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The Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I). A comprehensive longitudinal validation study
2010-01-01
Objective: this study aimed to perform a comprehensive validation of the 16-item and 7-item Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) by investigating the overall structure and measurement properties, convergent and predictive validity and responsiveness to change. Method: five hundred community-dwelling older people (70-90 years) were assessed on the FES-I in conjunction with demographic, physiological and neuropsychological measures at baseline and at 12 months. Falls were monitored monthly and fear of falling every 3 months. Results: the overall structure and measurement properties of both FES-I scales, as evaluated with item response theory, were good. Discriminative ability on physiological and neuropsychological measures indicated excellent validity, both at baseline (n = 500, conve...
Perceived pain, fear of falling and physical function in women with osteoporosis
2010-01-01
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate pain intensity-related differences in physical performance and fear of falling in elderly women with osteoporosis. A sample of 82 osteoporotic women (73.8+/-8.1 years) with and without vertebral fractures was included. Numeric rating scale (NRS) measures (0=no pain, 10=unbearable) were applied to obtain actual pain intensity and to stratify between patients with mild (0-3), moderate (4-6) and severe (7-10) pain. Activity-related fear of falling was evaluated with the Falls Efficacy Scale-International Version (FES-I). Physical performance measures included maximum voluntary quadriceps strength, postural sway and gait speed measures. Controlling for age, fractures, and history of falls ANCOVA with Scheffe's post hoc test indicated signif...
2010-01-01
OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of various risk factors on three functional outcomes during rehabilitation. SETTING: Geriatric inpatient rehabilitation unit. DESIGN: Observational longitudinal study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty-one geriatric rehabilitation inpatients (men, women), mean age 82, who were capable of walking at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: Functional status was assessed weekly between admission and discharge and at a follow-up 4 months later at home using the function component of the Short Form-Late Life Function and Disability Instrument, the Barthel Index, and Habitual Gait Speed. Various risk factors, such as falls-related self-efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale-International), were measured. Associations between predictors and functional status at discharge and follow-up we...
2010-01-01
Full Text Available.Objectives To gain an understanding of elderly people’s fear of falling by exploring the prevalence and determinants of perceived and physiological fall risk and to understand the role of disparities in perceived and physiological risk in the cause of falls.Design Prospective cohort study.Setting Community sample drawn from eastern Sydney, Australia.Participants 500 men and women aged 70–90 years.Main outcome measures Baseline assessment of medical, physiological, and neuropsychological measures, with physiological fall risk estimated with the physiological profile assessment, and perceived fall risk estimated with the falls efficacy scale international. Participants were followed up monthly for falls over one year.Results Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that perceived and physiological fall risk were both independent predictors of future falls. Classification tree analysis was used to split the sample into four groups (vigorous, anxious, stoic, and aware) based on the disparity between physiological and perceived risk of falling. Perceived fall risk was congruent with physiological fall risk in the vigorous (144 (29%)) and aware (202 (40%)) groups. The anxious group (54 (11%)) had a low physiological risk but high perceived fall risk, which was related to depressive symptoms (P=0.029), neurotic personality traits (P=0.026), and decreased executive functioning (P=0.010). The stoic group (100 (20%)) had a high physiological risk but low perceived fall risk, which was protective for falling and mediated through a positive outlook on life (P=0.001) and maintained physical activity and community participation (P=0.048).Conclusion Many elderly people underestimated or overestimated their risk of falling. Such disparities between perceived and physiological fall risk were primarily associated with psychological measures and strongly influenced the probability of falling. Measures of both physiological and perceived fall risk should be included in fall risk assessments to allow tailoring of interventions for preventing falls in elderly people.
Pilot study assessing balance in women with fibromyalgia syndrome
2009-01-01
The purpose of current study was to assess postural control and balance self-efficacy in people with fibro-myalgia syndrome [FMS]. Thirty-two females with FMS completed the Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Berg Balance test, NeuroCom Balance Master sensory-organization test, and limits of stability. There was a high prevalence of reported falls and a low mean score on the Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale. A significant number of subjects scored below the population norm fifth percentile score on the sensory-organization test composite, visual, and vestibular sections. Preliminary evidence suggests that women with FMS may present with deficits in postural control, sensory organization, and balance self-efficacy.
Teacher Self-Efficacy and Teacher Burnout: A Study of Relations
The purpose of this study was partly to test the factor structure of a recently developed Norwegian scale for measuring teacher self-efficacy and partly to explore relations between teachers' perception of the school context, teacher self-efficacy, collective teacher efficacy, teacher
2010-01-01
ABSTRACT Background. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of measurements of muscle strength, balance, cognitive function, mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), and physical activity for use in a Scandinavian nursing home population and to examine intercorrelations between these measurements. Method. The design was cross-sectional and 322 residents' functions were evaluated by grip strength, the Timed Chair Stand Test, Berg's Balance Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, Swedish version of Mini-Mental State Examination, 10-m walking and wheelchair propulsion at self-selected and maximum speed, functional independence measure, physiotherapy clinical outcome variables, and the Nursing Home Life Space Diameter. Results. The mean age of the group was 85 years. Sixty-four pe...
2010-01-01
Objective: Tai Chi (TC) is an exercise training that is becoming increasingly popular as an intervention for single fall prevention. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of TC on fall rate, fear of falling and balance in older people. Methods: Randomized controlled trials published between 1988 and January 2009 were included. In the Netherlands (2009) we used random effects models for the analyses, with data reported as incidence rate ratios (IRR) for falls and standardized mean differences (SMD) for fear of falling and balance. Results: Nine trials (representing 2203 participants) were included in the analyses. Compared with exercise controls, TC participants showed significant improvements in fall rates (2 trials included, IRR: 0.51, 95% CI 0.38-0.68) and static bala...
2010-01-01
Background & Aims The management of non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) concerns lifestyle modification and exercise; however, adherence is poor. Factors such as lack of confidence to exercise, poor understanding of the benefits of exercise, and a fear of falling all influence engagement in physical activity. To increase exercise in NAFLD it is important to understand the barriers to performing it. Methods Three chronic liver disease cohorts were identified from the Newcastle Liver Database: NAFLD (n=230), alcoholic liver disease (ALD, n=110) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC, n=97). Assessment tools were completed by all subjects: Outcome Expectation for Exercise Scale (OEES, understanding the benefits of exercise, lower scores indicate greater understanding), Self-Efficacy for Exercise ...
Evaluating a model of parental influence on youth physical activity
2003-01-01
Objective: To test a conceptual model linking parental physical activity orientations, parental support for physical activity, and children's self-efficacy perceptions with physical activity participation. Participants and Setting: The sample consisted of 380 students in grades 7 through 12 (mean age, 14.0 +/- 1.6 years) and their parents. Data collection took place during the fall of 1996. Main Outcome Measures: Parents completed a questionnaire assessing their physical activity habits, enjoyment of physical activity, beliefs regarding the importance of physical activity, and supportive behaviors for their child's physical activity. Students completed a 46-item inventory assessing physical activity during the previous 7 days and a 5-item physical activity self-efficacy scale. The model was tested via observed variable path analysis using structural equation modeling techniques (AMOS 4.0). Results: An initial model, in which parent physical activity orientations predicted child physical activity via parental support and child self-efficacy, did not provide an acceptable fit to the data. Inclusion of a direct path from parental support to child physical activity and deletion of a nonsignificant path from parental physical activity to child physical activity significantly improved model fit. Standardized path coefficients for the revised model ranged from 0.17 to 0.24, and all were significant at the p < 0.0001 level. Conclusions: Parental support was an important correlate of youth physical activity, acting directly or indirectly through its influence on self-efficacy. Physical activity interventions targeted at youth should include and evaluate the efficacy of individual-level and community-level strategies to increase parents' capacity to provide instrumental and motivational support for their children's physical activity. Publisher: Elsevier Contributor: F. D. Scutchfield; K. Patrick; C. S. Seidman Coverage: 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z
The Otago exercise programme: do strength and balance improve?
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of participation in the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) on strength and balance. The change in a number of balance and strength measures were compared between a group of community dwelling women over the age of 80 years participating in the OEP and a control group matched by gender and age.Study design: A cohort study of two independent groups.Participants: Nineteen women over the age of 80 years who were community dwelling and participating in the OEP and 18 age matched community dwelling women who continued with their normal activities of daily living.Main outcome measures: Participants' strength and balance was measured using the timed up and go test, the step test, the 30 second chair stand test and gait velocity. Participants' fear of falling was measured with the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale and falls were monitored using a falls diary.Results: There were no statistically significant improvements in strength and balance in the OEP group and no statistically significant differences between the OEP and control group, after participating in the OEP for 6 months. The only statistically significant change in the OEP group was a slowing of gait velocity, all other outcome measures remained unchanged for both the OEP group and the control group.Conclusions: There were no statistically significant improvements in strength and balance after participating in the OEP. These results are consistent with those of the original Otago trial and the subsequent meta-analysis of all the Otago trials. The results from this study need to be interpreted with caution, as due to the small sample size the study was underpowered. The critical components of the OEP remain unknown. Publisher: AUT University Rights: All items in ScholarlyCommons@AUT are provided for private study and research purposes and are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.
