However, those with higher levels of support had higher odds of disclosing to family and to others. Women in violence-prone relationships were more likely to report disclosure to a partner than were those not in such relationships, counter to expectations. The findings suggest that the same mechanisms may not explain processes of disclosure across all relationship types.

Assessing posttraumatic stress disorder's latent structure in elderly bereaved European trauma survivors: evidence for a five-factor dysphoric and anxious arousal model.

PubMed

Armour, Cherie; O'Connor, Maja; Elklit, Ask; Elhai, Jon D

2013-10-01

The three-factor structure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) specified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, is not supported in the empirical literature. Two alternative four-factor models have received a wealth of empirical support. However, a consensus regarding which is superior has not been reached. A recent five-factor model has been shown to provide superior fit over the existing four-factor models. The present study investigated the fit of the five-factor model against the existing four-factor models and assessed the resultant factors' association with depression in a bereaved European trauma sample (N = 325). The participants were assessed for PTSD via the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and depression via the Beck Depression Inventory. The five-factor model provided superior fit to the data compared with the existing four-factor models. In the dysphoric arousal model, depression was equally related to both dysphoric arousal and emotional numbing, whereas depression was more related to dysphoric arousal than to anxious arousal.

The Role of Organizational Context in the Creation and Sustainability of Dental Faculty Development Initiatives.

PubMed

McAndrew, Maureen; Motwaly, Suzanne M; Kamens, Tracy Ellen

2015-11-01

Dental faculty development programs exist for a variety of reasons: to improve teaching skills, develop and reinforce relationships among colleagues and mentors, foster career development, and support curricular initiatives and institutional priorities. These activities impact individual faculty members as well as the institutions in which they work. Each institution has a distinct culture that should be acknowledged and understood alongside conventional outcome measures. As such, this article provides an expanded view of faculty development programming, associated educational activities, and related organizational changes at the College of Dentistry, New York University (NYU) since 2005. Contextual factors include the existence of an Office of Professional Development established in 1999, an Academy of Distinguished Educators founded in 2010, and other programs for present and future educators that support the college's educational mission. Outcomes include a comparison study of one program, the creation of new courses, the sustainability and expansion of existing programs, participants' retention rate, and an increase in awards and other educational accomplishments such as publication of abstracts, oral presentations, and related activities by NYU faculty at national forums in dental education.

NOVEL MOLECULAR TARGETS ASSOCIATED WITH TESTICULAR DYSGENESIS INDUCED BY GESTATIONAL EXPOSURE TO DIETHYLHEXYL PHTHALATE IN THE RAT: A ROLE FOR ESTRADIOL?

EPA Science Inventory

A significant amount of research has been devoted to studying phthalate-induced alterations in male reproductive development. In fact, studies in rodents have served to support the notion that a syndrome exists in the human male which captures phenotypic alterations such as hypo...

Four-Quarter School Year. Results of an Exploratory Study of the Four-Quarter School Year in Metropolitan Atlanta.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bentley, Ernest L; And Others

Six Atlanta, Georgia, school systems initiated a four-quarter school year program in 1968-69. An exploratory study was conducted to develop procedures and instruments for a comprehensive examination of the plan. Strong support exists in all groups interviewed -- superintendents and steering committee members, students, parents, teachers,…

Biracial/Multiracial Student Perceptions of Student Academic Support Services at a Predominantly White Public Institution

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fischer-Kinney, Julie A.

2012-01-01

This study attempted to contribute to national research on biracial/multiracial students, a growing diverse population in higher education. A lack of literature exists on biracial/multiracial college students, particularly as it pertains to student academic success at predominantly white institutions (PWI). The purpose of this study was to explore…

Perceptions toward the Value of Higher Education for Hotel Professionals in Las Vegas: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deel, Gary Lee

2015-01-01

This study concerns a qualitative investigation of the views toward higher education and its importance to hospitality career success among hotel professionals in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Existing literature supported the premise that education may be important to professional career success in several different ways, and that values concerning…

An Exploratory Study of the Elements to Develop a Coaching Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Gwendolyn

2010-01-01

This exploratory study examined the elements of a coaching model based on the best practices that first focus on providing managers with the ability to develop workers and increase productivity, before using existing models that only support the process of managing workers, when it becomes apparent that the worker is not meeting expected…

Predictors of Funded Scholarly Activity at 4-Year, Non-Doctoral Colleges and Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Maria Montoro

2010-01-01

This study seeks to develop a model of institutional supports necessary for faculty to succeed as funded scholars at 4-year non-doctoral colleges and universities. Research was conducted using secondary data analysis on a pre-existing, cross-sectional database from the 2004 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty. Expectancy theory was used as the…

OHD/HL - RFCDEV/HVT: 2nd charter

Science.gov Websites

hydrologists, and managers using existing software (IVP and EVS) and to support the development of CHPS-VS , as well as RFC case studies using these standards. The RFC case studies will include the analyses of capabilities developed at OHD and at the RFCs to produce the standard verification products using IVP, EVS, and

Teen Perceptions of the Promotion of Safer Sexual Practices: A Focus Group Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herrman, Judith W.; Kelley, Andrea; Haigh, Katherine M.

2017-01-01

Teens' own thoughts on fostering safe sexual practice are important perspectives in promoting adolescent sexual health yet are relatively absent in the literature. This focus group study explored teens' perceptions about the supports and challenges that exist as teens strive to engage in healthy sexual practices. Seventy-five teens participated in…

Prior Knowledge Influence on Self-Explanation Effectiveness when Solving Problems: An Exploratory Study in Science Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ionas, Ioan Gelu; Cernusca, Dan; Collier, Harvest L.

2012-01-01

This exploratory study presents the outcomes of using self-explanation to improve learners' performance in solving basic chemistry problems. The results of the randomized experiment show the existence of a moderation effect between prior knowledge and the level of support self-explanation provides to learners, suggestive of a synergistic effect…

Information systems in ADOT : an analysis of intra-function flow, decision support needs, existing systems utility and user attitudes. Final report, volume 3 : appendices

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1985-03-01

A report is offered on a study of the information activities within the Right-of-Way section of ADOT. The objectives of the study were to adapt and apply techniques to measure user-perceived needs, satisfaction and utility of services provided Right-...

Information systems in ADOT : an analysis of intra-function flow, decision support needs, existing systems utility and user attitudes. Final report, volume 1

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1985-03-01

A report is offered on a study of the information activities within the Right-of-Way section of ADOT. The objectives of the study were to adapt and apply techniques to measure user-perceived needs, satisfaction and utility of services provided Right-...

EPCAL: ETS Platform for Collaborative Assessment and Learning. Research Report. ETS RR-17-49

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hao, Jiangang; Liu, Lei; von Davier, Alina A.; Lederer, Nathan; Zapata-Rivera, Diego; Jaki, Peter; Bakkenson, Michael

2017-01-01

Most existing software tools for online collaboration are designed to support the collaboration itself instead of the study of collaboration with a systematic team and task management system. In this report, we identify six important features for a platform to facilitate the study of online collaboration. We then introduce the Educational Testing…

Enhancing the quality of supportive supervisory behavior in long-term care facilities.

PubMed

McGillis Hall, Linda; McGilton, Katherine S; Krejci, Janet; Pringle, Dorothy; Johnston, Erin; Fairley, Laura; Brown, Maryanne

2005-04-01

The practices of managers and registered nurses (RNs) in long-term care facilities are frequently ineffective in assisting the licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and healthcare aides (HCAs) whom they supervise. Little research exists that examines the area of supportive relationships between nursing staff and supervisors in these settings. The purpose of this study was to gather data that could improve management practices in long-term care residential facilities and enhance the quality of the supervisory relationships between supervisors (nurse managers and RNs) and care providers (HCAs and LPNs) in these settings. The study also identified factors that influence the supervisors' ability to establish supportive relationships with care providers. The challenges and barriers to nurse managers and leaders related to enacting supportive behaviors are discussed as well as their implications for long-term care settings.

Political science. Reverse-engineering censorship in China: randomized experimentation and participant observation.

PubMed

King, Gary; Pan, Jennifer; Roberts, Margaret E

2014-08-22

Existing research on the extensive Chinese censorship organization uses observational methods with well-known limitations. We conducted the first large-scale experimental study of censorship by creating accounts on numerous social media sites, randomly submitting different texts, and observing from a worldwide network of computers which texts were censored and which were not. We also supplemented interviews with confidential sources by creating our own social media site, contracting with Chinese firms to install the same censoring technologies as existing sites, and--with their software, documentation, and even customer support--reverse-engineering how it all works. Our results offer rigorous support for the recent hypothesis that criticisms of the state, its leaders, and their policies are published, whereas posts about real-world events with collective action potential are censored. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

[Are pathological (or vital) anxiety and common fear the same experiences? A controlled study].

PubMed

Ramos Brieva, J A; Montejo Iglesias, M L; Ponce de León, C; del Valle López, P; Lafuente López, R; Cordero Villafáfila, A; Baca García, E

1996-01-01

Some authors affirm that the anxiety of panic attacks is endogenous and of different quality that the common fear. But objective clinical data don't exist that confirm that observation. The authors study by means of a discriminant analysis the description of the anxiety made by subject with panic attacks and normal subjects with common fear. It meet a discriminant function that shows the existence of qualitative differences between both experiences. It seem to have achieved enough empirical support in order to sustain that the anxiety of panic attacks and the common fear are two qualitatively different experiences; presumably due to their several origin.

From animal cruelty to serial murder: applying the graduation hypothesis.

PubMed

Wright, Jeremy; Hensley, Christopher

2003-02-01

Although serial murder has been recorded for centuries, limited academic attention has been given to this important topic. Scholars have attempted to examine the causality and motivations behind the rare phenomenon of serial murder. However, scant research exists which delves into the childhood characteristics of serial murderers. Using social learning theory, some of these studies present supporting evidence for a link between childhood animal cruelty and adult aggression toward humans. Based on five case studies of serial murderers, we contribute to the existing literature by exploring the possible link between childhood cruelty toward animals and serial murder with the application of the graduation hypothesis.

47 CFR 54.604 - Existing contracts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) COMMON CARRIER SERVICES (CONTINUED) UNIVERSAL SERVICE Universal Service Support for Health Care Providers § 54.604 Existing contracts. (a) Existing... health care provider as defined under § 54.601 and a telecommunications carrier shall be exempt from the...

Flight program language requirements. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The activities and results of a study for the definition of flight program language requirements are described. A set of detailed requirements are presented for a language capable of supporting onboard application programming for the Marshall Space Flight Center's anticipated future activities in the decade of 1975-85. These requirements are based, in part, on the evaluation of existing flight programming language designs to determine the applicability of these designs to flight programming activities which are anticipated. The coding of benchmark problems in the selected programming languages is discussed. These benchmarks are in the form of program kernels selected from existing flight programs. This approach was taken to insure that the results of the study would reflect state of the art language capabilities, as well as to determine whether an existing language design should be selected for adaptation.

Developing a clinical trial unit to advance research in an academic institution.

PubMed

Croghan, Ivana T; Viker, Steven D; Limper, Andrew H; Evans, Tamara K; Cornell, Alissa R; Ebbert, Jon O; Gertz, Morie A

2015-11-01

Research, clinical care, and education are the three cornerstones of academic health centers in the United States. The research climate has always been riddled with ebbs and flows, depending on funding availability. During a time of reduced funding, the number and scope of research studies have been reduced, and in some instances, a field of study has been eliminated. Recent reductions in the research funding landscape have led institutions to explore new ways to continue supporting research. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN has developed a clinical trial unit within the Department of Medicine, which provides shared resources for many researchers and serves as a solution for training and mentoring new investigators and study teams. By building on existing infrastructure and providing supplemental resources to existing research, the Department of Medicine clinical trial unit has evolved into an effective mechanism for conducting research. This article discusses the creation of a central unit to provide research support in clinical trials and presents the advantages, disadvantages, and required building blocks for such a unit. Copyright © 2015 Mayo Clinic. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Negative Affect Hypothesis of Noise Sensitivity

PubMed Central

Shepherd, Daniel; Heinonen-Guzejev, Marja; Heikkilä, Kauko; Dirks, Kim N.; Hautus, Michael J.; Welch, David; McBride, David

2015-01-01

Some studies indicate that noise sensitivity is explained by negative affect, a dispositional tendency to negatively evaluate situations and the self. Individuals high in such traits may report a greater sensitivity to other sensory stimuli, such as smell, bright light and pain. However, research investigating the relationship between noise sensitivity and sensitivity to stimuli associated with other sensory modalities has not always supported the notion of a common underlying trait, such as negative affect, driving them. Additionally, other explanations of noise sensitivity based on cognitive processes have existed in the clinical literature for over 50 years. Here, we report on secondary analyses of pre-existing laboratory (n = 74) and epidemiological (n = 1005) data focusing on the relationship between noise sensitivity to and annoyance with a variety of olfactory-related stimuli. In the first study a correlational design examined the relationships between noise sensitivity, noise annoyance, and perceptual ratings of 16 odors. The second study sought differences between mean noise and air pollution annoyance scores across noise sensitivity categories. Results from both analyses failed to support the notion that, by itself, negative affectivity explains sensitivity to noise. PMID:25993104

Phylogeny of the Genus Flavivirus

PubMed Central

Kuno, Goro; Chang, Gwong-Jen J.; Tsuchiya, K. Richard; Karabatsos, Nick; Cropp, C. Bruce

1998-01-01

We undertook a comprehensive phylogenetic study to establish the genetic relationship among the viruses of the genus Flavivirus and to compare the classification based on molecular phylogeny with the existing serologic method. By using a combination of quantitative definitions (bootstrap support level and the pairwise nucleotide sequence identity), the viruses could be classified into clusters, clades, and species. Our phylogenetic study revealed for the first time that from the putative ancestor two branches, non-vector and vector-borne virus clusters, evolved and from the latter cluster emerged tick-borne and mosquito-borne virus clusters. Provided that the theory of arthropod association being an acquired trait was correct, pairwise nucleotide sequence identity among these three clusters provided supporting data for a possibility that the non-vector cluster evolved first, followed by the separation of tick-borne and mosquito-borne virus clusters in that order. Clades established in our study correlated significantly with existing antigenic complexes. We also resolved many of the past taxonomic problems by establishing phylogenetic relationships of the antigenically unclassified viruses with the well-established viruses and by identifying synonymous viruses. PMID:9420202

Phylogeny of the genus Flavivirus.

PubMed

Kuno, G; Chang, G J; Tsuchiya, K R; Karabatsos, N; Cropp, C B

1998-01-01

We undertook a comprehensive phylogenetic study to establish the genetic relationship among the viruses of the genus Flavivirus and to compare the classification based on molecular phylogeny with the existing serologic method. By using a combination of quantitative definitions (bootstrap support level and the pairwise nucleotide sequence identity), the viruses could be classified into clusters, clades, and species. Our phylogenetic study revealed for the first time that from the putative ancestor two branches, non-vector and vector-borne virus clusters, evolved and from the latter cluster emerged tick-borne and mosquito-borne virus clusters. Provided that the theory of arthropod association being an acquired trait was correct, pairwise nucleotide sequence identity among these three clusters provided supporting data for a possibility that the non-vector cluster evolved first, followed by the separation of tick-borne and mosquito-borne virus clusters in that order. Clades established in our study correlated significantly with existing antigenic complexes. We also resolved many of the past taxonomic problems by establishing phylogenetic relationships of the antigenically unclassified viruses with the well-established viruses and by identifying synonymous viruses.

Michael Young, the Institute of Community Studies, and the Politics of Kinship.

PubMed

Butler, Lise

2015-01-01

This article examines the East London-based Institute of Community Studies, and its founder, Michael Young, to show that sociology and social research offered avenues for left-wing political expression in the 1950s. Young, who had previously been Head of the Labour Party Research Department during the Attlee government, drew upon existing currents of psychological and sociological research to emphasize the continuing relevance of the extended family in industrial society and to offer a model of socialist citizenship, solidarity and mutual support not tied to productive work. Young and his colleagues at the Institute of Community Studies promoted the supportive kinship networks of the urban working class, and an idealized conception of the relationships between women, to suggest that family had been overlooked by the left and should be reclaimed as a progressive force. The article shows that the Institute's sociological work was informed by a pre-existing concern with family as a model for cooperative socialism, and suggests that sociology and social research should be seen as important sources of political commentary for scholars of post-war politics.

Cost-effectiveness of possible future smoking cessation strategies in Hungary: results from the EQUIPTMOD.

PubMed

Németh, Bertalan; Józwiak-Hagymásy, Judit; Kovács, Gábor; Kovács, Attila; Demjén, Tibor; Huber, Manuel B; Cheung, Kei-Long; Coyle, Kathryn; Lester-George, Adam; Pokhrel, Subhash; Vokó, Zoltán

2018-01-25

To evaluate potential health and economic returns from implementing smoking cessation interventions in Hungary. The EQUIPTMOD, a Markov-based economic model, was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of three implementation scenarios: (a) introducing a social marketing campaign; (b) doubling the reach of existing group-based behavioural support therapies and proactive telephone support; and (c) a combination of the two scenarios. All three scenarios were compared with current practice. The scenarios were chosen as feasible options available for Hungary based on the outcome of interviews with local stakeholders. Life-time costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated from a health-care perspective. The analyses used various return on investment (ROI) estimates, including incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), to compare the scenarios. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses assessed the extent to which the estimated mean ICERs were sensitive to the model input values. Introducing a social marketing campaign resulted in an increase of 0.3014 additional quitters per 1 000 smokers, translating to health-care cost-savings of €0.6495 per smoker compared with current practice. When the value of QALY gains was considered, cost-savings increased to €14.1598 per smoker. Doubling the reach of existing group-based behavioural support therapies and proactive telephone support resulted in health-care savings of €0.2539 per smoker (€3.9620 with the value of QALY gains), compared with current practice. The respective figures for the combined scenario were €0.8960 and €18.0062. Results were sensitive to model input values. According to the EQUIPTMOD modelling tool, it would be cost-effective for the Hungarian authorities introduce a social marketing campaign and double the reach of existing group-based behavioural support therapies and proactive telephone support. Such policies would more than pay for themselves in the long term. © 2018 The Authors. Addiction published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society for the Study of Addiction.

Support Needs and Experiences of People Bereaved by Suicide: Qualitative Findings from a Cross-Sectional British Study of Bereaved Young Adults

PubMed Central

De Souza, Tanisha; Stevenson, Fiona; King, Michael; Osborn, David; Morant, Nicola

2018-01-01

People bereaved by suicide are at increased risk of suicide, but evidence is lacking that available interventions reduce suicide risk. Few large-scale studies have described the views of suicide-bereaved people regarding their needs for support. Our objective was to explore the nature of young adults’ experiences of support after bereavement by suicide and their views on valued and unhelpful aspects. We conducted a cross-sectional study of staff and students aged 18–40 at 37 United Kingdom (UK) higher educational institutions in 2010, eliciting qualitative responses to two questions probing experiences of support and unmet needs after the suicide of a close contact. We conducted thematic analysis of responses from 420 adults bereaved by suicide, of whom 75% had received support after the loss. We identified three broad descriptive areas corresponding to important aspects of support: value and experiences of the support received; views on specific support needs; and reasons for not seeking support. We found that needs for emotional support exist throughout the social networks of people who die by suicide but are often hidden. Our findings suggest a need for proactive offers of support from family, friends, and professionals after suicide, repeated regularly in case a bereaved person does not feel ready for support early on. PMID:29614053

Application of new electro-optic technology to Space Station Freedom data management system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Husbands, C. R.; Girard, M. M.

1993-01-01

A low risk design methodology to permit the local bus structures to support increased data carrying capacities and to speed messages and data flow between nodes or stations on the Space Station Freedom Data Management System in anticipation of growing requirements was evaluated and recommended. The recommended design employs a collateral fiber optic technique that follows a NATO avionic standard that is developed, tested, and available. Application of this process will permit a potential 25 fold increase in data transfer performance on the local wire bus network with a fiber optic network, maintaining the functionality of the low-speed bus and supporting all of the redundant transmission and fault detection capabilities designed into the existing system. The application of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology to both the local data bus and global data bus segments of the Data Management System to support anticipated additional highspeed data transmission requirements was also examined. Techniques were examined to provide a dual wavelength implementation of the fiber optic collateral networks. This dual wavelength implementation would permit each local bus to support two simultaneous high-speed transfers on the same fiber optic bus structure and operate within the limits of the existing protocol standard. A second WDM study examined the use of spectral sliced technology to provide a fourfold increase in the Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) global bus networks without requiring modifications to the existing installed cable plant. Computer simulations presented indicated that this data rate improvement can be achieved with commercially available optical components.

Needs of Military-Connected School Divisions in South-Eastern Virginia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnold, Pamela; Garner, Joanna; Neale-McFall, Cheryl; Nunnery, John

2011-01-01

This technical report presents the findings of a study of perceptions of elementary public school educators regarding the academic and social emotional needs, existing institutional supports, and potential areas for improving school responsiveness to educational obstacles faced by military-connected children experiencing transitions and parental…

Development of safety performance functions and other decision support tools to assess pedestrian and bicycle safety : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-09-30

field study was performed at 40 uncontrolled midblock crosswalks and 26 signalized intersections on low-speed roadways selected from the areas surrounding three major urban college campuses across lower Michigan. An array of existing traffic control ...

Advising Adult Learners. NACADA Task Force Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Polson, Cheryl; And Others

A study examined the scope of existing services for adult learners attending universities and colleges. Survey instruments designed to gather data on institutional support for adult learner services, special target groups identified by individual institutions, and institutional barriers confronted by adult learners on campus were mailed to a…

Developing an Initial Physical Function Item Bank from Existing Sources.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bode, Rita K.; Cella, David; Lai, Jin-shei; Heinemann, Allen W.

2003-01-01

Illustrates incremental item banking using health-related quality of life data collected from two samples of patients receiving cancer treatment (n=1,755 and n=1,544). Results support findings from previous studies that have equated separate instruments by co-calibrating their items. (SLD)

43 CFR 404.2 - What terms are used in this part?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., primarily using existing data. An appraisal investigation includes a preliminary assessment of alternatives... project sponsor to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by law. For purposes of... project should be authorized for construction. Feasibility study means a detailed investigation requiring...

43 CFR 404.2 - What terms are used in this part?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

..., primarily using existing data. An appraisal investigation includes a preliminary assessment of alternatives... project sponsor to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by law. For purposes of... project should be authorized for construction. Feasibility study means a detailed investigation requiring...

43 CFR 404.2 - What terms are used in this part?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

..., primarily using existing data. An appraisal investigation includes a preliminary assessment of alternatives... project sponsor to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by law. For purposes of... project should be authorized for construction. Feasibility study means a detailed investigation requiring...

A Critical Review of Videoconferencing Software to Support School Consultation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fischer, Aaron J.; Schultz, Brandon K.; Collier-Meek, Melissa A.; Zoder-Martell, Kimberly A.; Erchul, William P.

2018-01-01

With recent advances in technology, several viable options now exist for school consultants to communicate with teachers via synchronous online videoconferencing (VC) without the need for specialized equipment. Unfortunately, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of school consultation through VC, so practitioners are provided little…

77 FR 40609 - Robert D. Willis Power Rate

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-10

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Southwestern Power Administration Robert D. Willis Power Rate AGENCY... proposed Robert D. Willis rate schedule, which is supported by a power repayment study, to recover the... existing Robert D. Willis rate for the period October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2012. See 127 FERC...

The Efficacy of Group Decision Support Systems: A Field Experiment to Evaluate Impacts on Air Force Decision Makers

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

made several interesting observations as well. Gray, Vogel, and Beauclair developed an alternate method for determining which experiments were similar...organization" ( Beauclair , 1989), (1:329, 331). 2.7 Summary of Existing Research In the book Group Support Systems: New Perspectives," Alan Dennis and Brent...Computer TDY Temporary Duty USAF United States Air Force VIF Variance Inflation Factor P-2 Bibliography 1. Beauclair , Renee A. "An Experimental Study of

Framework Requirements for MDO Application Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salas, A. O.; Townsend, J. C.

1999-01-01

Frameworks or problem solving environments that support application development form an active area of research. The Multidisciplinary Optimization Branch at NASA Langley Research Center is investigating frameworks for supporting multidisciplinary analysis and optimization research. The Branch has generated a list of framework requirements, based on the experience gained from the Framework for Interdisciplinary Design Optimization project and the information acquired during a framework evaluation process. In this study, four existing frameworks are examined against these requirements. The results of this examination suggest several topics for further framework research.

