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Selected AbstractsTHE REDISCOVERY OF AMERICAN SACRED SPACESRELIGIOUS STUDIES REVIEW, Issue 4 2004Louis P. Nelson Book reviewed in this article: THE HERMENEUTICS OF SACRED ARCHITECTURE: EXPERIENCE, INTERPRETATION, COMPARISON (2 volumes) By Lindsay Jones TEMPLES OF GRACE: THE MATERIAL TRANSFORMATION OF CONNECTICUT'S CHURCHES, 1790,1840 By Gretchen Buggeln WHEN CHURCH BECAME THEATRE: THE TRANSFORMATION OF EVANGELICAL ARCHITECTURE AND WORSHIP IN THE NINETEENTH-CENTURY AMERICA By Jeanne Kilde PRAYERS IN STONE: CHRISTIAN SCIENCE ARCHITECTURE IN THE UNITED STATES, 1894,1930 By Paul Eli Ivey SHUL WITH A POOL: THE "SYNAGOGUE-CENTER" IN AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY By David Kaufman MYTHS IN STONE: RELIGIOUS DIMENSIONS OF WASHINGTON, D.C. By Jeffrey F. Meyer UGLY AS SIN: WHY THEY CHANGED OUR CHURCHES FROM SACRED PLACES TO MEETING SPACES AND HOW WE CAN CHANGE THEM BACK AGAIN By Michael S. Rose BUILDING FROM BELIEF: ADVANCE, RETREAT, AND COMPROMISE IN THE REMAKING OF CATHOLIC CHURCH ARCHITECTURE By Michael E. DeSanctis ARCHITECTURE IN COMMUNION: IMPLEMENTING THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL THROUGH LITURGY AND ARCHITECTURE By Steven J. Schloeder [source] Tracheostomy management in Acute Care Facilities , a matter of teamworkJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 9-10 2010Vicki Parker Aim., Implement and evaluate an inter-disciplinary team approach to tracheostomy management in non-critical care. Background., Trends towards early tracheostomy in intensive care units (ICU) have led to increased numbers of tracheostomy patients. Together with the push for earlier discharge from ICU, this poses challenges across disciplines and wards. Even though tracheostomy is performed across a range of patient groups, tracheostomy care is seen as the domain of specialist clinicians in critical care. It is crucial to ensure quality care regardless of the patient's destination after ICU. Design., A mixed method evaluation incorporating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Method., Data collection included pre-implementation and postimplementation clinical audits and staff surveys and a postimplementation tracheostomy team focus group. Descriptive and inferential analysis was used to identify changes in clinical indicators and staff experiences. Focus group data were analysed using iterative processes of thematic analysis. Results., Findings revealed significant reductions in mean hospital length of stay (LOS) for survivors from 50,27 days (p < 0·0001) and an increase in the number of tracheostomy patients transferred to non-critical care wards in the postgroup (p = 0·006). The number of wards accepting patients from ICU increased from 3,7 and there was increased staff knowledge, confidence and awareness of the team's role. Conclusion., The team approach has led to work practice and patient outcome improvements. Organisational acceptance of the team has led to more wards indicating willingness to accept tracheostomy patients. Improved communication has resulted in more timely referral and better patient outcomes. Relevance to clinical practice., This study highlights the importance of inter-disciplinary teamwork in achieving effective patient outcomes and efficiencies. It offers a model of inter-disciplinary practice, supported by communication and data management that can be replicated across other patient groups. [source] BONDSYM: SIMULINK-based educational software for analysis of dynamic systemCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 2 2010J.A. Calvo Abstract This article presents an educational software called BONDSYM developed to allow engineering students to learn easily and quickly about the analysis of dynamic systems through the Bond Graph method. This software uses the SIMULINK library of MATLAB, which has proven to be an excellent choice in order to implement and solve the dynamic equations involved. The application allows for the representation of the behavior of a dynamic system analyzed through the Bond Graph theory in order to understand the dynamic equations and the physical phenomena involved. Based on block diagram of SIMULINK, the different "bonds" of Bond Graph can be integrated as SIMULINK blocks in order to generate the dynamic model. A few simple models are analyzed through this application. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 238,251, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20246 [source] Simple verification technique for complex Java bytecode subroutinesCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 7 2004Alessandro Coglio Abstract Java is normally compiled to bytecode, which is verified and then executed by the Java Virtual Machine. Bytecode produced via compilation must pass verification. The main cause of complexity for bytecode verification is subroutines, used by compilers to generate more compact code. The techniques to verify subroutines proposed in the literature reject certain programs produced by mundane compilers, are difficult to realize within an implementation of the Java Virtual Machine or are relatively complicated. This paper presents a novel technique which is very simple to understand, implement and prove sound. It is also very powerful: the set of accepted programs has a simple characterization which most likely includes all the code produced by current compilers and which enables future compilers to make more extensive use of subroutines. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] PARENTING COORDINATION: IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES1FAMILY COURT REVIEW, Issue 4 20032003 AFCC Task Force on Parenting Coordination, April 30 ABSTRACT The parenting coordinator model ("PC model") has been implemented in many states as an intervention for dealing with high conflict families in domestic relations proceedings before the courts. The PC model has been repeatedly recommended by professionals as an intervention to help families structure, implement, and monitor viable parenting plans and to reduce relitigation rates where high conflict threatens the family adjustment process. This article summarizes current professional literature on the PC model and discusses the PC model as it has been implemented in various states, outlining the implementation issues encountered. This information may serve as a guide for determining the feasibility of establishing the PC model in other jurisdictions, and provides insight into potential impediments and possible resolutions. [source] A sociotechnical approach to achieve zero defect manufacturing of complex manual assembliesHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 2 2007Kitty Hong Traditional approaches to defect reduction in manufacturing environments rely heavily on the introduction of technology-based detection techniques that require significant investments in equipment and technical skills. In this article, the authors outline a novel, alternative approach that utilizes the largely untapped abilities of assembly-line operators. Targeting zero-defect manufacturing, the SEISMIC (stabilize, evaluate, identify, standardize, monitor, implement, and control) methodology developed herein is a sociotechnical-based system built on the decentralization of technical knowledge and the transfer of responsibility for product quality from technical staff to manual operators. Along with defect reduction, important secondary goals of the SEISMIC methodology are improved operator performance and job satisfaction. The SEISMIC methodology provides a quantitative approach for classifying assembly environments and determining their required skill sets. Effective methods for transferring the identified skills throughout the production team are also provided. A pilot application of the protocol in an automotive assembly environment has achieved promising results in the target areas of defect reduction and operator performance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 137,148, 2007. [source] Everybody Talks About Organizational Justice, But Nobody Does Anything About ItINDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2009JERALD GREENBERG Most organizational justice studies focus primarily on theoretical issues and identify implications for practice only in passing. I advocate moving to the next step by testing such implications in theory-based studies that implement and assess the impact of interventions designed to promote organizational justice. Research that promotes organizational justice promises to benefit both organizations and their employees, and may be considered morally appropriate. Although usually not considered in this connection, theory-based application studies also promise to shed light on the theories from which they are derived. Despite these benefits, there are several reasons why such investigations are conducted only rarely. First, because managers tend to be unaware of justice-related problems, they are unlikely to accede to researchers' requests to address them in research. Second, many researchers erroneously believe that studies assessing ways of improving conditions in organizations lack scientific objectivity. Third, scholarly values favor research that addresses theoretical issues and that eschew practical applications. Finally, the challenges of conducting intervention studies are inclined to be formidable, and these may deter researchers from undertaking such efforts. [source] Acute stroke and transient ischaemic attack management , time to act fastINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2009D. S. Crimmins Abstract Stroke is Australia's second single greatest killer with 53 000 new events each year at a rate of 1 every 10 min. Stroke services should be organized to enable people to access proven therapies, such as stroke unit care and thrombolysis, to reduce the impact of stroke. Timely, efficient and coordinated care from ambulance services, emergency services and stroke services will maximize recovery and prevent costly complications and subsequent strokes. Efficient management of patients with transient ischaemic attack can produce significant reductions in subsequent stroke events and risk stratification using the ABCD2 tool can aid management decisions. Evidence for acute stroke care continues to evolve and it is crucial that health professionals are aware of, and implement, best practice clinical guidelines for stroke care. [source] Evaluation of reticulocyte parameters in iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency and , -thalassemia minor patientsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2007C. CEYLAN Summary The aim of this study was to test the clinical utility of reticulocyte parameters in differential diagnosis in iron deficiency anemia (IDA), vitamin B12 deficiency (B12) and , -thalassemia minor (TM). We analyzed