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Different Advantages (different + advantage)
Selected AbstractsAssessing Goodness of Fit of Item Response Theory Models: A Comparison of Traditional and Alternative ProceduresJOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT, Issue 4 2003Clement A. Stone Testing the goodness of fit of item response theory (IRT) models is relevant to validating IRT models, and new procedures have been proposed. These alternatives compare observed and expected response frequencies conditional on observed total scores, and use posterior probabilities for responses across , levels rather than cross-classifying examinees using point estimates of , and score responses. This research compared these alternatives with regard to their methods, properties (Type 1 error rates and empirical power), available research, and practical issues (computational demands, treatment of missing data, effects of sample size and sparse data, and available computer programs). Different advantages and disadvantages related to these characteristics are discussed. A simulation study provided additional information about empirical power and Type 1 error rates. [source] Multidisciplinary approach of complicated crown fractures of both superior central incisors: a case reportDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Anca Silvia Vâlceanu Since the development of the adhesive dentistry, many case reports of crown fractures restored using adhesive reattachment techniques were published. Complex cases, in which more than one tooth are involved, with fractures differing from each other, require specific treatment of each fracture, taking different advantages of the different remaining tooth structures. This case report describes a patient with dissimilar crown fractures of both superior central incisors. After the endodontic treatment, the patient was treated using the combination of several techniques: periodontal surgery (crown lengthening with apically repositioned flap and osseous resective surgery), adhesive technique and cast restoration plus esthetic crown. The periodontal procedure re-created the biologic width and proved to be a reliable adjunctive procedure to the adhesive and the prosthetic techniques used. [source] Probing events with single molecule sensitivity in zebrafish and Drosophila embryos by fluorescence correlation spectroscopyDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 12 2009Xianke Shi Abstract Zebrafish and Drosophila are animal models widely used in developmental biology. High-resolution microscopy and live imaging techniques have allowed the investigation of biological processes down to the cellular level in these models. Here, using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), we show that even processes on a molecular level can be studied in these embryos. The two animal models provide different advantages and challenges. We first characterize their autofluorescence pattern and determine usable penetration depth for FCS especially in the case of zebrafish, where tissue thickness is an issue. Next, the applicability of FCS to study molecular processes is shown by the determination of blood flow velocities with high spatial resolution and the determination of diffusion coefficients of cytosolic and membrane-bound enhanced green fluorescent protein,labeled proteins in different cell types. This work provides an approach to study molecular processes in vivo and opens up the possibility to relate these molecular processes to developmental biology questions. Developmental Dynamics 238:3156,3167, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Turkish women's perceptions of antenatal educationINTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, Issue 3 2010P. Serçeku Serçeku, P. & Mete S. (2010) Turkish women's perceptions of antenatal education. International Nursing Review57, 395,401 Background:, Antenatal education is considered essential for expectant women. Although there are a number of studies on the effects of antenatal education, there are few studies featuring substantial evidence in this area. For this reason, the benefits have not been clearly defined. Aim:, To describe women's perceptions of the effectiveness of antenatal education on pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period, and also to describe their impressions on the type of education received. Methods:, A qualitative approach was used. The study featured 15 primipara women who had attended antenatal education. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed using the content analysis method. Findings:, The results of this study showed that education provided a basis of knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period. It was found that education could have positive effects on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, motherhood and infant care, and that it could at the same time have a positive or negative effect on fear of childbirth. Although different advantages were found to be perceived in both individual and group education, it was discovered that the study participants were much more satisfied with attending group sessions. Key conclusions and implications for practice:, Antenatal education should be planned in such a way that its content and methodology do not increase fear. When the lower costs incurred and the higher satisfaction level attained are considered, group education appears to be the type of antenatal education that should be preferred. [source] Primary mental health workers in child and adolescent mental health servicesJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2004Wendy Macdonald BSc PhD Background., The interface between primary care and specialist services is increasingly seen as crucial in the effective management of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) problems. In the United Kingdom, a new role of primary mental health worker (PMHW), has been established in order to achieve effective collaboration across the interface through the provision of clinical care in primary care settings and by improving the skills and confidence of primary care staff. However, little is