Addendum to ''Thin-shell wormholes supported by ordinary matter in Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity''

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

Simeone, Claudio

2011-04-15

Thin-shell wormholes are constructed starting from the exotic branch of the Wiltshire spherically symmetric solution of Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity. The energy-momentum tensor of the shell is studied, and it is shown that configurations supported by matter satisfying the energy conditions exist for certain values of the parameters. Differing from the previous result associated with the normal branch of the Wiltshire solution, this is achieved for small positive values of the Gauss-Bonnet parameter and for vanishing charge.

NIMBY, CLAMP, and the location of new nuclear-related facilities: U.S. national and 11 site-specific surveys.

PubMed

Greenberg, Michael R

2009-09-01

Public and political opposition have made finding locations for new nuclear power plants, waste management, and nuclear research and development facilities a challenge for the U.S. government and the nuclear industry. U.S. government-owned properties that already have nuclear-related activities and commercial nuclear power generating stations are logical locations. Several studies and utility applications to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission suggest that concentrating locations at major plants (CLAMP) has become an implicit siting policy. We surveyed 2,101 people who lived within 50 miles of 11 existing major nuclear sites and 600 who lived elsewhere in the United States. Thirty-four percent favored CLAMP for new nuclear power plants, 52% for waste management facilities, and 50% for new nuclear laboratories. College educated, relatively affluent male whites were the strongest CLAMP supporters. They disproportionately trusted those responsible for the facilities and were not worried about existing nuclear facilities or other local environmental issues. Notably, they were concerned about continuing coal use. Not surprisingly, CLAMP proponents tended to be familiar with their existing local nuclear site. In short, likely CLAMP sites have a large and politically powerful core group to support a CLAMP policy. The challenge to proponents of nuclear technologies will be to sustain this support and expand the base among those who clearly are less connected and receptive to new nearby sites.

15 CFR 12.2 - Undue proliferation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

..., he shall initiate an inquiry for the purpose of finding facts concerning the existence of undue... possible existence of undue proliferation. Such communications should be in writing and include supporting... regarding the possible existence of undue proliferation, the Secretary will determine whether there has been...

15 CFR 12.2 - Undue proliferation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., he shall initiate an inquiry for the purpose of finding facts concerning the existence of undue... possible existence of undue proliferation. Such communications should be in writing and include supporting... regarding the possible existence of undue proliferation, the Secretary will determine whether there has been...

Supportive care for older people with frailty in hospital: An integrative review.

PubMed

Nicholson, Caroline; Morrow, Elizabeth M; Hicks, Allan; Fitzpatrick, Joanne

2017-01-01

Growing numbers of older people living with frailty and chronic health conditions are being referred to hospitals with acute care needs. Supportive care is a potentially highly relevant and clinically important approach which could bridge the practice gap between curative models of care and palliative care. However, future interventions need to be informed and underpinned by existing knowledge of supportive care. To identify and build upon existing theories and evidence about supportive care, specifically in relation to the hospital care of older people with frailty, to inform future interventions and their evaluation. An integrative review was used to identify and integrate theory and evidence. Electronic databases (Cochrane Medline, EMBASE and CIHAHL) were searched using the key term 'supportive care'. Screening identified studies employing qualitative and/or quantitative methods published between January 1990 and December 2015. Citation searches, reference checking and searches of the grey literature were also undertaken. Literature searches identified 2733 articles. After screening, and applying eligibility criteria based on relevance to the research question, studies were subject to methodological quality appraisal. Findings from included articles (n=52) were integrated using synthesis of themes. Relevant evidence was identified across different research literatures, on clinical conditions and contexts. Seven distinct themes of the synthesis were identified, these were: Ensuring fundamental aspects of care are met, Communicating and connecting with the patient, Carer and family engagement, Building up a picture of the person and their circumstances, Decisions and advice about best care for the person, Enabling self-help and connection to wider support, and Supporting patients through transitions in care. A tentative integrative model of supportive care for frail older people is developed from the findings. The findings and model developed here will inform future interventions and can help staff and hospital managers to develop appropriate strategies, staff training and resource allocation models to improve the quality of health care for older people. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Is procrastination all that "bad"? A qualitative study of academic procrastination and self-worth in postgraduate university students.

PubMed

Abramowski, Anna

2018-01-01

Most of the existing literature investigated the construct of procrastination using quantitative paradigms-primarily self-administered questionnaires. However, such approaches seem to limit insight, elaboration, and deeper understanding of central facets that might influence procrastination. The present qualitative study explored how a sample of postgraduate students from Cambridge University represented academic procrastination framed within their personal perspectives and context using semistructured interviews. This study extends the existing quantitative literature by adding students' personal narratives and voices. Ten postgraduate students were interviewed and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The preponderance of the literature on academic procrastination has described it as a maladaptive and detrimental behavior. However, the present study found evidence which supports the existence of a positive form of procrastination as well which suggests that procrastination can sometimes be worthwhile and allow further thinking time, allowing students to do a task and enable them to give more attention to detail which suggests a reconsideration of the negative image commonly associated with procrastination.

Examining the Relationships Between Education, Social Networks and Democratic Support With ABM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drucker, Nick; Campbell, Kenyth

2011-01-01

This paper introduces an agent-based model that explores the relationships between education, social networks, and support for democratic ideals. This study examines two factors thai affect democratic support, education, and social networks. Current theory concerning these two variables suggests that positive relationships exist between education and democratic support and between social networks and the spread of ideas. The model contains multiple variables of democratic support, two of which are evaluated through experimentation. The model allows individual entities within the system to make "decisions" about their democratic support independent of one another. The agent based approach also allows entities to utilize their social networks to spread ideas. Current theory supports experimentation results. In addion , these results show the model is capable of reproducing real world outcomes. This paper addresses the model creation process and the experimentation procedure, as well as future research avenues and potential shortcomings of the model

Evaluation of artillery equipment maintenance support capability based on grey clustering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhai, Mei-jie; Gao, Peng

2017-12-01

This paper, the theory and method of evaluating the capability of equipment maintenance support in China and abroad are studied, from the point of view of the combat task of artillery troops and the strategic attachment in the future military struggle. This paper establishes the framework of the evaluation Index system of the equipment maintenance support capability of the artillery units, and applies the grey clustering method to the evaluation of the equipment maintenance support capability of the artillery units, and finally evaluates the equipment maintenance and support capability of the artillery brigade as an example, and analyzes the evaluation results. This paper finds out the outstanding problems existing in the maintenance and support of military equipment, and puts forward some constructive suggestions, in order to improve the status of military equipment maintenance and support and improve the level of future equipment maintenance.

Digital Life and Youth Well-being, Social Connectedness, Empathy, and Narcissism.

PubMed

James, Carrie; Davis, Katie; Charmaraman, Linda; Konrath, Sara; Slovak, Petr; Weinstein, Emily; Yarosh, Lana

2017-11-01

Youth well-being, social connectedness, and personality traits, such as empathy and narcissism, are at the crux of concerns often raised about the impacts of digital life. Understanding known impacts, and research gaps, in these areas is an important first step toward supporting media use that contributes positively to youth's happiness, life satisfaction, and prosocial attitudes and behaviors. By examining existing work addressing these issues across domains, we found that a complex interplay of individual factors, type of digital media engagement, and experiences in media contexts informs outcomes related to well-being, social connectedness, empathy, and narcissism. We argue that further research is needed to uncover how, where, when, and for whom digital media practices support positive well-being and social connectedness outcomes. Specifically, research needs to move beyond correlational studies to uncover causal connections between traits like narcissism and media use. Longitudinal studies are also needed to explore patterns of media use over time and related impacts. Further research is needed to explore how specific technologies can be designed to support positive well-being, social outcomes, and prosocial personality traits. Finally, research is needed regarding parenting, educational practices, and policies that support positive digital media use and related outcomes. Although existing research suggests that digital life has mixed potentials and effects for well-being, social connectedness, empathy, and narcissism, we provide recommendations for clinicians, policy makers, and educators in partnering with caregivers and youth to support media use that promotes positive outcomes in these areas. Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Towards the ecotourism: a decision support model for the assessment of sustainability of mountain huts in the Alps.

PubMed

Stubelj Ars, Mojca; Bohanec, Marko

2010-12-01

This paper studies mountain hut infrastructure in the Alps as an important element of ecotourism in the Alpine region. To improve the decision-making process regarding the implementation of future infrastructure and improvement of existing infrastructure in the vulnerable natural environment of mountain ecosystems, a new decision support model has been developed. The methodology is based on qualitative multi-attribute modelling supported by the DEXi software. The integrated rule-based model is hierarchical and consists of two submodels that cover the infrastructure of the mountain huts and that of the huts' surroundings. The final goal for the designed tool is to help minimize the ecological footprint of tourists in environmentally sensitive and undeveloped mountain areas and contribute to mountain ecotourism. The model has been tested in the case study of four mountain huts in Triglav National Park in Slovenia. Study findings provide a new empirical approach to evaluating existing mountain infrastructure and predicting improvements for the future. The assessment results are of particular interest for decision makers in protected areas, such as Alpine national parks managers and administrators. In a way, this model proposes an approach to the management assessment of mountain huts with the main aim of increasing the quality of life of mountain environment visitors as well as the satisfaction of tourists who may eventually become ecotourists. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-symbolic halving in an Amazonian indigene group

PubMed Central

McCrink, Koleen; Spelke, Elizabeth S.; Dehaene, Stanislas; Pica, Pierre

2014-01-01

Much research supports the existence of an Approximate Number System (ANS) that is recruited by infants, children, adults, and non-human animals to generate coarse, non-symbolic representations of number. This system supports simple arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, and ordering of amounts. The current study tests whether an intuition of a more complex calculation, division, exists in an indigene group in the Amazon, the Mundurucu, whose language includes no words for large numbers. Mundurucu children were presented with a video event depicting a division transformation of halving, in which pairs of objects turned into single objects, reducing the array's numerical magnitude. Then they were tested on their ability to calculate the outcome of this division transformation with other large-number arrays. The Mundurucu children effected this transformation even when non-numerical variables were controlled, performed above chance levels on the very first set of test trials, and exhibited performance similar to urban children who had access to precise number words and a surrounding symbolic culture. We conclude that a halving calculation is part of the suite of intuitive operations supported by the ANS. PMID:23587042

Depression and dementia: cause, consequence or coincidence?

PubMed

Bennett, Sophia; Thomas, Alan J

2014-10-01

The relationship between depression and dementia is complex and still not well understood. A number of different views exist regarding how the two conditions are linked as well as the underlying neurobiological mechanisms at work. This narrative review examined longitudinal and cross sectional studies in the existing literature and determined the evidence supporting depression being a risk factor, a prodrome, a consequence, or an independent comorbidity in dementia. Overall there is convincing evidence to support both the notion that early life depression can act as a risk factor for later life dementia, and that later life depression can be seen as a prodrome to dementia. There is also evidence to support both conditions showing similar neurobiological changes, particularly white matter disease, either indicating shared risk factors or a shared pattern of neuronal damage. These findings highlight the need to examine if effective treatment of depressive episodes has any effect in reducing the prevalence of dementia, as well as clinicians being vigilant for late life depression indicating the incipient development of dementia, and therefore carefully following up these individuals for future cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A literature search tool for intelligent extraction of disease-associated genes.

PubMed

Jung, Jae-Yoon; DeLuca, Todd F; Nelson, Tristan H; Wall, Dennis P

2014-01-01

To extract disorder-associated genes from the scientific literature in PubMed with greater sensitivity for literature-based support than existing methods. We developed a PubMed query to retrieve disorder-related, original research articles. Then we applied a rule-based text-mining algorithm with keyword matching to extract target disorders, genes with significant results, and the type of study described by the article. We compared our resulting candidate disorder genes and supporting references with existing databases. We demonstrated that our candidate gene set covers nearly all genes in manually curated databases, and that the references supporting the disorder-gene link are more extensive and accurate than other general purpose gene-to-disorder association databases. We implemented a novel publication search tool to find target articles, specifically focused on links between disorders and genotypes. Through comparison against gold-standard manually updated gene-disorder databases and comparison with automated databases of similar functionality we show that our tool can search through the entirety of PubMed to extract the main gene findings for human diseases rapidly and accurately.

The impact of worksite supports for healthy eating on dietary behaviors

PubMed Central

Dodson, Elizabeth A.; Hipp, J. Aaron; Gao, Mengchao; Tabak, Rachel G.; Yang, Lin; Brownson, Ross C.

2016-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the availability of worksite supports (WSS) for healthy eating and examine associations between existing supports and dietary behaviors. Methods A cross-sectional, telephone-based study was conducted with 2013 participants in four metropolitan areas in 2012. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between dietary behaviors and the availability or use of WSS. Results Those reporting the availability of a cafeteria/snack bar/food services at the worksite were more likely to consume fruits and vegetables more than twice/day, and less likely to consume fast food more than twice/week. Conclusions Study results highlight the utility of specific WSS to improve employee dietary behaviors while raising questions about why the presence of healthy foods at the worksite may not translate into employee consumption of such foods. PMID:27414016

Cultural and Global Linkages of Emotional Support through Online Support Groups.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gary, Juneau Mahan

Computer technology is altering the way people cope with emotional distress. Computers enable people worldwide and from all cultural groups to give and receive emotional support when it may be culturally stigmatizing to seek face-to-face support or when support services are limited or non-existent. Online support groups attract a broad range of…

Evaluation of the Teacher-Student Relationship Inventory in American High School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suldo, Shannon M.; McMahan, Melanie M.; Chappel, Ashley M.; Bateman, Lisa P.

2014-01-01

This study provided an independent examination of the Teacher Student Relationship Inventory (TSRI), a teacher report measure developed in Singapore. A total of 500 American high school students were rated by 84 teachers. Exploratory factor analysis supported the existence of three factors representing instrumental help, satisfaction, and…

Criteria for Pruning Academic Programs: Actual vs. Ideal. ASHE 1988 Annual Meeting Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Cynthia S.; Gardiner, John J.

Two decades following the publication of David G. Brown's "Criteria for Pruning Programs," (which recognized that traditional financial support to higher education was decreasing and proposed 10 guidelines for evaluating existing programs) a study was developed to determine what criteria are actually being used by comprehensive…

Maternal Depression: A Source of Stress for Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Longfellow, Cynthia; Szpiro, Susan Zur

The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to determine whether a relationship exists between maternal depressive symptomatology and children's emotional well-being, and (2) to determine specifically whether it is the depressed mother's lack of supportiveness that affects her child's well-being. A total of 160 nonclinical population mother/child…

Background Paper on State and Local Taxation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLoone, Eugene

This paper represents part of a comprehensive study of the existing New York State school support formulae. The report consists of (1) analysis of the 1969 State revenue increases -- wage increases and inflation, expansion of State and local government services, property tax relief, and increased annual revenue needs; (2) explication of factors…

Psychiatric Residents' Views of Quality of Psychotherapy Training and Psychotherapy Competencies: A Multisite Survey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calabrese, Christina; Sciolla, Andres; Zisook, Sidney; Bitner, Robin; Tuttle, Jeffrey; Dunn, Laura B.

2010-01-01

Objective: Few studies of residents' attitudes toward psychotherapy training exist. The authors examined residents' perceptions of the quality of their training, support for training, their own competence levels, and associations between self-perceived competence and perceptions of the training environment. Methods: An anonymous, web-based…

Gifted Education in Preschool: Perceived Barriers and Benefits of Program Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kettler, Todd; Oveross, Mattie E.; Bishop, James C.

2017-01-01

Substantial evidence supports the benefits of quality preschool education for children of all levels and backgrounds. However, early childhood gifted education services rarely exist in preschool centers. This study included 263 preschool centers representing geographic diversity in a southern state in the United States. Narrative data were…

Selection, Availability, and Opportunity: The Conditional Effect of Poverty on Terrorist Group Participation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kavanagh, Jennifer

2011-01-01

Poverty is often identified as a determinant of terrorist group participation, but existing research reveals mixed support for this relationship. Some studies find that macroeconomic decline is associated with increased production of terrorists, but micro-level research suggests terrorists have above average socioeconomic status and educational…

Connecting Ed & Tech: Partnering to Drive Student Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnett, Thomas

2016-01-01

All too often, the connection between teachers and technology falls flat. Pioneering schools and educators search for technology to support new instructional models, only to find that existing options do not align with their evolving classroom practices. This case study describes how Leadership Public Schools (LPS), a charter school management…

College Students' View of Biotechnology Products and Practices in Sustainable Agriculture Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, William A.

2008-01-01

Sustainable agriculture implies the use of products and practices that sustain production, protect the environment, ensure economic viability, and maintain rural community viability. Disagreement exists as to whether or not the products and practices of modern biotechnological support agricultural sustainability. The purpose of this study was to…

Principals: Instructional Leaders to Support All Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kroener, Julienne Patricia

2017-01-01

As principals work towards meeting the educational needs of all students, including students with disabilities, in an inclusive environment it is essential to understand the challenges that may occur throughout this process. This study examined the barriers that exist for principals as instructional leaders when ensuring equitable education for…

Security/Life Safety: A Need for Change.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ellsworth, Douglas

2003-01-01

In response to legislation, colleges and universities in several states must prepare to install sprinkler systems. Four basic issues an engineering study should examine include: whether the existing water service has the size, capacity, and pressure to support a sprinkler system; whether the protected facility will have to comply with more…

Independent School Leadership: Heads, Boards, and Strategic Thinking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Troy; Campbell, Stephen; Ostroff, David

2016-01-01

This study seeks to identify and assess factors that contribute to effective independent school governance at the board of trustees level. A review of extant literature reveals two major challenges: (a) definitions and standards of board effectiveness are inconsistent, and (b) there is very little empirical evidence to support existing definitions…

Toward a Critical HRD in Theory and Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fenwick, Tara J.

2004-01-01

Drawing from critical management studies and critical pedagogy, this article proposes principles and practices to support the emerging critical human resource development (HRD) field as one stream among existing theories and practice of HRD. A critical HRD would challenge the subjugation of human knowledge, skills, and relationships to…

Relation between Video Game Addiction and Interfamily Relationships on Primary School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zorbaz, Selen Demirtas; Ulas, Ozlem; Kizildag, Seval

2015-01-01

This study seeks to analyze whether or not the following three variables of "Discouraging Family Relations," "Supportive Family Relations," "Total Time Spent on the Computer," and "Grade Point Average (GPA)" predict elementary school students' video game addiction rates, and whether or not there exists a…

Supporting Sustainability: Teachers' Advice Networks and Ambitious Instructional Reform

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coburn, Cynthia E.; Russell, Jennifer L.; Kaufman, Julia Heath; Stein, Mary Kay

2012-01-01

Scaling up instructional improvement remains a central challenge for school systems. While existing research suggests that teachers' social networks play a crucial role, we know little about what dimensions of teachers' social networks matter for sustainability. Drawing from a longitudinal study of the scale-up of mathematics reform, we use…

How European American and Taiwanese Mothers Talk to Their Children about Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Jin; Fung, Heidi; Bakeman, Roger; Rae, Katharine; Wei, Wanchun

2014-01-01

Little cross-cultural research exists on parental socialization of children's learning beliefs. The current study compared 218 conversations between European American and Taiwanese mothers and children (6-10 years) about good and poor learning. The findings support well-documented cultural differences in learning beliefs. European Americans…

Online Support for VET Clients: Expectations and Experiences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choy, Sarojni; McNickle, Cathy; Clayton, Berwyn

Since little research existed about services for online learners in Australia, a national study was conducted to explore the expectations and experiences of online learners in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. Online learners enrolled with various Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) from the VET sector were contacted for…

Impact of Supplemental Instruction Participation on College Freshman Retention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skoglund, Kirk; Wall, Timothy J.; Kiene, David

2018-01-01

Supplemental Instruction (SI), a higher-education academic support program, targets challenging college courses and uses peer-led review sessions to develop academic skills, improve grades, influence persistence, and ultimately increase student retention (Arendale, 2001). The goals of this study were twofold: to determine if differences existed in…

Accounting for Cheating: An Evolving Theory and Emergent Themes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brent, Edward; Atkisson, Curtis

2011-01-01

This study examines student responses to the question, "What circumstances, if any, could make cheating justified?" It then assesses how well those responses can be classified by existing theories and categories that emerge from a qualitative analysis of the data. Results show considerable support for techniques of neutralization, partial support…

Case study: dairies utilizing ultra-high stock density grazing in the Northeast

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ultra-high stock density (UHSD) grazing has gained interest in the forage industry. However, little credible research exists to support anecdotal claims that forage and soil improvement occur through trampling high proportions (75+%) of mature forage into the soil by grazing dense groups of cattle o...

Growing Language Awareness in the Classroom Garden

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paugh, Patricia; Moran, Mary

2013-01-01

For four years, Pat Paugh, a university teacher educator, and Mary Moran, a teacher researcher, collaborated on action research by systematically studying literacy development connected to the latter's third-grade community gardening and urban farming curriculum. Their goal was to support an existing classroom culture that valued…

Trip experiences and tourists' motivation

Treesearch

Joseph S. Chen; Alan R. Graefe; Deborah L. Kerstetter

1998-01-01

Little evidence exists to support the proposition that travel experiences may affect tourists' motivations. This study found that there was a significant difference in travel motivation between tourists who had an experience visiting other routes similar to the route they currently visited and tourists who did not have this experience; "interest in the site...

Exploring Staff Facilitation that Supports Family Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pattison, Scott A.; Dierking, Lynn D.

2012-01-01

Front-line educators are arguably critical to the visitor experience at museums and science centers across the country. However, little research exists to inform staff facilitation strategies or professional development efforts. In this article, we describe the results of a qualitative study of 63 staff-family interactions in a science center,…

Parental Control of Children's Television Viewing Behavior: Support for the Reverse Modeling Principle.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Surlin, Stuart H.; And Others

A study was conducted to document the existence of the "reverse modeling" principle of television viewing behavior whereby children, rather than parents, determine the television viewing choices for family members. Through telephone interviews, 284 adult respondents were questioned regarding their knowledge of the television advisory…

Report of the 1981 Commission on Public Relations Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Kenneth Owler

1982-01-01

Summarizes efforts to (1) review the undergraduate curricula; (2) design a "model" curriculum for graduate studies; and (3) recommend support courses for public relations students. Reports, among other findings, that a "model" already exists, and elements are shared by top-ranked universities in the field. For journal…

Cross-Cultural Validity of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale in Korea

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Dong-gwi; Park, Hyun-joo

2011-01-01

This study with 213 South Korean college students (113 men) examined the cross-cultural generalizability of (a) the factor structure of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (F-MPS) and (b) the existence of adaptive perfectionists, maladaptive perfectionists, and nonperfectionists. A confirmatory factor analysis did not support the…

[Cultural adaptation and validation of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey questionnaire (MOS-SSS)].

PubMed

Alonso Fachado, A; Montes Martinez, A; Menendez Villalva, C; Pereira, M Graça

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was the assesment of psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the instrument "Medical Outcomes Study - Social Support Survey (MOSSSS)". This questionnaire has been translated and adapted in a Portuguese sample of 101 patients with chronic illness of a rural health centre in Portugal. The average age of patients was 63.4 years, 56.4% female. 29% were illiterate and 2% had completed high school. 78% had arterial hypertension and the 56.4% had diabetes mellitus type 2. The internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory and Confirmatory factor analysis were performed in order to confirm reliability and validity of the scale and its multidimensional characteristics. The 2-week test-retest reliability was estimated using weighted kappa for the ordinals variables and intraclass coefficient correlation for the quantitative variables. Cronbach's alphas for the subscales ranged from 0.873 to 0.967 at test, and 0.862 to 0.972 at retest. Exploratory factor analysis revealed the existence of four factors (emotional, tangible, positive interaction and affection support) that explain the 72.71% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the existence of four factors that allowed the application of the scale with original items. The goodness-of-fit measures corroborate the initial structure, with chi2/ df=2.01, GFI=0.998, CFI=0.999, AGFI=0.998, TLI=0.999, NFI=0.998, SRMR=0.332, RMSEA=0.76. The 2-weeks test-retest reliability of the Portuguese MOS-SSS as measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient was ranged from 0.941 to 0.966 for the four dimensions and the overall support index. The weighted kappa was ranged from 0.67 to 0.87 for all the items. The MOS-SSS Portuguese version demonstrates good psychometric properties and seems to be useful to measure multidimensional aspects of social support in the Portuguese population.

Non-Tenure-Track Faculty's Social Construction of a Supportive Work Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kezar, Adrianna

2013-01-01

Background: The number of non-tenure-track faculty (NTTF), including both full-time (FT) and part-time (PT) positions, has risen to two-thirds of faculty positions across the academy. To date, most of the studies of NTTF have relied on secondary data or large-scale surveys. Few qualitative studies exist that examine the experience, working…

Group Multilateral Relation Analysis Based on Large Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LIU, Qiang; ZHOU, Guo-min; CHEN, Guang-xuan; XU, Yong

2017-09-01

Massive, multi-source, heterogeneous police data and social data brings challenges to the current police work. The existing massive data resources are studied as the research object to excavate the group of multilateral relations by using large data technology for data archiving. The results of the study could provide technical support to police enforcement departments for fighting crime and preventing crime.

