Research Models (research + models)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Hybrid Research Models: Natural Opportunities for Examining Mental Health in Context

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 1 2006
Marc S. Atkins
The articles in this series promote hybrid research models to bridge the gap between efficacy and effectiveness. We suggest that efforts such as those described in these articles are long overdue. Given the enormous public health consequences of the lack of available and effective mental health services, we no longer can afford research that neglects the natural state of affairs or that leaves others to translate research into practice. It is time to acknowledge that the process of testing interventions in the university for transfer to the community is neither efficient nor empirically justified. Guided by the articles in this series, we focus on the ways in which hybrid models can provide natural opportunities to advance the field and lead to a new generation of research that is both contextually relevant and methodologically rigorous. An iterative process of research and practice is proposed that can lead to stronger theories and methods and enhanced understanding of mental health in context. [source]


Developing Models for Patient Flow and Daily Surge Capacity Research

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2006
Brent R. Asplin MD
Between 1993 and 2003, visits to U.S. emergency departments (EDs) increased by 26%, to a total of 114 million visits annually. At the same time, the number of U.S. EDs decreased by more than 400, and almost 200,000 inpatient hospital beds were taken out of service. In this context, the adequacy of daily surge capacity within the system is clearly an important issue. However, the research agenda on surge capacity thus far has focused primarily on large-scale disasters, such as pandemic influenza or a serious bioterrorism event. The concept of daily surge capacity and its relationship to the broader research agenda on patient flow is a relatively new area of investigation. In this article, the authors begin by describing the overlap between the research agendas on daily surge capacity and patient flow. Next, they propose two models that have potential applications for both daily surge capacity and hospitalwide patient-flow research. Finally, they identify potential research questions that are based on applications of the proposed research models. [source]


Research and theory on high-performance work systems: progressing the high-involvement stream

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009
Peter Boxall
The notion of a high-performance work system (HPWS) constitutes a claim that there exists a system of work practices for core workers in an organisation that leads in some way to superior performance. In this article, we dissect this fuzzy notion and examine its companion terminology: high-involvement work systems and high-commitment management. We argue that a focus on the high-involvement stream usefully grounds HPWS studies in an important area of workplace change in the current context and takes us away from eclectic and contentious selections of ,best practices'. We review research models and findings in this stream. The path to better research lies in examining the underpinning processes experienced by workers when management seeks to pursue high-involvement systems, and charting their links to employee and operational outcomes. [source]


Cryopreservation of fish sperm: applications and perspectives

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
E. Cabrita
Summary Cryopreservation is of interest not only for fish farming but also for the conservation and genetic improvement of resources. This technique has been well established in some freshwater fish species mainly, salmonid, sturgeons and carps, however, only in the last decade research was focused in marine fish species. The benefits of sperm cryopreservation include: (i) synchronization of gamete availability of both sexes, (ii) sperm economy; (iii) simplification of broodstock management, (iv) transport of gametes from different fish farms, and (v) germplasm storage for genetic selection programs or conservation of species. These issues would certainly benefit the aquaculture industry. The tremendous impact that biotechnology is having in aquaculture has been particularly obvious in recent years. Several species are being used as research models not only for aquaculture development applications but also for medical research. Sperm cryopreservation can give an important contribution in the germ storage of all transgenic lines. However, in all applications in fish sperm, cryopreservation needs to overcome a lack in standardization of methodologies and procedures, a correct assay of seminal quality and the development of tools to characterize cryoinjury. Many efforts have recently been made in the study of DNA using different approaches such as the comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis), TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-nick-end-labelling), SCSA (sperm chromatin structure assay) and the analysis of specific DNA sequences using RT-PCR, since DNA damage may impair fertility or embryo development. Cryopreservation of gametes would certainly benefit from a higher concern on male improvement, basically through nutrition or selection of resistant stocks (e.g. stress resistant individuals or highly adapted to captivity) producing gametes of higher quality. There is a huge window of opportunities for improve the resistance of cells to cryopreservation through diet supplementation of certain compounds such as amino acids (taurine and hypotaurine), vitamins (Vit. E and C) and lipids or through a direct supplementation of the extender media. An equilibrium of those compounds will improve spermatozoa and seminal plasma composition protecting cells against oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA fragmentation, enzyme protection) that is gaining each day more importance in cryodamage research. [source]


