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Kinds of Format Terms modified by Format Selected AbstractsTHE EFFECT OF AUCTION FORMAT ON EFFICIENCY AND REVENUE IN DIVISIBLE GOODS AUCTIONS: A TEST USING KOREAN TREASURY AUCTIONS,THE JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECONOMICS, Issue 2 2008BOO-SUNG KANG This paper measures the efficiency and revenue properties of the two most popular formats for divisible goods auctions: the uniform-price and discriminatory auction. We analyze bids into the Korean Treasury auctions which have used both formats. We find that the discriminatory auction yields statistically higher revenue. Unlike previous work that uses data from only one format, we are able to compare the efficiency properties of the two formats. We find that the discriminatory auction better allocates treasury bills to the highest value financial institutions. However, the differences in revenue and efficiency are not large because the auctions are very competitive. [source] A "Modest Proposal" for Making the Standardized Normal Distribution Tables in Business Statistics Texts to an Upper-Tail Format,DECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 1 2007Ram B. Misra First page of article [source] Global Simulation: A Student-Centered, Task-Based Format for Intermediate Foreign Language CoursesFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 1 2004Article first published online: 31 DEC 200, Glenn S. Levine PhD The course format requires students to collaboratively complete a long-term task organized around a single premise or scenario. In the process, they learn about particular aspects of the target culture and language, similarly to a traditional content course. Yet the objective is to make use of the content knowledge in functioning within and completing the simulation. Three example German courses are presented, followed by specific guidelines for designing a global simulation course. [source] Computer-Assisted Reading: The Effect of Glossing Format on Comprehension and Vocabulary RetentionFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 2 2001Serafima Gettys Two glossing methods are compared. The first method provides readers with sentence-level translation equivalents of the second-language (L2) words. The second method connects the words with their meanings through basic dictionary forms. The main purpose of the study was to determine which of the two glossing formats is more beneficial for text comprehension and vocabulary retention. The results of the study show that retention of lexical items is better aided by reading the text with dictionary-form equivalents of the L2 words, because it involves a deeper level of cognitive processing. The situation is less clear-cut regarding the effect of the two glossing formats on global comprehension. The pedagogical implications of the data obtained are discussed. [source] Percentage of filled canal area in mandibular molars after conventional root-canal instrumentation and after a noninstrumentation technique (NIT)INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 9 2003C. N. Ardila Abstract Aim, To compare the percentage of filled canal area in mandibular molar roots after using conventional root-canal hand instrumentation or after a noninstrumentation technique (NIT). Methodology, Forty mandibular molars were used shortly after extraction. The root canals of 20 molars in the manual group were conventionally prepared using hand instruments and then filled with warm vertical compaction of gutta-percha. The 20 teeth in the second group were cleaned and obturated by NIT. In each case, the entire molar, including the crown and the roots, was embedded in an acrylic resin cylinder before NIT. Horizontal sections were cut at 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm from the apex. Images of the sections were taken using a microscope at ×40 magnification and a digital camera; the images were scanned as Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) images into a PC. The cross-sectional area of the canal with the filling materials was measured using an image analysis programme. The percentage of filled area was calculated. The difference in the percentage of filled canal area between the two groups was analysed using a Student's t -test. Results, At all levels, 93,100% of the canal area was filled in both groups. No significant difference was found between the manual technique and the NIT technique at any level (P > 0.05). Conclusions, Within the limitations of this study, following the cleaning and filling of root canals using NIT, the percentage of filled root canal was similar to that using warm vertical compaction of gutta-percha after conventional root-canal instrumentation. [source] Effects of Response Format on Difficulty of SAT-Mathematics Items: It's Not the StrategyJOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT, Issue 1 2000Irvin R. Katz Problem-solving strategy is frequently cited as mediating the effects of response format (multiple-choice, constructed response) on item difficulty, yet there are few direct investigations of examinee solution procedures. Fifty-five high school students solved parallel constructed response and multiple-choice items that differed only in the presence of response options. Student performance was videotaped to assess solution strategies. Strategies were categorized as "traditional",those associated with constructed response problem solving (e.g., writing and solving algebraic equations),or "nontraditional",those associated with multiple-choice problem solving (e.g., estimating a potential solution). Surprisingly, participants sometimes adopted nontraditional strategies to solve constructed response items. Furthermore, differences in difficulty between