A Community Organizes for Action: A Case Study of the Mon-Yough Region in Pennsylvania.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avery, Robert W.; Chesler, Herbert A.

This case study examines the development and problems of the Mon-Yough Community Action Committee, Inc. (MYCAC), one of the local anti-poverty agencies in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The agency's major effort is to overcome problems created by the decline of the local steel industry by supporting existing welfare agencies, and through such…

Learners' and Teachers' Perceptions of Learning Analytics (LA): A Case Study of Southampton Solent University (SSU)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khan, Osama

2017-01-01

This paper depicts a perceptual picture of learning analytics based on the understanding of learners and teachers at the SSU as a case study. The existing literature covers technical challenges of learning analytics (LA) and how it creates better social construct for enhanced learning support, however, there has not been adequate research on…

"Very much evolving": a qualitative study of the views of psychiatrists about peer support workers.

PubMed

Collins, Rachael; Firth, Lucy; Shakespeare, Tom

2016-06-01

Mental health services continue to develop service user involvement, including a growth in employment of peer support workers (PSWs). Despite the importance of the views and attitudes expressed by psychiatrists, this topic has not previously been studied. To gain insight into the views and attitudes psychiatrists have about PSWs. A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 11 psychiatrists in the East of England. Psychiatrists were broadly positive and supportive of PSWs. Interviewees not only could anticipate a range of possible benefits of employing PSWs, but also had concerns regarding their implementation and management. There was a lack of clarity and consistency between interviewees about what the exact role of a PSW might involve. This study provides insights into how PSWs are perceived by psychiatrists. While broadly positive attitudes exist, the research highlights certain challenges, particularly role ambiguity.

Social support among African Americans with heart failure: is there a role for community health advisors?

PubMed

Durant, Raegan W; Brown, Qiana L; Cherrington, Andrea L; Andreae, Lynn J; Hardy, Claudia M; Scarinci, Isabel C

2013-01-01

The study had 2 objectives: (1) to gather the observations of community health advisors (CHAs) on the role of social support in the lives of African Americans; and (2) to develop a lay support intervention framework, on the basis of the existing literature and observations of CHAs, depicting how social support may address the needs of African American patients with heart failure. Qualitative data were collected in semistructured interviews among 15 CHAs working in African American communities in Birmingham, Alabama. Prominent themes included the challenge of meeting clients' overlapping health care and general life needs, the variation in social support received from family and friends, and the opportunities for CHAs to provide multiple types of social support to clients. CHAs also believed that their support activities could be implemented among populations with heart failure. The experience of CHAs with social support can inform a potential framework of a lay support intervention among African Americans with heart failure. Published by Mosby, Inc.

Social acceptance among tuberculosis patients at Puskesmas Amplas Medan, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eyanoer, P. C.

2018-03-01

Social acceptance is a confession, compilation, and appreciation for an individual which come from other individual or social groups in their entirety which makes individual feels safe, comfortable, and their existence is appreciated. A cross-sectional study consisted of 42 pulmonary TB patients registered at Puskesmas Amplas was done to analyze their social acceptance in the society. Data was collected by direct interview using structured questionnaire. The result showed that majority had either high and very high social acceptance with 45.20% and 31.0% respectively with high family support and high self-confidence (73.8%). Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between family support and self confidence with social acceptance (p value<0.05). The correlation coefficient (r) of self confidenceis 0.629 while family support were is 0.455 (p-value<0.05). This study concludes that both family support and self-confidence have a significant correlation with social acceptance.

On the development of harmonious and obsessive passion: the role of autonomy support, activity specialization, and identification with the activity.

PubMed

Mageau, Geneviève A; Vallerand, Robert J; Charest, Julie; Salvy, Sarah-Jeanne; Lacaille, Nathalie; Bouffard, Thérèse; Koestner, Richard

2009-06-01

Recent research (Vallerand et al., 2003) has supported the existence of two types of passion for activities: a harmonious and an obsessive passion. The purpose of this investigation was to study the processes likely to lead to the development of passion. Three studies using correlational and short-term longitudinal designs with varied populations ranging from beginners to experts reveal that identification with the activity, activity specialization, parents' activity valuation, and autonomy support predict the development of passion. Furthermore, results show that children and teenagers whose environment supports their autonomy are more likely to develop a harmonious passion than an obsessive one. Conversely, children and teenagers who highly value activity specialization, who rely heavily on their activity for self-definition, and whose parents highly value the activity are more likely to develop an obsessive passion.

Support for and From Aging Mothers Whose Adult Daughters are Seriously Mentally Ill.

PubMed

Dunkle, Ruth E; Ingersoll-Dayton, Berit; Chadiha, Letha A

2015-01-01

This article discusses, from the grandmother's perspective, the ways in which support is exchanged in families coping with serious mental illness. A strengths perspective was utilized to identify ways in which family members help each other. Employing a qualitative approach, this study focuses on interviews obtained from a sample of 22 aging mothers, aged 52-90, who are in contact with their daughters who have a mental illness. Grandmothers provided several kinds of support to their mentally ill adult daughters and to their grandchildren, who also supported the aging mother in numerous ways. As social workers seek to assist individuals with mental illness, it is important to assess the existing strengths of their intergenerational family context.

Disaster preparedness networks in rural Midwest communities: Organizational roles, collaborations, and support for older residents.

PubMed

Ashida, Sato; Zhu, Xi; Robinson, Erin L; Schroer, Audrey

2018-05-17

This study investigated the roles and interconnections among community organizations belonging to local disaster coalitions in Midwest in supporting older residents. Representatives from 44 organizations participated in one-time survey. Most were non-profit (68%) or federal/state/local government agencies (23%). The analyses of 761 relationships showed stronger collaborations in assessment (average strength=2.88 on a 5-point scale), emergency response (2.72), and planning (2.61); and weaker collaborations in co-sponsoring programs (1.71) and supporting older residents (2.03). The extent of collaboration (network density) to support older adults was also low. Coalitions may enhance network density and centralization by developing sub-committee structure and strengthening existing collaborations.

Automating Guidelines for Clinical Decision Support: Knowledge Engineering and Implementation.

PubMed

Tso, Geoffrey J; Tu, Samson W; Oshiro, Connie; Martins, Susana; Ashcraft, Michael; Yuen, Kaeli W; Wang, Dan; Robinson, Amy; Heidenreich, Paul A; Goldstein, Mary K

2016-01-01

As utilization of clinical decision support (CDS) increases, it is important to continue the development and refinement of methods to accurately translate the intention of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) into a computable form. In this study, we validate and extend the 13 steps that Shiffman et al. 5 identified for translating CPG knowledge for use in CDS. During an implementation project of ATHENA-CDS, we encoded complex CPG recommendations for five common chronic conditions for integration into an existing clinical dashboard. Major decisions made during the implementation process were recorded and categorized according to the 13 steps. During the implementation period, we categorized 119 decisions and identified 8 new categories required to complete the project. We provide details on an updated model that outlines all of the steps used to translate CPG knowledge into a CDS integrated with existing health information technology.

Evaluating business value of IT towards optimisation of the application portfolio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Lily; Liu, Kecheng; Indrayani Jambari, Dian; Michell, Vaughan

2016-05-01

Information technology has become heavily embedded in business operations. As business needs change over time, IT applications are expected to continue providing required support. Whether the existing IT applications are still fit for the business purpose they were intended or new IT applications should be introduced is a strategic decision for business, IT and business-aligned IT. In this article, we present a method that aims to analyse business functions and IT roles and to evaluate business-aligned IT from both social and technical perspectives. The method introduces a set of techniques that systematically supports the evaluation of the existing IT applications in relation to their technical capabilities for maximising business value. Furthermore, we discuss the evaluation process and results that are illustrated and validated through a real-life case study of a UK borough council and followed by discussion on implications for researchers and practitioners.

Electricity Load Forecasting Using Support Vector Regression with Memetic Algorithms

PubMed Central

Hu, Zhongyi; Xiong, Tao

2013-01-01

Electricity load forecasting is an important issue that is widely explored and examined in power systems operation literature and commercial transactions in electricity markets literature as well. Among the existing forecasting models, support vector regression (SVR) has gained much attention. Considering the performance of SVR highly depends on its parameters; this study proposed a firefly algorithm (FA) based memetic algorithm (FA-MA) to appropriately determine the parameters of SVR forecasting model. In the proposed FA-MA algorithm, the FA algorithm is applied to explore the solution space, and the pattern search is used to conduct individual learning and thus enhance the exploitation of FA. Experimental results confirm that the proposed FA-MA based SVR model can not only yield more accurate forecasting results than the other four evolutionary algorithms based SVR models and three well-known forecasting models but also outperform the hybrid algorithms in the related existing literature. PMID:24459425

Electricity load forecasting using support vector regression with memetic algorithms.

PubMed

Hu, Zhongyi; Bao, Yukun; Xiong, Tao

2013-01-01

Electricity load forecasting is an important issue that is widely explored and examined in power systems operation literature and commercial transactions in electricity markets literature as well. Among the existing forecasting models, support vector regression (SVR) has gained much attention. Considering the performance of SVR highly depends on its parameters; this study proposed a firefly algorithm (FA) based memetic algorithm (FA-MA) to appropriately determine the parameters of SVR forecasting model. In the proposed FA-MA algorithm, the FA algorithm is applied to explore the solution space, and the pattern search is used to conduct individual learning and thus enhance the exploitation of FA. Experimental results confirm that the proposed FA-MA based SVR model can not only yield more accurate forecasting results than the other four evolutionary algorithms based SVR models and three well-known forecasting models but also outperform the hybrid algorithms in the related existing literature.

Extended duration Orbiter life support definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kleiner, G. N.; Thompson, C. D.

1978-01-01

Extending the baseline seven-day Orbiter mission to 30 days or longer and operating with a solar power module as the primary source for electrical power requires changes to the existing environmental control and life support (ECLS) system. The existing ECLS system imposes penalties on longer missions which limit the Orbiter capabilities and changes are required to enhance overall mission objectives. Some of these penalties are: large quantities of expendables, the need to dump or store large quantities of waste material, the need to schedule fuel cell operation, and a high landing weight penalty. This paper presents the study ground rules and examines the limitations of the present ECLS system against Extended Duration Orbiter mission requirements. Alternate methods of accomplishing ECLS functions for the Extended Duration Orbiter are discussed. The overall impact of integrating these options into the Orbiter are evaluated and significant Orbiter weight and volume savings with the recommended approaches are described.

Computer-Based Training of Cannon Fire Direction Specialists

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

and military knowlge needed to perfor wartime missio (Department of the Army, 1987). These occur "in residence" at Army schools, during on-the-job...not permit detailed analysis of the activities associated with producing and executing a training course. This is a serious problem because many of...and to sustain existing training products. Tracing the changes in support activities is difficult because support activities exist at many different

Supporting Parents: How Six Decades of Parenting Research Can Inform Policy and Best Practice. Social Policy Report. Volume 30, Number 5

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Teti, Douglas M.; Cole, Pamela M.; Cabrera, Natasha; Goodman, Sherryl H.; McLoyd, Vonnie C.

2017-01-01

In this paper, we call attention to the need to expand existing efforts and to develop policies, programs, and best practices in the United States designed to support parents at risk and promote parenting competence. Despite the existence of some services offered to parents of children at risk due to developmental delay or at economic risk, the…

Multicriteria decision model for retrofitting existing buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bostenaru Dan, B.

2003-04-01

In this paper a model to decide which buildings from an urban area should be retrofitted is presented. The model has been cast into existing ones by choosing the decision rule, criterion weighting and decision support system types most suitable for the spatial problem of reducing earthquake risk in urban areas, considering existing spatial multiatributive and multiobjective decision methods and especially collaborative issues. Due to the participative character of the group decision problem "retrofitting existing buildings" the decision making model is based on interactivity. Buildings have been modeled following the criteria of spatial decision support systems. This includes identifying the corresponding spatial elements of buildings according to the information needs of actors from different sphaeres like architects, construction engineers and economists. The decision model aims to facilitate collaboration between this actors. The way of setting priorities interactivelly will be shown, by detailing the two phases: judgemental and computational, in this case site analysis, collection and evaluation of the unmodified data and converting survey data to information with computational methods using additional expert support. Buildings have been divided into spatial elements which are characteristic for the survey, present typical damages in case of an earthquake and are decisive for a better seismic behaviour in case of retrofitting. The paper describes the architectural and engineering characteristics as well as the structural damage for constuctions of different building ages on the example of building types in Bucharest, Romania in compressible and interdependent charts, based on field observation, reports from the 1977 earthquake and detailed studies made by the author together with a local engineer for the EERI Web Housing Encyclopedia. On this base criteria for setting priorities flow into the expert information contained in the system.

Emotional Intelligence and Its Relationship with Levels of Social Anxiety and Stress in Adolescents.

PubMed

Cejudo, Javier; Rodrigo-Ruiz, Débora; López-Delgado, Maria Luz; Losada, Lidia

2018-05-25

The aim of this work is to extend the research on the relationships between emotional intelligence and various indicators of subjective well-being in adolescents, such as stress and social anxiety. The existence of differences in stress and social anxiety as a function of an emotional intelligence score is also analyzed. A total of 505 Spanish adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 participated in the study. The results obtained support the existence of a positive relationship between trait emotional intelligence and subjective well-being. Likewise, the existence of a negative association between emotional intelligence and stress, and emotional intelligence and social anxiety, is confirmed. These results are consistent with other similar works based on adolescent samples.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Excavationless: Exterior-Side Foundation Insulation for Existing Homes

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

None

Building science research supports installing exterior (soil side) foundation insulation as the optimal method to enhance the hygrothermal performance of new homes. With exterior foundation insulation, water management strategies are maximized while insulating the basement space and ensuring a more even temperature at the foundation wall. This project describes an innovative, minimally invasive foundation insulation upgrade technique on an existing home that uses hydrovac excavation technology combined with a liquid insulating foam. Cost savings over the traditional excavation process ranged from 23% to 50%. The excavationless process could result in even greater savings since replacement of building structures, exterior features,more » utility meters, and landscaping would be minimal or non-existent in an excavationless process.« less

Adapting a Cancer Literacy Measure for Use Among Navajo Women.

PubMed

Yost, Kathleen J; Bauer, Mark C; Buki, Lydia P; Austin-Garrison, Martha; Garcia, Linda V; Hughes, Christine A; Patten, Christi A

2017-05-01

The authors designed a community-based participatory research study to develop and test a family-based behavioral intervention to improve cancer literacy and promote mammography among Navajo women. Using data from focus groups and discussions with a community advisory committee, they adapted an existing questionnaire to assess cancer knowledge, barriers to mammography, and cancer beliefs for use among Navajo women. Questions measuring health literacy, numeracy, self-efficacy, cancer communication, and family support were also adapted. The resulting questionnaire was found to have good content validity, and to be culturally and linguistically appropriate for use among Navajo women. It is important to consider culture and not just language when adapting existing measures for use with AI/AN (American Indian/Alaskan Native) populations. English-language versions of existing literacy measures may not be culturally appropriate for AI/AN populations, which could lead to a lack of semantic, technical, idiomatic, and conceptual equivalence, resulting in misinterpretation of study outcomes.

A cross-sectional survey of the prevalence of environmental tobacco smoke preventive care provision by child health services in Australia

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Despite the need for a reduction in levels of childhood exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) being a recognised public health goal, the delivery of ETS preventive care in child health service settings remains a largely unstudied area. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ETS preventive care in child health services; differences in the provision of care by type of service; the prevalence of strategies to support such care; and the association between care support strategies and care provision. Method One-hundred and fifty-one (83%) child health service managers within New South Wales, Australia completed a questionnaire in 2002 regarding the: assessment of parental smoking and child ETS exposure; the provision of parental smoking cessation and ETS-exposure reduction advice; and strategies used to support the provision of such care. Child health services were categorised based on their size and case-mix, and a chi-square analysis was performed to compare the prevalence of ETS risk assessment and ETS prevention advice between service types. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between the existence of care support strategies and the provision of ETS risk assessment and ETS exposure prevention advice. Results A significant proportion of services reported that they did not assess parental smoking status (26%), and reported that they did not assess the ETS exposure (78%) of any child. Forty four percent of services reported that they did not provide smoking cessation advice and 20% reported they did not provide ETS exposure prevention advice. Community based child and family health services reported a greater prevalence of ETS preventive care compared to other hospital based units. Less than half of the services reported having strategies to support the provision of ETS preventive care. The existence of such support strategies was associated with greater odds of care provision. Conclusions The existence of major gaps in recommended ETS preventive care provision suggests a need for additional initiatives to increase such care delivery. The low prevalence of strategies that support such care delivery suggests a potential avenue to achieve this outcome. PMID:21575273

Navigating a sea of values: Understanding public attitudes toward the ocean and ocean energy resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lilley, Jonathan Charles

In examining ocean values and beliefs, this study investigates the moral and ethical aspects of the relationships that exist between humans and the marine environment. In short, this dissertation explores what the American public thinks of the ocean. The study places a specific focus upon attitudes to ocean energy development. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this research: elicits mental models that exist in society regarding the ocean; unearths what philosophies underpin people's attitudes toward the ocean and offshore energy development; assesses whether these views have any bearing on pro-environmental behavior; and gauges support for offshore drilling and offshore wind development. Despite the fact that the ocean is frequently ranked as a second-tier environmental issue, Americans are concerned about the state of the marine environment. Additionally, the data show that lack of knowledge, rather than apathy, prevents people from undertaking pro-environmental action. With regard to philosophical beliefs, Americans hold slightly more nonanthropocentric than anthropocentric views toward the environment. Neither anthropocentrism nor nonanthropocentrism has any real impact on pro-environmental behavior, although nonanthropocentric attitudes reduce support for offshore wind. This research also uncovers two gaps between scientific and public perceptions of offshore wind power with respect to: 1) overall environmental effects; and 2) the size of the resource. Providing better information to the public in the first area may lead to a shift toward offshore wind support among opponents with nonanthropocentric attitudes, and in both areas, is likely to increase offshore wind support.

Support for infertility treatment in Japan: differences in perceptions between female clients and staff.

PubMed

Takabayashi, Chikako; Shimada, Keiko

2010-03-01

The aim of this study was to clarify the perceptions of both infertile women accessing support services from local governments related to infertility treatment and the public servants providing that assistance. This cross-sectional descriptive study surveyed 62 local government staff members who managed medical expense subsidy programs for infertility treatment in the Hokuriku region of Japan and 84 infertile women attending the clinics. We measured the levels of satisfaction regarding the support services from local governments and the perceptions of the importance of each type of support. The data were analyzed descriptively and included factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Local governments' support services were analyzed by using four factors: providing information, education and consultation, improving existing services, and improving access. Both the women and the staff endorsed the importance of information provision, the easing of restrictions on subsidies for infertility treatment, reconsideration of the application procedures, and improvement of the publicizing of the available subsidies.

Preparing for Educational Change: Incorporating the Support Curriculum into the Basic Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hannifin, Michael J.; Barrett, Bradley K.

1983-01-01

Increased local control for support programs formerly federally funded will require planning and coordination. Curriculum systematization is a process for determining the compatibility of support programs with the existing local curriculum. (SK)

Social Media Use by Transplant Recipients for Support and Healing.

PubMed

Grumme, Valarie S; Gordon, Shirley C

2016-12-01

Transplant recipients use a diverse support network that now includes transplant-related social media support groups. The purpose of this study is to explore the use of social media sites by transplant recipients as a potential source of support and healing and the usefulness of Internet postings as a source of rich qualitative data. A qualitative descriptive design was used for the study. A total of 126 retrospective postings from 58 participants were analyzed as they existed on this open publically available Web site over a 20-month period from the selected discussion threads. Two major themes emerged from the data: sharing overwhelming gratitude and finding sanctuary. Sharing overwhelming gratitude was expressed in emotional postings about feelings and letters to donor families. Finding sanctuary described the recipients' perception of the online community as a safe and nonjudgmental environment to discuss sensitive issues and feelings. This study adds to what is known about the unique psychological and emotional needs of transplant recipients. Transplant-related support Web sites offer the opportunity to learn what matters most to transplant recipients and identify gaps in care related to calls for nursing.

78 FR 54242 - 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-03

... elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $1.2 billion. This proposed sale will... support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. (iv) Military Department... logistical support to sustain the combat and operational readiness of its existing aircraft fleet. The...

Can existing mobile apps support healthier food purchasing behaviour? Content analysis of nutrition content, behaviour change theory and user quality integration.

PubMed

Flaherty, Sarah-Jane; McCarthy, Mary; Collins, Alan; McAuliffe, Fionnuala

2018-02-01

To assess the quality of nutrition content and the integration of user quality components and behaviour change theory relevant to food purchasing behaviour in a sample of existing mobile apps. Descriptive comparative analysis of eleven mobile apps comprising an assessment of their alignment with existing evidence on nutrition, behaviour change and user quality, and their potential ability to support healthier food purchasing behaviour. Mobile apps freely available for public use in GoogePlay were assessed and scored according to agreed criteria to assess nutrition content quality and integration of behaviour change theory and user quality components. A sample of eleven mobile apps that met predefined inclusion criteria to ensure relevance and good quality. The quality of the nutrition content varied. Improvements to the accuracy and appropriateness of nutrition content are needed to ensure mobile apps support a healthy behaviour change process and are accessible to a wider population. There appears to be a narrow focus towards behaviour change with an overemphasis on behavioural outcomes and a small number of behaviour change techniques, which may limit effectiveness. A significant effort from the user was required to use the mobile apps appropriately which may negatively influence user acceptability and subsequent utilisation. Existing mobile apps may offer a potentially effective approach to supporting healthier food purchasing behaviour but improvements in mobile app design are required to maximise their potential effectiveness. Engagement of mobile app users and nutrition professionals is recommended to support effective design.

Survey of Sea Strait Data Around Japan.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

study was financially supported by the Office of Naval Research, Coastal Sciences Program, under contract N00014-809-C-0039, Project No. NR 388-159/9...Objective The principal objective of this study is to review and consolidate existing oceanographic information relating to three major sea straits...these sea straits are shown in Figure 1-1. More specifically, the study called for ccmpiling the following products: 1. Data Inventory System o Search

Battlefield Visualization

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-12-15

A study analyzing battlefield visualization (BV) as a component of information dominance and superiority. This study outlines basic requirements for effective BV in terms of terrain data, information systems (synthetic environment; COA development and analysis tools) and BV development management, with a focus on technology insertion strategies. This study also reports on existing BV systems and provides 16 recommendations for Army BV support efforts, including interested organization, funding levels and duration of effort for each recommended action.

Numerical aerodynamic simulation facility preliminary study, volume 2 and appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Data to support results obtained in technology assessment studies are presented. Objectives, starting points, and future study tasks are outlined. Key design issues discussed in appendices include: data allocation, transposition network design, fault tolerance and trustworthiness, logic design, processing element of existing components, number of processors, the host system, alternate data base memory designs, number representation, fast div 521 instruction, architectures, and lockstep array versus synchronizable array machine comparison.

Mother reports of maternal support following child sexual abuse: Preliminary psychometric data on the Maternal Self-report Support Questionnaire (MSSQ).

PubMed

Smith, Daniel W; Sawyer, Genelle K; Jones, Lisa M; Cross, Theodore; McCart, Michael R; Ralston, M Elizabeth

2010-10-01

Maternal support is an important factor in predicting outcomes following disclosure of child sexual abuse; however, definition of the construct has been unclear and existing measures of maternal support are utilized inconsistently and have limited psychometric data. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid mother-report measure for assessing maternal support following the disclosure of child sexual abuse. Data from 2 very similar samples of mother-child pairs seeking forensic evaluation following the discovery of child sexual abuse were combined, resulting in a final sample of 246. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in two reliable 7-item factors labeled "Emotional Support" and "Blame/Doubt," each of which had acceptable internal consistency. Analyses with a child-report measure of general maternal support the construct validity of the MSSQ. Concurrent validity analyses revealed unique relations with maternal ratings of child behavior problems and case characteristic data. The study resulted in the development of a brief, easily scored self-report measure of maternal support with reasonable preliminary psychometric properties that could easily be utilized in other studies of sexually abused children. Adoption of this promising measure in future research will reduce the lack of cross-study measurement comparability that has characterized the maternal support literature to date, increase the feasibility of expanding upon current literature on maternal support, and may produce important information leading to clinical and theoretical innovation. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Different patterns of social support perceived and their association with physical (hypertension, diabetes) or mental diseases in the context of primary health care.

