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Series Design (series + design)
Selected AbstractsProcedure for separating the selection effect from other effects in diversity,productivity relationshipECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 6 2001pačková In a greenhouse pot experiment we cultivated six meadow species in a replacement series design. The plants were grown at two sowing densities in monocultures and all possible species combinations. Our aim was to separate the selection effect from other diversity effects. This distinction is based on the notion that true overyielding is not a consequence of the selection effect. We suggest a hierarchical procedure, which is based on a repeated division of samples into the pots with the most productive species present and missing. Overyielding can be then demonstrated by a positive dependence of productivity on species richness in the subsets with the most productive species present. Although we found a strong dependence of biomass on species richness in the entire data set, the hierarchical method revealed no evidence of overyielding. Above-ground biomass in a monoculture was a good predictor of species success in a species mix. [source] Integrated psychodynamic therapy for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: theory, practice and preliminary findingsEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 6 2005Susan Murphy Abstract While there is a substantial evidence base for the use of more recently developed therapeutic approaches, there is very little evidence that psychodynamically based treatments are effective in treating bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder. Clinicians have suggested that such an approach should be supplemented with behavioural foci and that it should be time-limited. This paper outlines an integrative approach to the outpatient treatment of these eating disorders, where psychodynamic principles and practice are used in tandem with behavioural strategies, and presents preliminary data on behavioural changes among patients who undertake this programme. A case series design was used, employing this approach with a selected group of 21 female patients. Data are presented on failure to complete the programme, as well as changes in body mass index and frequency of bingeing and vomiting. All of the 21 patients completed the programme, though 5 were lost to the study by the last follow-up point. Those who completed the programme had a stable body mass index, but showed clinically and statistically significant reductions in bulimic symptoms. These preliminary findings indicate that the bulimic disorders can be treated effectively using a psychodynamic approach that is integrated with behavioural techniques and that has time limits. While further research is needed to support this conclusion, it appears to be important to use a more integrative psychodynamic approach than is commonly used. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] The effects of creative problem solving training on creativity, cognitive type and R&D performanceR & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2002Ching, Wen Wang The effects of Creative Problem Solving (CPS) training on creativity, cognitive type, and R&D performance were investigated with 106 R&D workers of a large government,owned manufacturing company in Taiwan. Seventy,one of them volunteered to participate in the CPS training and were divided into three groups. Each group received 12 hours of CPS training and two follow,up training sessions over a one,year long period in a time,series design. The ,Circle Test of the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking', and the ,Myers,Briggs Type Indicator' were administered before and after the CPS training. R&D performance averaged over the past three years before the CPS training and one year after the pretest were obtained from the company. Results showed that participant's scores on fluency and flexibility of ideas were higher after the CPS training. There was also an increase in the number of persons being classified as extrovert or feeling type of cognition. In terms of R&D performance, the participants' number of co,authored service projects increased significantly from pretest to posttest, whereas no such change was observed among those 35 R&D workers who did not participated in the CPS. [source] Standardizing evaluation of on-line continuing medical education: Physician knowledge, attitudes, and reflection on practiceTHE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Issue 2 2004Associate Director, Dr. Linda Casebeer PhD Associate Professor Abstract Introduction: Physicians increasingly earn continuing medical education (CME) credits through on-line courses, but there have been few rigorous evaluations to determine their effects. The present study explores the feasibility of implementing standardized evaluation templates and tests them to evaluate 30 on-line CME courses. Methods: A time series design was used to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and reported changes in practice of physician participants who completed any of 30 on-line CME courses that were hosted on an academic CME Web site and a CME Web portal during the period from August 1, 2002, through March 31, 2003. Data were collected at baseline, at course completion, and 4 weeks later. Paired t tests were used to compare the means of responses across time. Results: U.S. physicians completed 720 post-tests. Quality of content was the characteristic of most importance to participants; too little interaction was the largest source of dissatis-faction. Overall mean knowledge scores increased from 58.1% to 75.6% at post-test and then decreased to 68.2% at 4 weeks following the course. Effect sizes of increased knowledge immediately following the course were larger for case-based than for text-based courses. Nearly all physicians reported making changes in practice following course completion, although reported changes differed from expected changes. Conclusions: Increases in physician knowledge and knowledge retention were demonstrated following participation in on-line CME courses. The implementation of standardized evaluation tests proved to be feasible and allowed longitudinal evaluation analyses across CME providers and content areas. [source] Flexible Endoscopic Clip-Assisted Zenker's Diverticulotomy: The First Case Series (With Videos),THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2008Shou-jiang Tang MD Abstract Background: In treating Zenker's diverticulum (ZD), there are potential risks associated with performing flexible endoscopic diverticulotomy without suturing or stapling. We recently introduced flexible endoscopic clip-assisted diverticulotomy (ECD) in treating ZD by securing the septum prior to dissection. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of ECD for complete septum dissection. Study Design: Case series at an academic center. Seven consecutive patients (mean age 71 y; range 48,91 y) with symptomatic ZD of various craniocaudal sizes based on radiographic measurements (mean 2.6 cm; range 0.8 cm,4.5 cm) were included. The mean depth of the septum was 1.73 cm (range 0.3 cm,3.1 cm). The mean duration of symptoms was 4.8 years (range 0.5,10 y). Methods: After endoclips were placed on either side of the cricopharyngeal bar, the septum was dissected between these two clips down to the inferior end of the diverticulum with a needle-knife. Procedures including "one-step ECD" (n = 1), "stepwise ECD" (n = 3), and "bottom ECD" (n = 2) were performed based on the septum depth of the ZD during endoscopy. ECD was not performed on one patient due to severe mucosal fragility of the esophageal inlet. Iatrogenic blunt dissection of the septum by the endoscopic hood occurred secondary to patient retching during the procedure. Main outcome measurements were symptom resolution and complications. Results: All patients (n = 6) who underwent ECD had complete resolution of esophageal symptoms at a minimum 6-month follow-up. There were no procedural complications. The patient who did not undergo ECD developed an esophageal perforation. She was managed conservatively without surgical intervention. On follow-up, her dysphagia was completely resolved. Conclusions: ECD is feasible, safe, and effective for complete septum dissection. ECD and endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy are complimentary rather than competing strategies in approaching ZD. Study limitations include the case series design and limited follow-up period. [source] | ||||||||||