Coaches' assessment of their coaching efficacy compared to athletes' perceptions.
This study compared coaches' assessments of their own coaching efficacy with their athletes' perceptions of the coaches' efficacy. Coaching efficacy was measured with the Coaching Efficacy Scale. Participants were 9 football coaches and 76 football players from the same team. Analysis indicated coaches were confident in their coaching abilities (range 6.5 to 9.0 on a 9-point scale). For 7 of the 9 coaches the coaches' ratings of themselves were higher than the athletes' ratings. For the other 2 coaches, athletes' ratings of coaches' efficacy were higher than the coaches' ratings of themselves. All coaches' ratings fell within the 95% confidence interval based on the athletes' ratings of the coaches' efficacy. Results are discussed in terms of the interplay between athletes and coaches efficacy beliefs and its influence on behavior.
2003-01-01
London, England Other identifier: Whitehead, C.H., Miller, M.D., & Crotty, M., 2003. Falls in community-dwelling older persons following hip fracture: impact on self-efficacy, balance and handicap. Clinical Rehabilitation, 17(8), 899-906.; 0269-2155; 2003051930; doi:10.1191/0269215503cr695oa
1981-01-01
Questions on the methodology of processing common depth point data obtained with the source ''Falling Weight'' are examined. The basic processing procedures are described. The authors point to the possibility of evaluating the efficacy of the processing conducted.
Strategies for prevention of medication-related falls in the elderly.
OBJECTIVE: To review the literature pertaining to the relationship between medications and fall risk in the elderly, and the role of the pharmacist in preventing falls. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify relevant studies, review articles, case reports, and letters in the English language published from 1985 to June 2002. Additional references were obtained from bibliographies of those articles. STUDY SELECTION: All studies evaluating the relationship between medications and falls, or the role of the pharmacist in preventing falls, that were accessible to the authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: Pharmacists have tremendous opportunities caring for patients who are considered to be at risk for a fall. Numerous drugs have been suspected of contributing to the risk of a fall. With proper identification of risk factors, the pharmacist can appropriately select medications while monitoring their efficacy and adverse effects, assist in early detection and treatment of common medical problems that contribute to falls, perform environmental-hazard assessments, provide patient and caregiver education, and suggest physical therapy and gait and balance training. Once a fall has occurred, the pharmacist can reduce the risk of a subsequent fall by reviewing medications and other risk factors, recommending drug therapy changes, and educating other health care professionals and caregivers. Interventions by pharmacists have been shown to reduce the rate of falls significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS: Pharmacists have many opportunities to reduce the risk of a fall. The assessment of each patient for risk factors should guide therapeutic choices for underlying diseases. Prevention of falls should be accomplished by reducing environmental risks, properly identifying and managing age-related changes in the individual, utilizing appropriate medications when warranted, and discontinuing medications that are not needed. Pharmacists can also provide valuable expertise in educating other health care professionals regarding fall risks and the appropriate usage of medications.
A Falls Concern Scale for people with spinal cord injury (SCI-FCS)
2010-01-01
Study design:Observational study and cross-sectional survey.Objectives:To develop a scale assessing concern about falling in people with spinal cord injuries who are dependent on manual wheelchairs, and to evaluate psychometric properties of this new scale.Setting:Community and hospitals, Australia.Methods:The Spinal Cord Injury-Falls Concern Scale (SCI-FCS) was developed in consultation with SCI professionals. The SCI-FCS addressed concern about falling during 16 activities of daily living associated with falling and specific to people with SCI. One hundred and twenty-five people with either acute or chronic SCI who used manual wheelchairs were assessed on the SCI-FCS and asked questions related to their SCI and overall physical abilities. A subgroup of 20 people was reassessed on the SCI...
The weight of a falling chain, revisited
2010-05-18
A vertically hanging chain is released from rest and falls due to gravity on a scale pan. We discuss the various experimental and theoretical aspects of this classic problem. Careful time-resolved force measurements allow us to determine the differences between the idealized and its implementation in the laboratory problem. We observe that, in spite of the upward force exerted by the pan on the chain, the free end at the top falls faster than a freely falling body. Because a real chain exhibits a finite minimum radius of curvature, the contact at the bottom results in a tensional force which pulls the falling part downward.
1996-12-31
This presentation illustrates the characteristics of pumped storage, its location, scale, and speed of response. The role and advantages of pumped storage, frequency fall, system reaction to frequency fall, and pumped storage at Dinorwig are discussed. Pool trading, contracts, ancilliary services, and requirements are also considered. (UK)
Results of the Self-Confidence Inventory, Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Self-Efficacy Rating Scale for 399 students indicated the subscales were reliable for both African-Americans and European-Americans. There were few racial but significant gender differences regarding Holland's occupational themes. The scales had different degrees of convergent and discriminant validity. (Contains 28 references.) (SK)
The authors examine the psychometric properties of the Collective Teacher Efficacy Scale (CTES), an instrument designed to measure collective teacher efficacy. Specifically, a multilevel confirmatory factor analysis is used to determine the factor structure of the CTES, comparing one- and two-factor models. The mediating role of the CTES
Deferasirox--current knowledge and future challenges.
Since the last Cooley's symposium in 2005, our knowledge and clinical experience with deferasirox had advanced considerably. This has been based on prospective multicenter clinical trials, on a scale hitherto unprecedented for chelation therapy, now totalling over 7,400 patients. Here, current knowledge about the clinical effects of deferasirox is described in key areas, namely, the pharmacokinetics and its relevance to mechanisms of action; effects on iron balance; effects on serum ferritin; long-term tolerability; and effects on cardiac iron removal. Challenges for future research include a better understanding of the relationship of serum ferritin to iron balance; the optimal target level and rate of decrease in serum ferritin to achieve a "soft landing," as ferritin values fall below 500-1,000 microg/L; the use of surrogate markers, such as mT2*, to infer the likely effects on long-term survival; and the safety and efficacy of deferasirox when combined with other chelators.
BACKGROUND: In a pilot study, lithium treatment slowed progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We aimed to confirm or disprove these findings by assessing the safety and efficacy of lithium in combination with riluzole in patients with ALS. METHODS: We did a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a time-to-event design. Between January and June, 2009, patients with ALS who were taking a stable dose of riluzole for at least 30 days were randomly assigned (1:1) by a centralised computer to receive either lithium or placebo. Patients, caregivers, investigators, and all site study staff with the exception of site pharmacists were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was the time to an event, defined as a decrease of at least six points on the revised ALS functional rating scale score or death. Interim analyses were planned for when 84 patients had been allocated treatment, 6 months later or after 55 events, and after 100 events. Analysis was by intention to treat. The stopping boundary for futility at the first interim analysis was a p value of at least 0.68. We used a log-rank test to compare the distributions of the time to an event between the lithium and placebo groups. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00818389. FINDINGS: At the first interim analysis, 22 of 40 patients in the lithium group had an event compared with 20 of 44 patients in the placebo group (log rank p=0.51). The hazard ratio of reaching the primary endpoint was 1.13 (95% CI 0.61-2.07). The study was stopped at the first interim analysis because criterion for futility was met (p=0.78). The difference in mean decline in the ALS functional rating scale score between the lithium group and the placebo group was 0.15 (95% CI -0.43 to 0.73, p=0.61). There were no major safety concerns. Falls (p=0.04) and back pain (p=0.05) were more common in the lithium group than in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION: We found no evidence that lithium in combination with riluzole slows progression of ALS more than riluzole alone. The time-to-event endpoint and use of prespecified interim analyses enabled a clear result to be obtained rapidly. This design should be considered for future trials testing the therapeutic efficacy of drugs that are easily accessible to people with ALS. FUNDING: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, ALS Association, and ALS Society of Canada.
Childrens self-efficacy and proxy efficacy for after-school physical activity
2010-01-01
Problem This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a scale measuring childrens self-efficacy and proxy efficacy for physical activity at after-school programs and at home. Proxy efficacy was defined as childrens confidence in their skills and abilities to get adults to act in their interest to provide physical activity opportunities. Methods Children (grades 4 through 6) attending after-school programs completed a self-efficacy questionnaire relevant to their physical activity. Factorial validity was assessed with an exploratory factor analysis (n = 107) and a confirmatory factor analysis (n = 187). Next, criterion-related validity was assessed using a mixed-model analysis of covariance with school as a random effect and children level variables as fixed effects. Internal consiste...