PubMed

Aragão, Ellen Ingrid Souza; Portugal, Flávia Batista; Campos, Mônica Rodrigues; Lopes, Claudia de Souza; Fortes, Sandra Lúcia Correia Lima

2017-07-01

This work discusses the relationship between hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and social support in primary health care. This research aimed to identify the association between physical disease, mental disease, support network and perceived social support in the research sample. This is a cross-sectional study inserted in a larger research project funded by the Pan American Health Organization and carried out in 2002 in Petrópolis, RJ. The sample consisted of 714 patients with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years old. Results showed association between variables from support network either with evidence of hypertension or diabetes, or with the existence of common mental disorders, but with different patterns. Associations with the perceived support were positive in patients with hypertension and diabetes; Common Mental Disorder patients showed negative associations, inversely associated to the level of mental disease.

Proposed Unit Level Ozone Season NOx Allowance Allocations to Existing Units in Six States: Supplemental Proposed Rule TSD

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This Technical Support Document (TSD) presents the proposed unit-level allocations based on the existing-unit portion of each state’s ozone season NOx emission budget to covered existing units in Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.

The use of biospecimens in population-based research: a review of the National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences grant portfolio.

PubMed

Carrick, Danielle M; Mette, Eliza; Hoyle, Brittany; Rogers, Scott D; Gillanders, Elizabeth M; Schully, Sheri D; Mechanic, Leah E

2014-08-01

Over the past two decades, researchers have increasingly used human biospecimens to evaluate hypotheses related to disease risk, outcomes and treatment. We conducted an analysis of population-science cancer research grants funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to gain a more comprehensive understanding of biospecimens and common derivatives involved in those studies and identify opportunities for advancing the field. Data available for 1,018 extramural, peer-reviewed grants (active as of July 2012) supported by the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS), the NCI Division that supports cancer control and population-science extramural research grants, were analyzed. 455 of the grants were determined to involve biospecimens or derivatives. The most common specimen types included were whole blood (51% of grants), serum or plasma (40%), tissue (39%), and the biospecimen derivative, DNA (66%). While use of biospecimens in molecular epidemiology has become common, biospecimens for behavioral and social research is emerging, as observed in our analysis. Additionally, we found the majority of grants were using already existing biospecimens (63%). Grants that involved use of existing biospecimens resulted in lower costs (studies that used existing serum/plasma biospecimens were 4.2 times less expensive) and more publications per year (1.4 times) than grants collecting new biospecimens. This analysis serves as a first step at understanding the types of biospecimen collections supported by NCI DCCPS. There is room to encourage increased use of archived biospecimens and new collections of rarer specimen and cancer types, as well as for behavioral and social research. To facilitate these efforts, we are working to better catalogue our funded resources and make that data available to the extramural community.

Support network for families of children and adolescents with visual impairment: strengths and weaknesses.

PubMed

Barbieri, Mayara Caroline; Broekman, Gabriela Van Der Zwaan; Souza, Renata Olzon Dionysio de; Lima, Regina Aparecida Garcia de; Wernet, Monika; Dupas, Giselle

2016-10-01

This study aimed to understand the interactions established between social support networks and families that have children and adolescents with visual impairment, in two different cities in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. This was a qualitative, descriptive study with symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework. A genogram, ecomap and semi-structured interviews with 18 families were used. The method adopted for data analysis was narrative analysis. Two themes were found: potentials derived from the relationship with the support network, and, counterpoints in the support network. The family members accessed other members of their own family, friends, spiritual and cultural activities, health services, government institutions, and philanthropic organizations as support networks. The weakness in health services support is an obstacle to comprehensive healthcare for children and adolescents living in city A. In city B, other possibilities exist because it has a reference service. Despite the weaknesses in the support network in both cities, the family articulates and develops a foundation so that they can provide the best situation possible for their child or adolescent. It is up to health professionals to provide support to families and empower them to care for their members.

Gender differences in computer-mediated communication: a systematic literature review of online health-related support groups.

PubMed

Mo, Phoenix K H; Malik, Sumaira H; Coulson, Neil S

2009-04-01

Previous research has contended that the unique characteristics of the Internet might remove some of the gender differences that exist in face-to-face healthcare. The aims of the present study were to systematically review studies that have examined gender differences in communication within online health communities. A literature search was conducted to identify studies addressing gender differences in messages posted to online health-related support groups. Out of the 1186 articles identified, twelve were retrieved for review. Half of the studies examined gender differences by comparing male and female cancer discussion boards. The literature review revealed that some gender differences were observed in these studies. However, for studies that analysed mixed-gender communities, gender differences were less evident. Results seemed to reveal gender differences in communications in single-sex online health support groups, and similarities in communication patterns in mixed-sex online health support groups. However, findings should be treated with caution due to the diversity in studies and methodological issues highlighted in the present review. There is a need for health care professionals to take into account a range of situational and contextual factors that may affect how men and women use online health support groups. However, more robust research is needed before concrete guidelines can be developed to help health care professionals develop effective online support interventions.

Risk of development of acute pancreatitis with pre-existing diabetes: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Xue, Yuzheng; Sheng, Yingyue; Dai, Hong; Cao, Haiyan; Liu, Zongliang; Li, Zhaoshen

2012-09-01

It is well established that acute pancreatitis (AP) often causes diabetes mellitus. However, whether pre-existing diabetes is associated with the development of AP remains unknown. To clarify the association of pre-existing diabetes and the development of AP, we carried out a meta-analysis of observational studies. A computerized literature search was performed in MEDLINE (from 1 January 1966) and EMBASE (from 1 January 1974), through 31 January 2012. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles. Summary relative risks with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic and the I 2. A total of seven articles (10 523 incident cases of AP) were included in this meta-analysis. Analysis of seven studies indicated that, compared with nondiabetic individuals, diabetic individuals had a 92% increased risk of development of AP (95% CI 1.50-2.47). There was significant evidence of heterogeneity among these studies (P heterogeneity<0.001, I 2=93.0%). These increased risks were independent of alcohol use, gallstones, and hyperlipidemia. Although the current evidence supports a positive link between pre-existing diabetes and an increased risk of development of AP, additional studies, with a perfect design, are required before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Contour plot assessment of existing meta-analyses confirms robust association of statin use and acute kidney injury risk.

PubMed

Chevance, Aurélie; Schuster, Tibor; Steele, Russell; Ternès, Nils; Platt, Robert W

2015-10-01

Robustness of an existing meta-analysis can justify decisions on whether to conduct an additional study addressing the same research question. We illustrate the graphical assessment of the potential impact of an additional study on an existing meta-analysis using published data on statin use and the risk of acute kidney injury. A previously proposed graphical augmentation approach is used to assess the sensitivity of the current test and heterogeneity statistics extracted from existing meta-analysis data. In addition, we extended the graphical augmentation approach to assess potential changes in the pooled effect estimate after updating a current meta-analysis and applied the three graphical contour definitions to data from meta-analyses on statin use and acute kidney injury risk. In the considered example data, the pooled effect estimates and heterogeneity indices demonstrated to be considerably robust to the addition of a future study. Supportingly, for some previously inconclusive meta-analyses, a study update might yield statistically significant kidney injury risk increase associated with higher statin exposure. The illustrated contour approach should become a standard tool for the assessment of the robustness of meta-analyses. It can guide decisions on whether to conduct additional studies addressing a relevant research question. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Decision support systems for ecosystem management: An evaluation of existing systems

Treesearch

H. Todd Mowrer; Klaus Barber; Joe Campbell; Nick Crookston; Cathy Dahms; John Day; Jim Laacke; Jim Merzenich; Steve Mighton; Mike Rauscher; Rick Sojda; Joyce Thompson; Peter Trenchi; Mark Twery

1997-01-01

This report evaluated 24 computer-aided decision support systems (DSS) that can support management decision-making in forest ecosystems. It compares the scope of each system, spatial capabilities, computational methods, development status, input and output requirements, user support availability, and system performance. Questionnaire responses from the DSS developers (...

Continuing Care in High Schools: A Descriptive Study of Recovery High School Programs

PubMed Central

Finch, Andrew J.; Moberg, D. Paul; Krupp, Amanda Lawton

2014-01-01

Data from 17 recovery high schools suggest programs are dynamic and vary in enrollment, fiscal stability, governance, staffing, and organizational structure. Schools struggle with enrollment, funding, lack of primary treatment accessibility, academic rigor, and institutional support. Still, for adolescents having received treatment for substance abuse, recovery schools appear to successfully function as continuing care providers reinforcing and sustaining therapeutic benefits gained from treatment. Small size and therapeutic programming allow for a potentially broader continuum of services than currently exists in most of the schools. Recovery schools thus provide a useful design for continuing care warranting further study and policy support. PMID:24591808

Beacons for supporting lunar landing navigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theil, Stephan; Bora, Leonardo

2017-03-01

Current and future planetary exploration missions involve a landing on the target celestial body. Almost all of these landing missions are currently relying on a combination of inertial and optical sensor measurements to determine the current flight state with respect to the target body and the desired landing site. As soon as an infrastructure at the landing site exists, the requirements as well as conditions change for vehicles landing close to this existing infrastructure. This paper investigates the options for ground-based infrastructure supporting the onboard navigation system and analyzes the impact on the achievable navigation accuracy. For that purpose, the paper starts with an existing navigation architecture based on optical navigation and extends it with measurements to support navigation with ground infrastructure. A scenario of lunar landing is simulated and the provided functions of the ground infrastructure as well as the location with respect to the landing site are evaluated. The results are analyzed and discussed.

Development of a digital clinical pathway for emergency medicine: Lessons from usability testing and implementation failure.

PubMed

Gutenstein, Marc; Pickering, John W; Than, Martin

2018-06-01

Clinical pathways are used to support the management of patients in emergency departments. An existing document-based clinical pathway was used as the foundation on which to design and build a digital clinical pathway for acute chest pain, with the aim of improving clinical calculations, clinician decision-making, documentation, and data collection. Established principles of decision support system design were used to build an application within the existing electronic health record, before testing with a multidisciplinary team of doctors using a think-aloud protocol. Technical authoring was successful, however, usability testing revealed that the user experience and the flexibility of workflow within the application were critical barriers to implementation. Emergency medicine and acute care decision support systems face particular challenges to existing models of linear workflow that should be deliberately addressed in digital pathway design. We make key recommendations regarding digital pathway design in emergency medicine.

Effect of Gratitude on Benign and Malicious Envy: The Mediating Role of Social Support.

PubMed

Xiang, Yanhui; Chao, Xiaomei; Ye, Yanyan

2018-01-01

Gratitude has been investigated in various areas in psychology. The present research showed that gratitude had some positive effects on some aspects of our life, such as subjective well-being, life satisfaction, and social relationships. It can also help us relieve negative emotions. However, the existing literature has not studied the influence of gratitude on envy. The present study used structural equation modeling to test the mediating role of social support between gratitude and two types of envy (malicious and benign). We recruited 426 Chinese undergraduates to complete the Gratitude Questionnaire, Malicious and Benign Envy Scales, and the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results showed that gratitude positively predicted benign envy and negatively predicted malicious envy. In addition, the indirect effect of gratitude on two types of envy via social support was significant. These results revealed the direct relationship between gratitude and malicious/benign envy, and the mediating effect of social support, which will contribute to find effective measures to inhibit malicious envy and promote benign envy from the perspective of cultivating gratitude and increasing individuals' social support.

Effect of Gratitude on Benign and Malicious Envy: The Mediating Role of Social Support

PubMed Central

Xiang, Yanhui; Chao, Xiaomei; Ye, Yanyan

2018-01-01

Gratitude has been investigated in various areas in psychology. The present research showed that gratitude had some positive effects on some aspects of our life, such as subjective well-being, life satisfaction, and social relationships. It can also help us relieve negative emotions. However, the existing literature has not studied the influence of gratitude on envy. The present study used structural equation modeling to test the mediating role of social support between gratitude and two types of envy (malicious and benign). We recruited 426 Chinese undergraduates to complete the Gratitude Questionnaire, Malicious and Benign Envy Scales, and the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results showed that gratitude positively predicted benign envy and negatively predicted malicious envy. In addition, the indirect effect of gratitude on two types of envy via social support was significant. These results revealed the direct relationship between gratitude and malicious/benign envy, and the mediating effect of social support, which will contribute to find effective measures to inhibit malicious envy and promote benign envy from the perspective of cultivating gratitude and increasing individuals' social support. PMID:29867595

Intra-group Stigma: Examining Peer Relationships Among Women in Recovery for Addictions.

PubMed

Gunn, Alana J; Canada, Kelli E

This grounded theory study explores how women with histories of addiction perceive stigma while in treatment. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 women participating in a residential drug treatment center. Previous research has found that support from peers during recovery can be critical to managing illnesses. In fact, researchers have postulated that peers can be a more effective form of support than even family. This study extends existing literature indicating that peer support systems can be supportive, however they can also can be perceived as negative support that impose stigmas. Findings reveal that women perceive stigmas due to how various types of drug use violate societal expectations and conflict with notions of deservingness. Specifically, the "hard users" (i.e., women who use heroin or crack cocaine) perceive stigmas regarding how their drug use violates norms of womanhood. Moreover, the "soft users" (i.e., those who use alcohol or marijuana) perceive stigmas that their drug use is considered undeserving of support. This paper explores the factors that contribute to stigma amongst populations who potentially face marginalization from larger society. Implications for treatment and group work are discussed.

Realistic nurse-led policy implementation, optimization and evaluation: novel methodological exemplar.

PubMed

Noyes, Jane; Lewis, Mary; Bennett, Virginia; Widdas, David; Brombley, Karen

2014-01-01

To report the first large-scale realistic nurse-led implementation, optimization and evaluation of a complex children's continuing-care policy. Health policies are increasingly complex, involve multiple Government departments and frequently fail to translate into better patient outcomes. Realist methods have not yet been adapted for policy implementation. Research methodology - Evaluation using theory-based realist methods for policy implementation. An expert group developed the policy and supporting tools. Implementation and evaluation design integrated diffusion of innovation theory with multiple case study and adapted realist principles. Practitioners in 12 English sites worked with Consultant Nurse implementers to manipulate the programme theory and logic of new decision-support tools and care pathway to optimize local implementation. Methods included key-stakeholder interviews, developing practical diffusion of innovation processes using key-opinion leaders and active facilitation strategies and a mini-community of practice. New and existing processes and outcomes were compared for 137 children during 2007-2008. Realist principles were successfully adapted to a shorter policy implementation and evaluation time frame. Important new implementation success factors included facilitated implementation that enabled 'real-time' manipulation of programme logic and local context to best-fit evolving theories of what worked; using local experiential opinion to change supporting tools to more realistically align with local context and what worked; and having sufficient existing local infrastructure to support implementation. Ten mechanisms explained implementation success and differences in outcomes between new and existing processes. Realistic policy implementation methods have advantages over top-down approaches, especially where clinical expertise is low and unlikely to diffuse innovations 'naturally' without facilitated implementation and local optimization. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Information systems in ADOT : an analysis of intra-function flow, decision support needs, existing systems utility and user attitudes. Final report, volume 2 : manual for evaluation of needs and attitudes of EDP users

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1985-03-01

A report is offered on a study of the information activities within the Right-of-Way section of ADOT. The objectives of the study were to adapt and apply techniques to measure user-perceived needs, satisfaction and utility of services provided Right-...

Collaborative Care in Schools: Enhancing Integration and Impact in Youth Mental Health

PubMed Central

Lyon, Aaron R.; Whitaker, Kelly; French, William P.; Richardson, Laura P.; Wasse, Jessica Knaster; McCauley, Elizabeth

2016-01-01

Collaborative Care is an innovative approach to integrated mental health service delivery that focuses on reducing access barriers, improving service quality, and lowering healthcare expenditures. A large body of evidence supports the effectiveness of Collaborative Care models with adults and, increasingly, for youth. Although existing studies examining these models for youth have focused exclusively on primary care, the education sector is also an appropriate analog for the accessibility that primary care offers to adults. Collaborative Care aligns closely with the practical realities of the education sector and may represent a strategy to achieve some of the objectives of increasingly popular multi-tiered systems of supports frameworks. Unfortunately, no resources exist to guide the application of Collaborative Care models in schools. Based on the existing evidence for Collaborative Care models, the current paper (1) provides a rationale for the adaptation of Collaborative Care models to improve mental health service accessibility and effectiveness in the education sector; (2) presents a preliminary Collaborative Care model for use in schools; and (3) describes avenues for research surrounding school-based Collaborative Care, including the currently funded Accessible, Collaborative Care for Effective School-based Services (ACCESS) project. PMID:28392832

Interdisciplinary design study of a high-rise integrated roof wind energy system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dekker, R. W. A.; Ferraro, R. M.; Suma, A. B.; Moonen, S. P. G.

2012-10-01

Today's market in micro-wind turbines is in constant development introducing more efficient solutions for the future. Besides the private use of tower supported turbines, opportunities to integrate wind turbines in the built environment arise. The Integrated Roof Wind Energy System (IRWES) presented in this work is a modular roof structure integrated on top of existing or new buildings. IRWES is build up by an axial array of skewed shaped funnels used for both wind inlet and outlet. This inventive use of shape and geometry leads to a converging air capturing inlet to create high wind mass flow and velocity toward a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) in the center-top of the roof unit for the generation of a relatively high amount of energy. The scope of this research aims to make an optimized structural design of IRWES to be placed on top of the Vertigo building in Eindhoven; analysis of the structural performance; and impact to the existing structure by means of Finite Element Modeling (FEM). Results show that the obvious impact of wind pressure to the structural design is easily supported in different configurations of fairly simple lightweight structures. In particular, the weight addition to existing buildings remains minimal.

Social support in cyberspace: a content analysis of communication within a Huntington's disease online support group.

PubMed

Coulson, Neil S; Buchanan, Heather; Aubeeluck, Aimee

2007-10-01

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disorder, characterized by a progressive degeneration of the brain. Due to the nature of the symptoms, the genetic element of the disease, and the fact that there is no cure, HD patients and those in their support network often experience considerable stress and anxiety. With an expansion in Internet access, individuals affected by HD have new opportunities for information retrieval and social support. The aim of this study is to examine the provision of social support in messages posted to a HD online support group bulletin board. In total, 1313 messages were content analyzed using a modified version of the social support behavior code developed by [Cutrona CE, Suhr J. Controllability of stressful events and satisfaction with spouse support behaviors. Commun Res 1992;19:154-74]. The analysis indicates that group members most frequently offered informational (56.2%) and emotional support (51.9%) followed by network support (48.4%) with esteem support (21.7%), and tangible assistance (9.8%) least frequently offered. This study suggests that exchanging informational and emotional support represents a key function of this online group. Online support groups provide a unique opportunity for health professionals to learn about the experiences and views of individuals affected by HD and explore where and why gaps may exist between evidence-based medicine and consumer behavior and expectations.

Exploring the factors influencing the cloud computing adoption: a systematic study on cloud migration.

PubMed

Rai, Rashmi; Sahoo, Gadadhar; Mehfuz, Shabana

2015-01-01

Today, most of the organizations trust on their age old legacy applications, to support their business-critical systems. However, there are several critical concerns, as maintainability and scalability issues, associated with the legacy system. In this background, cloud services offer a more agile and cost effective platform, to support business applications and IT infrastructure. As the adoption of cloud services has been increasing recently and so has been the academic research in cloud migration. However, there is a genuine need of secondary study to further strengthen this research. The primary objective of this paper is to scientifically and systematically identify, categorize and compare the existing research work in the area of legacy to cloud migration. The paper has also endeavored to consolidate the research on Security issues, which is prime factor hindering the adoption of cloud through classifying the studies on secure cloud migration. SLR (Systematic Literature Review) of thirty selected papers, published from 2009 to 2014 was conducted to properly understand the nuances of the security framework. To categorize the selected studies, authors have proposed a conceptual model for cloud migration which has resulted in a resource base of existing solutions for cloud migration. This study concludes that cloud migration research is in seminal stage but simultaneously it is also evolving and maturing, with increasing participation from academics and industry alike. The paper also identifies the need for a secure migration model, which can fortify organization's trust into cloud migration and facilitate necessary tool support to automate the migration process.

Development and Initial Validation of the Pain Resilience Scale.

PubMed

Slepian, P Maxwell; Ankawi, Brett; Himawan, Lina K; France, Christopher R

2016-04-01

Over the past decade, the role of positive psychology in pain experience has gained increasing attention. One such positive factor, identified as resilience, has been defined as the ability to maintain positive emotional and physical functioning despite physical or psychological adversity. Although cross-situational measures of resilience have been shown to be related to pain, it was hypothesized that a pain-specific resilience measure would serve as a stronger predictor of acute pain experience. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a series of studies to develop and validate the Pain Resilience Scale. Study 1 described exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses that support a scale with 2 distinct factors, Cognitive/Affective Positivity and Behavioral Perseverance. Study 2 showed test-retest reliability and construct validity of this new scale, including moderate positive relationships with measures of positive psychological functioning and small to moderate negative relationships with vulnerability measures such as pain catastrophizing. Finally, consistent with our initial hypothesis, study 3 showed that the Pain Resilience Scale is more strongly related to ischemic pain responses than existing measures of general resilience. Together, these studies support the predictive utility of this new pain-specific measure of resilience in the context of acute experimental pain. The Pain Resilience Scale represents a novel measure of Cognitive/Affective Positivity and Behavioral Perseverance during exposure to noxious stimuli. Construct validity is supported by expected relationships with existing pain-coping measures, and predictive validity is shown by individual differences in response to acute experimental pain. Copyright © 2016 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Attitudes toward Rape.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Larsen, Knud S.; Long, Ed

While the perception of rape has been studied intensely in recent years, most scales focus on rape myths as the content domain. The need exists for a more general instrument which would include items from a variety of sources, e.g., attitudes toward rape awareness, sexual history, age, virginity, community support, etc., in addition to the myth of…

Patterns of Very Insecure Attachment Found in Samples of High-Risk Infants and Toddlers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spieker, Susan J.

1986-01-01

The study examined the classification scheme of the Ainsworth Strange Situation measure of attachment security with 44 insecurely attached 13-month olds from a high-social-risk sample. Results supported the existence of an additional category of infants whose attachment behavior was "avoidant/ambivalent" and whose families were…

Factors Affecting Relationships between the Contextual Variables and the Information Characteristics of Accounting Information Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choe, Jong-Min; Lee, Jinjoo

1993-01-01

Reports on a study of accounting information systems that explored the interactions among influence factors (e.g., user participation in the development process, top management support, capability of information systems personnel, and existence of steering committees), contextual variables (e.g., organizational structure and task characteristics),…

Exceptional Faculty Members Who Responsively Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Austin, Kimberly S.; Peña, Edlyn Vallejo

2017-01-01

The number of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) seeking admission into college is rising. Little research exists on how to meet the unique learning needs of this student population in higher education classrooms. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to document the ways in which supportive faculty members responsively…

Success in Early Intervention: The Chicago Child-Parent Centers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reynolds, Arthur J.

Although early intervention programs have enjoyed popular and legislative support, little hard data exist on the long-term consequences of these efforts. This study examined the long-term effects of the Child-Parent Center (CPC) program in Chicago. Begun in 1967, the program operates out of 24 centers, located in proximity to the elementary…

Collaborative Care in Schools: Enhancing Integration and Impact in Youth Mental Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyon, Aaron R.; Whitaker, Kelly; French, William P.; Richardson, Laura P.; Wasse, Jessica Knaster; McCauley, Elizabeth

2016-01-01

Collaborative care (CC) is an innovative approach to integrated mental health service delivery that focuses on reducing access barriers, improving service quality and lowering health care expenditures. A large body of evidence supports the effectiveness of CC models with adults and, increasingly, for youth. Although existing studies examining…

Women and Employment. A Missouri Profile. Summary Handbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Institute of Applied Research, St. Louis, MO.

