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Inferential Analysis (inferential + analysis)
Selected AbstractsLegal Validity: An Inferential Analysis,RATIO JURIS, Issue 2 2008GIOVANNI SARTOR Its conceptual function is that of relating certain (alternative sets of) properties a norm may possess to the conclusion that the norm is legally binding, namely, that it deserves to be endorsed and applied in legal reasoning. Legal validity has to be distinguished from other, more demanding, normative ideas, such as moral bindingness or legal optimality. [source] A Landmark Analysis-Based Approach to Age and Sex Classification of the Skull of the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) (Hermann, 1779)ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 5 2009C. Brombin Summary This work aimed at applying geometric morphometric analysis techniques to the skull of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus, Hermann, 1779). Inferential analyses were performed using a non-parameteric permutation framework based on a series of skulls of different age classes belonging to individuals of both sexes. Our goal was to establish whether a statistical approach based on osteometric measurements and surface analysis of photographs of the left lateral plane of the skull may lead to a different and scientifically sound method of age and sex classification in this critically endangered marine mammal. Our data indicate that non-parametric combination methodology enables the researcher to give local assessment using a combination with domains. Developing geometric morphometric techniques in a non-parametric permutation framework could be useful in solving high dimensional and small sample size problems as well as classification problems, including zoological classification of specimens within a specific population. The Mediterranean monk seal is believed to be the world's rarest pinniped and one of the most endangered mammals of the world, with fewer than 600 individuals currently surviving. The use of shape analysis would allow new insights into the biological characteristics of the monk seal by simply extracting potentially new information on age and size from museal specimens. [source] Aggression and violence in mental health services: categorizing the experiences of Irish nursesJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 2 2007J. MAGUIRE msc ba(hons) ffnrcsi rpn rgn dip There is growing evidence that nurses in mental health services are likely to be victims of violence or aggression. One of the key difficulties in comparing international findings, however, has been that there has been an inadequate categorization of the types of incident to which staff are exposed. The current study aimed to identify the types of violent or aggressive incidents that staff in Irish Mental Health Services were exposed to within a 1-month long period. A cross-sectional study was undertaken with all nurses working in one of the Mental Health Services in Ireland, serving both an urban and rural population. Data were collected through a questionnaire (Scale of Aggressive and Violent Experiences) adapted from the Perceptions of Prevalence of Aggression Scale. The questionnaire was designed to collect data relating to both personal and professional demographics of the sample as well as experiences of aggressive or violent incidents respondents may have encountered in their work situation. There was a response rate of 31%. Data were analysed utilizing SPSS-11. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were undertaken. The relevant data were subjected to a series of one-way anovas and chi-squared analysis. The findings suggest that nursing staff in this Mental Health Service experienced high levels of verbal aggression, with distinctions obvious between threatening and non-threatening aggression, suggesting discernment in terms of intentionality. Additionally, respondents encountered greater levels of covert or indirect violence or aggression than forms that were overtly directed towards staff. The implications are discussed in relation to both policy and practice. [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] Molecular prenatal diagnosis for hereditary distal arthrogryposis type 2BPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 5 2007Miao Jiang Abstract Autosomal dominant distal arthrogryposes (DAs) are a group of muscle diseases characterized by congenital contractures of the limbs. Currently, prenatal diagnosis of DAs depends upon ultrasound examination during late gestation. Recently, five genes encoding fast switch proteins located at 9p13.2, 11p15.5 and 17q13.1 were identified. These included TPM2, TNNI2/TNNT3, and MYH3/MYH8. Last year, we discovered a novel heterozygous mutation c.523_525delAAG (p.K175del) in the TNNI2 gene, which encodes the isoform of troponinI, in a seven-generation Chinese family affected with distal arthrogryposis type 2B (DA2B). Here, we report the molecular prenatal diagnosis of 3 high-risk fetuses of two women in the family by two-point linkage inferential analysis and deletion detection of the TNNI2 gene with chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. To our knowledge, this is the first description of molecular prenatal diagnosis for DAs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] |