Flash hydropyrolysis of coal using a small scale of free fall reactor
1998-07-01
A small scale of high-pressure free fall reactor was developed for the flash hydropyrolysis of coal. Taiheiyo coal (a Japanese subbituminous coal) was pyrolysed under a high hydrogen pressure without difficulty by use of this reactor. The effect of gas atmosphere, residence time, pressure, and temperature on the product yield was examined in detail. A flash hydropyrolysis reaction model was developed based on the experimental data, and its validity was examined. 8 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
2010-01-01
We aimed to develop a new scale for evaluating risks and preventive measures for in-hospital falls of newborn infants, from admission to discharge of the expectant mother. Our study was prepared in...Full Text Available
Career Self-Efficacy and Personality: Linking Career Confidence and the Healthy Personality
This article extends recent work on the relationship between personality and career self-efficacy by examining relationships across two new inventories with scales for identifying human strengths. The Healthy Personality Inventory (HPI) has 17 content scales tapping an array of positive personality measures. The CAPA Confidence Inventory (CCI) has 6 broad, 27 basic, and 6 engagement styles measures of career self-efficacy. In a sample of college students, hypothesized correlations between personality and self-efficacy were generally confirmed. A number of unexpected relationships also were found, such as the HPI Creative scale predicting social and enterprising confidence. These inventories show promise for continued research, theory development, and assessment practice. (Contains 6 tables.)
2007-01-01
Objective: To evaluate the validity, safety and feasibility of a new retrieval inferior vena cava filter for the prevention of pulmonary embolism in an animal model. Methods: The model of deep iliofemoral venous thrombosis was established in 12 experimental dogs. In control group(6 experimental dogs), the deep venous thrombosis was made to fall off directly. In experimental group (6 experimental dogs), the deep venous thrombosis was made to fall off with an implanted filter in inferior vena cava. The filter's thrombus-trapping efficacy was evaluated by angiography of pulmonary artery, measurement of the mean pressure of pulmonary artery and arterial oxygen saturation before and after the deep venous thrombus falling off. Results: All filters implanted in the experimental dogs could successfully capture clot coming from deep venous thrombosis. There was no case of ...
Balance dysfunction in adults with haemophilia
2010-01-01
Summary. The main focus of lower limb physical performance assessment in people with haemophilia (PWH) has usually been on function, muscle strength and joint flexibility. The impact of haemophilic arthropathy on balance and falls risk is relatively under-explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate balance and related performance in PWH compared with age and gender matched healthy controls. It involved a comprehensive suite of clinical and laboratory measures of static and dynamic balance, mobility, strength, physical activity and falls efficacy completed in 20 PWH (mean age 39.4, 100% male) and 20 controls. Fifty percent of PWH reported falls in the past 12 months. Moderate impairment of balance and related measures were identified in PWH compared with the controls, with an average 35...
Toy models for the falling chimney
2002-10-07
In this paper we review the theory of the ``falling chimney'', which deals with the breaking in mid-air of tall structures, when they fall to the ground. We show that these ruptures can be caused by either shear forces, typically developing near the base, or by the bending of the structure, which is caused primarily by the internal bending moment. In the latter case the breaking is more likely to occur between one third and one half of the height of the chimney. Small scale toy models are used to reproduce the dynamics of the falling chimney. By examining photos taken during the fall of these models we test the adequacy of the outlined theory. This type of experiment, easy to perform and conceptually challenging, can become part of a rotational mechanics lab for undergraduate students.
Assessing K-12 Teachers' Personal Environmental Education Teaching Efficacy and Outcome Expectancy
2010-01-01
The purpose of this study was to determine change in environmental education teaching efficacy beliefs of K-12 teachers who participated in two weeks of an intensive summer earth systems science institute using the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) curriculum as the conceptual framework. Thirty-eight teachers participated daily in eight hours of Basic GLOBE activities the first week and Advanced GLOBE activities the second week. In addition, teachers participated in one orientation session, two follow-up seminars, and were required to develop an action implementation plan to implement GLOBE activities and protocols into their classrooms during the following fall semester. Teachers were given the Environmental Education Efficacy Belief Instrument (EEEBI) at...
2009-01-01
Background The incidence and etiology of falls in patients following hip fracture remains poorly understood. Methods We prospectively investigated the incidence of, and risk factors for, recurrent and injurious falls in community-dwelling persons admitted for surgical repair of minimal-trauma hip fracture. Fall surveillance methods included phone calls, medical records, and fall calendars. Potential predictors of falls included health status, quality of life, nutritional status, body composition, muscle strength, range of motion, gait velocity, balance, walking endurance, disability, cognition, depression, fear of falling, self-efficacy, social support, physical activity level, and vision. Results 193 participants enrolled in the study (81 ± 8 years, 72% women, gait velocity 0.3 ± 0.2 m/s). We identified 227 falls in the year after hip fracture for the 178 participants with fall surveillance data. Fifty-six percent of participants fell at least once, 28% had recurrent falls, 30% were injured, 12% sustained a new fracture, and 5% sustained a new hip fracture. Age-adjusted risk factors for recurrent and injurious falls included lower strength, balance, range of motion, physical activity level, quality of life, depth perception, vitamin D, and nutritional status, and greater polypharmacy, comorbidity, and disability. Multivariate analyses identified older age, congestive heart failure, poorer quality of life, and nutritional status as independent risk factors for recurrent and injurious falls. Conclusions Recurrent and injurious falls are common after hip fracture and are associated with multiple risk factors, many of which are treatable. Interventions should therefore be tailored to alleviating or reversing any nutritional, physiological, and psychosocial risk factors of individual patients. Relation: Vol:64A; Issue:5; pp.599-609; Journal:Journals of Gerontology Series A- Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences Other identifier: ISSN:1079-5006; unsworks:7939 Language: EN Rights: http://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/copyright
Online peer assessment is an innovative evaluation method that has caught both educators' and practitioners' attention in recent years. The purpose of this study was to develop relevant questionnaires for teachers to understand student self-efficacy and motivation in online peer assessment learning environments. A total of 205 college students with experience in online peer assessment participated in this study. Two questionnaires measuring students' online peer assessment self-efficacy (OPASS) and their motivations in online peer assessment learning environments (MOPAS) were developed. The former included three self-efficacy scales: evaluating, receiving and reacting. The latter included two scales: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Through factor analysis, both revealed highly satisfactory validity and reliability in assessing students' self-efficacy and motivation in online peer assessment learning environments. Moreover, the students' responses also showed that they were highly confident and strongly intrinsically motivated when participating in an online peer assessment learning environment. Finally, the interplay between the scales of OPASS and those of MOPAS was explored and the reciprocal relationship between students' self-efficacy and motivation in an online peer assessment learning environment was also highlighted. (Contains 5 tables.)
2009-05-01
The impact of a late fall treatment on the spring rise of fecal egg counts was evaluated in a controlled study with Canadian horses treated with 2 different dewormers immediately after removal from...Full Text Available
2009-01-01
Introduction The translational value of experimental therapeutic neuroscience research to clinical practice is highly variable. This has been particularly well demonstrated in the field of neuroprotective agents following either head injury or stroke. In this study we evaluate the efficacy of systemic BCNU and CCNU in experimental glioma models and how the experimental data has translated into clinical practice. Methods A systematic review of the efficacy of BCNU and CCNU, against experimental rodent and murine invivo glioma models was conducted. Selected articles were graded on a 15 point scale for scientific methodology. A stratified meta-analysis based on median-survival data and effect sizes was performed to generate global-efficacy estimates for BCNU and CCNU, and to produce weighte...
Predictors Of Java Programming Self Efficacy Among Engineering Students In A Nigerian University
2009-09-02
The study examined the relationship between Java programming self-efficacy and programming background of engineering students in a Nigerian University. One hundred and ninety two final year engineering students randomly selected from six engineering departments of the university participated in the study. Two research instruments: Programming Background Questionnaire and Java Programming Self-Efficacy Scale were used in collecting relevant information from the subjects. The resulting data were analyzed using Pearson product correlation and Multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that Java Programming self-efficacy has no significant relationship with each of the computing and programming background factors. It was additionally obtained that the number of programming courses offered and programming courses weighed scores were the only predictors of Java self-efficacy.
Perceived self-efficacy and technology proficiency in undergraduate college students
2010-01-01
Technology has become an integral part of the world in which we live. Today's undergraduate college students have extensive exposure to technology in all aspects of their lives, so educators would expect all students to be technologically proficient. However many people do not easily gain proficiency with computer technologies. The ability to master a skill can be examined as self-efficacy. Self-efficacy provides a mechanism to explain individual behavior and may be defined as a person's perceived capability to perform a behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self- efficacy and technological proficiency. This was a descriptive survey using the General Self-Efficacy Scale and a technology proficiency tool developed by the researcher. A small sample of un...