A study examined the barriers that Missouri women encounter when trying to gain access to better-paying jobs; trends in women's employment status in the state; and the services that women receive from the state's existing employment, training, and supportive services. A total of 2,104 women were contacted through a random statewide household…

Examining Readability Estimates' Predictions of Students' Oral Reading Rate: Spache, Lexile, and Forcast

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ardoin, Scott P.; Williams, Jessica C.; Christ, Theodore J.; Klubnik, Cynthia; Wellborn, Claire

2010-01-01

Beyond reliability and validity, measures used to model student growth must consist of multiple probes that are equivalent in level of difficulty to establish consistent measurement conditions across time. Although existing evidence supports the reliability of curriculum-based measurement in reading (CBMR), few studies have empirically evaluated…

Responding to Crimes of Violence against Women: Gender Differences versus Organizational Imperatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buzawa, Eve; And Others

1995-01-01

Reports results of a study testing the hypothesis that an inverse relationship exists between level of intimacy between perpetrator and victim in incidents of violence and likelihood of arrest. Notwithstanding relevant elements of probable cause, such as the presence of weapons, witnesses, injury, and the offender, results supported the…

Citizenship Education in Croatia: At the Margins of the System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kekez, Anka; Horvat, Martina; Šalaj, Berto

2017-01-01

Purpose: This paper unfolds the ways in which Croatia, as a young post-communist democracy, has aligned its transition and consolidation with the development of education programs that would support the protection of human rights and the creation of a democratic political culture. Design/methodology/approach: By combining the existing studies with…

Sex-Related Hemispheric Lateralization of Amygdala Function in Emotionally Influenced Memory: An fMRI Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cahill, Larry; Uncapher, Melina; Kilpatrick, Lisa; Alkire, Mike T.; Turner, Jessica

2004-01-01

The amygdala appears necessary for enhanced long-term memory associated with emotionally arousing events. Recent brain imaging investigations support this view and indicate a sex-related hemispheric lateralization exists in the amygdala relationship to memory for emotional material. This study confirms and further explores this finding. Healthy…

Quantitative Analysis of Standardized Dress Code and Minority Academic Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Proctor, J. R.

2013-01-01

This study was designed to investigate if a statistically significant variance exists in African American and Hispanic students' attendance and Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test scores in mathematics before and after the implementation of a standardized dress code. For almost two decades supporters and opponents of public school…

A Comparison of Adolescents' Friendship Networks by Advanced Coursework Participation Status

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barber, Carolyn; Wasson, Jillian Woodford

2015-01-01

Friendships serve as a source of support and as a context for developing social competence. Although advanced coursework may provide a unique context for the development of friendships, more research is needed to explore exactly what differences exist. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and the Adolescent Health and…

Factors Influencing the Quality of EHR Performance: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rhodes, Harry B.

2016-01-01

A significant amount of evidence existed in support of the positive effect on the quality of healthcare that resulted from transitioning to electronic health information systems, equally compelling evidence suggests that the development process for electronic health information systems falls short of achieving its potential. The objective of this…

Getting Political: An Action Guide for Librarians and Library Supporters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turner, Anne M.

In order to meet today's financial challenges, libraries must be ready, willing, and able to enter the arena of politics and compete for scarce public funding. This book offers librarians, library workers, trustees, and friends' organizations practical advice, case studies, and step-by-step guidance for evaluating the existing local political…

The Conditioning Role of State Higher Education Governance Structures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tandberg, David A.

2013-01-01

This article reports on a study that examined whether the presence of a consolidated governing board for higher education conditions the impact various political factors have on state support for higher education. The existence of a consolidated governing board is shown to significantly alter the politics of the state higher education…

Enduring Injustice: A Case Study of Retirement from Professional Rugby Union

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKenna, Jim; Thomas, Howard

2007-01-01

Garth Armstrong (pseudonym) agreed to participate based on a pre-existing "career-guidance-and-support" relationship with the researcher, to explore the realities of career transition. An account-making approach was used over the last eight months of his professional rugby-playing career (termination) and for a further ten months into…

A Critique of Schema Theory in Reading and a Dual Coding Alternative (Commentary).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sadoski, Mark; And Others

1991-01-01

Evaluates schema theory and presents dual coding theory as a theoretical alternative. Argues that schema theory is encumbered by lack of a consistent definition, its roots in idealist epistemology, and mixed empirical support. Argues that results of many empirical studies used to demonstrate the existence of schemata are more consistently…

Implementing Wireless Mobile Instructional Labs: Planning Issues and Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKimmy, Paul B.

2005-01-01

In April 2002, the Technology Advisory Committee of the University of Hawaii-Manoa College of Education (COE) prioritized the upgrade of existing instructional computer labs. Following several weeks of research and discussion, a decision was made to support wireless and mobile technologies during the upgrade. In June 2002, the first of three…

Establishing and Maintaining a Catholic Identity: CBC, Class and Newburyport Catholics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Angus, Lawrence B.

Studies suggest that historically Australian Catholic schools have existed not only to reproduce Catholic traditions, but also to advance the children of the Irish working classes socially. Data collected at the highly academically oriented Christian Brothers College (CBD), Newburyport, support the idea of educating for upward mobility as a means…

Advisors' Perceptions of a Rural High School Student Advisory Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Welsh, Jody Lynn

2012-01-01

The problem addressed in this study was the transition from middle school to high school, a source of difficulty for many students. Student advisory programs have been implemented in many secondary schools as one solution to this problem. While research supports the use of advisory programs, little research exists regarding the effectiveness of…

A Small Dose of HIV? HIV Vaccine Mental Models and Risk Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newman, Peter A.; Seiden, Danielle S.; Roberts, Kathleen J.; Kakinami, Lisa; Duan, Naihua

2009-01-01

Existing knowledge and beliefs related to HIV vaccines provide an important basis for the development of risk communication messages to support future HIV vaccine dissemination. This study explored HIV vaccine mental models among adults from segments of the population disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Nine focus groups were conducted with…

Attack on Academic Dishonesty: What "Lies" Ahead?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marshall, Leisa L.; Varnon, Anthony W.

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study is to apply corporate fraud fighting methods to develop a framework for fighting academic dishonesty in higher education. The evidence in the literature overwhelmingly supports the existence of academic dishonesty in higher education, with increases in admitted cheating over the past several decades and as many as 80…

Self-Objectification, Disordered Eating, and Depression: A Test of Mediational Pathways

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peat, Christine M.; Muehlenkamp, Jennifer J.

2011-01-01

Objectification theory asserts that poor interoceptive awareness and features of anxiety, such as social anxiety, may be two potential mechanisms that place women at risk for both eating disorders and depression. Existing research supports this theory; however, few studies have examined the extent to which these two constructs may serve as…

Perceptions from Students and the Community about Community Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lendy, Shari J.

2009-01-01

In this study I explored the existing perceptions of community college in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Three different groups of people were interviewed in the research process including high school students, college students and citizens who lived in towns supported by a community college. Common themes of perception found within the…

FACILITIES FOR EDUCATION IN VA HOSPITALS. FINAL REPORT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

GREEN, ALAN C.; AND OTHERS

THIS STUDY WAS AUTHORIZED BY THE VA DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING AND DETERMINING THE FACILITIES NEEDED TO PROPERLY HOUSE AND SUPPORT EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN EXISTING AND FUTURE VA HOSPITALS AND TO PRODUCE ARCHITECTURAL GUIDANCE IN THE DESIGN OF THE FACILITIES. CURRENT PRACTICES AND SIGNIFICANT TRENDS IN MEDICAL…

Implementation of a Curriculum-Integrated Computer Game for Introducing Scientific Argumentation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wallon, Robert C.; Jasti, Chandana; Lauren, Hillary Z. G.; Hug, Barbara

2018-01-01

Argumentation has been emphasized in recent US science education reform efforts (NGSS Lead States 2013; NRC 2012), and while existing studies have investigated approaches to introducing and supporting argumentation (e.g., McNeill and Krajcik in "Journal of Research in Science Teaching," 45(1), 53-78, 2008; Kang et al. in "Science…

Who Needs It? Is Literature Searching for Everyone?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forrest, Kathryn

Reviews of use studies of online systems at academic libraries support the need for aggressive public relations techniques to increase usage. An examination of user needs reveals the existence of a potential market of users that can substantially benefit from online services, but, so far, has not been reached by the libraries that supply these…

Calling for Research Collaborations and the Use of Dis/ability Studies in Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tan, Paulo; Kastberg, Signe

2017-01-01

In this commentary, the authors find that despite discussions of "mathematics for all," opportunities that support the development of mathematical reasoning and understanding of mathematics as a human endeavor often do not exist for mathematics learners identified in schools as having dis/abilities. Indeed, mathematics for all is…

A Mindtool-Based Collaborative Learning Approach to Enhancing Students' Innovative Performance in Management Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Chih-Hsiang; Hwang, Gwo-Jen; Kuo, Fan-Ray; Huang, Iwen

2013-01-01

Educators have indicated that creative teaching is the most important educational activity; nevertheless, most existing education systems fail to engage students in effective creative tasks. To address this issue, this study proposes a mind map based collaborative learning approach for supporting creative learning activities and enhancing…

A Pilot Study Examining Physical and Social Warmth: Higher (Non-Febrile) Oral Temperature Is Associated with Greater Feelings of Social Connection.

PubMed

Inagaki, Tristen K; Irwin, Michael R; Moieni, Mona; Jevtic, Ivana; Eisenberger, Naomi I

2016-01-01

An emerging literature suggests that experiences of physical warmth contribute to social warmth-the experience of feeling connected to others. Thus, thermoregulatory systems, which help maintain our relatively warm internal body temperatures, may also support feelings of social connection. However, the association between internal body temperature and feelings of connection has not been examined. Furthermore, the origins of the link between physical and social warmth, via learning during early experiences with a caregiver or via innate, co-evolved mechanisms, remain unclear. The current study examined the relationship between oral temperature and feelings of social connection as well as whether early caregiver experiences moderated this relationship. Extending the existing literature, higher oral temperature readings were associated with greater feelings of social connection. Moreover, early caregiver experiences did not moderate this association, suggesting that the physical-social warmth overlap may not be altered by early social experience. Results provide additional support for the link between experiences of physical warmth and social warmth and add to existing theories that highlight social connection as a basic need on its own.

A Pilot Study Examining Physical and Social Warmth: Higher (Non-Febrile) Oral Temperature Is Associated with Greater Feelings of Social Connection

PubMed Central

Inagaki, Tristen K.; Irwin, Michael R.; Moieni, Mona; Jevtic, Ivana; Eisenberger, Naomi I.

2016-01-01

An emerging literature suggests that experiences of physical warmth contribute to social warmth—the experience of feeling connected to others. Thus, thermoregulatory systems, which help maintain our relatively warm internal body temperatures, may also support feelings of social connection. However, the association between internal body temperature and feelings of connection has not been examined. Furthermore, the origins of the link between physical and social warmth, via learning during early experiences with a caregiver or via innate, co-evolved mechanisms, remain unclear. The current study examined the relationship between oral temperature and feelings of social connection as well as whether early caregiver experiences moderated this relationship. Extending the existing literature, higher oral temperature readings were associated with greater feelings of social connection. Moreover, early caregiver experiences did not moderate this association, suggesting that the physical-social warmth overlap may not be altered by early social experience. Results provide additional support for the link between experiences of physical warmth and social warmth and add to existing theories that highlight social connection as a basic need on its own. PMID:27257914

The effect of testing versus restudy on retention: a meta-analytic review of the testing effect.

PubMed

Rowland, Christopher A

2014-11-01

Engaging in a test over previously studied information can serve as a potent learning event, a phenomenon referred to as the testing effect. Despite a surge of research in the past decade, existing theories have not yet provided a cohesive account of testing phenomena. The present study uses meta-analysis to examine the effects of testing versus restudy on retention. Key results indicate support for the role of effortful processing as a contributor to the testing effect, with initial recall tests yielding larger testing benefits than recognition tests. Limited support was found for existing theoretical accounts attributing the testing effect to enhanced semantic elaboration, indicating that consideration of alternative mechanisms is warranted in explaining testing effects. Future theoretical accounts of the testing effect may benefit from consideration of episodic and contextually derived contributions to retention resulting from memory retrieval. Additionally, the bifurcation model of the testing effect is considered as a viable framework from which to characterize the patterns of results present across the literature. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).

Reintegration of child soldiers in Burundi: a tracer study

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Substantial attention and resources are aimed at the reintegration of child soldiers, yet rigorous evaluations are rare. Methods This tracer study was conducted among former child soldiers (N=452) and never-recruited peers (N=191) who participated in an economic support program in Burundi. Socio-economic outcome indicators were measured retrospectively for the period before receiving support (T1; 2005–06); immediately afterwards (T2; 2006–07); and at present (T3; 2010). Participants also rated present functional impairment and mental health indicators. Results Participants reported improvement on all indicators, especially economic opportunity and social integration. At present no difference existed between both groups on any of the outcome indicators. Socio-economic functioning was negatively related with depression- and, health complaints and positively with intervention satisfaction. Conclusion The present study demonstrates promising reintegration trajectories of former child soldiers after participating in a support program. PMID:23095403

Existence of k⁻¹ power-law scaling in the equilibrium regions of wall-bounded turbulence explained by Heisenberg's eddy viscosity.

PubMed

Katul, Gabriel G; Porporato, Amilcare; Nikora, Vladimir

2012-12-01

The existence of a "-1" power-law scaling at low wavenumbers in the longitudinal velocity spectrum of wall-bounded turbulence was explained by multiple mechanisms; however, experimental support has not been uniform across laboratory studies. This letter shows that Heisenberg's eddy viscosity approach can provide a theoretical framework that bridges these multiple mechanisms and explains the elusiveness of the "-1" power law in some experiments. Novel theoretical outcomes are conjectured about the role of intermittency and very-large scale motions in modifying the k⁻¹ scaling.

Performance of gigabit FDDI

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Game, David; Maly, Kurt J.

1990-01-01

Great interest exists in developing high speed protocols which will be able to support data rates at gigabit speeds. Hardware currently exists which can experimentally transmit at data rates exceeding a gigabit per second, but it is not clear as to what types of protocols will provide the best performance. One possibility is to examine current protocols and their extensibility to these speeds. Scaling of Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) to gigabit speeds is studied. More specifically, delay statistics are included to provide insight as to which parameters (network length, packet length or number of nodes) have the greatest effect on performance.

Coexistence of collapse and stable spatiotemporal solitons in multimode fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shtyrina, Olga V.; Fedoruk, Mikhail P.; Kivshar, Yuri S.; Turitsyn, Sergei K.

2018-01-01

We analyze spatiotemporal solitons in multimode optical fibers and demonstrate the existence of stable solitons, in a sharp contrast to earlier predictions of collapse of multidimensional solitons in three-dimensional media. We discuss the coexistence of blow-up solutions and collapse stabilization by a low-dimensional external potential in graded-index media, and also predict the existence of stable higher-order nonlinear waves such as dipole-mode spatiotemporal solitons. To support the main conclusions of our numerical studies we employ a variational approach and derive analytically the stability criterion for input powers for the collapse stabilization.

Supporting nurse practitioners' practice in primary healthcare settings: a three-level qualitative model.

PubMed

Chouinard, Véronique; Contandriopoulos, Damien; Perroux, Mélanie; Larouche, Catherine

2017-06-26

While greater reliance on nurse practitioners in primary healthcare settings can improve service efficiency and accessibility, their integration is not straightforward, challenging existing role definitions of both registered nurses and physicians. Developing adequate support practices is therefore essential in primary healthcare nurse practitioners' integration. This study's main objective is to examine different structures and mechanisms put in place to support the development of primary healthcare nurse practitioner's practice in different healthcare settings, and develop a practical model for identifying and planning adequate support practices. This study is part of a larger multicentre study on primary healthcare nurse practitioners in the province of Quebec, Canada. It focuses on three healthcare settings into which one or more primary healthcare nurse practitioners have been integrated. Case studies have been selected to cover a maximum of variations in terms of location, organizational setting, and stages of primary healthcare nurse practitioner integration. Findings are based on the analysis of available documentation in each primary healthcare setting and on semi-structured interviews with key actors in each clinical team. Data were analyzed following thematic and cross-sectional analysis approaches. This article identifies three types of support practices: clinical, team, and systemic. This three-level analysis demonstrates that, on the ground, primary healthcare nurse practitioner integration is essentially a team-based, multilevel endeavour. Despite the existence of a provincial implementation plan, the three settings adopted very different implementation structures and practices, and different actors were involved at each of the three levels. The results also indicated that nursing departments played a decisive role at all three levels. Based on these findings, we suggest that support practices should be adapted to each organization's environment and experience and be modified as needed throughout the integration process. We also stress the importance of combining this approach with a strong coordination mechanism involving managers who have in-depth understanding of nursing professional roles and scopes of practice. Making primary healthcare nurse practitioner integration frameworks more flexible and clarifying and strengthening the role of senior nursing managers could be the key to successful integration.

E-Mental Health Innovations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: A Qualitative Study of Implementation Needs in Health Services.

PubMed

Puszka, Stefanie; Dingwall, Kylie M; Sweet, Michelle; Nagel, Tricia

2016-09-19

Electronic mental health (e-mental health) interventions offer effective, easily accessible, and cost effective treatment and support for mental illness and well-being concerns. However, e-mental health approaches have not been well utilized by health services to date and little is known about their implementation in practice, particularly in diverse contexts and communities. This study aims to understand stakeholder perspectives on the requirements for implementing e-mental health approaches in regional and remote health services for Indigenous Australians. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 managers, directors, chief executive officers (CEOs), and senior practitioners of mental health, well-being, alcohol and other drug and chronic disease services. The implementation of e-mental health approaches in this context is likely to be influenced by characteristics related to the adopter (practitioner skill and knowledge, client characteristics, communication barriers), the innovation (engaging and supportive approach, culturally appropriate design, evidence base, data capture, professional development opportunities), and organizational systems (innovation-systems fit, implementation planning, investment). There is potential for e-mental health approaches to address mental illness and poor social and emotional well-being amongst Indigenous people and to advance their quality of care. Health service stakeholders reported that e-mental health interventions are likely to be most effective when used to support or extend existing health services, including elements of client-driven and practitioner-supported use. Potential solutions to obstacles for integration of e-mental health approaches into practice were proposed including practitioner training, appropriate tool design using a consultative approach, internal organizational directives and support structures, adaptations to existing systems and policies, implementation planning and organizational and government investment.

A visualization framework for design and evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blundell, Benjamin J.; Ng, Gary; Pettifer, Steve

2006-01-01

The creation of compelling visualisation paradigms is a craft often dominated by intuition and issues of aesthetics, with relatively few models to support good design. The majority of problem cases are approached by simply applying a previously evaluated visualisation technique. A large body of work exists covering the individual aspects of visualisation design such as the human cognition aspects visualisation methods for specific problem areas, psychology studies and so forth, yet most frameworks regarding visualisation are applied after-the-fact as an evaluation measure. We present an extensible framework for visualisation aimed at structuring the design process, increasing decision traceability and delineating the notions of function, aesthetics and usability. The framework can be used to derive a set of requirements for good visualisation design and evaluating existing visualisations, presenting possible improvements. Our framework achieves this by being both broad and general, built on top of existing works, with hooks for extensions and customizations. This paper shows how existing theories of information visualisation fit into the scheme, presents our experience in the application of this framework on several designs, and offers our evaluation of the framework and the designs studied.

Utilization of design data on conventional system to building information modeling (BIM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbar, Boyke M.; Z. R., Dewi Larasati

2017-11-01

Nowadays infrastructure development becomes one of the main priorities in the developed country such as Indonesia. The use of conventional design system is considered no longer effectively support the infrastructure projects, especially for the high complexity building design, due to its fragmented system issues. BIM comes as one of the solutions in managing projects in an integrated manner. Despite of the all known BIM benefits, there are some obstacles on the migration process to BIM. The two main of the obstacles are; the BIM implementation unpreparedness of some project parties and a concerns to leave behind the existing database and create a new one on the BIM system. This paper discusses the utilization probabilities of the existing CAD data from the conventional design system for BIM system. The existing conventional CAD data's and BIM design system output was studied to examine compatibility issues between two subject and followed by an utilization scheme-strategy probabilities. The goal of this study is to add project parties' eagerness in migrating to BIM by maximizing the existing data utilization and hopefully could also increase BIM based project workflow quality.

Meteorological support to the West German-United States Barium Ion Cloud Project.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Westfall, R. R.; Chamberlain, L. W.

1972-01-01

The objective of the Barium Ion Cloud Project was to study a barium ionized cloud released at an altitude of 5 earth radii. Accurate forecasting of weather conditions to prevail during the experiment period was critical to the project success. Good seeing conditions were required at all optical sites during the experiment. All meteorological support was the responsibility of the National Weather Service at Wallops Station, Virginia. Preliminary results confirm the scientists' theories of the magnetic fields and the existence of electric fields in the magnetosphere.

Optimizing Safety, Fidelity and Usability of an Intelligent Clinical Support Tool (ICST) For Acute Hospital Care: an Australian Case Study Using a Multi-Method Delphi Process.

PubMed

Botti, Mari; Redley, Bernice; Nguyen, Lemai; Coleman, Kimberley; Wickramasinghe, Nilmini

2015-01-01

This research focuses on a major health priority for Australia by addressing existing gaps in the implementation of nursing informatics solutions in healthcare. It serves to inform the successful deployment of IT solutions designed to support patient-centered, frontline acute healthcare delivery by multidisciplinary care teams. The outcomes can guide future evaluations of the contribution of IT solutions to the efficiency, safety and quality of care delivery in acute hospital settings.

BIM-Based E-Procurement: An Innovative Approach to Construction E-Procurement

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

This paper presents an innovative approach to e-procurement in construction, which uses building information models (BIM) to support the construction procurement process. The result is an integrated and electronic instrument connected to a rich knowledge base capable of advanced operations and able to strengthen transaction relationships and collaboration throughout the supply chain. The BIM-based e-procurement prototype has been developed using distinct existing electronic solutions and an IFC server and was tested in a pilot case study, which supported further discussions of the results of the research. PMID:26090518

Non-nutritive sweeteners: evidence for benefit vs. risk.

PubMed

Gardner, Christopher

2014-02-01

Intake of added sugars in the American diet is high and has been linked to weight gain and adverse effects on glycemic control and diabetes. Several national health organizations recommend decreasing added sugars intake. Among the many strategies to consider to achieve this reduction is substitution with non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS - artificial sweeteners and stevia). The purpose of this review is to critically examine existing evidence for this strategy. Short-term intervention studies suggest that NNS, when substituted for added sugars, may be useful in supporting energy intake reduction, and promoting glycemic control and weight management. However, the magnitude of effect in these studies has ranged from modest to null. Compensatory eating behaviors likely diminish, and in some cases negate, potential effects. Findings from longer-term observational studies that examine associations between NNS use and obesity or type 2 diabetes are potentially confounded by reverse causality. Existing data are insufficient to clearly support or refute the effectiveness of substitution with NNS as a means of reducing added sugar intake. It is important to not lose sight of the impact of incorporating NNS-containing beverages and foods on overall diet quality when assessing potential health benefits vs. risks.

Observation of trapped light induced by Dwarf Dirac-cone in out-of-plane condition for photonic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumder, Subir; Biswas, Tushar; Bhadra, Shaymal K.

2016-10-01

Existence of out-of-plane conical dispersion for a triangular photonic crystal lattice is reported. It is observed that conical dispersion is maintained for a number of out-of-plane wave vectors (k z ). We study a case where Dirac like linear dispersion exists but the photonic density of states is not vanishing, called Dwarf Dirac cone (DDC) which does not support localized modes. We demonstrate the trapping of such modes by introducing defects in the crystal. Interestingly, we find by k-point sampling as well as by tuning trapped frequency that such a conical dispersion has an inherent light confining property and it is governed by neither of the known wave confining mechanisms like total internal reflection, band gap guidance. Our study reveals that such a conical dispersion in a non-vanishing photonic density of states induces unexpected intense trapping of light compared with those at other points in the continuum. Such studies provoke fabrication of new devices with exciting properties and new functionalities. Project supported by Director, CSIR-CGCRI, the DST, Government of India, and the CSIR 12th Plan Project (GLASSFIB), India.

Barriers and facilitators to parents seeking and accessing professional support for anxiety disorders in children: qualitative interview study.

PubMed

Reardon, Tessa; Harvey, Kate; Young, Bridget; O'Brien, Doireann; Creswell, Cathy

2018-01-25

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders experienced by children, but only a minority of these children access professional help. Understanding the difficulties parents face seeking support for child anxiety disorders could inform targeted interventions to improve treatment access. The aims of the study were to identify barriers and facilitators to seeking and accessing professional support for child anxiety disorders, and ways to minimise these barriers. A qualitative interview study was conducted with parents of 16 children (aged 7-11 years) with anxiety disorders identified through screening in schools. Barriers and facilitators were identified in relation to four distinct stages in the help-seeking process: parents recognising the anxiety difficulty, parents recognising the need for professional support, parents contacting professionals, and families receiving professional support. Barriers and facilitators at each stage related to the child's difficulties, the role of the parent, and parent perceptions of professionals and services. Findings illustrate the need (1) for readily available tools to help parents and professionals identify clinically significant anxiety in children, (2) to ensure that families and professionals can easily access guidance on the help-seeking process and available support, and (3) to ensure existing services offer sufficient provision for less severe difficulties that incorporates direct support for parents.