the percentage of reticulocyte, absolute reticulocyte count, mean content hemoglobin of reticulocyte (CHr), mean corpuscular volume of reticulocyte (MCVr), corpuscular hemoglobin concentration mean of reticulocyte (CHCMr), MCVr/MCV ratio, CHr/CH ratio and CHCMr/CHCM ratio in healthy donors (n = 34), iron deficiency (IDA) (n = 41), vitamin B12 deficiency (B12) (n = 22), and TM (n = 34). This study demonstrates that the cutoff value of CHr was 25.7 as indicative of IDA (85.4% sensitivity, 97.1% specificity). CHr and MCVr may be useful for TM (cutoff value , 24.8 for CHr) and B12 (>102.1, cutoff value for MCVr), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of these parameters were 90.9, 86.4% and 97.1, 82.4%, respectively. CHCMr is useful to differentiate IDA and TM from B12. While CHr was low value in microcytic groups (mean 21.8 ± 3.3 for IDA, 21.0 ± 2.9 for TM), it was high in B12 (mean 32.1 ± 5.7). However, that of CHr/CH ratio was only significantly in IDA group compared with the control (P < 0.05, mean 0.98). Therefore, there are limitations regarding CHr and CHr/CH ratio differential diagnosis in microcytic and macrocytic groups. CHr, MCVr, and CHCMr are not sufficiently sensitive and specific to differentiate TM from IDA. We conclude that measurement of reticulocyte count and parameters may be a very useful implement in the diagnosis of IDA and TM. [source] The importance of volunteers in a capital campaignINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NONPROFIT & VOLUNTARY SECTOR MARKETING, Issue 4 2002Article first published online: 12 JUL 200, Linda Lysakowski One of the most significant factors in the success of any capital campaign is the number, quality and commitment of volunteers used to guide, implement and promote the campaign. This paper will discuss the importance of using volunteers and the critical roles they play within the campaign. The volunteer as giver, asker and motivator will be explained. An example of a typical campaign organisational chart is provided to help the reader identify the number and types of volunteers necessary to implement a successful campaign. Volunteers have many roles to play, and getting the right person to fill each of these roles is essential to success. Methods for recruiting volunteers and the materials that are needed to implement a successful recruitment strategy are included in this discussion. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the campaign chair as the leader of the campaign effort. The unique role of the Board of Directors as volunteers during a capital campaign is addressed in this paper. Strategies for keeping volunteers involved and motivated are discussed, along with tips to make the volunteer campaign experience a satisfying one for both staff and volunteer. In summary, the author contends that the use of volunteers in a capital campaign is essential to the success of the campaign. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications [source] Use of NANDA, NIC, and NOC in a Baccalaureate CurriculumINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING TERMINOLOGIES AND CLASSIFICATION, Issue 2003Cynthia Finesilver BACKGROUND For the last 8 years, NANDA, NIC, and NOC have been successfully introduced to students in fundamentals courses at Bellin College of Nursing. As students progress through the curriculum, the classifications are expanded and applied to various client populations in all settings. The faculty expect students to use NANDA, NIC, and NOC in a variety of ways: during preparation for care of clients, documentation of client care, discussion of clients in postconference; in formal nursing process papers; and in the college laboratory setting. MAIN CONTENT POINTS Through the use of standardized languages, which address all steps of the nursing process, students have been able to plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care in all settings, from primary care to specialty care areas. Application of the NANDA, NOC, and NIC frameworks into a baccalaureate curriculum is desirable because the classifications are research based, comprehensive, and based on current nursing practice. NOC and NIC include physiologic, psychosocial, illness prevention and treatment, health promotion, and alternative therapies. Because of the universal and clinically meaningful language, students are able to communicate and document nursing activities in diverse settings and better define the unique actions and value of nursing. Feedback from students and faculty has been positive. Faculty members are encouraged to refine and alter course expectations related to NANDA, NOC, and NIC as needed. Students in the fundamentals courses adapt easily to NANDA, NOC and NIC during small group work and during discussion of common client problems, such as constipation. CONCLUSIONS Although the frameworks are not used as part of the organizing framework, they are used to teach nursing process and increase students' critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. [source] Patient responses to an integrated service, initiated by community pharmacists, for the prevention of osteoporosisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 2 2008Dr. Judith A. Crockett project officer Objective This study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate an integrated service provided by pharmacists to consumers based on the results of a risk-assessment survey carried out by the pharmacist