2009-01-01
Objective To determine the efficacy of monepantel, a developmental compound from the amino-acetonitrile derivative class of anthelmintics, against field infections of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. Procedures Comparisons of efficacy (using standard faecal worm egg count reduction tests) and safety (on the basis of visual observations) were made in a large-scale field study in Australia, between groups of sheep treated with either an oral solution of monepantel or a registered anthelmintic. The sheep were naturally infected with the major gastrointestinal nematode genera present in Australia. Results The post-treatment efficacy results for monepantel were: at 7 days (+-1 day) efficacy was
The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the Perception of Control Scale (PCS) and other measures that incorporate physical disability, optimism, self-efficacy and hopelessness components in a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sample. One hundred and fifteen participants comprising 44 males and 71 females with a mean age of 45.65 years (standard deviation: 10.43) diagnosed with MS attending the centre for the first time to consult the Rehabilitation Physician, participated in this cohort study. The main outcome measures used were the Expanded Disability Status Scale, the Life Orientation Test (LOT), the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale (MSSE-control and MSSE-function), the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the PCS. There were at best moderate relationships found between the PCS and the LOT (
Teacher Efficacy In the Context of Teaching Low Achieving Students
2008-01-01
This paper focused on the efficacy of Singapore teachers who teach low achieving adolescent students. Three dimensions of self-reported teacher efficacyinstructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagementwere examined in relation to teacher attributes and the teacherstudent relationship. Data were obtained from the Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale Tschannen-Moran and Woolfolk Hoy (Teaching and Teacher Education 17:783805, 2001) and the TeacherStudent Relationship Scale Ang (The Journal of Experimental Education 74:5573, 2005). Significant differences between novice teachers and experienced teachers emerged in teacher efficacy beliefs in relation to instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement. Conflict in teacherstudent relationsh...
Long-term efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (Dysport) in cervical dystonia
2010-01-01
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intramuscular (IM) administration of botulinum toxin type A (Dysport, Ipsen Biopharm Ltd.) for the treatment of cervical dystonia (CD) and the long-term safety and efficacy of repeated treatments. During the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase patients were randomized to 500 units Dysport (n = 55) or placebo (n = 61). Efficacy assessments included the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) total and subscale scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, subject/investigator’s VAS for symptom assessments. Patients completing the double-blind treatment could enter an open-label extension phase and receive up to 4 additional Dysport treatments. Dysport produced a significant decrease fr...
2010-01-01
Patients' ability to effectively communicate with their health care providers is an essential aspect of proper self-care, especially for those with chronic conditions. We wanted to develop and validate a brief, reliable measure of patient communication self-efficacy within clinical encounters. Consecutively recruited patients (n = 330) with diagnosed hypertension from seven primary care clinics in Chicago, Illinois, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Shreveport, Louisiana completed an in-person interview including chronic disease self-efficacy, hypertension knowledge, health literacy assessments, and items modified from the Communication and Attitudinal Self-Efficacy (CASE) - Cancer scale. Six items from the CASE were candidates for a new scale due to their focus on the patient-provider...
2009-01-01
The present study aimed to examine whether fear of falling (FoF) could independently predict recurrent falls in people with Parkinsons disease (PD). Seventy patients with PD completed the study. Thirty-two patients had fallen at least once in the previous 12months. Most of patients with PD had moderate disease severity (Hoehn and Yahr stage III). FoF was assessed by the activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale. PD specific motor and balance impairment was determined by Unified PD rating scale (UPDRS). Functional mobility was measured by timed-up-and-go (TUG) test. All patients were followed for 12months by phone interview to register monthly fall incidence. Results of stepwise discriminant analysis showed that after adjusting for the fall history (F=32.57, P0.001) ...
2006-08-14
Vertically pointing Doppler radar has been used to study the evolution of ice particles as they sediment through a cirrus cloud. The measured Doppler fall speeds, together with radar-derived estimates for the altitude of cloud top, are used to estimate a characteristic fall time tc for the `average' ice particle. The change in radar reflectivity Z is studied as a function of tc, and is found to increase exponentially with fall time. We use the idea of dynamically scaling particle size distributions to show that this behaviour implies exponential growth of the average particle size, and argue that this exponential growth is a signature of ice crystal aggregation.
The objective of this program is to provide an overall evaluation of a novel process concept for mild gasification by completing work in three major tasks: (1) Laboratory-Scale Experiments, (2) Bench-Scale Tests, and (3) Proof-of-Concept Tests and Evaluation (optional). During this quarter, experimental work involving zinc chloride as a potential recirculating catalyst for coal, initiated in the previous quarter, was continued. The design of an all-quartz laboratory-scale isothermal free-fall reactor was completed, and construction was begun. One free-fall experiment was performed in an existing stainless-steel free-fall reactor with methanol-treated Illinois No. 6 high-volatile bituminous coal. 1 ref., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
1988-09-01
The objective of this program is to provide an overall evaluation of a novel process concept for mild gasification by completing work in three major tasks: (1) Laboratory-Scale Experiments, (2) Bench-Scale Tests, and (3) Proof-of-Concept Tests and Evaluation (optional). During this quarter, experimental work involving zinc chloride as a potential recirculating catalyst for coal, initiated in the previous quarter, was continued. The design of an all-quartz laboratory-scale isothermal free-fall reactor was completed, and construction was begun. One free-fall experiment was performed in an existing stainless-steel free-fall reactor with methanol-treated Illinois No. 6 high-volatile bituminous coal. 1 ref., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
Novel concept development of an internal recirculation catalyst for mild gasification
The objective of this program is to provide an overall evaluation of a novel process concept for mild gasification by completing work in three major tasks: (1) Laboratory-Scale Experiments, (2) Bench-Scale Tests, and (3) Proof-of-Concept Tests and Evaluation (optional). During this quarter, experimental work involving zinc chloride as a potential recirculating catalyst for coal, initiated in the previous quarter, was continued. The design of an all-quartz laboratory-scale isothermal free-fall reactor was completed, and construction was begun. One free-fall experiment was performed in an existing stainless-steel free-fall reactor with methanol-treated Illinois No. 6 high-volatile bituminous coal. 1 ref., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
Novel concept development of an internal recirculation catalyst for mild gasification
1988-09-01
The objective of this program is to provide an overall evaluation of a novel process concept for mild gasification by completing work in three major tasks: (1) Laboratory-Scale Experiments, (2) Bench-Scale Tests, and (3) Proof-of-Concept Tests and Evaluation (optional). During this quarter, experimental work involving zinc chloride as a potential recirculating catalyst for coal, initiated in the previous quarter, was continued. The design of an all-quartz laboratory-scale isothermal free-fall reactor was completed, and construction was begun. One free-fall experiment was performed in an existing stainless-steel free-fall reactor with methanol-treated Illinois No. 6 high-volatile bituminous coal. 1 ref., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
[Putting into place devices for prevention of falls at the hospital center at Haguenau]
Falls of patients represent the most frequent reported incidents in our 541-bed urban public hospital, reaching more than 200 occurrences per year.This prompted a fall-prevention program consisting of several steps: i) descriptive analysis of 295 consecutive falls in order to look at the factors commonly supposed to be associated with falls, among physical, psychic and pathological characteristics of patients, medication, circumstances or environmental hazards, ii) case-control study on 10 medicine and surgery wards of high risk (178 patients), designed to identify which factors are discriminant to predict the falls, iii) proposal of a fall-risk assessment score to be calculated at the admission of the patient, iv) if the risk is confirmed, implementation of general and specific actions identified by the components of the score. The score is based on a 15-point scale including age older than 65 years, history of previous falls, weakness or insufficient weight, impaired mobility or altered feet state, psychic disorders (depression-agitation-risky behavior), neuro-psychiatric diseases (CVA-confusion-dementia), fever or infection, polypharmacy. The mean scores of fallers and of control patients were 7.53 +/- 3.02 and 4.81 +/- 2.93 respectively (p < 0.000001). A score range between 5 and 11 was chosen to start the fall prevention program, which may predict a large proportion (about 80%) of valid patients prone to falls in the assessed medical and surgical wards (scores higher than 11 correspond to severely diseased, often bedridden invalid patients, not suspected to fall). However, these criteria are not suitable for nursing homes and for long-staying patients.
2010-01-01
Abstract Objective: The antihypertensive efficacy of amlodipine/valsartan combination has not been evaluated in Asian patients as previous large-scale studies enrolled very few patients. This multicentre, randomised, double-blind study assessed the efficacy and safety of a single-pill combination of amlodipine/valsartan versus amlodipine in Asian hypertensive patients. Methods: After a 1-4-week washout period, patients (mean sitting diastolic BP [msDBP]: ≥95-
Basic Confidence Predictors of Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy
The extent to which Basic Confidence Scales predicted career decision-making self-efficacy was studied in a sample of 627 undergraduate students. Six confidence variables accounted for 49% of the variance in career decision-making self-efficacy. Leadership confidence was the most important, but confidence in science, mathematics, writing, using technology, and cultural sensitivity all contributed significant incremental variance. There were some differences as a function of race and gender, but leadership confidence was the most significant predictor in all subgroups. Implications for educational and career counseling are discussed in this article. (Contains 2 tables.)