response formats did not correspond to differences in strategy choice: some items showed a format effect on strategy but no effect on difficulty; other items showed the reverse. We interpret these results in light of the relative comprehension challenges posed by the two groups of items. [source] Visual Imagery: Visual Format or Visual Content?MIND & LANGUAGE, Issue 4 2010DOMINIC GREGORY It is clear that visual imagery is somehow significantly visual. Some theorists, like Kosslyn, claim that the visual nature of visualisations derives from features of the neural processes which underlie those episodes. Pylyshyn claims, however, that it may merely reflect special features of the contents which we grasp when we visualise things. This paper discusses and rejects Pylyshyn's own attempts to identify the respects in which the contents of visualisations are notably visual. It then offers a novel and very different account of what is distinctively sensory about the contents of sensory images. The paper's alternative account is used in explaining various pieces of phenomenological and behavioural data concerning visualisation. Finally, it is tentatively suggested that the proposed account of the contents of sensory images may also shed light upon some of the neurological data involving visualisation and sensory imagery more generally. [source] The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: A Penguin Enriched eBook Classic,(Kindle Edition).THE MARK TWAIN ANNUAL, Issue 1 2009Introduction by John Seelye Format: Kindle Edition (1547 KB). 368 pp. Penguin Classics (2008). [source] Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers.ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 1-2 2009Abbreviations: A Guide for Authors, Editors in Medicine, Related Sciences, Symbols, Units No abstract is available for this article. [source] Implications of Question Format in Emergency Department Preventive Health Knowledge SurveysACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 6 2007Roland C. Merchant MD Objectives:To determine if respondents differed by their demography (age group, race or ethnicity, and insurance status) in their tendency to correctly answer knowledge-based questions when they were in an agree-disagree instead of a multiple-choice format. Methods:Women aged 18,55 years seeking treatment in the emergency department completed surveys of preventive health knowledge on three cancer screening tests (Pap smears, breast self-examinations, and mammograms) and two contraceptive measures (birth control pills and emergency contraception) that contained paired versions of questions in two different formats (agree-disagree format and multiple-choice format). Linear and ordinal regressions were used to determine demographic correlates of correctly answering the agree-disagree questions more often than the corresponding multiple-choice questions. Results:Of the 570 women included in this analysis, 64.6% were younger than 35 years, 62.1% were white, and 54.8% had private health care insurance. Older, white, and privately insured women demonstrated greater comprehension of all topics. Younger women, nonwhite women, and women without private health care insurance were more likely to respond to items correctly when they were in an agree-disagree format compared with a multiple-choice format. Conclusions:This study demonstrated that survey responses are influenced by the format of the questions, particularly in certain demographic groups. Policy makers and researchers might draw false conclusions about the baseline knowledge and need for education of patients, especially in these populations. The use of agree-disagree format questions in preventive health knowledge surveys should be avoided whenever possible. [source] Developing a parenting skills-and-support intervention for mothers with eating disorders and pre-school children part 1: qualitative investigation of issues to includeEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 5 2007Rachel Bryant-Waugh Abstract Objective This study aimed to (i) identify themes and issues that might usefully be addressed in a skills-and-support intervention for mothers with eating disorders who have children less than 5 years of age, and (ii) determine the most appropriate format for such an intervention. Method Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with seven mothers with eating disorders and pre-school children, and four local health professionals working with mothers of pre-school children. Results Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed 10 themes: ,Passing on Traits', ,Food Preparation and Provision', ,Interactions Around Food and Mealtimes', ,Mother's Intake', ,Self Care', ,Self Identity and Parental Expectations', ,Impact on General Parent,Child Relationship', ,Need for Control', ,The Group Experience' and ,Practicalities and Format'. Discussion Findings highlight a number of difficulties and concerns experienced by mothers with eating disorders who have pre-school age children. An intervention incorporating the identified themes could provide important support to this patient group and potential benefit to their offspring. © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Image modification for immersive projection display based on pseudo-projection modelsCOMPUTER ANIMATION AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (PREV: JNL OF VISUALISATION & COMPUTER ANIMATION), Issue 4 2003Toshio Moriya Abstract This paper describes a practical method that enables actual images to be converted so that they can be projected onto an immersive projection display (IPD) screen. IPD screens are particularly unique in that their angle of view is extremely wide; therefore, the images projected onto them need to be taken on a special format. In practice, however, it is generally very difficult to shoot images that completely satisfy the specifications of the targeting IPD environment due to cost, technical problems or other reasons. To overcome these problems, we developed a method to modify the images by abandoning geometrical consistency. We were able to utilize this method by assuming that the given image was shot according to a special projection model. Because this model differed from the actual projection model with which the image was taken, we termed it the pseudo-projection model. Since our method uses simple geometry, and can easily be expressed by a parametric function, the degree of modification or the time sequence for modification can readily be adjusted according to the features of each type of content. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Raycasting of Light Field Galleries from Volumetric DataCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 3 2008C. Rezk-Salama Abstract The paper describes a technique to generate high-quality light field representations from volumetric data. We show how light field galleries can be created to give unexperienced audiences access to interactive high-quality volume renditions. The proposed light field representation is lightweight with respect to storage and bandwidth capacity and is thus ideal as exchange format for visualization results, especially for web galleries. The approach expands an existing sphere-hemisphere parameterization for the light field with per-pixel depth. High-quality paraboloid maps from volumetric data are generated using GPU-based ray-casting or slicing approaches. Different layers, such as isosurfaces, but not restricted to, can be generated independently and composited in real time. This allows the user to interactively explore the model and to change visibility parameters at run-time. [source] Generating Animatable 3D Virtual Humans from PhotographsCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 3 2000WonSook Lee We present an easy, practical and efficient full body cloning methodology. This system utilizes photos taken from the front, side and back of a person in any given imaging environment without requiring a special background or a controlled illuminating condition. A seamless generic body specified in the VRML H-Anim 1.1 format is used to generate an individualized virtual human. The system is composed of two major components: face-cloning and body-cloning. The face-cloning component uses feature points on front and side images and then applies DFFD for shape modification. Next a fully automatic seamless texture mapping is generated for 360° coloring on a 3D polygonal model. The body-cloning component has two steps: (i feature points specification, which enables automatic silhouette detection in an arbitrary background (ii two-stage body modification by using feature points and body silhouette respectively. The final integrated human model has photo-realistic animatable face, hands, feet and body. The result can be visualized in any VRML compliant browser. [source] Agent-Based Interoperability without Product Model StandardsCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2007Udo Kannengiesser A major problem with standard translators is that a seamless data transfer instantly fails when not every translator implements a mapping into or from the standard format. This is frequently the case for large design projects that involve the use of a multitude of heterogeneous tools, possibly in evolving configurations over time. The agent-based approach developed and presented in this article aims to flexibly provide product models in a form adapted to the needs of the particular tools when there is no prior agreement on a common data format. Experiments show the feasibility of this approach as well as its efficacy and efficiency. [source] Cross-domain authorization for federated virtual organizations using the myVocs collaboration environmentCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 4 2009Jill Gemmill Abstract This paper describes our experiences building and working with the reference implementation of myVocs (my Virtual Organization Collaboration System). myVocs provides a flexible environment for exploring new approaches to security, application development, and access control built from Internet services without a central identity repository. The myVocs framework enables virtual organization (VO) self-management across unrelated security domains for multiple, unrelated VOs. By leveraging the emerging distributed identity management infrastructure. myVocs provides an accessible, secure collaborative environment using standards for federated identity management and open-source software developed through the National Science Foundation Middleware Initiative. The Shibboleth software, an early implementation of the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards Security Assertion Markup Language standard for browser single sign-on, provides the middleware needed to assert identity and attributes across domains so that access control decisions can be determined at each resource based on local policy. The eduPerson object class for lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) provides standardized naming, format, and semantics for a global identifier. We have found that a Shibboleth deployment supporting VOs requires the addition of a new VO service component allowing VOs to manage their own membership and control access to their distributed resources. The myVocs system can be integrated with Grid authentication and authorization using GridShib. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Genetic Identification of Pelagic Shark Body Parts for Conservation and Trade MonitoringCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2002Mahmood Shivji Difficulties with the identification of many commonly fished sharks and their body parts has resulted in a global dearth of catch and trade information, making reliable assessment of exploitation effects and conservation needs for individual species nearly impossible. We developed and tested a highly streamlined molecular genetic approach based on species-specific, polymerase-chain-reaction primers in an eight-primer multiplex format to discriminate simultaneously between body parts from six shark species common in worldwide pelagic fisheries. The species-specific primers are based on DNA sequence differences among species in the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 locus. The primers and multiplex format accurately and sensitively distinguished samples from each of three lamnid ( Isurus oxyrinchus, Isurus paucus, and Lamna nasus) and three carcharhinid ( Prionace glauca, Carcharhinus obscurus, and Carcharhinus falciformis) species from all but one other shark species encountered in the North Atlantic fishery. Furthermore, the three lamnid primers were robust enough in their discriminatory power to be useful for species diagnosis on a global scale. Preliminary testing of dried fins from Asian and Mediterranean commercial markets suggests that our genetic approach will be useful for determining the species of origin of detached fins, thus allowing the monitoring of trade in shark fins for conservation assessment. Our approach will also facilitate detection of products from protected and other at-risk shark species and may prove useful as a model for development of the high-throughput, genetic, species-diagnosis methods typically required in conservation and management contexts. Resumen: La conservación y manejo de tiburones fundamentado a nivel de especie es una necesidad imperativa debido a la creciente demanda de aletas de tiburón y el reconocimiento de que las especies individuales de tiburones responden de manera distinta a la explotación. Las dificultades para la identificación de muchos tiburones capturados comúnmente, así como de partes de su cuerpo, han resultado en una escasez global de información sobre capturas y comercialización, haciendo casi imposible el poder realizar evaluaciones de los efectos de la explotación y de las necesidades de conservación. Desarrollamos y evaluamos un método altamente estilizado de genética molecular basado en detonadores de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, especie-específicos, en un formato múltiple de ocho detonadores para discriminar simultáneamente entre las partes del cuerpo de seis especies de tiburones provenientes de pesquerías pelágicas mundiales comunes. Los detonadores especie-específicos están basados en diferencias en las secuencias de ADN entre especies del locus espaciador 2 nuclear, ribosomal, transcrito. Los detonadores y el formato múltiple distinguen muestras con precisión y sensitividad de cada uno de los tres lámnidos ( Isurus oxyrinchus, Isurus paucus y Lamna nasus) y tres especies de carcarínidos ( Prionace glauca, Carcharhinus obscurus y Carcharhinus falciformis) especies todas encontradas en las pesquerías de Norteamérica, excepto una. Mas aún, los detonadores de los tres lamnidos fueron lo suficientemente robustos en su poder discriminante como para ser usados para el diagnóstico de especies a escala mundial. Las pruebas preliminares de aletas secas de los mercados comerciales de Asia y el Mediterráneo sugieren que nuestro método genético puede ser útil para determinar la especie de origen de las aletas separadas, permitiendo así usar el monitoreo de las aletas de tiburón para evaluaciones de conservación. Nuestro método también podría facilitar la detección de productos provenientes de especies protegidas o en riesgo y podría resultar útil como un modelo para el desarrollo de métodos genéticos de alto rendimiento para el diagnóstico de especies, métodos típicamente requeridos en los contextos de conservación y manejo. [source] FS13.3 Development of risk reduction strategies for preventing dermatitisCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Terry Brown Introduction:, A recent survey of the UK printing industry found a prevalence of 11% of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD), much higher than previously identified. Objective:, This pilot study aimed to evaluate risk reduction strategies derived from recommendations of a literature review of preventive intervention studies and a series of focus groups of printers and observations of printers undertaking their normal duties. Methods:, Four interventions were evaluated: (1) Provision of gloves of the correct size/type, plus use of an after-work skin cream; (2) Provision of information; (3) Provision of skin checks; (4) Development of best practice skin care policy. Each intervention was evaluated in two companies over a three-month period, at the end of which printers and managers were interviewed as to the effectiveness and acceptability of each intervention. Results:, Although this pilot study was short, all interventions were acceptable to some extent. The prevalence of frank dermatitis fell over the study period, particularly in intervention (3). Intervention (1) achieved an improvement of awareness in both management and workforce and an increase in the use of both gloves and cream. Intervention (2) highlighted problems of dissemination and the need for relevant information in an appropriate format. However. no single intervention was completely effective. Conclusions:, This qualitative research approach forms an essential first stage to improving understanding of ways in which OCD may be reduced among workers in the printing industry, and points towards the need for further testing of