Neuroimaging studies in schizophrenia: an overview of research from Asia.

PubMed

Narayanaswamy, Janardhanan C; Venkatasubramanian, Ganesan; Gangadhar, Bangalore N

2012-10-01

Neuroimaging studies in schizophrenia help clarify the neural substrates underlying the pathogenesis of this neuropsychiatric disorder. Contemporary brain imaging in schizophrenia is predominated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based research approaches. This review focuses on the various imaging studies from India and their relevance to the understanding of brain abnormalities in schizophrenia. The existing studies are predominantly comprised of structural MRI reports involving region-of-interest and voxel-based morphometry approaches, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and single-photon emission computed tomography/positron emission tomography (SPECT/PET) studies. Most of these studies are significant in that they have evaluated antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients--a relatively difficult population to obtain in contemporary research. Findings of these studies offer robust support to the existence of significant brain abnormalities at very early stages of the disorder. In addition, theoretically relevant relationships between these brain abnormalities and developmental aberrations suggest possible neurodevelopmental basis for these brain deficits.

Pediatric palliative care and eHealth opportunities for patient-centered care.

PubMed

Madhavan, Subha; Sanders, Amy E; Chou, Wen-Ying Sylvia; Shuster, Alex; Boone, Keith W; Dente, Mark A; Shad, Aziza T; Hesse, Bradford W

2011-05-01

Pediatric palliative care currently faces many challenges including unnecessary pain from insufficiently personalized treatment, doctor-patient communication breakdowns, and a paucity of usable patient-centric information. Recent advances in informatics for consumer health through eHealth initiatives have the potential to bridge known communication gaps, but overall these technologies remain under-utilized in practice. This paper seeks to identify effective uses of existing and developing health information technology (HIT) to improve communications and care within the clinical setting. A needs analysis was conducted by surveying seven pediatric oncology patients and their extended support network at the Lombardi Pediatric Clinic at Georgetown University Medical Center in May and June of 2010. Needs were mapped onto an existing inventory of emerging HIT technologies to assess what existing informatics solutions could effectively bridge these gaps. Through the patient interviews, a number of communication challenges and needs in pediatric palliative cancer care were identified from the interconnected group perspective surrounding each patient. These gaps mapped well, in most cases, to existing or emerging cyberinfrastructure. However, adoption and adaptation of appropriate technologies could improve, including for patient-provider communication, behavioral support, pain assessment, and education, all through integration within existing work flows. This study provides a blueprint for more optimal use of HIT technologies, effectively utilizing HIT standards-based technology solutions to improve communication. This research aims to further stimulate the development and adoption of interoperable, standardized technologies and delivery of context-sensitive information to substantially improve the quality of care patients receive within pediatric palliative care clinics and other settings. Copyright © 2011 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. All rights reserved.

Preliminary testing of flow-ecology hypotheses developed for the GCP LCC region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brewer, Shannon K.; Davis, Mary

2014-01-01

The Ecological Limits of Hydrological Alteration (ELOHA) framework calls for the development of flow-ecology hypotheses to support protection of the flow regime from ecologically harmful alteration due to human activities. As part of a larger instream flow project for the Gulf Coast Prairie Landscape Conservation Cooperative (GCP LCC), regional flow-ecology hypotheses were developed for fish, mussels, birds, and riparian vegetation (Davis and Brewer 20141). The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of existing ecological and hydrological data to test these hypotheses or others that may be developed in the future. Several databases related to biological collections and hydrologic data from Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana were compiled. State fish-community data from Oklahoma and Louisiana were summarized and paired with existing USGS gage data having at least a 40-year period of record that could be separated into reference and current conditions for comparison. The objective of this study was not to conduct exhaustive analyses of these data, the hypotheses, or analyses interpretation, but rather to use these data to determine if existing data were adequate to statistically test the regional flow-ecology hypotheses. The regional flow-ecology hypotheses were developed for the GCP LCC by a committee chaired by Shannon Brewer and Mary Davis (Davis and Brewer 2014). Existing data were useful for informing the hypotheses and suggest support for some hypotheses, but also highlight the need for additional testing and development as some results contradicted hypotheses. Results presented here suggest existing data are adequate to support some flow-ecology hypotheses; however, lack of sampling effort reported with the fish collections and the need for ecoregion-specific analyses suggest more data would be beneficial to analyses in some ecoregions. Additional fish sampling data from Texas and Louisiana will be available for future analyses and may ameliorate some of the data concerns and improve hypothesis interpretation. If the regional hydrologic model currently under development by the U.S. Geological Survey for the South-Central Climate Science Center is improved to produce daily hydrographs, it will enable use of fish data at ungaged locations. In future efforts, exhaustive analyses using these data, in addition to the development of more complex multivariate hypotheses, would be beneficial to understanding data gaps, particularly as relevant to species of conservation concern.

The experience of physicians in pharmacogenomic clinical decision support within eight German university hospitals.

PubMed

Hinderer, Marc; Boeker, Martin; Wagner, Sebastian A; Binder, Harald; Ückert, Frank; Newe, Stephanie; Hülsemann, Jan L; Neumaier, Michael; Schade-Brittinger, Carmen; Acker, Till; Prokosch, Hans-Ulrich; Sedlmayr, Brita

2017-06-01

The aim of this study was to assess the physicians' attitude, their knowledge and their experience in pharmacogenomic clinical decision support in German hospitals. We conducted an online survey to address physicians of 13 different medical specialties across eight German university hospitals. In total, 564 returned questionnaires were analyzed. The remaining knowledge gap, the uncertainty of test reimbursement and the physicians' lack of awareness of existing pharmacogenomic clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are the major barriers for implementing pharmacogenomic CDSS into German hospitals. Furthermore, pharmacogenomic CDSS are most effective in the form of real-time decision support for internists. Physicians in German hospitals require additional education of both genetics and pharmacogenomics. They need to be provided with access to relevant pharmacogenomic CDSS.

Support Vector Hazards Machine: A Counting Process Framework for Learning Risk Scores for Censored Outcomes.

PubMed

Wang, Yuanjia; Chen, Tianle; Zeng, Donglin

2016-01-01

Learning risk scores to predict dichotomous or continuous outcomes using machine learning approaches has been studied extensively. However, how to learn risk scores for time-to-event outcomes subject to right censoring has received little attention until recently. Existing approaches rely on inverse probability weighting or rank-based regression, which may be inefficient. In this paper, we develop a new support vector hazards machine (SVHM) approach to predict censored outcomes. Our method is based on predicting the counting process associated with the time-to-event outcomes among subjects at risk via a series of support vector machines. Introducing counting processes to represent time-to-event data leads to a connection between support vector machines in supervised learning and hazards regression in standard survival analysis. To account for different at risk populations at observed event times, a time-varying offset is used in estimating risk scores. The resulting optimization is a convex quadratic programming problem that can easily incorporate non-linearity using kernel trick. We demonstrate an interesting link from the profiled empirical risk function of SVHM to the Cox partial likelihood. We then formally show that SVHM is optimal in discriminating covariate-specific hazard function from population average hazard function, and establish the consistency and learning rate of the predicted risk using the estimated risk scores. Simulation studies show improved prediction accuracy of the event times using SVHM compared to existing machine learning methods and standard conventional approaches. Finally, we analyze two real world biomedical study data where we use clinical markers and neuroimaging biomarkers to predict age-at-onset of a disease, and demonstrate superiority of SVHM in distinguishing high risk versus low risk subjects.

Supporting the information domains of fall-risk management in home care via health information technology.

PubMed

Alhuwail, Dari; Koru, Güneş; Mills, Mary Etta

2016-01-01

In the United States, home care clinicians often start the episode of care devoid of relevant fall-risk information. By collecting and analyzing qualitative data from 30 clinicians in one home health agency, this case study aimed to understand how the currently adopted information technology solutions supported the clinicians' fall-risk management (FRM) information domains, and explored opportunities to adopt other solutions to better support FRM. The currently adopted electronic health record system and fall-reporting application served only some information domains with a limited capacity. Substantial improvement in addressing the FRM information domains is possible by effectively modifying the existing solutions and purposefully adopting new solutions.

Ripple formation in unilamellar-supported lipid bilayer revealed by FRAPP.

PubMed

Harb, Frédéric; Simon, Anne; Tinland, Bernard

2013-12-01

The mechanisms of formation and conditions of the existence of the ripple phase are fundamental thermodynamic questions with practical implications for medicine and pharmaceuticals. We reveal a new case of ripple formation occurring in unilamellar-supported bilayers in water, which results solely from the bilayer/support interaction, without using lipid mixtures or specific ions. This ripple phase is detected by FRAPP using diffusion coefficient measurements as a function of temperature: a diffusivity plateau is observed. It occurs in the same temperature range where ripple phase existence has been observed using other methods. When AFM experiments are performed in the appropriate temperature range the ripple phase is confirmed.

Additional Support Needs Policy in Scotland: Challenging or Reinforcing Social Inequality?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riddell, Sheila; Weedon, Elisabet

2016-01-01

This paper focuses on Scottish policy on additional support needs and its material outcomes. The central question addressed is the extent to which the Scottish additional support needs system undermines or reinforces existing social and economic inequalities. Administrative data highlight the inflation of the additional support needs category,…

Uncertainty and probability in wildfire management decision support: An example from the United States [Chapter 4

Treesearch

Matthew Thompson; David Calkin; Joe H. Scott; Michael Hand

2017-01-01

Wildfire risk assessment is increasingly being adopted to support federal wildfire management decisions in the United States. Existing decision support systems, specifically the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS), provide a rich set of probabilistic and risk‐based information to support the management of active wildfire incidents. WFDSS offers a wide range...

[Knowledge of support and aid after first stroke].

PubMed

Schlote, A; Poppendick, U; Möller, C; Wessel, K; Wunderlich, M; Wallesch, C-W

2008-06-01

The literature predicts a considerable demand of support and aid for stroke patients and their caregivers. It is not known to what extent existing resources are used by these groups. The present study aimed at a survey of knowledge of and acquaintance with institutions and organizations offering support after stroke and actual use of these resources. Six and twelve months after stroke, 84 patients and their nearest others were questioned concerning their acquaintance with and use of professional and institutional resources for support and also with respect to social support and self-efficacy. Six and twelve months after stroke, actual use of the various resources for support varied between 0 and 13%. Only part of the patients (11-65%) and relatives (up to 78%) knew about the professional and institutional resource available. Information about resources for support after stroke is unsatisfactory and should be established at a point in the delivery of care chain where all those affected by stroke and their caregivers are accessed.

Locus of control and utilization of social support among mothers of young children with physical disabilities.

PubMed

Rimmerman, A; Stanger, V

1992-01-01

Sixty mothers of young children with physical disabilities were studied with respect to the effect of the mothers' locus of control on the utilization of social support. The initial findings failed to support the thesis that mothers with an 'internally' focused locus of control would demonstrate greater utilization of their support system, both in terms of descriptive and functional measures. A secondary analysis showed that the mothers' age, the children's level of functioning, and the existence of additional members of the family with a disability served as intervening variables. Only among older mothers, who perceived their children's functioning as severe, was there significant association between the locus of control ('internal') and greater use of their social support system. 'Internal' mothers who had no additional extended family members with a disability reported higher levels of functional social support, as compared to 'external' mothers. Findings are interpreted with respect to social support theory and its implications to applied research.

Sensory Bias Predicts Postural Stability, Anxiety, and Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults Walking in Novel Discordant Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brady, Rachel A.; Batson, Crystal D.; Peters, Brian T.; Mulavara, Ajitkumar P.; Bloomberg, Jacob J.

2010-01-01

We designed a gait training study that presented combinations of visual flow and support surface manipulations to investigate the response of healthy adults to novel discordant sensorimotor conditions. We aimed to determine whether a relationship existed between subjects visual dependence and their scores on a collective measure of anxiety, cognition, and postural stability in a new discordant environment presented at the conclusion of training (Transfer Test). A treadmill was mounted to a motion base platform positioned 2 m behind a large visual screen. Training consisted of three walking sessions, each within a week of the previous visit, that presented four 5-minute exposures to various combinations of support surface and visual scene manipulations, all lateral sinusoids. The conditions were scene translation only, support surface translation only, simultaneous scene and support surface translations in-phase, and simultaneous scene and support surface translations 180 out-of-phase. During the Transfer Test, the trained participants received a 2-minute novel exposure. A visual sinusoidal roll perturbation, with twice the original flow rate, was superimposed on a sinusoidal support surface roll perturbation that was 90 out of phase with the scene. A high correlation existed between normalized torso translation, measured in the scene-only condition at the first visit, and a combined measure of normalized heart rate, stride frequency, and reaction time at the transfer test. Results suggest that visually dependent participants experience decreased postural stability, increased anxiety, and increased reaction times compared to their less visually dependent counterparts when negotiating novel discordant conditions.

Support and correlates of support for banning smoking in cars with children: findings from the ITC Four Country Survey*

PubMed Central

Fong, Geoffrey T.; Zanna, Mark P.; Hyland, Andrew; Bansal-Travers, Maansi

2011-01-01

Background: Since 2006, banning smoking in cars with children has become a rapidly growing tobacco control policy. However, to date, there have been few studies examining support and correlates of support for car smoking bans, and none of the existing studies have been international in nature. We conducted such a study among smokers in four countries. Methods: 6716 adult current smokers from the 2007 Wave of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey, a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort telephone survey of smokers in the USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Controlling for demographics, heaviness of smoking, smoking health knowledge/beliefs and quit intentions, we compared support and correlates of support for banning smoking in cars with children across the four countries. Results: The majority of smokers supported banning smoking in cars with children. Support was highest in Australia (83%), followed by the UK (75%) and Canada (74%); support was lower—but still high—in the USA (60%). Support was highest among smokers who: had stronger quit intentions, were lighter smokers, had lower education, had no children in the home, believed that cigarette smoke is dangerous to non-smokers and could cause asthma in children, and were concerned about modelling smoking to children. Conclusions: These findings indicate that a majority of smokers in the four countries support banning smoking in cars with children, and lend support to banning smoking in cars with children. Additionally, they suggest that support may be increased by educating smokers about the dangers of cigarette smoke exposure. PMID:20630910

Support and correlates of support for banning smoking in cars with children: findings from the ITC Four Country Survey.

PubMed

Hitchman, Sara C; Fong, Geoffrey T; Zanna, Mark P; Hyland, Andrew; Bansal-Travers, Maansi

2011-06-01

Since 2006, banning smoking in cars with children has become a rapidly growing tobacco control policy. However, to date, there have been few studies examining support and correlates of support for car smoking bans, and none of the existing studies have been international in nature. We conducted such a study among smokers in four countries. 6716 adult current smokers from the 2007 Wave of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey, a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort telephone survey of smokers in the USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Controlling for demographics, heaviness of smoking, smoking health knowledge/beliefs and quit intentions, we compared support and correlates of support for banning smoking in cars with children across the four countries. The majority of smokers supported banning smoking in cars with children. Support was highest in Australia (83%), followed by the UK (75%) and Canada (74%); support was lower-but still high-in the USA (60%). Support was highest among smokers who: had stronger quit intentions, were lighter smokers, had lower education, had no children in the home, believed that cigarette smoke is dangerous to non-smokers and could cause asthma in children, and were concerned about modelling smoking to children. These findings indicate that a majority of smokers in the four countries support banning smoking in cars with children, and lend support to banning smoking in cars with children. Additionally, they suggest that support may be increased by educating smokers about the dangers of cigarette smoke exposure.

Applying findings from a systematic review of workplace-based e-learning: implications for health information professionals.

PubMed

Booth, Andrew; Carroll, Christopher; Papaioannou, Diana; Sutton, Anthea; Wong, Ruth

2009-03-01

To systematically review the UK published literature on e-learning in the health workplace and to apply the findings to one of the most prolific UK e-learning initiatives in the health sector--the National Library for Health Facilitated Online Learning Interactive Opportunity (FOLIO) Programme. Sensitive searches were conducted across ASSIA, Australian Education Index, British Education Index, cinahl, CSA Abstracts, Dissertation Abstracts, Emerald, ERIC, IBSS, Index to Theses, LISA, MEDLINE, PSYCINFO and Social Science Citation Index. Additional citations were identified from reference lists of included studies and of relevant reviews; citation tracking and contact with experts. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were coded and analysed using thematic analysis as described by Miles & Huberman (Qualitative Data Analysis: A Sourcebook of New Methods. Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 1984). Five broad themes were identified from the 29 included studies: (i) peer communication; (ii) flexibility; (iii) support; (iv) knowledge validation; and (v) course presentation and design. These broad themes were supported by a total of eleven sub-themes. Components from the FOLIO Programme were analysed and existing and proposed developments were mapped against each sub-theme. This provides a valuable framework for ongoing course development. Librarians involved in delivering and supporting e-learning can benefit from applying the findings from the systematic review to existing programmes, exemplified by the FOLIO Programme. The resultant framework can also be used in developing new e-learning programmes.

Predesign study for a modern 4-bladed rotor for the NASA rotor systems research aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bishop, H. E.; Burkam, J. E.; Heminway, R. C.; Keys, C. N.; Smith, K. E.; Smith, J. H.; Staley, J. A.

1981-01-01

Trade-off study results and the rationale for the final selection of an existing modern four-bladed rotor system that can be adapted for installation on the Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) are reported. The results of the detailed integration studies, parameter change studies, and instrumentation studies and the recommended plan for development and qualification of the rotor system is also given. Its parameter variants, integration on the RSRA, and support of ground and flight test programs are also discussed.

Men of Mexican Origin Who Abuse Women: A Qualitative Study.

PubMed

Montalvo-Liendo, Nora; Matthews, Debra W; Gilroy, Heidi; Nava, Angeles; Gangialla, Christyn

2018-03-01

Current literature indicates that intimate partner violence is a complex phenomenon that exists worldwide. However, little is known about why some men of Mexican origin abuse women. This descriptive study was conducted to understand the experiences of men of Mexican origin who abuse their intimate partners. A qualitative research design was used to conduct this study in a south Texas border community adjacent to the United States-Mexico border. This study builds on existing research and furthers the knowledge related to the factors contributing to intimate partner violence, including cultural factors. The results also reinforce the negative impacts of intimate partner violence on children and the family structure. Further research is needed to support the development of a culturally appropriate prevention and intervention program for men of Mexican origin who abuse women and their families.

Bridging the gap between research-supported interventions and everyday social work practice: a new approach.

PubMed

Rubin, Allen

2014-07-01

This article describes a rationale for a focus on case studies that would provide a database of single-group pre-post mean effect sizes that could be analyzed to identify which service provision characteristics are associated with more desirable outcomes when interventions supported by randomized clinical trials are adapted in everyday practice settings. In addition, meta-analyses are proposed that would provide benchmarks that agency practitioners could compare with their mean effect size to inform their decisions about whether to continue, modify, or replace existing efforts to adopt or adapt a specific research-supported treatment. Social workers should be at the forefront of the recommended studies in light of the profession's emphasis on applied research in real-world settings and the prominence of social work practitioners in such settings.

Employers' knowledge and attitudes regarding organizational policy toward workers caring for aging family members.

PubMed

Katz, Ruth; Lowenstein, Ariela; Prilutzky, Dana; Halperin, Dafna

2011-04-01

The study examined employers' knowledge of and attitudes toward working carers who care for aging family members. The study was based on the ecological model. One hundred employers were interviewed using structured questionnaires and 13 employers by additional in-depth interviews. Both research instruments included areas of disruption to the organization, existing policies, and feasibility as to developing appropriate policies to support working carers. Results show that caregiving caused a disruption in workers' functioning mainly by being absent, leaving work early, and coming to work late. Usually, there was "no policy," and half of the employers did not support introducing such a policy. Women managers in public organizations, who had less seniority and less previous experience with working-carers, tended to be more positive about supportive policies. Recommendations are included.

Cultural variation in communal versus exchange norms: Implications for social support.

PubMed

Miller, Joan G; Akiyama, Hiroko; Kapadia, Shagufa

2017-07-01

Whereas an interdependent cultural view of self has been linked to communal norms and to socially supportive behavior, its relationship to social support has been called into question in research suggesting that discomfort in social support is associated with an interdependent cultural view of self (e.g., Taylor et al., 2004). These contrasting claims were addressed in 2 studies conducted among Japanese, Indian, and American adults. Assessing everyday social support, Study 1 showed that Japanese and Americans rely on exchange norms more frequently than Indians among friends, whereas American rely on exchange norms more frequently than Indians and Japanese among siblings. Assessing responses to vignettes, Study 2 demonstrated that Japanese and Americans rely more frequently on exchange norms than Indians, with greatest relational concerns and most negative outlooks on social support observed among Japanese, less among Americans, and least among Indians. Results further indicated that relational concerns mediated the link between exchange norms and negative social support outlooks. Supporting past claims that relational concerns explain cultural variation in discomfort in social support (e.g., Kim, Sherman, & Taylor, 2008), the findings underscore the need to take into account as well the role of exchange norms in explaining such discomfort. The findings also highlight the existence of culturally variable approaches to exchange and call into question claims that discomfort in social support can be explained in terms of the global concept of an interdependent cultural view of self. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Supporting student nurses in practice with additional online communication tools.

PubMed

Morley, Dawn A

2014-01-01

Student nurses' potential isolation and difficulties of learning on placement have been well documented and, despite attempts to make placement learning more effective, evidence indicates the continuing schism between formal learning at university and situated learning on placement. First year student nurses, entering placement for the first time, are particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of practice. During 2012 two first year student nurse seminar groups (52 students) were voluntarily recruited for a mixed method study to determine the usage of additional online communication support mechanisms (Facebook, wiki, an email group and traditional methods of support using individual email or phone) while undertaking their first five week clinical placement. The study explores the possibility of strengthening clinical learning and support by promoting the use of Web 2.0 support groups for student nurses. Results indicate a high level of interactivity in both peer and academic support in the use of Facebook and a high level of interactivity in one wiki group. Students' qualitative comments voice an appreciation of being able to access university and peer support whilst working individually on placement. Recommendations from the study challenge universities to use online communication tools already familiar to students to complement the support mechanisms that exist for practice learning. This is tempered by recognition of the responsibility of academics to ensure their students are aware of safe and effective online communication. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[The level of social support parameters in relation to coping with stress caused by a disease among female patients suffering from depression].

PubMed

Tomczak-Witych, Agnieszka

2006-01-01

Social support issues have their permanent position in the studies of socio-psychological changes influencing people's health. Social support has been treated as one of the factors guarding against disease symptoms occurrence and supporting the stable health state. The purpose the study was to determine how female patients suffering from depression function in society in relation to the social support they receive. 60 female patients with a diagnosed depression and 60 mentally ordered female patients were tested with the use of Uchnast's Sense of Security Questionnaire (KPB). The social support aspects such as the sense of security, sense of closeness, stability and self-confidence were analysed. The participants of the analysis were both women with diagnosed depression and women without any indicators of a depression. The analysis of the result indicated the existence of differences in the intensity of all the social support parameters in both studied groups of women. Women with depression are characterised by a lower sense of closeness, lower stability and lower self-confidence. Among the female patients with depression there is a lower level of the need of safety, and this is the symptom characteristic for the individuals not properly adjusted to social conditions. Lower sense of security staunches and deteriorates the perception of social support, both perceived and expected.

An Observational Cohort Study Examining the Effect of the Duration of Skin-to-Skin Contact on the Physiological Parameters of the Neonate in a Neonatal Intensive Special Care Unit.

PubMed

Jones, Hannah; Santamaria, Nick

2018-06-01

Focus on skin-to-skin contact (SSC) as a family-centered care intervention in Neonatal Intensive Special Care (NISC) Units continues to increase. Previously, SSC has been shown to improve neonatal physiological stability, support brain development, and promote bonding and attachment. Limited research exists investigating SSC duration and neonatal physiological responses. This study examined the relationship between SSC duration and the neonate's oxygen saturation, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and temperature. An observational cohort study was conducted at The Royal Women's Hospital NISC Unit in Melbourne, Australia. For each neonate participant, 1 SSC with their parent was studied (parent convenience) and neonatal physiological parameters recorded, with a bivariate correlation used to explore the relationship between the duration of SSC and the percentage of time during SSC that the neonate's physiological variables remained within a target range. No correlation existed between the duration of SSC and the neonatal physiological variables of oxygen saturation, HR, RR, and temperature. However, neonatal oxygen requirement was more often reduced across the duration of SSC. Due to previously documented benefits to neonates physiologically from SSC, and our supportive finding that SSC reduces neonatal oxygen requirement, we believe that this study adds to the evidence to support promotion of SSC in NISC Units. The duration of SSC does not appear to negatively impact the physiological effects to the neonate. Thus, SSC should be encouraged in all NISC Units to be conducted for the length of time the parent is able. This study should be repeated with a larger sample size.