No influence of FAT polymorphisms in response to aripiprazole
2010-01-01
The aim of this study was to investigate possible influences of a set of markers in the FAT gene (rs2306987, rs2306990, rs2637777 and rs2304865) on efficacy and tolerability of aripiprazole in the treatment of schizophrenic patients. Efficacy was assessed at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 using the Clinical Global Impression Severity and Improvement scale (CGI-S; CGI-I), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Schedule for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms scale. Side effects were evaluated by means of the Simpson–Angus Scale for Extrapyramidal Symptoms, the Barnes Akathisia Scale and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. Multivariate analyses were employed to test possible influences of single nucleotide polymorphisms on clinical and safety variables. Analysis of ha...
2009-01-01
Many volunteer organisations experience difficulties with being able to successfully recruit and retain their volunteers. This has been the case for Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland, a non-profittelephone counselling service in Toowoomba. This organisation has experienced high levels of volunteer turnover in the past 12 months. A project was designed to investigate some of the possible factors that are associated with volunteer retention. In particular, this paper attempted to consider the influence of counselling self-efficacy on volunteer retention. Participants consisted of 40 telephone counsellors (31 women and 9 men), from Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland. They were requested to complete two surveys that were designed specifically for Lifeline Telephone Counsellors (TCs). These surveys measured TCs‘ satisfaction with; accreditation, supervision and the organisational climate.Participants were also required to complete an inventory that measured their counselling self-efficacy, a scale that measured their emotional well-being at work, and a scale that measured their intentions to leave Lifeline. This study revealed that there was a significant negative relationship between satisfaction with accreditation and organisational satisfaction with intentions to leave. There was found to be no relationship between counselling self-efficacy and intentions to leave; and no relationship between counselling self-efficacy and satisfaction with supervision. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between levels of counselling self-efficacy based on years of telephone counselling experience, and no significant difference between levels of counselling self-efficacy and level of training. Overall the sample indicated a high level of counselling self-efficacy and it is recommended that future research assess counselling self-efficacy prior to TC training Publisher: Australian Psychological Society Contributor: Voudouris, Nicholas; Mrowinski, Vicky Other identifier: Beccaria, Gavin and Weston, A. (2009) Retaining telephone counsellor volunteers at Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Limited: A consideration of counselling self-efficacy. In: 44th Australian Psychological Society Annual Conference 2009, 30 Sept - 4 Oct 2009, Darwin, Australia.
2010-01-01
Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 600-609The Norwegian version of the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-efficacy scale (CSES): a validation and reliability study The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, internal consistency and face and construct validity of the Norwegian version of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES). The CSES was translated into Norwegian according to standard procedures for forward and backward translation, and administered to 100 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (51% men, mean age 66.1 years, range 42-82) prior to their participation in an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme. The CSES-N (translated version) consists of 34 items comprising five subscales describing negative affect, i...
2009-01-01
akin s, can g, durna z &aydiner a (2009) Journal of Nursing and Healthcare of Chronic Illness1, 303-310Preliminary testing of a Turkish version of the Strategies Used by Patients to Promote Health (SUPPH) scale in a sample of breast cancer patients Aims and objectives. The study is designed to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the SUPPH Scale. Background. Self-efficacy has been found to have a major impact on adjustment to illness and health practices. The importance of the concept of self-efficacy and its effects on treatment has begun to be investigated, particularly in cancer patients. There is need for research to be conducted in Turkey on the validity and reliability of instruments to measure level of self-efficacy in breast cancer patients receiving chemothe...
1976-02-01
The objective of this study was to determine acceleration levels experienced by the ERDA thermal converter unit implanted abdominally in a calf. A full-scale weighted mock-up of the thermal converter was fabricated containing a triaxial accelerometer. The mock-up was implanted in calf cadavers which were subjected to falls from an operating table. Highest acceleration recorded was 34 g. The mock-up was implanted in living animals and acceleration measurements made under various maneuvers including walking, standing from a laying position, walking up and down stairs, jumping, and falling from a standing position. Maximum acceleration recorded was 8 g and occurred in the falling maneuver.
Multifactorial intervention with balance training as a core component among fall-prone older adults.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to measure the effectiveness of A Matter of Balance, a small-group based balance program, on muscle strength, gait, balance, and fall risk among older community-dwelling adults at risk for falls. A secondary aim was to measure the effects of the program on actual fall rates over the 3-month study. METHODS: Twenty-three older adults were randomly assigned to either an experimental group that participated in a 12-week small-group based balance program or a control group. Subjects were assessed at baseline and following an intervention using the following outcome measures: lower extremity manual muscle testing (MMT) and range of motion; gait analysis on the GAITRite system; balance parameters on the SMART EquiTest, the Timed Up and Go test, the Berg Balance Scale, and incidence of falls. RESULTS: A repeated measures ANOVA revealed that there was a significant interaction between groups over time in the Berg Balance Scale scores, P < or = .05. The experimental group improved over time (48.1 to 52.9/56, respectively), whereas the control group decreased in performance (49.1 to 47.8/56, respectively), P < or = .05. The mean number of falls was significantly less in the experimental group during the intervention compared with the control group (0.09 and 0.50, respectively), P < or = .05. CONCLUSIONS: A community-based multifactorial intervention including individualized fall risk assessment, exercise, and home assessment appears to safely and effectively reduce the number of falls, resulting in significant improvements in functional balance ability and decreased fall risk.
The problem of diagnostic variability in general practice.
1992-08-01
STUDY OBJECTIVE--The aim was to examine the scale, source, and relevance of variation between general practices in respect of the rates with which patients consulted with illnesses falling in each of...Full Text Available
FILTER CAKE REDEPOSITION IN A PULSE-JET FILTER
The report gives results of a pilot-scale study of pulse-jet filter cleaning, a process that is ineffective to the extent that collected dust redeposits, rather than falling to the hopper. Dust tracer techniques were used to measure the amount of redeposition. A mathematical mode...
2010-01-01
Anthelmintic resistant cattle nematodes have been reported in different regions around the world. However, in Western Europe the assessment of the problem relies largely on case reports and no prevalence data based on wide-scale surveys are available. Therefore, we performed a survey to (1) screen for reduced anthelmintic efficacy in Belgian and German cattle farms; (2) evaluate the usefulness of a simplified faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), where efficacies are based on the mean FECs of 10 at random collected faecal samples pre- and post-treatment per farm and (3) identify possible risk factors for reduced anthelmintic efficacy. Of 88 farms included in this study, 84 farms used macrocyclic lactones (MLs). A FECR
Teacher Efficacy: A Study of Construct Dimensions.
The structure of a concept generally labeled "teacher efficacy" is examined. A sample of 342 prospective and experienced teachers was administered an efficacy questionnaire adapted from the research of S. Gibson and M. H. Dembo (1984). Factor analytic procedures with varimax rotation were used to generate a 2-factor solution that accounted for 32 percent of the variance in scale scores. Contrary to previous research, these factors corresponded not to a personal versus teaching efficacy distinction, but instead to a simpler internal versus external distinction, similar to locus of control measures of causal attribution. Implications of these findings to past and future research on the construct are discussed. Five tables present analysis results, mostly factor loadings. One figure illustrates the discussion. (Author/SLD)
Extending the knowledge derived from investigations with teachers, this study explores of the interrelationship of school psychologists' professional efficacy and perceived school climate for promoting family collaboration and salient aspects of their training and practice. The Perceptions of Capacity for Family Collaboration (PCFC) rating scale was developed and completed by a national sample of 544 school psychologists. Psychometric evaluation of the PCFC indicated two reliable dimensions: Professional Efficacy and School Climate. Relationships between these two dimensions and aspects of school psychologists' graduate training, professional development, and current practices were examined. Results show important connections between school psychologists' perceptions of professional efficacy and school climate, as relevant for formulating family partnerships, are related to the extensiveness of their training and aspects of their employment for interfacing with families. Implications of this study for the training and practice of school psychologists are discussed. (Contains 4 tables.)
2010-01-01
Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among selected demographic characteristics, nutrition self-efficacy, health locus of control and nutritional status in older Taiwanese adults. Background. The number of older adults in Taiwan is increasing, and they have been shown to have poor nutritional status. However, little is known about the factors that lead to poor nutritional status in this population. Design. Correlational, cross-sectional study. Methods. Participants were randomly selected from two district public health centres in Yilan County, Taiwan. Of 162 individuals who met the study criteria, 156 agreed to participate and provided data on demographic information, nutrition self-efficacy (Cardiac Diet Self-Efficacy scale), health locus of control (Multidimens...
Evaluation of treatment response in depression studies using a Bayesian parametric cure rate model
2008-01-01
Efficacy trials with antidepressant drugs often fail to show significant treatment effect even though efficacious treatments are investigated. This failure can, amongst other factors, be attributed to the lack of sensitivity of the statistical method as well as of the endpoints to pharmacological activity. For regulatory purposes the most widely used efficacy endpoint is still the mean change in HAM-D score at the end of the study, despite evidence from literature showing that the HAM-D scale might not be a sensitive tool to assess drug effect and that changes from baseline at the end of treatment may not reflect the extent of response. In the current study, we evaluate the prospect of applying a Bayesian parametric cure rate model (CRM) to analyse antidepressant effect in efficacy trials ...