preventive strategies in larger-scale intervention trials, in printing and other industries. [source] THE ROLE OF CRIME IN HOUSING UNIT RACIAL/ETHNIC TRANSITION,CRIMINOLOGY, Issue 3 2010JOHN R. HIPP Previous research frequently has observed a positive cross-sectional relationship between racial/ethnic minorities and crime and generally has posited that this relationship is entirely because of the effect of minorities on neighborhood crime rates. This study posits that at least some of this relationship might be a result of the opposite effect,neighborhood crime increases the number of racial/ethnic minorities. This study employs a unique sample (the American Housing Survey neighborhood sample) focusing on housing units nested in microneighborhoods across three waves from 1985 to 1993. This format allows one to test and find that such racial/ethnic transformation occurs because of the following effects: First, White households that perceive more crime in the neighborhood or that live in microneighborhoods with more commonly perceived crime are more likely to move out of such neighborhoods. Second, Whites are significantly less likely to move into a housing unit in a microneighborhood with more commonly perceived crime. And third, African American and Latino households are more likely to move into such units. [source] Small Wonder: Using SEM Images to Exhibit the "Small Stuff"CURATOR THE MUSEUM JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009Alwynne B. Beaudoin In 2007, the Royal Alberta Museum held an exhibition of 28 SEM (scanning electron microscope) images of seeds and other subfossil macroremains, which were shown in a fine-art format. The exhibition was prepared by a museum team using images derived from in-house curatorial research work. This paper describes the exhibition components and reports on an attempt to engage the visitors more closely with the images by asking them to suggest identifications for some "mystery" specimens. [source] Anti-Colonialist Antinomies in a Biology Lesson: A Sonata-Form Case Study of Cultural Conflict in a Science ClassroomCURRICULUM INQUIRY, Issue 3 2003Paokong John Chang This case study illustrates and analyzes the tension an ESL science teacher encountered when his science curriculum came into conflict with the religious and cosmological beliefs of one of his Hmong immigrant students. A Hmong immigrant himself, the teacher believes the science he is teaching is important for all his students to learn. He also understands how his science curriculum can be one part of an array of cultural forces that are adversely affecting the Hmong community. The case study examines this tension, but does not resolve it. Instead, the study explores the knowledge the teacher draws upon to respond to the tension in a caring and constructive manner. This knowledge includes the teacher's understanding of science and pedagogy. It also includes his understanding of Hmong history, which enables him to hear what his science curriculum means to one of his students. The case study concludes that teachers need some knowledge of the history of students' specific cultural groups in order to teach science well to all students. This case study was one of seven produced by the Fresno Science Education Equity Teacher Research Project. It uses a special format, a "sonata-form case study," to highlight tensions between specific curricular imperatives and meeting broader student needs. The study is based on real experiences, and employs composite characters and fictionalized dialogue to make its conceptual point. A theoretical preface explaining the methods of research and the modes of representation used in the Fresno Project is included. [source] Proof of principle: An HIV p24 microsphere immunoassay with potential application to HIV clinical diagnosis,CYTOMETRY, Issue 3 2009Pascale Ondoa Abstract The measurement of CD4 counts and viral loads on a single instrument such as an affordable flow cytometer could considerably reduce the cost related to the follow-up of antiretroviral therapy in resource-poor settings. The aim of this study was to assess whether the HIV-1 p24 antigen could be measured using a microsphere-based flow cytometric (FC) assay and the experimental conditions necessary for processing plasma samples. A commercial anti-p24 antibody pair from Biomaric was used to develop a p24 microsphere immunoassay (MIA) using HIV culture supernatant as the source of antigen. The ultrasensitive Perkin Elmer enzyme immunoassay (EIA) served as a reference assay. Quantification of HIV p24 using the heat-mediated immune complex disruption format described for plasma samples was feasible using the Biomaric MIA and applicable to a broad range of HIV-1 Group M subtypes. The inclusion of a tyramide amplification step was successful and increased the fluorescence signal up to 3 logs as compared with the MIA without amplification. The analytical sensitivity of this ultrasensitive Biomaric assay reached 1 pg/mL, whereas the ultrasensitive Perkin Elmer EIA was sensitive to less than 0.17 pg/mL. Our data indicate, for the first time, that the principle of p24 detection using the heat-denatured ultrasensitive format can be applied to FC. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society [source] CPA assessment , the regional assessors' experienceCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2007E. Welsh Many individuals within Laboratory Medicine will be unaware that CPA conducts assessments to two different sets of CPA Standards. There are the Standards for the Medical Laboratory and the Standards for EQA Schemes in Laboratory Medicine. The style and format of both sets of standards is very similar with each being presented in eight sections A , H. The EQA standards are almost identical to the laboratory standards with the exception of the E.F and G standards which are specific to EQA schemes. There are approximately 40 EQA Schemes registered with CPA compared with almost 2 500 laboratories. These EQA schemes vary from very large national/international schemes with numerous analytes to small interpretive schemes run by one individual with a personal interest in that specific subject. The large schemes usually come under the UKNEQAS consortia banner and due to their size and configuration do not present undue problems in the assessment process. Smaller interpretive EQA schemes present a challenge both for the scheme and CPA in gaining accreditation. These schemes are usually within the discipline of Histopathology and are regarded as educational rather than proficiency testing schemes. Very frequently, the scheme is organized by a single individual with a collection of microscope slides, storage facilities for the slides and a computer. This presents the Scheme Organizer with great difficulty in complying with the Quality Management System requirements of the CPA Standards. There are a number of models which can be applied in order to satisfy the requirement of the Quality Management System, but ultimately it must be recognized that in some circumstances it is not possible to accredit these small schemes. The NHSCSP Gynae Cytology EQA Scheme is probably the largest EQA scheme within the UK, in respect of the number of participants and the number of staff supporting the scheme. Scheme Management decided that all nine regions of England would apply for accreditation under one CPA Reference Number. This process meant that the scheme would be assessed as a Managed Pathology Network. This is unique in terms of EQA schemes and presented a number of problems not previously encountered in EQA scheme accreditation. This decision meant that all nine regions must comply with a single Quality Management System and other CPA standards whilst allowing flexibility within the system for each region to facilitate the assessment process specific to their user's requirements. The process worked in a satisfactory manner and the overall outcome was not dissimilar to that of other large EQA schemes. The assessment to the current EQA Standards only commenced in April 2006 whilst the Standards for Medical Laboratories commenced in 2003, and it is perhaps not surprising to find that the principal non-conformities are related to the Quality Management System. This parallels the findings encountered in laboratory accreditation. There is an ongoing educational process for Scheme Management and the Facilitators in each region in how to comply fully with the standards and a commitment to quality improvement which ultimately is beneficial to the participant's of the scheme and to patient safety. [source] CPA assessment , the regional assessors' experienceCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2007G. Guthrie With the introduction in January 2006 of the new posts of Regional Assessors, the process and focus of CPA assessment changed to reflect the inclusion in the current standards of Quality Management systems and processes. Regional Assessors, trained in Quality Management Systems and their assessment against international standards, now form a vital part of the CPA assessment teams, looking specifically at this aspect of laboratory service provision. Their role in the new assessment process will be explained. The presentation will cover differences and similarities in the nature and number of non-compliances experienced since April 2006 when the new format of assessment was introduced. It will also look at a new format of timetable for assessment visits and explain the benefits of good two-way communication between all parties involved in the process - the laboratory, the assessors, particularly the Regional Assessor assigned to that site, and CPA Office staff. Understanding what is required by the standards, particularly in terms of evidential material, their interpretation and their classification of status , Critical, Non-Critical or Observation - is an aspect of assessment which is often not well understood. The presentation will seek to clarify these issues. The successful and timely clearance by laboratories of any non-compliances raised during the visits is vital to the achievement of accredited status and the presentation will give guidance as to how this is best achieved. The current standards, based on the international ISO 15189 standards, are considerably more challenging than the old ones. There is now a significant emphasis on Quality Management and its understanding, ethos and implementation within the laboratory, a key element which underpins all aspects of a laboratory's service. The achievement of accredited status assures our users of,the type of client and patient focused service expected of a modern laboratory. [source] Ethical problems in cytologyCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2004. Znidar Great advances in medical science have raised a number of ethical issues, many of which affect cytopathology. Some of the main issues addressed in this paper relate to the organization of a cytology laboratory: internal and external quality control, adequate staffing levels and staff education, cytopathology reporting format and contents, confidentiality issues, relationship with the clinicians and involvement of cytopathologists in clinical management teams. Quality control has to be provided within cytology departments but external quality assurance is also essential, with national monitoring. New technologies should be used according to the best scientific methods, following cytological analysis. Scientific work in cytology has to respect the general principles of scientific ethics. The