known about the development of this innovative role in service contexts. Issues raised during the early stages of implementation may have important implications for the preparation and development of professionals who undertake the role. Aims., The aim of this paper is to report on a study that examined key issues in implementation of the PMHW role in six health authorities in England. Methods., Case study evaluation was conducted, using thematic analysis of 75 qualitative interviews with key stakeholders from different professions (e.g. PMHWs, general practitioners, health visitors, psychiatrists and service managers) and representing different sectors (primary care, specialist services and community child health services). Findings., The study identified three models of organization (outreach, primary care-based and teams). Each was associated with different advantages and disadvantages in its effects on referral rates to specialist services and the development of effective working relationships with primary care providers. Problems associated with accommodation and effective integration of PMHWs with specialist services, and tensions caused by the two different roles that PMHWs could undertake (direct clinical care vs. consultation-liaison) were common across all sites. Conclusions., The PMHW role is an important development that may go some way towards realizing the potential of primary care services in CAMH. The implementation of new roles and models of working in primary care is complex, but may be facilitated by effective planning with primary care providers, clear goals for staff, and a long-term perspective on service development. [source] Intravascular bioresorbable polymeric stents: A potential alternative to current drug eluting metal stentsJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 11 2007Tahmer Sharkawi Abstract Stent implantation following angioplasty is the standard treatment of coronary artery disease necessitating interventional procedures. The use of stents as a platform for local drug delivery is a popular strategy to achieve local pharmacological treatment to the diseased artery. Drug eluting stents (DES) are now largely preferred to bare metal stents when stent implantation is necessary. Lately, there have been several reports questioning the long-term safety of DES. An alternative to these drug eluting metal stents are bioresorbable polymeric stents (BPS) because of the many advantages of bioresorbable material. However, the fundamental differences in polymeric and metallic materials make the development of such an alternative a significant challenge. This review discusses the different advantages of BPS and the many constrains and requirements of such devices. An up to date commented review of published data concerning BPS is presented. Considerations are given on using BPS as local drug delivery systems as well as on evaluating BPS performances. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 96: 2829,2837, 2007 [source] Biological Natural Retting for Determining the Hierarchical Structuration of Banana FibersMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 10 2004Piedad Gañán Abstract Summary: Extraction processes of natural fibers can be performed by different procedures that include mechanical, chemical and biological methods. Each method presents different advantages or drawbacks according to the amount of fiber produced or the quality and properties of fiber bundles obtained. In this study, biological natural retting was satisfactorily used for obtaining banana fibers from plant bunches. However, the most important contribution of this work refers to the description of the hierarchical microstructural ordering present in banana fiber bundles in both bundle surface and inner region. The chemical composition of banana fiber bundles has been evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy. Through exposure time, the fiber bundle configuration presents small variations in composition. The main changes are related to hemicellulose and pectins as they conform the outer walls of the bundle. Hierarchical helicoidal ordering in the bundle surface as well as orientation on the longitudinal axis of the bundle were observed by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for 3,4 ,m surface fibers and 10,15 ,m inner elementary fibers, respectively. With increasing exposure time, fiber bundle walls lose integrity, as reflected in their mechanical behavior. [source] The development, validity and reliability of a multimodality objective structured clinical examination in psychiatryMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 3 2005K Walters Objectives, To evaluate the development, validity and reliability of a multimodality objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in undergraduate psychiatry, integrating interactive face-to-face and telephone history taking and communication skills stations, videotape mental state examinations and problem-oriented written stations. Methods, The development of the OSCE on a restricted budget is described. This study evaluates the validity and reliability of 4 15,18-station OSCEs for 128 students over 1 year. Face and content validity were assessed by a panel of clinicians and from feedback from OSCE participants. Correlations with consultant clinical ,firm grades' were performed. Interrater reliability and internal consistency (interstation reliability) were assessed using generalisability theory. Results, The OSCE was feasible to conduct and had a high level of high perceived face and content validity. Consultant firm grades correlated moderately with scores on interactive stations and poorly with written and video stations. Overall reliability was moderate to good, with G-coefficients in the range 0.55,0.68 for the 4 OSCEs. Conclusions, Integrating a range of modalities into an OSCE in psychiatry appears to represent a feasible, generally valid and reliable method of examination on a restricted budget. Different types of stations appear to have different advantages and disadvantages, supporting the integration of both interactive and written components into the OSCE format. [source] | ||||||||||