The present study compared the effectiveness of two online career exploration systems in increasing the career decision self-efficacy and decidedness of 960 students enrolled in a program for undecided freshmen students at a large public university. Results indicated that both systems led to significant increases in career decision self-efficacy and college major decidedness in these students. The CAPA system, based on an integration of Bandura's self-efficacy theory and traditional trait factor theory, led to proportionately greater increases in Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale scores in comparison to FOCUS for the total group and for women. The systems were comparably effective with African American, Asian American, and White students. (Contains 4 figures and 4 tables.)
2010-01-01
Abstract Background: The efficacy of numerous hyaluronic acid (HA)-based fillers has been demonstrated by semi-quantitative and qualitative methods, useful in clinical practice, but poorly reliable. Objective: To objectively evaluate the efficacy of a HA gel in treating nasolabial folds (NLFs) over a 9-12-month follow-up period. Methods: A total of 47 adult patients with moderate to severe NLFs received one or two injections of HA gel. Efficacy was assessed by measuring NLF depth at time intervals up to 12 months subjectively by blind and open clinical scoring using the Lemperle scale, and objectively using skin replicas and in vivo 3D imaging methods. Tissue characterization and dermal thickness were also assessed using radiofrequency ultrasonography and high-resolution ultrasound imaging...
Assessment of Self-Efficacy for Cultural Competence in Prescribing
2010-01-01
Caring for diverse populations requires knowledge and confidence about the influence of racial, ethnic, and cultural factors on the effectiveness of medication regimens. Despite advances in cultural competence education, disparities in health care continue to exist and often adversely affect minorities and the poor. The purpose of this study was to explore family nurse practitioners (FNPs) perception of self-efficacy regarding their abilities to make culturally competent prescribing decisions. This descriptive, correlational study used a modified version of the 12-item "Self-Efficacy for Cultural Competence" Likert-type scale developed by Assemi, Cullander, and Hudmon. The survey results from 27 FNPs in southeastern Washington indicated moderate to high levels of self-efficacy in culturall...
A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Bupropion Sustained Release in Chronic Low Back Pain
2005-01-01
Clinical trials of the efficacy of antidepressant drugs in patients with chronic low back pain have had mixed results, possibly because of the different mechanisms of action of the drugs that have been studied. Because bupropion has a mechanism of action that differs from other antidepressants and has shown efficacy in neuropathic pain, a randomized, placebo-controlled, 2-period crossover trial was conducted to evaluate its efficacy in subjects with chronic low back pain. The primary efficacy variable was mean daily diary pain intensity ratings, and secondary pain intensity and relief outcomes included weekly pain intensity ratings, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) Present Pain Intensity scale, pain relief ratings, and satisfaction with pain relief ratings. Adverse events were also asse...
2009-01-01
Background Age-related hip fractures are associated with poor functional outcomes, resulting in substantial personal and societal burden. There is a need to better identify reversible etiologic predictors of suboptimal functional recovery in this group. Methods The Sarcopenia and Hip Fracture (SHIP) study was a 5-year prospective cohort study following community-dwelling older persons admitted to three Sydney hospitals for hip fracture. Information was collected at baseline, and 4 and 12 months, including health status, quality of life, nutritional status, body composition, muscle strength, range of motion, gait velocity, balance, walking endurance, disability, cognition, depression, fear of falling, self-efficacy, social support, physical activity level, vision, and fall-related data, wit...
Soil from a site heavily contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was treated with a pilot-scale, solvent extraction tehnology. Bioassays in earthworms and plants were used to examine the efficacy of the remediation process for reducing the toxicity of the soil. The ear...
Soil from a site heavily contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was treated with a pilot-scale, solvent extraction technology. Bioassays in earthworms and plants were used to examine the efficacy of the remediation process for reducing the toxicity of the soil. The ...
2010-01-01
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl in the outpatient treatment of head and neck cancer patients with pain caused by radiotherapy. Patients with a visual analogue scale score
Seroquel: New data show efficacy and tolerablity in bipolar depression
2004-05-06
AstraZeneca announced important new data today presented from the first large-scale clinical trial to examine SEROQUEL (quetiapine) as a treatment for depressive episodes in patients with bipolar I and II disorders. The ...
SUGAR IMPREGNATION OF GRAPHITE
Sugar impregnation is a highly efficacious method for reducing the permeability of graphite by a factor of 50 up to 10/sup 6/. A commercial plant was built for carrying out the impregnation on a large scale, and the new specialized equipment used in the plant is described. (D.L.C.)
Large-scale application of Bayluscide and sodium pentachlorophenate in the Egypt-49 project area
1966-01-01
A study has been undertaken to evaluate the comparative efficacy of two molluscicides—Bayluscide and sodium pentachlorophenate—in controlling the snail population in a complete watershed...Full Text Available
Efficacy of radioiodine urinalysis
1986-05-01
Little exists in the literature to support the efficacy of urinalysis for demonstrating thyroid uptake of radioiodine. A review was made of a variety of kinetic models. Computer analysis and graphics were used to assess the variables in the two models chosen for this study. The applicability of each model was tested by using data obtained from a group of euthyroid subjects. The results indicate that using an integral urine-sampling method and a three-component model yields minimum detectable thyroid uptakes which fall well below required reporting limits. Furthermore, the results show that integral urine samples obtained in the first few hours post exposure may be used to predict major thyroid uptakes in time for effective thyroid blocking.
2003-01-01
Objective: To evaluate the hemostasia efficacy and clinical experience of interventional management of the patients with traumatic splenic rupture by partial splenic embolization (PSE). Methods: Thirty-four patients with traumatic splenic rupture due to falls, traffic accidents, and assaults were included. A 5 F Cobra catheter was inserted into splenic artery by Seldinger's technique. The splenic artery digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed to display the locus, dimension, and severity degree, and gelfoam particles were infused through the catheter. Finally, a 8 F 'pigtail' drainage catheter was implanted into the lower abdominal cavity at McBurney's point by percutaneous puncture to drain the hemoperitoneum. If the blood was not polluted and had no hemolysis, the autoreinfusion was performed. Abdomen ultrasonography and blood routine ...
2010-01-01
Summary Objective: To examine self-reported physical activity with regard to weight teasing and self-efficacy. Methods: Within a cross-sectional study, 321 overweight and normal-weight students, consisting of 51% girls (n = 161) and 49% boys (n = 160) at a mean age of 12.22 years (SD = 1.07), were sampled from German secondary schools. The Perception of Teasing Scale, the Physical Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Leipzig Lifestyle Questionnaire for Adolescents were used to assess experiences with weight-related teasing, self-efficacy, physical activity and social context variables. Results: Self-efficacy, weight teasing and social context variables were related to physical activity within the full sample (R2 = 0.433). More frequent weight teasing was associated with decreased physical activity...
Learner Readiness for Online Learning: Scale Development and Student Perceptions
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a multidimensional instrument for college students' readiness for online learning. Through a confirmatory factor analysis, the Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) was validated in five dimensions: self-directed learning, motivation for learning, computer/Internet self-efficacy, learner control, and online communication self-efficacy. Research data gathered from 1051 college students in five online courses in Taiwan revealed that students' levels of readiness were high in computer/Internet self-efficacy, motivation for learning, and online communication self-efficacy and were low in learner control and self-directed learning. This study found that gender made no statistical differences in the five OLRS dimensions, but that higher grade (junior and senior) students exhibited significantly greater readiness in the dimensions of self-directed learning, online communication self-efficacy, motivation for learning, and learner control than did lower grade (freshman and sophomore) students. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.)
Learner Readiness for Online Learning: Scale Development and Student Perceptions
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a multidimensional instrument for college students' readiness for online learning. Through a confirmatory factor analysis, the Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) was validated in five dimensions: self-directed learning, motivation for learning, computer/Internet self-efficacy, learner control, and online communication self-efficacy. Research data gathered from 1051 college students in five online courses in Taiwan revealed that students' levels of readiness were high in computer/Internet self-efficacy, motivation for learning, and online communication self-efficacy and were low in learner control and self-directed learning. This study found that gender made no statistical differences in the five OLRS dimensions, but that higher grade (junior and senior) students exhibited significantly greater readiness in the dimensions of self-directed learning, online communication self-efficacy, motivation for learning, and learner control than did lower grade (freshman and sophomore) students. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.)
Assessing Teacher Efficacy and Professional Learning Community in 19 Elementary and High Schools.