and testing of bone mineral density (BMD) by a radiographer. It also investigated whether measurement of BMD in the pharmacy increased the effectiveness of the service and pharmacist referral in terms of adherence to advice and uptake of referral compared with the same service offered without BMD testing. Setting Community pharmacists in urban and rural settings in New South Wales, Australia, delivered the service. Method The adherence to advice or referral given by 12 community pharmacists during 2003 to 217 participants about the prevention of osteoporosis following screening with either a BMD test plus risk-assessment questionnaire or a risk-assessment questionnaire only was compared. Key findings No significant between-group differences in adherence to advice or referral were found. However, participants valued the BMD service significantly more highly than the non-BMD service as measured by satisfaction scores. Conclusions Consumers were interested in receiving information about osteoporosis and their own risk of it and even greater interest in BMD testing in the pharmacy. There was no difference in uptake of referral or advice following either questionnaire only or questionnaire plus BMD testing. Low uptake of referral and advice overall by those deemed to be at high risk is of concern. Far greater education and encouragement for consumers to follow through is required. [source] The role of the Frontier orbitals in acid,base chemistry of organic amines probed by ab initio and chemometric techniquesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUANTUM CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2010Felipe A. La Porta Abstract The Frontier effective-for-reaction molecular orbital (FERMO) concept emerges as a powerful and innovative implement to investigate the role of molecular orbitals (MOs) applied in the description of breakage and formation of chemical bonds. In this work, theoretical calculations were carried out for conjugated acids of 18 amines and their acid,base behavior was analyzed using MO energies. We observed that highest occupied MO (HOMO) energies are inadequate to describe the acid,base behavior of these compounds. By using the FERMO concept, the reactions that are driven by HOMO, and those that are not, can be better explained, independent of the calculation method used, as independent of the calculation method used, both HF and Kohn,Sham methodologies lead to the same FERMO. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010 [source] Three-dimensional nonlinear H, guidance lawINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBUST AND NONLINEAR CONTROL, Issue 2 2001Ciann-Dong Yang Abstract This paper proposes a novel three-dimensional missile guidance law design based on nonlinear H, control. The complete nonlinear kinematics of pursuit,evasion motion is considered in the three-dimensional spherical co-ordinates system; neither linearization nor small angle assumption is made here. The nonlinear H, guidance law is expressed in a simple form by solving the associated Hamilton,Jacobi partial differential inequality analytically. Unlike adaptive guidance laws, the implement of the proposed robust H, guidance law does not require the information of target acceleration, while ensuring acceptable interceptive performance for arbitrary target with finite acceleration. The resulting pursuit,evasion trajectories for both the H, -guided missile and the worst-case target are determined in closed form, and the performance robustness against variations in target acceleration, in engagement condition, and in control loop gain, is verified by numerical simulations. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Adaptive steering control of a farm tractor with varying yaw rate propertiesJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 6-7 2009J. Benton Derrick This paper presents a novel application of a model reference adaptive control (MRAC) system to control the lateral position of a farm tractor tracking a straight path. Farm tractors can be configured with various implements, and the tractor yaw rate dynamics vary with each implement. It is desired that the lateral position response of the farm tractor remain consistent with respect to different implement configurations. Therefore, a MRAC system is implemented on the farm tractor to compensate for yaw rate plant variations by adapting the feed-forward yaw rate controller. Simulation results of the algorithm are shown that display poor performance due to neglected steering actuator dynamics and saturation. Modifications are made to the algorithm to account for the steering actuator properties, and more simulated results are presented that display ideal performance. Finally, the MRAC algorithm is implemented on a John Deere 8420 farm tractor, and experimental results are presented. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Quality improvement and hospital financial performanceJOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR, Issue 7 2006Jeffrey A. Alexander The objective of this study was to examine the association between the scope and intensity of Quality improvement (QI) implementation in hospitals and organizational performance. A sample of 1,784 community hospitals was used to assess relationships between QI implementation approach and two hospital-level performance indicators: cash flow and cost per case. Two-stage instrumental variables estimation, in which predicted values (instruments) of eight QI intensity and scope variables plus control (exogenous) variables were used to estimate hospital-level performance indicators. Our results suggest that QI has a measurable impact on global measures of organizational performance and that both control and leaning approaches to QI matter in these settings. Hospitals that implement QI effectively can reasonably expect to improve their financial and cost performance, or at least not place the hospital at risk for investing in quality improvement. These outcomes are specific to QI strategies that emphasize both control and learning. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Enhancing students' understanding of the concept of chemical bonding by using activities provided on an interactive websiteJOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE TEACHING, Issue 3 2009Marcel Frailich Abstract This study investigated the effectiveness of a web-based learning environment in enhancing 10th grade high-school students' understanding of the concept of chemical bonding. Two groups participated in this study: an experimental group (N,=,161) and a comparison one (N,=,93). The teachers in the experimental group were asked to implement four activities taken from a website, all dealing with the concept of chemical bonding. Computer-based visual models are utilized in all the activities in order to demonstrate bonding and the structure of matter, and are based on student-centered learning. The study incorporated both quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative research consisted of achievement questionnaires administered to both the experimental and comparison groups. In contrast, the qualitative research included observations and interviews of students and teachers. Importantly, we found that the experimental group outperformed the comparison group significantly, in the achievement post-test, which examines students' understanding of the concept of chemical bonding. These results led us to conclude that the web-based learning activities which integrated visualization tools with active and cooperative learning strategies provided students with opportunities to construct their knowledge regarding the concept of chemical bonding. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 289,310, 2009 [source] Students' science perceptions and enrollment decisions in differing learning cycle classroomsJOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE TEACHING, Issue 9 2001Ann M.L. Cavallo This investigation examined 10th-grade biology students' decisions to enroll in elective science courses, and explored certain attitudinal perceptions of students that may be related to such decisions. The student science perceptions were focused on student and classroom attitudes in the context of differing learning cycle classrooms (high paradigmatic/high inquiry, and low paradigmatic/low inquiry). The study also examined possible differences in enrollment decisions/intentions and attitudinal perceptions among males and females in these course contexts. The specific purposes were to: (a) explore possible differences in students' decisions, and in male and female students' decisions to enroll in elective science courses in high versus low paradigmatic learning cycle classrooms; (b) describe patterns and examine possible differences in male and female students' attitudinal perceptions of science in the two course contexts; (c) investigate possible differences in students' science perceptions according to their decisions to enroll in elective science courses, participation in high versus low paradigmatic learning cycle classrooms, and the interaction between these two variables; and (d) examine students' explanations of their decisions to enroll or not enroll in elective science courses. Questionnaire and observation data were collected from 119 students in the classrooms of six learning cycle biology teachers. Results indicated that in classrooms where teachers most closely adhered to the ideal learning cycle, students had more positive attitudes than those in classrooms where teachers deviated from the ideal model. Significantly more females in high paradigmatic learning cycle classrooms planned to continue taking science course work compared with females in low paradigmatic learning cycle classrooms. Male students in low paradigmatic learning cycle classrooms had more negative perceptions of science compared with males in high paradigmatic classrooms, and in some cases, with all female students. It appears that using the model as it was originally designed may lead to more positive attitudes and persistence in science among students. Implications include the need for science educators to help teachers gain more thorough understanding of the learning cycle and its theoretical underpinnings so they may better implement this procedure in classroom teaching. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 1029,1062, 2001 [source] School Wellness Policies: Perceptions, Barriers, and Needs Among School Leaders and Wellness Advocates,JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 11 2010Peggy Agron MA BACKGROUND: School wellness policies are a key component to the prevention of adolescent obesity. This national research study sought to understand the wellness environment in school districts across the country and to identify challenges districts face and needs they have in order to effectively implement, monitor, and evaluate school wellness policies. The study determined (1) perceptions, barriers, and opportunities regarding the development, implementation, and monitoring/evaluation of school wellness policies among school board members, state school boards association leaders, state public health nutrition directors, and school wellness advocates; (2) the readiness and capacity of survey groups to address nutrition and physical activity policies; (3) the extent to which survey groups collaborate; and (4) the acceptability of wellness tools. METHODS: In 2006, over 2900 individuals participated in online surveys, focus groups, and key informant interviews. School board members represented 1296 school districts across the nation. RESULTS: School board members expressed the highest level of confidence among all survey groups that their district has the capacity to develop, implement, and monitor/ evaluate the wellness policy. The disparities among groups are most notable with regard to perceptions of district capacity to monitor/evaluate the policy. School board members are interested in school wellness policy tools and trainings. CONCLUSIONS: There is an opportunity for state school boards associations, state public health nutrition directors, and school wellness advocates to build their own capacity to provide training and resources to districts on wellness issues, particularly physical education/activity, school-based wellness initiatives, and strategies for implementing and monitoring/evaluating wellness policies. [source] A Culturally Appropriate School Wellness Initiative: Results of a 2-Year Pilot Intervention in 2 Jewish SchoolsJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 8 2010Maureen R. Benjamins PhD BACKGROUND: Despite the growing number of school-based interventions designed to reduce childhood obesity or otherwise promote health, no models or materials were found for Jewish schools. The current study describes an effort within a Jewish school system in Chicago to create, implement, and evaluate a school-based intervention tailored to the unique characteristics of Jewish religion, culture, and school structures. METHODS: Two schools (with approximately 600 students) were selected for the 2-year pilot study. The schools were required to form a wellness council, write a wellness policy, and implement policy changes or activities in 5 target areas (health education, physical education, school environment, family involvement, and staff wellness). Objectives were measured using pre- and postintervention surveys for students, as well as the School Health Index and other tools. RESULTS: Findings showed several significant increases in student knowledge, as well as an increase in the percentage of older students regularly meeting physical activity guidelines. Few changes in attitudes, other behaviors, or environmental factors were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Due to a strong partnership between researchers, schools, and community organizations, meaningful changes were made within the pilot schools. These changes were reflected in a limited number of improvements in student knowledge and activity levels. Future work is needed to determine how to bring about behavioral changes, how to increase the sustainability of all of the changes, and how to disseminate the model and products of this intervention to other day schools. [source] Promoting Physical Activity Among Youth Through Community-Based Prevention MarketingJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 5 2010Carol A. Bryant PhD BACKGROUND: Community-based prevention marketing (CBPM) is a program planning framework that blends community-organizing principles with a social marketing mind-set to design, implement, and evaluate public health interventions. A community coalition used CBPM to create a physical activity promotion program for tweens (youth 9,13 years of age) called VERBÔ Summer Scorecard. Based on the national VERBÔ media campaign, the program offered opportunities for tweens to try new types of physical activity during the summer months. METHODS: The VERBÔ Summer Scorecard was implemented and monitored between 2004 and 2007 using the 9-step CBPM framework. Program performance was assessed through in-depth interviews and a school-based survey of youth. RESULTS: The CBPM process and principles used by school and community personnel to promote physical activity among tweens are presented. Observed declines may become less steep if school officials adopt a marketing mind-set to encourage youth physical activity: deemphasizing health benefits but promoting activity as something fun that fosters spending time with friends while trying and mastering new skills. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based programs can augment and provide continuity to school-based prevention programs to increase physical activity among tweens. [source] Experimental investigation of laser power addition with composite four-mirror cavityLASER PHYSICS LETTERS, Issue 1 2007M. Lei Abstract Beam combination is an effective geometry which can improve laser output power with good beam quality. A new and practical four-mirror cavity configuration is presented to combine the beams intracavity. This close-ended scheme is good at withstanding environmental perturbations and is easier to realize the alignment than the conventional Michelson cavity. The length of each arm can be rather short which makes the cavity more compact in practical implement. With this four-mirror cavity, the output brightness is efficiently improved compared to single F-P cavity laser by combining two Nd:YAG lasers. A single beam output exceeding 3.3 W is achieved in this composite cavity, which has the potential for scaling to much higher output power with high brightness. (© 2007 by Astro, Ltd. Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) [source] Solving singularly perturbed advection,reaction equations via non-standard finite difference methodsMATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE APPLIED SCIENCES, Issue 14 2007Jean M.-S. Abstract We design and implement two non-standard finite difference methods (NSFDMs) to solve singularly perturbed advection,reaction equations (SPARE). Our methods constitute a big plus to the class of those ,rare' fitted operator methods, which can be extended to singularly perturbed partial differential equations. Unlike the standard finite difference methods (SFDMs), the NSFDMs designed in this paper allow the time and the space step sizes to vary independently of one another and of the parameter , in the SPARE under consideration. The NSFDMs replicate the linear stability properties of the fixed points of the continuous problem. Furthermore, these methods preserve the positivity and boundedness properties of the exact solution. Numerical simulations that confirm the theoretical results are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Clinical measures of progression in Parkinson's disease,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue S2 2009Werner Poewe MD Abstract Despite all recent advances in symptomatic therapy Parkinson's disease (PD) continues to be a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Therefore therapies that will slow or hold disease progression are a major medical unmet need in PD. Clinical measures of disease progression that have been used in disease modification trials so far have focused on indices of progression of cardinal motor features like bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor as captured by the UPDRS and the emerging need for effective dopaminergic symptomatic therapy. Progression of global disability in PD, however, is driven by additional factors beyond progressive nigrostriatal denervation leading to increasing severity of cardinal motor features. Progressive pathology in extranigral sites in the brain or peripheral autonomic nervous system contribute to poorly levodopa responsive motor symptoms like postural instability, freezing and falls or nonmotor symptoms. In addition treatment-induced motor complications also impact on PD disability. Although it is widely accepted that clinical progression of PD is multidimensional and in addition includes effects of aging, there is no consensus how to best implement more clinically meaningful endpoints for disease progression trials that would reflect these complex interactions impacting on the evolution of global disability in PD. There is an urgent need for biomarkers for disease progression that would faithfully reflect advancing neurodegeneration and resulted clinical disability in PD and that could be used in shorter term clinical trials testing putative disease modifying agents. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society [source] PIE à la Mode: Mainstreaming Evaluation and Accountability in Each Program in Every County of a Statewide School Readiness InitiativeNEW DIRECTIONS FOR EVALUATION, Issue 99 2003Abraham Wandersman This chapter describes the framework and implementation of a program accountability system in a statewide initiative (South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness), which was developed (1) to enable practitioners to provide evaluation information required by legislative mandate and (2) to develop the capacity of practitioners to systematically plan their program, implement with quality, and self-evaluate. The components of this program are reflected in its name: Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation (PIE). The chapter describes PIE in relation to program theory, usage, and efforts to mainstream. [source] Quantification of brain glycogen concentration and turnover through localized 13C NMR of both the C1 and C6 resonancesNMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 3 2010Ruud B. van Heeswijk Abstract We have recently shown that at isotopic steady state 13C NMR can provide a direct measurement of glycogen concentration changes, but that the turnover of glycogen was not accessible with this protocol. The aim of the present study was to design, implement and apply a novel dual-tracer infusion protocol to simultaneously measure glycogen concentration and turnover. After reaching isotopic steady state for glycogen C1 using [1- 13C] glucose administration, [1,6- 13C2] glucose was infused such that isotopic steady state was maintained at the C1 position, but the C6 position reflected 13C label incorporation. To overcome the large chemical shift displacement error between the C1 and C6 resonances of glycogen, we implemented 2D gradient based localization using the Fourier series window approach, in conjunction with time-domain analysis of the resulting FIDs using jMRUI. The glycogen concentration of 5.1,±,1.6,mM measured from the C1 position was in excellent agreement with concomitant biochemical determinations. Glycogen turnover measured from the rate of label incorporation into the C6 position of glycogen in the , -chloralose anesthetized rat was 0.7,µmol/g/h. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Scaling up CBOs for second-order devolution in welfare reformNONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP, Issue 4 2003Dennis L. Poole The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 created a paradigm shift in the financing, organization, and delivery of welfare programs in the United States. The act shifted revenue and authority to states, giving them great discretion to determine the specifics of their programs. First-order devolution, combined with time limits and work requirements, set in motion a chain of events that moved Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients into the labor force and off state welfare rolls. Second-order devolution shifted revenue and authority to community-based organizations (CBOs) to help former recipients remain employed, advance to higher paying jobs, and move their families toward economic self-sufficiency. Early findings from project innovations in Texas and other states raise doubts about the capacity of these organizations to achieve these goals. State funders will need to provide ongoing technical assistance and support to "scale up" the capacity of CBOs to plan, implement, and manage local innovations in welfare reform. [source] Die Ökologische Steuerreform in Deutschland , ein umweltpolitisches FeigenblattPERSPEKTIVEN DER WIRTSCHAFTSPOLITIK, Issue 2 2003Christoph Böhringer Based on fundamental welfare economics we argue that extensive tax reductions and rebates in favour of energy-intensive industries, as provided by the tax reform, substantially water down its cost-effectiveness. The environmental tax reform essentially boils down to a fiscally motivated fuel tax. From a political economy perspective the exemptions can be explained by voters' low willingness-to-pay for the environment and the sectoral concentration of adjustment costs. With respect to green voters, however, the government does not admit that the environmental objective has effectively been abandoned. We conclude that an honest policy should either give up the environmental tax reform frankly or implement it without exemptions. [source] Transforming an Evidence-Based Intervention to Prevent Perinatal Depression for Low-Income Latina ImmigrantsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2010Huynh-Nhu Le There is growing interest in examining the extent to which evidence-based interventions, found to be efficacious for majority populations, are effective for low-income, ethnically diverse populations. Yet limited attention has been devoted to documenting the specific steps taken in adapting these interventions to meet the needs of the target ethnic population. This article describes the cultural adaptation of an evidence-based cognitive,behavioral therapy intervention to prevent perinatal depression in 2 different Latina immigrant communities using a 5-step iterative process: (a) identify need; (b) gather information; (c) design adaptation; (d) implement, evaluate, and refine adaptation; and (e) replicate and disseminate. Appropriate adaptations of evidence-based interventions have the potential to reduce disparities in utilization and outcomes for high-risk populations. Researchers should document their efforts to transform services for low-income, ethnically diverse populations. [source] Self-management for men surviving prostate cancer: a review of behavioural and psychosocial interventions to understand what strategies can work, for whom and in what circumstancesPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Jane Cockle-Hearne Abstract Objective: In the context of increasing prostate cancer survivorship, evidence of unmet supportive care needs and growing economic health-care restraints, this review examined and evaluated best approaches for developing self-management programmes to meet men's survivorship needs. Methods: A search of international literature published in the last 12 years was conducted. Only randomised controlled trials were included in the analysis. Key components of the interventions were evaluated to determine what has been offered, and which elements are most beneficial in improving health outcomes. Methodological issues were also considered. Results: Targeting participant need and promoting motivation to participate and maintain programme adherence were the most important factors to emerge in ensuring positive health outcomes. Both need and motivation are multi-faceted, the components of which are identified and evaluated. Guidance was also identified in relation to delivery design, theoretical mechanisms for change, modes of delivery and facilitator issues. Conclusion: Self-management is a viable and appropriate way of providing health-care solutions to ameliorate men's functional and emotional problems associated with increased prostate cancer survivorship. Integration into clinical practice will require training, resources and commitment and, in addition, economic viability will be difficult to assess since cost comparison with current provision is not straightforward. Nevertheless, from the psychosocial and behavioural studies reviewed there is convincing evidence that can be used to design, implement and evaluate future self-management programmes for men surviving prostate cancer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||