Barriers to delivering mental health services in Georgia with an economic and financial focus: informing policy and acting on evidence.

PubMed

Sulaberidze, Lela; Green, Stuart; Chikovani, Ivdity; Uchaneishvili, Maia; Gotsadze, George

2018-02-13

Whilst there is recognition that the global burden of disease associated with mental health disorders is significant, the economic resources available, especially in Low and Middle Income Countries, are particularly scarce. Identifying the economic (system) and financial (individual) barriers to delivering mental health services and assessing the opportunities for reform can support the development of strategies for change. A mixed methods study was developed, which engaged with a range of stakeholders from mental health services, including key informants, service managers, healthcare professional and patients and their care-takers. Data generated from interviews and focus groups were analysed using an existing framework that outlines a range of economic and financial barriers to improving mental health practice. In addition, the study utilised health financing and programmatic data. The analysis identified a variety of local economic barriers, including: the inhibition of the diversification of the mental health workforce and services due to inflexible resources; the variable and limited provision of services across the country; and the absence of mechanisms to assess the delivery and quality of existing services. The main financial barriers identified were related to out-of pocket payments for purchasing high quality medications and transportation to access mental health services. Whilst scarcity of financial resources exists in Georgia, as in many other countries, there are clear opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the current mental health programme. Addressing system-wide barriers could enable the delivery of services that aim to meet the needs of patients. The use of existing data to assess the implementation of the mental health programme offers opportunities to benchmark and improve services and to support the appropriate commissioning and reconfiguration of services.

Emotions predictably modify response times in the initiation of human motor actions: A meta-analytic review.

PubMed

Beatty, Garrett F; Cranley, Nicole M; Carnaby, Giselle; Janelle, Christopher M

2016-03-01

Emotions motivate individuals to attain appetitive goals and avoid aversive consequences. Empirical investigations have detailed how broad approach and avoidance orientations are reflected in fundamental movement attributes such as the speed, accuracy, and variability of motor actions. Several theoretical perspectives propose explanations for how emotional states influence the speed with which goal directed movements are initiated. These perspectives include biological predisposition, muscle activation, distance regulation, cognitive evaluation, and evaluative response coding accounts. A comprehensive review of literature and meta-analysis were undertaken to quantify empirical support for these theoretical perspectives. The systematic review yielded 34 studies that contained 53 independent experiments producing 128 effect sizes used to evaluate the predictions of existing theories. The central tenets of the biological predisposition (Hedges' g = -0.356), distance regulation (g = -0.293; g = 0.243), and cognitive evaluation (g = -0.249; g = -0.405; g = -0.174) accounts were supported. Partial support was also identified for the evaluative response coding (g = -0.255) framework. Our findings provide quantitative evidence that substantiate existing theoretical perspectives, and provide potential direction for conceptual integration of these independent perspectives. Recommendations for future empirical work in this area are discussed. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Community Involvement among Behaviourally Bisexual Men in the Midwestern USA: Experiences and Perceptions across Communities

PubMed Central

Dodge, Brian; Schnarrs, Phillip W.; Reece, Michael; Goncalves, Gabriel; Martinez, Omar; Nix, Ryan; Malebranche, David; Van Der Pol, Barbara; Murray, Maresa; Fortenberry, J. Dennis

2012-01-01

Limited research exists regarding community involvement and social support among behaviourally bisexual men. Previous studies suggest that bisexual men experience high levels of social stigma in both heterosexual and homosexual community settings. Research focusing on social support has demonstrated that individuals with limited access to similar individuals experience greater risk for negative health outcomes. Using a community-based research design, participants were recruited using multiple methods in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Researchers conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 75 men who reported having engaged in bisexual behaviour within the past six months. Interviews elucidated the experiences of behaviourally bisexual men in heterosexual and homosexual settings, as well as their perceptions of the existence of a bisexual community or bisexual spaces. All participants perceived a lack of a visible bisexual community and expressed difficulty with being comfortable, or feeling belonging, within a variety of heterosexual and homosexual community spaces. Findings suggest the need for interventions focused on community building among, as well as creating spaces specifically designed for, bisexual men in order to increase perceived social support and decrease isolation and possible negative health outcomes. PMID:22978551

Implementing care programmes for frail older people: a project management perspective.

PubMed

Bindels, Jill; Cox, Karen; Abma, Tineke A; van Schayck, Onno C P; Widdershoven, Guy

2015-01-01

To examine the issues that influenced the implementation of programmes designed to identify and support frail older people in the community in the Netherlands. Qualitative research methods were used to investigate the perspectives of project leaders, project members and members of the steering committee responsible for the implementation of the programmes. Interviews were conducted in 2009 (n = 10) and in 2012 (n = 13) and a focus group was organised in 2012 (n = 5). The interviews revealed that the implementation was influenced by the extent and quality of collaboration between organisations, adaptation to existing structures, future funding for the programmes and project leadership. A good relationship between participating organisations and professionals is required for successful implementation. A lack of clear project leadership and structural funding hampers the implementation of complex programmes in primary care settings. The findings of this study are useful for organisations and professionals who are planning to implement complex programmes. Identifying barriers concerning institutional collaboration, adaptation to existing structures, leadership and continuation of financial support at an early stage of the implementation process can support practitioners in overcoming them. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of social support in facilitating postpartum women's return to employment.

PubMed

Killien, Marcia Gruis

2005-01-01

More than half of mothers with infants under 1 year are employed. This study explored the role of social support in facilitating women's return to employment during the 1st year postpartum. Analysis of existing longitudinal, repeated-measures questionnaire data gathered at 4 and 12 months postpartum. 94 postpartum women who were married or partnered, employed, and residing in a large urban area in the northwestern United States. Satisfaction with decision to return to work, role performance, work-family balance. Relationships between indicators of social support and return-to-work experiences were absent to modest. Satisfaction with child care was related to satisfaction with the decision to return to work. Workplace support was related to work-family balance at 12 months postpartum. Satisfactory child care arrangements and supportive relationships in the workplace are the most significant facilitators of women's return to work postpartum.

[What specific socialisation, social, educational and professional for teenagers and young adults with cancer?

PubMed

Roesler, Caroline; Pautre, Isabelle; Thirry, Dominique; Flores, Soccoro; Chabbert, Catherine; Savre, Nikita; Pibarot, Michèle; Seveau, Marie-Aude; Dugas, Karyn; Rollin, Zoé; Dumont, Sarah; Gaspar, Nathalie

2016-12-01

Socialisation, education, first jobs and autonomy are key steps to teenagers and young adults (TYA) integration into the society. The occurrence of a cancer in this population increases the difficulties. Although, suffering of cancer do affect TYA life journey at social, scholar and professional levels, from diagnosis to the after-cancer live and sometime forever, few studies exist in France. A national study on TYA with cancer (TYAC) social, scholar and professional pathways is on-going (ESPOIR-AJA). A national survey of the existing TYAC insertion support in 2013 by the "Insertion group" of groupe onco-hématologie adolescents et jeunes adultes (GO-AJA) revealed structured and ancient support at scholar level based on national governmental or associative structures, but insufficient and non-specific scholar help in secondary school and professional help. Specific initiatives have emerged since 2012 with the "Plan cancer 2". All these helps remain unequal across the country. A referential on TYAC social, scholar and professional insertion has been prepared by GO-AJA in collaboration with the association francophone des soins oncologiques de support (AFSOS). The impact of the action 9 of the nation "plan cancer 3" is awaited. Copyright © 2016 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Managers' Support for Employee Wellness Programs: An Integrative Review.

PubMed

Passey, Deborah G; Brown, Meagan C; Hammerback, Kristen; Harris, Jeffrey R; Hannon, Peggy A

2018-01-01

The aim of this integrative literature review is to synthesize the existing evidence regarding managers' support for employee wellness programs. The search utilized multiple electronic databases and libraries. Inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed research published in English, between 1990 and 2016, and examining managers' support in the context of a worksite intervention. The final sample included 21 articles for analysis. Two researchers extracted and described results from each of the included articles using a content analysis. Two researchers independently rated the quality of the included articles. Researchers synthesized data into a summary table by study design, sample, data collected, key findings, and quality rating. Factors that may influence managers' support include their organization's management structure, senior leadership support, their expected roles, training on health topics, and their beliefs and attitudes toward wellness programs and employee health. Managers' support may influence the organizational culture, employees' perception of support, and employees' behaviors. When designing interventions, health promotion practitioners and researchers should consider strategies that target senior, middle, and line managers' support. Interventions need to include explicit measures of managers' support as part of the evaluation plan.

Multiferroic properties of Indian natural ilmenite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharya, Truptimayee; Choudhary, R. N. P.

2017-03-01

In this communication, the main results and analysis of extensive studies of electric and magnetic characteristics (relative dielectric constant, tangent loss, electric polarization, electric transport, impedance, magnetic polarization and magneto-electric coupling coefficient) of Indian natural ilmenite (NI) have been presented. Preliminary structural analysis was studied by Rietveld refinement of room temperature XRD data, which suggests the rhombohedral crystal system of NI. Maxwell-Wagner mechanism was used to explain the nature of the frequency dependence of the relative dielectric constant. The impedance analysis reveals that below 270 °C, only the bulk contributes, whereas at higher temperature, both grain boundary and the bulk contribute to the resistive characteristics of the material. The magnitude of the depression angles of the semicircles in the Nyquist plot has been estimated. The correlated barrier hopping model has been used to explain the frequency dependence of ac conductivity of the material. The activation energy of the compound has been estimated using the temperature dependence of dc conductivity plot. The obtained polarization hysteresis loops manifest improper ferroelectric behavior of NI. The existence M-H hysteresis loop supports anti-ferromagnetism in the studied material. The magneto-electric voltage coupling coefficient is found to be 0.7 mV/cm Oe. Hence, other than dielectric constant, electric polarization, magnetization and magneto-electric studies support the existence of multiferroic properties in NI.

"That's what you do for people you love": A qualitative study of social support and recovery from a musculoskeletal injury.

PubMed

Prang, Khic-Houy; Newnam, Sharon; Berecki-Gisolf, Janneke

2018-01-01

Social support has been identified as a significant factor in facilitating better health outcomes following injury. However, research has primarily focused on the role of social support from the perspective of the person experiencing an injury. Limited research has examined the experiences of the family members and friends of a person with injury. This study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of social support and recovery following a transport-related musculoskeletal injury (MSI) in a population of injured persons and their family members and friends. This study was conducted using a phenomenological qualitative research design. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten persons with MSI, recruited via the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) in Victoria, Australia. Seven family members and friends were also interviewed. The data was analysed using constant comparative method and thematic analysis. Several themes were identified including: (1) key sources and types of support received, (2) relationship development and (3) challenges of providing and receiving support. Participants with MSI reported stories about how the social network provided emotional and tangible support. Family members and friends confirmed the supportive acts provided to the participants with MSI. Positive iterative changes in relationships were reported by the participants with MSI. Participants with MSI, their family members and friends described several difficulties including loss of independence, feeling like a burden, and the impact of caring on health and well-being. The role of social support is complex given the multitude of people involved in the recovery process. The findings of this study suggest that persons with MSI may benefit from support groups and maintenance of existing support networks. Furthermore, family members and friends engaged in the recovery process may benefit from support in this role.

An ArcGIS decision support tool for artificial reefs site selection (ArcGIS ARSS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stylianou, Stavros; Zodiatis, George

2017-04-01

Although the use and benefits of artificial reefs, both socio-economic and environmental, have been recognized with research and national development programmes worldwide their development is rarely subjected to a rigorous site selection process and the majority of the projects use the traditional (non-GIS) approach, based on trial and error mode. Recent studies have shown that the use of Geographic Information Systems, unlike to traditional methods, for the identification of suitable areas for artificial reefs siting seems to offer a number of distinct advantages minimizing possible errors, time and cost. A decision support tool (DSS) has been developed based on the existing knowledge, the multi-criteria decision analysis techniques and the GIS approach used in previous studies in order to help the stakeholders to identify the optimal locations for artificial reefs deployment on the basis of the physical, biological, oceanographic and socio-economic features of the sites. The tool provides to the users the ability to produce a final report with the results and suitability maps. The ArcGIS ARSS support tool runs within the existing ArcMap 10.2.x environment and for the development the VB .NET high level programming language has been used along with ArcObjects 10.2.x. Two local-scale case studies were conducted in order to test the application of the tool focusing on artificial reef siting. The results obtained from the case studies have shown that the tool can be successfully integrated within the site selection process in order to select objectively the optimal site for artificial reefs deployment.

Evaluation of the Association between Arsenic and Diabetes: A National Toxicology Program Workshop Review

PubMed Central

Maull, Elizabeth A.; Ahsan, Habibul; Edwards, Joshua; Longnecker, Matthew P.; Navas-Acien, Ana; Pi, Jingbo; Silbergeld, Ellen K.; Styblo, Miroslav; Tseng, Chin-Hsiao; Thayer, Kristina A.

2012-01-01

Background: Diabetes affects an estimated 346 million persons globally, and total deaths from diabetes are projected to increase > 50% in the next decade. Understanding the role of environmental chemicals in the development or progression of diabetes is an emerging issue in environmental health. In 2011, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) organized a workshop to assess the literature for evidence of associations between certain chemicals, including inorganic arsenic, and diabetes and/or obesity to help develop a focused research agenda. This review is derived from discussions at that workshop. Objectives: Our objectives were to assess the consistency, strength/weaknesses, and biological plausibility of findings in the scientific literature regarding arsenic and diabetes and to identify data gaps and areas for future evaluation or research. The extent of the existing literature was insufficient to consider obesity as an outcome. Data Sources, Extraction, and Synthesis: Studies related to arsenic and diabetes or obesity were identified through PubMed and supplemented with relevant studies identified by reviewing the reference lists in the primary literature or review articles. Conclusions: Existing human data provide limited to sufficient support for an association between arsenic and diabetes in populations with relatively high exposure levels (≥ 150 µg arsenic/L in drinking water). The evidence is insufficient to conclude that arsenic is associated with diabetes in lower exposure (< 150 µg arsenic/L drinking water), although recent studies with better measures of outcome and exposure support an association. The animal literature as a whole was inconclusive; however, studies using better measures of diabetes-relevant end points support a link between arsenic and diabetes. PMID:22889723

COMPUTER SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR ESTIMATING CHEMICAL TOXICITY: PRESENT CAPABILITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

EPA Science Inventory

Computer Support Systems for Estimating Chemical Toxicity: Present Capabilities and Future Trends

A wide variety of computer-based artificial intelligence (AI) and decision support systems exist currently to aid in the assessment of toxicity for environmental chemicals. T...

Violence and school shootings.

PubMed

Flannery, Daniel J; Modzeleski, William; Kretschmar, Jeff M

2013-01-01

Multiple-homicide school shootings are rare events, but when they happen they significantly impact individuals, the school and the community. We focus on multiple-homicide incidents and identified mental health issues of shooters. To date, studies of school shootings have concluded that no reliable profile of a shooter exists, so risk should be assessed using comprehensive threat assessment protocols. Existing studies primarily utilize retrospective case histories or media accounts. The field requires more empirical and systematic research on all types of school shootings including single victim incidents, those that result in injury but not death and those that are successfully averted. We discuss current policies and practices related to school shootings and the role of mental health professionals in assessing risk and supporting surviving victims.

Theoretical study on physicochemical properties of curcumin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Liang; Ji, Hong-Fang

2007-07-01

Curcumin is a yellow-orange pigment, which has attracted considerable attention due to its wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities. In spite of much effort devoted on curcumin, there still exist some open questions concerning its fundamental physicochemical properties. The present study suggests that the DFT and TD-DFT calculations are useful to answer these questions. Firstly, the thermodynamic as well as spectral parameters support that curcumin exists predominantly in enol form in solution. Secondly, the calculated absorption spectra of curcumin anions provides direct evidence that the lowest p Ka of curcumin corresponds to the dissociation of enolic proton, which not only reconciles the controversy on this topic, but also has important implications on the proton-transfer/dissociation-associated radical-scavenging mechanisms of curcumin.

1995 National assessment of United States oil and gas resources; results, methodology, and supporting data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gautier, Donald L.; Dolton, G.L.; Takahashi, K.I.; Varnes, K.L.

1995-01-01

This report summarizes the results of a 3-year study of the oil and gas resources of the onshore and state waters of the United States by the U.S. Geological Survey. A parallel study of the Federal offshore is being conducted by the Minerals Management Service. Estimates are made of technically recoverable oil, including measured (proved) reserves, future additions to reserves in existing fields, and undiscovered resources. Estimates are also made of the technically recoverable conventional resources of natural gas in measured reserves, in anticipated growth of reserves in existing fields, and in undiscovered resources. Additionally, an assessment is made of recoverable resources in continuous-type (largely unconventional) accumulations in sandstones, shales, chalks, and coal beds.

Investigation of Bandwidth-Efficient Coding and Modulation Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Osborne, William P.

1992-01-01

The necessary technology was studied to improve the bandwidth efficiency of the space-to-ground communications network using the current capabilities of that network as a baseline. The study was aimed at making space payloads, for example the Hubble Space Telescope, more capable without the need to completely redesign the link. Particular emphasis was placed on the following concepts: (1) what the requirements are which are necessary to convert an existing standard 4-ary phase shift keying communications link to one that can support, as a minimum, 8-ary phase shift keying with error corrections applied; and (2) to determine the feasibility of using the existing equipment configurations with additional signal processing equipment to realize the higher order modulation and coding schemes.

Analysis of institutional mechanisms that support community response to impacts of floods in the middle-zambezi river basin, Zimbabwe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhonda, P.; Mabiza, C.; Makurira, H.; Kujinga, K.; Nhapi, I.; Goldin, J.; Mashauri, D. A.

In recent years, the frequency of occurrence of floods has increased in Southern Africa. An increase in the frequency of extreme events is partly attributed to climate change. Floods negatively impact on livelihoods, especially those classified as poor, mainly by reducing livelihood options and also contributing to reduced crop yields. In response to these climatic events, governments within Southern Africa have formulated policies which try to mitigate the impacts of floods. Floods can be deadly, often occurring at short notice, lasting for short periods, and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. This study analysed institutional mechanisms in Mbire District of Zimbabwe which aim at mitigating the impact of floods. The study used both quantitative (i.e. questionnaires) and qualitative (i.e. key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observations) data collection methods. Secondary data such as policy and legislation documents and operational manuals of organisations that support communities affected by disasters were reviewed. Qualitative data was analysed using the thematic approach and social network analysis using UCINET 6. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS 19.0. The study found out that there exists institutional framework that has been developed at the national and local level to support communities in the study area in response to the impacts of floods. This is supported by various pieces of legislation that are housed in different government departments. However, the existing institutional framework does not effectively strengthen disaster management mechanisms at the local level. Lack of financial resources and appropriate training and skills to undertake flood management activities reduce the capacity of communities and disaster management organisations to effectively mitigate the impacts of floods. The study also found that there are inadequate hydro-meteorological stations to enable accurate forecasts. Even in those cases where forecasts predicting extreme weather events have been made, communities have difficulties accessing and interpreting such forecasts due to inadequate communication systems. Such factors reduce the preparedness of communities to deal with extreme weather events.

Supportive relationship: Experiences of Iranian students and teachers concerning student-teacher relationship in clinical nursing education

PubMed Central

Heydari, Abbas; Yaghoubinia, Fariba; Roudsari, Robab Latifnejad

2013-01-01

Background: Student-teacher relationship is a salient issue in nursing education and has long-lasting implication in professional development of nursing students. Nowadays, this relationship in clinical settings is different from the past due to changing in nursing education paradigm. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of students and teachers about student-teacher relationship in the context of clinical nursing education in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study that has been carried out adopting conventional qualitative content analysis approach, six bachelor nursing students and six clinical teachers in school of Nursing and Midwifery, were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interview and participant observation were used for data collection. Interviews transcribed verbatim and analyzed using conventional content analysis through the process of data reduction and condensation, coding and also generating the categories and themes. Results: Results of the study showed the existence of a type of relationship in clinical education in which supportive actions of clinical teachers were prominent. These supportive actions appeared as three major categories including educational support, emotional support and social support which emerged from data. Conclusion: The results of this study explicit the ways that support could be provided for students in their relationship with clinical teachers. It also determines the teachers’ need to know more about the influence of their supportive relationship on students’ learning and the best possible outcomes of their education in clinical settings. PMID:24554945

Supportive relationship: Experiences of Iranian students and teachers concerning student-teacher relationship in clinical nursing education.

PubMed

Heydari, Abbas; Yaghoubinia, Fariba; Roudsari, Robab Latifnejad

2013-11-01

Student-teacher relationship is a salient issue in nursing education and has long-lasting implication in professional development of nursing students. Nowadays, this relationship in clinical settings is different from the past due to changing in nursing education paradigm. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of students and teachers about student-teacher relationship in the context of clinical nursing education in Iran. In this qualitative study that has been carried out adopting conventional qualitative content analysis approach, six bachelor nursing students and six clinical teachers in school of Nursing and Midwifery, were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interview and participant observation were used for data collection. Interviews transcribed verbatim and analyzed using conventional content analysis through the process of data reduction and condensation, coding and also generating the categories and themes. Results of the study showed the existence of a type of relationship in clinical education in which supportive actions of clinical teachers were prominent. These supportive actions appeared as three major categories including educational support, emotional support and social support which emerged from data. The results of this study explicit the ways that support could be provided for students in their relationship with clinical teachers. It also determines the teachers' need to know more about the influence of their supportive relationship on students' learning and the best possible outcomes of their education in clinical settings.

26 CFR 1.1445-3 - Adjustments to amount required to be withheld pursuant to withholding certificate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., correct, and complete to his knowledge and belief. No particular form is required for an application, but... identifying number exists for each party, and, if none exists for a particular party, the applicant should... unsatisfied withholding liability, or evidence supporting the claim that no such liability exists, in...

A radiographic template for a two-implant mandibular overdenture using the patient’s existing denture

PubMed Central

Huynh-Ba, G; Alexander, P; Vargas, A; Vierra, M; Oates, TW

2012-01-01

This article introduces a technique for modifying an existing mandibular complete denture for use as a radiographic template with a radiopaque light-activated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) preparation. This allows prosthetically-driven treatment planning and surgical placement of 2 implants to support the existing mandibular denture. PMID:23328197

Endometrial 'scratching': what the data show.

PubMed

Santamaria, Xavier; Katzorke, Nora; Simón, Carlos

2016-08-01

Since its first description in 2003, the endometrial scratching procedure has been the topic of over 1000 studies. This procedure, used to improve endometrial receptivity for assisted reproduction, is accessible - any gynecologist can easily perform it - and has been adapted into clinical routine by some reproductive units. However, the available data are controversial, and no biological plausibility exists to support the use of this intervention. This study aims to critically review the existing data, focusing on the last 2 years, regarding the efficiency of endometrial scratching. A total of five randomized controlled studies, one meta-analysis, and a systematic review related to endometrial scratching/injury were published in 2014 and 2015. Considerable heterogeneity exists among these studies regarding the selected population, type of treatment, and even timing and devices used to perform the endometrial injury. Importantly, none of these studies reported improved reproductive outcomes in terms of live birth rates following endometrial scratching. Overall, data from properly designed and powered randomized controlled studies demonstrate no beneficial effect of this intervention that is based on unknown biological effects. Endometrial scratching produces pain, costs money, and the side-effects of systematic scratching in the production of Asherman syndrome remain to be seen. Think before scratching.

Failing the Future: Three Unsuccessful Attempts to Replicate Bem's ‘Retroactive Facilitation of Recall’ Effect

PubMed Central

Ritchie, Stuart J.; Wiseman, Richard; French, Christopher C.

2012-01-01

Nine recently reported parapsychological experiments appear to support the existence of precognition. We describe three pre-registered independent attempts to exactly replicate one of these experiments, ‘retroactive facilitation of recall’, which examines whether performance on a memory test can be influenced by a post-test exercise. All three replication attempts failed to produce significant effects (combined n = 150; combined p = .83, one-tailed) and thus do not support the existence of psychic ability. PMID:22432019

[Drawing, a tool to use with unaccompanied foreign minors].

PubMed

Touhami, Fatima; Minassian, Sevan; Radjack, Rahmeth; Moro, Marie Rose

Supporting unaccompanied foreign minors requires a different clinical approach. These youngsters must be given individualised support to help them make the transition from exile and loss, to an existence as an individual, yet still a son or daughter. The drawing, as a transcultural and atemporal imprint, constitutes a tool enabling these young people to bring to the surface their unconscious thought processes, to exist and to come into being with dignity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Kinematic Analysis of Cpm Machine Supporting to Rehabilitation Process after Surgical Knee Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trochimczuk, R.; Kuźmierowski, T.