This study was conducted to explore the characteristics of and interrelationships between teacher efficacy and professional learning community in 19 schools participating in the Quest project at AEL, Inc. The Quest project is an applied regional research project that assists schools with educational reform efforts. The School Professional Staff as Learning Community instrument developed by S. Hoard (1997) and an AEL-developed Teaching Questionnaire containing 2 scales (perceptions of external and internal efficacy) based on work by T. Guskey were administered to staff in the 19 schools, with 624 responses received. Based on the Cronbach alpha reliability estimates, it was concluded that all three scales had satisfactory reliability. Elementary school teachers had a higher level of internal efficacy and a higher sense of a professional learning community at their schools than did the high school teachers. High school teachers had a higher level of perceived external efficacy regarding learning than did the elementary school teachers. The results support the 1994 finding of T. Guskey and P.
A two-stage, field-scale bioreactor system was used to determine the efficacy of bioremediation of creosote and pentachlorophenol (PCP)-contaminated ground water at the abandoned American Creosote Works (ACW) site in Pensacola, Florida. n separate 15-day runs of the field-scale (...
Memantine in Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease: a Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials
2007-01-01
Abstract The efficacy of memantine in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been investigated in multiple randomised, placebo-controlled phase III trials. Recently, the indication label for memantine in Europe was extended to cover patients with moderate to severe AD, i.e. Mini-Mental State Exam total scores below 20. The efficacy data for memantine in this patient subgroup has been summarised by a meta-analysis of 1,826 patients in six trials. Efficacy was assessed using measures of global status (Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change Plus Caregiver Input), cognition (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive Subscale, or Severe Impairment Battery), function (Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living 19- or 23-item scale), and behaviour (Neuropsychiatric In...
2010-01-01
This is the first report describing the efficacy of modafinil therapy for narcolepsy in patients in Taiwan. The purpose of this study was to compare the objective Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and the subjective Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for evaluating the efficacy of modafinil in treating excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy in Taiwan. Ten consecutive patients with narcolepsy-with-cataplexy who were treated with 200 mg/day modafinil for more than 6 months at our sleep center between January 2003 and December 2007 were included in this study. This comparative study was prompted by the requirement of the Bureau of National Health Insurance in Taiwan that modafinil users need to be followed up with MSLTs every 6-12 months. The mean age at onset of narcolepsy ons...
Cognitive profile of patients with burning mouth syndrome in the Japanese population
2010-01-01
The present study investigated which cognitive characteristics, including cancer phobia, self-efficacy, pain-related catastrophizing, and anxiety sensitivity, affect burning mouth syndrome (BMS) symptoms in the Japanese population. A total of 46 BMS patients (44 women and 2 men; mean age, 59.98 9.57 years; range, 3079 years) completed a battery of questionnaires, including measures of pain severity, oral-related quality of life (QOL), stressresponse, pain-related catastrophizing, self-efficacy, anxiety sensitivity, and tongue cancer phobia. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) scores in the BMS patients were compared with the scores of Japanese healthy participants (PCS, n = 449; GSES, n = 278; ASI, n = 9603) re...
2010-01-01
Background The aim of the present study was to conduct subgroup-analyses in a prospective cohort of workers on long-term sickness absence to investigate whether associations between perceived work attitude, self-efficacy and perceived social support and time to RTW differ across different health conditions. Methods The study was based on a sample of 926 workers on sickness absence (612weeks). The participants filled out a baseline questionnaire and were subsequently followed until the tenth month after listing sick. Perceived work attitude was measured with a Dutch language version of the Work Involvement Scale. Perceived social support was measured with a self-constructed standardized scale reflecting a persons perception of social support regarding RTW. Self-efficacy was measured...
Energy storage materials and coatings. DSC and flammability studies
1996-10-01
Several Energy Storage Materials (ESM`s) and more recently coatings have proven efficacious in supplemental, heating and cooling applications in building construction and could significantly reduce energy costs. The ESM absorbs heat as ambient temperature rises and releases it as ambient temperature falls. Coatings can reduce flammability and smoke production eliminating the undesirable properties of many of the early organic materials suggested for use. New materials including inorganics have better properties in many areas as well as improved thermal properties. Flammability Studies and Differential Scanning Calorimetry results will be discussed.
Smoked cannabis for chronic neuropathic pain: a randomized controlled trial
BackgroundChronic neuropathic pain affects 1%–2% of the adult population and is often refractory to standard pharmacologic treatment. Patients with chronic pain have reported using smoked cannabis to relieve pain, improve sleep and improve mood.MethodsAdults with post-traumatic or postsurgical neuropathic pain were randomly assigned to receive cannabis at four potencies (0%, 2.5%, 6% and 9.4% tetrahydrocannabinol) over four 14-day periods in a crossover trial. Participants inhaled a single 25-mg dose through a pipe three times daily for the first five days in each cycle, followed by a nine-day washout period. Daily average pain intensity was measured using an 11-point numeric rating scale. We recorded effects on mood, sleep and quality of life, as well as adverse events.ResultsWe recruited 23 participants (mean age 45.4 [standard deviation 12.3] years, 12 women [52%]), of whom 21 completed the trial. The average daily pain intensity, measured on the 11-point numeric rating scale, was lower on the prespecified primary contrast of 9.4% v. 0% tetrahydrocannabinol (5.4 v. 6.1, respectively; difference = 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02–1.4). Preparations with intermediate potency yielded intermediate but nonsignificant degrees of relief. Participants receiving 9.4% tetrahydrocannabinol reported improved ability to fall asleep (easier, p = 0.001; faster, p < 0.001; more drowsy, p = 0.003) and improved quality of sleep (less wakefulness, p = 0.01) relative to 0% tetrahydrocannabinol. We found no differences in mood or quality of life. The most common drug-related adverse events during the period when participants received 9.4% tetrahydrocannabinol were headache, dry eyes, burning sensation in areas of neuropathic pain, dizziness, numbness and cough.ConclusionA single inhalation of 25 mg of 9.4% tetrahydrocannabinol herbal cannabis three times daily for five days reduced the intensity of pain, improved sleep and was well tolerated. Further long-term safety and efficacy studies are indicated. (International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Register no. ISRCTN68314063)
2006-12-01
Full Text Available.This article reports a secondary statistical analysis of data from a study investigating the relationships among health-promoting self-care behaviors, self-care self-efficacy, and self-care agency in an adolescent population (Callaghan, 2005). The purpose of this study was to identify the influences of selected basic conditioning factors on the practice of healthy behaviors, self-efficacy beliefs, and ability for self-care in 256 adolescents. The research instruments used to collect data for this study include: Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Scale; Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale; Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale; demographic questionnaire assessing basic conditioning factors. The results of this analysis identified significant relationships between the following basic conditioning factors and adolescents' practice of healthy behaviors, self-efficacy of those behaviors, and self-care abilities: support system, adequate income, adequate living conditions, gender, routine practice of religion, and reported medical problems/disabilities. These findings can give adolescent health nurses direction in developing interventions that promote the self-care and health in this specific population.
2007-01-01
Objective: The aim or this paper was to examine self-efficacy and perceived appropriateness among rural general practitioners (GPs) in regards to screening and intervention for physical, lifestyle and mental health issues. Method: Fifty GPs from 25 Practices in eight rural Queensland towns completed a written survey designed for the study. Results: General practitioners rated opportunistic screening or assessment for smoking and for detection of relapse of mental disorders as the most appropriate, with even cardiovascular and diabetes risk falling behind these. Self-efficacy was highest for medical disorders for smoking assessment. It was significantly lower for alcohol, mental health issues, and addressing risks of physical disorder in people with mental disorders. Conclusions: High appropriateness ratings suggest that current strategies to boost self-efficacy of GPs in addressing mental health issues are timely. Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd. Coverage: 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z
2010-01-01
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of nitenpyram for the treatment of screwworm myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in naturally infested dogs. Seven Beagle dogs presenting with myiasis were treated with nitenpyram twice at an interval of 6h. The animals received dosages between 1.43 and 4.42mg/kg body weight of nitenpyram in each given treatment. The criteria used to determine the drug efficacy were larval expulsion and fall. These were quantified at 15min intervals within the first hour followed by 2, 3, 4, 6, and 18h post-treatment. The highest larval expulsion happened between 1 and 2h post-treatment. The spontaneous larval expulsion percentages were 86% and 94.11% for 6 and 18h after the first treatment, respectively. Larvae were expelled until 18h ...