patient's interest has to be the main reason for such work. [source] An Investigation of Localization as an Element of Cognitive Fit in Accounting Model RepresentationsDECISION SCIENCES, Issue 1 2001Cheryl Dunn Abstract Cognitive fit, a correspondence between task and data representation format, has been demonstrated to lead to superior task performance by individual users and has been posited as an explanation for performance differences among users of various problem representations such as tables, graphs, maps, and schematic faces. The current study extends cognitive fit to accounting models and integrates cognitive fit theory with the concept of localization to provide additional evidence for how cognitive fit works. Two accounting model representations are compared in this study, the traditional DCA (Debit-Credit-Account) accounting model and the REA (Resources-Events-Agents) accounting model. Results indicate that the localization of relevant objects or linkages is important in establishing cognitive fit. [source] Relationship of Student Undergraduate Achievement and Personality Characteristics in a Total Web-Based Environment: An Empirical StudyDECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 2 2005Marc J. Schniederjans ABSTRACT Web-based education is a popular format for the delivery of college courses. Research has shown that it may not be the best form of education for all students. Today, many students (and student advisors) face a choice in course delivery format (i.e., Web-based or more traditional classroom courses). This research study examines the relationship between student personality characteristics and their achievement scores as a means of identifying predictors of academic success in an undergraduate business program using Web-based education. The results of the study show that four basic personality characteristics are highly correlated to student achievement in Web-based courses. Use of these personality characteristics as variables in a regression model is shown to be a highly accurate predictive tool to aid students in the decision as to whether to take a particular Web-based course format or a more traditional classroom course. [source] An Alternate Multiple-Choice Scoring Procedure in a Macroeconomics CourseDECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 1 2004David A. Bradbard ABSTRACT In the standard scoring procedure for multiple-choice exams, students must choose exactly one response as correct. Often students may be unable to identify the correct response, but can determine that some of the options are incorrect. This partial knowledge is not captured in the standard scoring format. The Coombs elimination procedure is an alternate scoring procedure designed to capture partial knowledge. This paper presents the results of a semester-long experiment where both scoring procedures were compared on four exams in an undergraduate macroeconomics course. Statistical analysis suggests that the Coombs procedure is a viable alternative to the standard scoring procedure. Implications for classroom instruction and future research are also presented. [source] Graduate Business Students Performance with Synchronous and Asynchronous Interaction e-Learning MethodsDECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 2 2003Shawn F. Clouse ABSTRACT The effects of synchronous and asynchronous lectures and interaction formats were examined with graduate business students in on-campus and off-campus MBA programs. The dependent variables were scores on exams questions and learning styles and cognitive styles were used as covariates. The results indicated significant differences for discussion and lecture format and for on-campus and off-campus students. The results were discussed relative to learning in electronic environments. [source] Preventing depression: a randomized trial of interpersonal psychotherapy-adolescent skills training,DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 5 2010Jami F. Young Ph.D. Abstract Background: The study evaluated the efficacy of an indicated prevention program for adolescent depression. Methods: Fifty-seven adolescents with elevated depression symptoms were randomized to receive Interpersonal Psychotherapy-Adolescent Skills Training (IPT-AST) or school counseling (SC). Hierarchical linear modeling examined differences in rates of change in depression symptoms and overall functioning and analysis of covariance examined mean differences between groups. Rates of depression diagnoses in the 18-month follow-up period were compared. Results: Adolescents in IPT-AST reported significantly greater rates of change in depression symptoms and overall functioning than SC adolescents from baseline to post-intervention. At post-intervention, IPT-AST adolescents reported significantly fewer depression symptoms and better overall functioning. During the follow-up phase, rates of change slowed for the IPT-AST adolescents, whereas the SC adolescents continued to show improvements. By 12-month follow-up, there were no significant mean differences in depression symptoms or overall functioning between the two groups. IPT-AST adolescents reported significantly fewer depression diagnoses in the first 6 months following the intervention but by 12-month follow-up the difference in rates of diagnoses was no longer significant. Conclusions: IPT-AST leads to an immediate reduction in depression symptoms and improvement in overall functioning. However, the benefits of IPT-AST are not consistent beyond the 6-month follow-up, suggesting that the preventive effects of the program in its current format are limited. Future studies are needed to examine whether booster sessions lengthen the long-term effects of IPT-AST. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||