Effects of Decomposition on Gunshot Wound Characteristics: Under Moderate Temperatures with Insect Activity

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 2 2009
Lauren E. MacAulay B.Sc. (Hons)
Abstract:, Previous studies document characteristics of gunshot wounds shortly after they were inflicted. This study was conducted to determine if the early stages of decomposition obscure or alter the physical surface characteristics of gunshot wounds, thereby affecting the quantity and quality of information retrievable from such evidence. The study was conducted in August and September, 2005 in Nova Scotia, Canada in forested and exposed environments. Recently killed pigs were used as research models and were shot six times each at three different ranges (contact, 2.5 cm, and 1.5 m). Under these test conditions, the gunshot wounds maintained the characteristics unique to each gunshot range and changes that occurred during decomposition were not critical to the interpretation of the evidence. It was concluded that changes due to decomposition under the conditions tested would not affect the collection and interpretation of gunshot wound evidence until the skin was degraded in the late active or advanced decay stage of decomposition. [source]


Thromboelastography: a tool for measuring hypercoagulability, hypocoagulability, and fibrinolysis

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 1 2005
DACVECC, Suzanne M. Donahue VMD
Abstract Objective: To describe the technique of thromboelastography (TEG) and review the applications of this coagulation test in humans and small animals. Data sources: Data sources included scientific reviews and original research publications. Human data synthesis: TEG in humans has been used for documentation of hypercoagulable and hypocoagulable states and has been shown to be beneficial in patient management. Veterinary data synthesis: Clinical evaluation of TEG in veterinary medicine is limited; however, recent reports have documented evidence of hypercoagulability in dogs with parvovirus and protein-losing nephropathy. Additionally, many of the research models may be relevant to veterinary patients. Conclusions: TEG provides information about coagulation that is not available through routine coagulation tests. The application of TEG monitoring to veterinary patients shows promise; however, prospective clinical studies are needed. [source]


Nomenclature and Definitions for Emergency Department Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Testing: Report from the 2007 Conference of the National Emergency Department HIV Testing Consortium

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009
Michael S. Lyons MD
Abstract Early diagnosis of persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through diagnostic testing and screening is a critical priority for individual and public health. Emergency departments (EDs) have an important role in this effort. As EDs gain experience in HIV testing, it is increasingly apparent that implementing testing is conceptually and operationally complex. A wide variety of HIV testing practice and research models have emerged, each reflecting adaptations to site-specific factors and the needs of local populations. The diversity and complexity inherent in nascent ED HIV testing practice and research are associated with the risk that findings will not be described according to a common lexicon. This article presents a comprehensive set of terms and definitions that can be used to describe ED-based HIV testing programs, developed by consensus opinion from the inaugural meeting of the National ED HIV Testing Consortium. These definitions are designed to facilitate discussion, increase comparability of future reports, and potentially accelerate wider implementation of ED HIV testing. [source]


Hybrid Research Models: Natural Opportunities for Examining Mental Health in Context

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 1 2006
Marc S. Atkins
The articles in this series promote hybrid research models to bridge the gap between efficacy and effectiveness. We suggest that efforts such as those described in these articles are long overdue. Given the enormous public health consequences of the lack of available and effective mental health services, we no longer can afford research that neglects the natural state of affairs or that leaves others to translate research into practice. It is time to acknowledge that the process of testing interventions in the university for transfer to the community is neither efficient nor empirically justified. Guided by the articles in this series, we focus on the ways in which hybrid models can provide natural opportunities to advance the field and lead to a new generation of research that is both contextually relevant and methodologically rigorous. An iterative process of research and practice is proposed that can lead to stronger theories and methods and enhanced understanding of mental health in context. [source]