2014-11-01

Existing commercial solutions of the CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machines are described in the paper. Based on the analysis of existing solutions we present our conceptual solution to support the process of rehabilitation of the knee joint which is necessary after arthroscopic surgery. For a given novel structure we analyze and present proprietary algorithms and the computer application to simulate the operation of our PCM device. In addition, we suggest directions for further research.

Resident guide to advocacy in dermatology.

PubMed

Park, Kelly K

2015-12-01

Many opportunities exist for residents to get involved in advocacy in dermatology, from national to grassroots levels. Residents also should be aware of opportunities to get involved in patient advocacy and become familiar with the myriad of patient advocacy groups that exist. These groups offer support and education for patients and initiate research efforts for specific dermatologic conditions that provide support for patients beyond what can be offered during a standard office visit. The value of resident involvement in advocacy also is discussed.

University role in astronaut life support systems: Portable thermal control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ephrath, A. R.

1971-01-01

One of the most vital life support systems is that used to provide the astronaut with an adequate thermal environment. State-of-the-art techniques are reviewed for collecting and rejecting excess heat loads from the suited astronaut. Emphasis is placed on problem areas which exist and which may be suitable topics for university research. Areas covered include thermal control requirements and restrictions, methods of heat absorption and rejection or storage, and comparison between existing methods and possible future techniques.

Student Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Screeners: Evidence for Reliability, Validity, and Usability in Elementary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartman, Kelsey; Gresham, Frank M.; Byrd, Shelby

2017-01-01

Universal screening for emotional and behavioral risk in schools facilitates early identification and intervention for students as part of multitiered systems of support. Early identification has the potential to mitigate adverse outcomes of emotional and behavioral disorders. The purpose of this study was to extend existing research on the…

The Two Voices of Alzheimer's: Attitudes toward Brain Health by Diagnosed Individuals and Support Persons

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beard, Renee L.; Fetterman, David J.; Wu, Bei; Bryant, Lucinda

2009-01-01

Purpose: Most individuals with Alzheimer's are cared for in their homes by unpaid family members. Research on caregiving focuses disproportionally on costs of care, service utilization, and negative psychosocial outcomes. Few narrative accounts of Alzheimer's exist; those that do suffer similar pejorative framings and narrow foci. No studies that…

Documenting Preservice Teacher Growth through Critical Assessment of Online Lesson Plans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cude, Michelle D.; Haraway, Dana L.

2017-01-01

This research explores the question of how students in a social studies methods course improve skills in analyzing and critiquing pre-existing lesson plans. It utilizes a pre-post authentic assessment tool to measure student growth in key skills of lesson plan critique over the course of one semester's methods instruction. The results support the…

How Big Is That? Reporting the Effect Size and Cost of ASSISTments in the Maine Homework Efficacy Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roschelle, Jeremy; Murphy, Robert; Feng, Mingyu; Bakia, Marianne

2017-01-01

In a rigorous evaluation of ASSISTments as an online homework support conducted in the state of Maine, SRI International reported that "the intervention significantly increased student scores on an end-of-the-year standardized mathematics assessment as compared with a control group that continued with existing homework practices."…

75 FR 64397 - Value Pricing Pilot Program Participation, Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-19

... existing highway. Absent one or both of these conditions being met, an agreement will not be considered... program can be used to support pre- implementation study activities as well as to pay for pricing-specific implementation costs of value pricing projects. Pursuant to section 1012(b)(2) of ISTEA, FHWA may not fund pre...

Tracking Ecstasy Trends in the United States with Data from Three National Drug Surveillance Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yacoubian, George S., Jr.

2003-01-01

Anecdotal reports have suggested that the use of 3,4-methylenedioxymeth-amphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy") is a prodigious problem across the United States. Unfortunately, no longitudinal evidence exists to support this contention. In the current study, data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), Monitoring the Future (MTF), and…

A Study of the St. Lawrence River Ecological Habitat

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mesires, Maria

2010-01-01

Save the River, a grassroots advocacy group established in 1978, lobbies for policies to preserve the upper St. Lawrence River and uses the community's help to keep an eye on the existing habitats. Recently, they procured the Fresh Sound Foundation grant to support the development of new K-12 ecology curricula by local area teachers to educate…

Adult Support and Substance Use among Homeless Youths Who Attend High School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferguson, Kristin M.; Xie, Bin

2012-01-01

Background: Despite high rates of substance use among homeless youths, little is known about the interaction of substance-use risk and protective factors. Further, limited research exists on substance use by school-attending homeless youths, as extant studies have relied on street- and shelter-based samples. Objective: The purpose of this study…

"A Sketch Is Like a Sentence": Curriculum Structures that Support Teaching Epistemic Practices of Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Enfield, Mark; Smith, Edward L.; Grueber, David J.

2008-01-01

This research reports on a study of curriculum materials development and use compared with the use of existing curriculum materials in an elementary classroom. The research explored the effect of explicit attention to epistemic practices in curriculum materials and the enactment of those materials. Epistemic practices include asking questions,…

Combining Quality and Curriculum-Based Measurement: A Suggested Assessment Protocol in Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ganzeveld, Paula

2015-01-01

Curriculum-Based Measures in writing (CBM-W) assesses a variety of fluency-based components of writing. While support exists for the use of CBM measures in the area of writing, there is a need to conduct further validation studies to investigate the utility of these measures within elementary and secondary classrooms. Since only countable indices…

Economic incentives exist to support measures to reduce illegal logging

Treesearch

J.A. Turner; J. Buongiorno; A. Katz; S. Zhu; R. Li

2008-01-01

Three studies of the global economic implications of eliminating illegal logging are summarized. Processors of illegally sourced wood would lose from the elimination of illegal logging through high prices for logs and decreased production of wood products. Associated with these changes could be losses in employment and income. Beyond these losses to the processing...

High frequencies of elevated alkaline phosphatase activity and rickets exist in extremely low birth weight infants despite current nutritional support

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Osteopenia and rickets are common among extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW, <1000 g birth weight) despite current practices of vitamin and mineral supplementation. Few data are available evaluating the usual course of markers of mineral status in this population. Our objectives in this study w...

Promoting School Readiness in the Context of Socio-Economic Adversity: Associations with Parental Demoralization and Support for Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okado, Yuko; Bierman, Karen L.; Welsh, Janet A.

2014-01-01

Background: Existing research suggests that parenting stress and demoralization, as well as provision of learning activities at home, significantly affect child school readiness. However, the degree to which these dimensions of parenting uniquely influence child school readiness remains unclear. Objective: This study tested the hypothesis that…

Experiences in Digital Circuit Design Courses: A Self-Study Platform for Learning Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bañeres, David; Clarisó, Robert; Jorba, Josep; Serra, Montse

2014-01-01

The synthesis of digital circuits is a basic skill in all the bachelor programmes around the ICT area of knowledge, such as Computer Science, Telecommunication Engineering or Electrical Engineering. An important hindrance in the learning process of this skill is that the existing educational tools for the design of circuits do not allow the…

Off-Balance: The Integration of Physical Education Content Learning and Irish Language Learning in English-Medium Primary Schools in Ireland

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ní Chróinín, Déirdre; Ní Mhurchú, Siobhán; Ó Ceallaigh, T. J.

2016-01-01

Increased attention to integrated approaches has resulted from demands to prioritise literacy learning while maintaining a balanced curriculum in primary schools. Limited empirical evidence to support integrated approaches to teaching physical education (PE) exists. This study explored the integration of PE content learning and the learning of…

Use of Evidence from Systematic Reviews to Inform Commissioning Decisions: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chambers, Duncan; Grant, Rod; Warren, Erica; Pearson, Sally-Anne; Wilson, Paul

2012-01-01

Systematic reviews provide high-level evidence but there are barriers to their use by policy makers. This paper reports the preparation and evaluation of an evidence briefing, using systematic reviews and other existing sources of synthesised evidence, to support a possible reorganisation of services for young people with eating disorders in an…

Developing a Diagnosis System of Work-Related Capabilities for Students: A Computer-Assisted Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liao, C. H.; Yang, M. H.; Yang, B. C.

2013-01-01

A gap exists between students' employment needs and higher education offerings. Thus, developing the capability to meet the learning needs of students in supporting their future aspirations should be facilitated. To bridge this gap in practice, this study uses multiple methods (i.e., nominal group technique and instructional systems development)…

Natural amenities and rural population migration: a technical document supporting the Forest Service 2010 RPA Assessment

Treesearch

H. Ken Cordell; Vahé Heboyan; Florence Santos; John C. Bergstrom

2011-01-01

Research has suggested that significant relationships exist between rural population change and natural amenities. Thus, understanding and predicting domestic migration trends as a function of changes in natural amenities is important for effective regional growth and development policies and strategies. In this study, we first estimated an econometric model which...

Comparing Virtual and Location-Based Augmented Reality Mobile Learning: Emotions and Learning Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harley, Jason M.; Poitras, Eric G.; Jarrell, Amanda; Duffy, Melissa C.; Lajoie, Susanne P.

2016-01-01

Research on the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) on learning exists, but there is a paucity of empirical work that explores the role that positive emotions play in supporting learning in such settings. To address this gap, this study compared undergraduate students' emotions and learning outcomes during a guided historical tour using mobile…

Building Early Learning Leaders: New Jersey's PreK-3rd Leadership Training. A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rice, Cynthia; Costanza, Vincent

2011-01-01

New Jersey school administrators are finding themselves in need of the supports necessary to build on the state's existing model preschools toward a broader vision of early learning, including making strong connections to the early learning system. Clearly, changing the educational mindset and building the related capacity of front-line leaders is…

NETL- Severe Environment Corrosion Erosion Facility

ScienceCinema

None

2018-01-16

NETL's Severe Environment Corrosion Erosion Facility in Albany studies how new and old materials will stand up to new operating conditions. Work done in the lab supports NETL's oxy-fuel combustion oxidation work, refractory materials stability work, and the fuels program, in particular the hydrogen membrane materials stability work, to determine how best to upgrade existing power plants.

The relationship of recreation specialization to the setting preferences of mountain bicyclists

Treesearch

Timothy E. Hopkin; Roger L. Moore

1995-01-01

This study gathered information about mountain bike use and users on unpaved trails in a Raleigh, North Carolina park. Specifically, it attempted to determine if levels of recreation specialization were related to the setting preferences of mountain bike users. The results offered partial support for the existence of a relationship between recreation specialization and...

Report of the Senate Select Committee on Community Junior Colleges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Missouri State General Assembly, Jefferson City. Senate.

The inability of Missouri community college districts--which serve 54% of the state's population but cover only 17% of the state's area--to enlarge their property tax support base, pass capital bond issues, or to increase operational levies gave rise to a legislative study of four major issues: existing laws covering community colleges; the…

Telehealth Delivery of Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention to Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hepburn, Susan L.; Blakeley-Smith, Audrey; Wolff, Brian; Reaven, Judy A.

2016-01-01

Youth with autism spectrum disorders frequently experience significant symptoms of anxiety. Empirically supported psychosocial interventions exist, yet access is limited, especially for families in rural areas. Telehealth (i.e. videoconferencing) has potential to reduce barriers to access to care; however, little is known about the feasibility or…

Transactors, Transformers and Beyond. A Multi-Method Development of a Theoretical Typology of Leadership.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pearce, Craig L.; Sims, Henry P., Jr.; Cox, Jonathan F.; Ball, Gail; Schnell, Eugene; Smith, Ken A.; Trevino, Linda

2003-01-01

To extend the transactional-transformational model of leadership, four theoretical behavioral types of leadership were developed based on literature review and data from studies of executive behavior (n=253) and subordinate attitudes (n=208). Confirmatory factor analysis of a third data set (n=702) support the existence of four leadership types:…

Family Structure and Attitudes Toward the Family for Negroes and Whites From Lower-Class and Working-Class Backgrounds.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nosow, Sigmund

This study is concerned with attitudes of family members, and whether such attitudes indeed vary with different family structures. The increasing sociological and psychiatric evidence seems to support the existence of family strengths in families which have been defined as unstable because of structural attributes. Given the historical character…

Spectrum Approach to Mentoring: An Evidence-Based Approach to Mentoring for Academics Working in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, Marina; Ambler, Trudy; Cahir, Jayde

2017-01-01

Anecdotal and empirical evidence indicates that mentoring can be a successful strategy for supporting professional learning, yet limited literature exists on approaches to mentoring designed specifically for academics working in higher education. The aim of this study was to create an approach to mentoring tailored to the needs of academics and…

Developing Library GIS Services for Humanities and Social Science: An Action Research Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kong, Ningning; Fosmire, Michael; Branch, Benjamin Dewayne

2017-01-01

In the academic libraries' efforts to support digital humanities and social science, GIS service plays an important role. However, there is no general service model existing about how libraries can develop GIS services to best engage with digital humanities and social science. In this study, we adopted the action research method to develop and…

ePortfolio Effectiveness: A(n Ill-Fated) Search for Empirical Support

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bryant, Lauren H.; Chittum, Jessica R.

2013-01-01

ePortfolio has become ubiquitous in higher education over the course of the last decade, with faculty and institutions devoting both time and monetary resources to its use. Given this trend, the purpose of this study was to investigate the landscape of ePortfolio research to determine what evidence exists for ePortfolio's impact on student…

Measuring the Knowledge and Attitudes of Health Care Staff toward Older People: Sensitivity of Measurement Instruments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cowan, David T.; Fitzpatrick, Joanne M.; Roberts, Julia D.; While, Alison E.

2004-01-01

This paper discusses the sensitivity of instruments used to measure knowledge and attitudes toward older people. Existing standardized measurement instruments are reviewed, including a detailed examination of Palmore's Facts on Ageing Quiz (FAQ). A recent study conducted by the research team into the knowledge and attitudes of support workers (n =…

Measuring the Knowledge and Attitudes of Health Care Staff toward Older People: Sensitivity of Measurement Instruments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cowan, David T.; Fitzpatrick, Joanne M.; Roberts, Julia D.; While, Alison E.

2004-01-01

This paper discusses the sensitivity of instruments used to measure knowledge and attitudes toward older people. Existing standardized measurement instruments are reviewed, including a detailed examination of Palmore's Facts on Ageing Quiz (FAQ). A recent study conducted by the research team into the knowledge and attitudes of support workers…

Enhancing the Empowerment of Youth in Foster Care: Supportive Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaplan, Sandra J.; Skolnik, Louise; Turnbull, Ayme

2009-01-01

This paper reviews the research on youth empowerment in seven child welfare programmatic areas. A lack of studies specifically focused on the empowerment of youth in foster care was found. Conceptual perspectives and existing data, however, suggest that the empowerment of youth in and transitioning out of care is essential and should be overtly…

Examining Interactions between Problem Posing and Problem Solving with Prospective Primary Teachers: A Case of Using Fractions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xie, Jinxia; Masingila, Joanna O.

2017-01-01

Existing studies have quantitatively evidenced the relatedness between problem posing and problem solving, as well as the magnitude of this relationship. However, the nature and features of this relationship need further qualitative exploration. This paper focuses on exploring the interactions, i.e., mutual effects and supports, between problem…

Mothering with Intellectual Disabilities: Relationship between Social Support, Health and Well-Being, Parenting and Child Behaviour Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aunos, Marjorie; Feldman, Maurice; Goupil, Georgette

2008-01-01

Background: There is a general agreement in the literature that no systematic correlation exists between parental intellectual disability "per se" and parenting performance. Yet, a few studies in the field of parents and parenting with intellectual disability have explored other potential determinants of parenting and child outcomes. In…

Promoting EFL Teacher Research Engagement through a Research Support Programme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al-Maamari, Faisal; Al-Aamri, Kamla; Khammash, Samar; Al-Wahaibi, Munira

2017-01-01

Existing initiatives purporting to promote teacher research are often found to be inadequate to encourage EFL teachers to engage in research due to the fact that they impose a top down, expert model approach to research engagement. This study reports on a pioneering programme at Sultan Qaboos University Language Centre in the Sultanate of Oman…

Skepticism to Success: Meeting Critical Workforce Needs through Innovation and Collaboration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Margaret; Maier, Linda; Shepard, Michael

2010-01-01

To meet workforce demand and the needs of working or place-bound students, Whatcom Community College developed an online version of its existing face-to-face Physical Therapist Assistant program which became a model for other lab-based health science degrees. This article describes research studies that support the program's practices and includes…

Medical engagement: a crucial underpinning to organizational performance.

PubMed

Spurgeon, Peter; Mazelan, Patti M; Barwell, Fred

2011-08-01

Medical Engagement has long been advocated as a critical component relating to organizational performance. Relatively little data though existed to support this contention. Using the Medical Engagement Scale (MES) This study demonstrates a persuasive linkage between assessed levels of Medical Engagement in secondary care organizations and independently gathered performance measures. Implications of executive leaders in promoting engagement are explored.

Achieving wood energy potentials: evidence in northeastern Minnesota.

Treesearch

Dennis P. Bradley; David C. Lothner

1987-01-01

A study of wood energy potential in northeastern Minnesota concludes that (1) the forests of the region could support a much larger wood energy harvest without significant cost increases for other forest products; (2) existing stands are predominantly overmature and cutting more now will enhance future wood supplies for all users; (3) converting to wood energy could...

A municipal forest report card: Results for California, USA

Treesearch

E.Gregory McPherson; Louren Kotow

2013-01-01

This study integrates two existing computer programs, the Pest Vulnerability Matrix and i-Tree Streets, into a decision-support tool for assessing municipal forest stability and recommending strategies to mitigate risk of loss. A report card concept was developed to communicate levels of performance in terms that managers and the public easily understand. Grades were...

Students Seeking Help for Mental Health Problems: Do Australian University Websites Provide Clear Pathways?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laws, Thomas A.; Fiedler, Brenton A.

2013-01-01

Mental health problems in young Australians continue to be a major public health issue. Studying at university can generate social pressures particularly for youth, which have been associated with the onset of a mental illness or a worsening of an existing condition. Many universities provide health services to support students with health…

Children's Reading Comprehension and Narrative Recall in Sung and Spoken Story Contexts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kouri, Theresa; Telander, Karen

2008-01-01

A growing number of reading professionals have advocated teaching literacy through music and song; however, little research exists supporting such practices. The purpose of this study was to determine if sung story book readings would enhance story comprehension and narrative re-tellings in children with histories of speech and language delay.…

An Empirical Exploration of Selected Policy Options in Organ Donation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klenow, Daniel J.; Youngs, George A., Jr.

1995-01-01

Presents findings from a mail survey of 414 persons regarding organ transplantation and donation policy issues. Gauged three measures of support for organ donation: donor card commitment, required request of next-of-kin support, and weak presumed consent support. High levels of support exist for organ donor cards and the next-of-kin law. Little…

Space station human productivity study, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The primary goal was to develop design and operations requirements for direct support of intra-vehicular activity (IVA) crew performance and productivity. It was recognized that much work had already been accomplished which provided sufficient data for the definition of the desired requirements. It was necessary, therefore, to assess the status of such data to extract definable requirements, and then to define the remaining study needs. The explicit objectives of the study were to: review existing data to identify potential problems of space station crew productivity and to define requirements for support of productivity insofar as they could be justified by current information; identify those areas that lack adequate data; and prepare plans for managing studies to develop the lacking data, so that results can be input to the space station program in a timely manner.

Wireless Technologies in Support of ISS Experimentation and Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wagner, Raymond; Fink, Patrick

2012-01-01

Presentation reviews: (1) Wireless Communications (a) Internal (b) External (2) RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) (a) Existing and R&D (3) Wireless Sensor Networks (a) Existing and R&D (4) Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) (a) R&D

The Supportive Care Needs of Parents With a Child With a Rare Disease: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

PubMed

Pelentsov, Lemuel J; Fielder, Andrea L; Esterman, Adrian J

2016-01-01

There are few studies that exist which focus specifically on parents with a child with a rare disease. The purpose of this study was to better understand the lived experiences and supportive care needs (SCN) of parents caring for a child across a spectrum of rare diseases. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to guide the research, and four semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with 23 parents (17 mothers and 6 fathers). Participants described 'feeling boxed-in outside the box' due to a number of limitations unique to their child's disease, daily practical challenges in providing care and the various relational impacts of caring for a child with a rare disease were discussed. The results from this study help to give clearer direction for health professionals on where to focus future efforts in better meeting the supportive care needs of parents and their child with a rare disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Workplace Bullying Among the Nursing Staff of Greek Public Hospitals.

PubMed

Karatza, Christine; Zyga, Sofia; Tziaferi, Styliani; Prezerakos, Panagiotis

2017-02-01

In this quantitative, cross-sectional study, the authors identified the impact of workplace bullying on nursing staff employed at select Greek public hospitals. They conducted the study using the Negative Acts Questionnaire with a convenience sample of 841 participants employed by five Greek hospitals in the 1st Regional Health Authority of Attica. One third of the respondents reported having been psychologically harassed at work in the past 6 months. According to the results, the impact workplace bullying has on nursing staff varies depending on the existence of a supportive familial or friend environment and if nurses parent children. These findings demonstrate the value of family and friend support when coping with workplace bullying.

An evaluation of soil moisture models for countermine application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, George L.

2004-09-01

The focus of this study is the evaluation of emerging soil moisture models as they apply to infrared, radar, and acoustic sensors within the scope of countermine operations. Physical, chemical, and biological processes changing the signature of the ground are considered. The available models were not run in-house, but were evaluated by the theory by which they were constructed and the supporting documentation. The study was conducted between September and October of 2003 and represents a subset of existing models. The objective was to identify those models suited for simulation, define the general constraints of the models, and summarize the emerging functionalities which would support sensor modeling for mine detection.

PAT: an intelligent authoring tool for facilitating clinical trial design.

PubMed

Tagaris, Anastasios; Andronikou, Vassiliki; Karanastasis, Efstathios; Chondrogiannis, Efthymios; Tsirmpas, Charalambos; Varvarigou, Theodora; Koutsouris, Dimitris

2014-01-01

Great investments are made by both private and public funds and a wealth of research findings is published, the research and development pipeline phases quite low productivity and tremendous delays. In this paper, we present a novel authoring tool which has been designed and developed for facilitating study design. Its underlying models are based on a thorough analysis of existing clinical trial protocols (CTPs) and eligibility criteria (EC) published in clinicaltrials.gov by domain experts. Moreover, its integration with intelligent decision support services and mechanisms linking the study design process with healthcare patient data as well as its direct access to literature designate it as a powerful tool offering great support to researchers during clinical trial design.

The effects of social capital and social pressure on the intention to have a second or third child in France, Germany, and Bulgaria, 2004-05.

PubMed

Balbo, Nicoletta; Mills, Melinda

2011-11-01

This study investigates the importance of the effect of an individual's web of informal relationships with family and peers on the intention to have a second or third child. Drawing on sociological theories of social capital (help with childcare, emotional support) and social pressure, the study extends existing research by evaluating cross-national differences (between France, Germany, and Bulgaria) in the impact of personal network and institutional circumstances. It tests a non-linear relationship between social capital and fertility intentions. Social pressure and social capital are highly institutionally filtered, with the impact of personal network stronger where institutions are less family-supportive.

Multiproteinopathy, neurodegeneration and old age: a case study.

PubMed

Rojas, Julio C; Stephens, Melanie L; Rabinovici, Gil D; Kramer, Joel H; Miller, Bruce L; Seeley, William W

2018-02-01

A complex spectrum of mixed brain pathologies is common in older people. This clinical pathologic conference case study illustrates the challenges of formulating clinicopathologic correlations in late-onset neurodegenerative diseases featuring cognitive-behavioral syndromes with underlying multiple proteinopathy. Studies on the co-existence and interactions of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with neurodegenerative non-AD pathologies in the aging brain are needed to understand the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and to support the development of diagnostic biomarkers and therapies.

Multiproteinopathy, neurodegeneration and old age: a case study

PubMed Central

Rojas, Julio C.; Stephens, Melanie L.; Rabinovici, Gil D.; Kramer, Joel H.; Miller, Bruce L.; Seeley, William W.

2018-01-01

A complex spectrum of mixed brain pathologies is common in older people. This clinical pathologic conference case study illustrates the challenges of formulating clinicopathologic correlations in late-onset neurodegenerative diseases featuring cognitive-behavioral syndromes with underlying multiple proteinopathy. Studies on the co-existence and interactions of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with neurodegenerative non-AD pathologies in the aging brain are needed to understand the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and to support the development of diagnostic biomarkers and therapies. PMID:29307276