Increasing the efficacy of Judas goats by sterilisation and pregnancy termination
2005-01-01
The use of Judas goats to locate remnant animals is a potentially powerful tool for enhancing goat-eradication efforts, which are especially important to island conservation. However, current Judas goat methodology falls short of its potential efficacy. Female Judas goats are often pregnant at the time of deployment or become impregnated in the field; pregnant females leave associated goats to give birth, causing downtime of Judas goat operations. Further, male Judas goats may inseminate remnant females. Sterilising Judas goats prior to deployment removes these inefficiencies. Here, we describe two methods (epididymectomy for males and tubal occlusion for females) that sterilise Judas goats while still maintaining sexual motivation and other behaviours associated with intact animals. These surgeries are straightforward, time efficient, and may be conducted in the field by staff with minimal training. Given the widespread and deleterious impacts of non-native herbivores to ecosystems and the importance of Judas operations in detecting animals at low densities, sterilisation and termination of pregnancy should be applied routinely in Judas goat (and possibly other species) programs to increase the efficacy of low-density control operations and eradication campaigns. Publisher: CSIRO Publishing Contributor: Camilla Myers Coverage: 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z
2010-01-01
In order to reveal the structural properties at small scale within a geological unit apparently homogeneous at large scale, we explore the stochastic components of petrophysical measurements recorded in a borehole drilled through the Cretaceous siliclastic units of the South-eastern Basin of France. First, we analyse the instantaneous fluctuations of gamma ray log measurements searching for scaling laws in its power spectrum. Power spectra indicate a scaling behaviour with average exponent ba values mostly falling in the range 1
CME Classification Based on Wavelet Spectra
2010-01-01
We study the internal structure of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) using wavelet analysis. We derive wavelet spectra, spatially integrated over regions of interest within LASCO C2 white-light coronographic images. These spectra show an inflection point, which we use to characterize each spectrum. In a diagram of flux vs. spatial scale of the inflection point, we find that the analyzed structures fall into two, distinct groups: a low-flux, small-spatial-scale group (which we call the homogeneous type), and a high-flux, larger-spatial-scale group (the collimated type). Interestingly, if we study different regions of a given image, all of the structures fall into one of the two groups described above. From a qualitative comparison with the images, it is clear that the two groups ide...
Assessing Research Self-Efficacy in Physician-Scientists: The Clinical Research APPraisal Inventory
Between 1980 and 1993, only 19% of medical school graduates chose faculty appointments with research responsibilities. Women and minorities represent only a small fraction of these, despite their growing numbers. The authors' goal is to study the effects of human agency, particularly self-efficacy, on the career development of physician researchers, especially women and people of color; therefore, we developed a reliable and valid inventory for assessing clinical research self-efficacy in a population of physicians training for clinical research careers. Scale items were pooled from expert knowledge, relevant literature, and existing inventories to create a 92-item Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory that was factor analyzed and refined to include 88 items. Although instruments have been developed to successfully assess research self-efficacy, this is the first instrument designed to assess self-efficacy in the clinical research domain using a population of academic physicians. (Contains 6 tables and 1 note.)
2010-01-01
Study Type - Therapy (RCT)Level of Evidence 1b OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of sustained-release (SR) bupropion to placebo in treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in ovulating women. PATIENTS AND METHODS After a 1-week, placebo lead-in phase, 232 treatment-seeking women with regular menstrual cycles were randomly assigned to bupropion SR 150 mg/daily (116) or placebo (116) for 12 weeks under double-blind conditions. Efficacy was assessed with the Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women (BISF-W), the Personal Distress Scale (PDS), the global efficacy question (GEQ; `Did the treatment you received during the 12-week improve meaningful your sexual desire?') and overall patient satisfaction question (`Are you satisfied with the efficacy of your treatment?'). RESULTS The m...
Fibromyalgia is associated with impaired balance and falls.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether fibromyalgia (FM) patients differ from matched healthy controls in clinical tests of balance ability and fall frequency. METHODS: Thirty-four FM patients and 32 age-matched controls were administered the Balance Evaluation-Systems Test (BESTest), rated their balance confidence with the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, and reported the number of falls in the last 6 months. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was used to assess FM severity. RESULTS: FM patients had significantly impaired balance in all components of the BESTest compared with controls. They also scored more poorly on balance confidence. Overall FM severity (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) correlated significantly with the BESTest and the ABC scale. The BESTest and ABC correlated significantly with 6 commonly reported FM symptoms (excluding pain). FM patients reported a total of 37 falls over the last 6-months compared with 6 falls in healthy controls. CONCLUSION: FM is associated with balance problems and increased fall frequency. Patients were aware of their balance problems. These results suggest that FM may affect peripheral and/or central mechanisms of postural control. Further objective study is needed to identify the relative contributions of various neural and musculoskeletal and other impairments to postural stability in FM to provide clinicians with methods to maximize postural stability and help fall prevention.
Research and development of superconductivity in the USA
In this paper, the author focuses his attention on the present and potential applications of superconductors -- both the classic low T/sub c/ superconductors such as niobium and its alloys and the new high-T/sub c/ materials. This discussion falls naturally into two broad areas: large scale applications such as magnets and power generators, and small scale applications such as ultrasensitive detectors of electromagnetic radiation and of tiny magnetic fields;
Studying a free fall experiment using short sequences of images
2008-01-01
We discuss a new alternative for obtaining position and time coordinates from a video of a free fall experiment. In our approach, after converting the video to a short sequence of images, the images are analyzed using a web page application developed by the author. The main advantage of the setup explained in this work, is that it is simple to use, no software license fees are necessary, and can be scaled-up to be used by a big number of students in introductory physics courses. The steps involved in the full analysis of a falling object are: we grab a short digital video of the experiment and convert it to a sequence of images, then, using a web page that includes all the necessary javascript, the student can easily click on the object of interest to obtain the (x,y,t) coordinates, finally, the student analyze motion using a spreadsheet
River bank stabilization using rock riprap falling aprons
2009-01-01
A rational mathematical model is presented that provides a sensible and realistic description of the physical processes that take place as a horizontal rock riprap apron (generally known as a `falling apron') launches in stages and then gradually covers and protects an eroding river bank. The model is a simplified kinematic description of complex riprap cover development that does not reference directly the forces that lead to stream bank erosion or apron deployment. The formulation accounts for the regularly repeated processes of slope erosion followed by rock settlement that take place along a receding stream bank. Ideas used to develop the model are based on published results of small-scale experiments of falling apron behaviour, and on experience that has influenced current design prac...
2009-01-01
The aim of this paper is to describe the variation laws of the boiling heat transfer coefficient (h) versus the main process parameters, using a pilot scale falling film evaporator as found in many food industries. Sugar solutions at different concentrations are used as a model of Newtonian liquid food. The studied parameters affecting boiling heat transfer coefficient (h) in the falling film evaporator are: the dry matter concentration XDM (or Brix for sugar solution), the evaporating temperature (L) or pressure (P) taking into account the boiling point elevation (BPE), the heat flux or the temperature difference between the heated surface and boiling liquid temperature (D) and the specific mass flow rate per unit of perimeter length (G). The nature of heated surface is kept constant (sta...
Aerobic fitness, physical function and falls among older people : a prospective study
2008-01-01
Falls in people aged over 65 years account for the largest proportion of all injury-related deaths and hospitalisations within Australia. Falls contributed to 1,000 deaths and 50,000 hospitalisations in older people during 1998 (Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care 2001). It has been predicted that by 2016, 16% of the Australian population will be aged over 65 years (Australian Bureau of Statistics 1999) placing considerable pressure on the health care system. Furthermore, prospective studies have shown that 30-50% of people aged 65 years and over, will experience a fall (Tinetti et al. 1988b; Campbell et al. 1989; Lord et al. 1994b; Hill 1999; Brauer et al. 2000; Stalenhoef et al. 2002) and this figure increases exponentially with age (Lord et al. 1994b). Many physiological falls risk factors have been established including reduced leg strength, poor balance, impaired vision, slowed reaction time and proprioception deficits. However, little research has been conducted to determine whether performance on aerobic fitness tasks is also a physiological falls risk factor. Aerobic fitness has previously been related to an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living, which in turn has been linked to falls. It was therefore proposed that aerobic fitness might also be a risk factor for falls among community dwelling older people. This research aimed to provide clinical evidence to inform public health practice. This thesis comprised of four objectives: the first to find suitable measures of aerobic fitness for older people; the second investigated relationships between existing clinical tests and future falls; the third explored relationships between aerobic fitness tests and future falls; the final objective was to examine the independent relationships between falls and clinical and physiological characteristics. The participants were recruited through a random sample from the local electoral roll, with an average age of 73 ±6 years. Of the 87 participants who completed the prospective component of the study, 37% were male and 63% were female. Sixty-three participants (65%) reported no previous falls, 19 (20%) reported a single fall, and 16 (15%) reported two or more falls in the previous 12 months. The first objective required participants recruited from the community to take part in submaximal and maximal fitness tests in order to find suitable measures of aerobic fitness. A further objective was to determine whether older people were able to fulfil the 'standard' criteria for completion of a maximum oxygen consumption test. The measures used in this research included: maximum oxygen consumption, peak oxygen consumption, ventilatory threshold, oxygen uptake kinetics, oxygen deficit, efficiencies, oxygen consumption at zero, 30 and 50 watts, predicted max and Six-Minute Walk Test distance. Only weak relationships were observed between submaximal aerobic measures and peak oxygen consumption. Furthermore, only 54% of participants were able to fulfil the criteria to complete a test of maximum oxygen consumption, indicating it was not a suitable measure for use among a sample of community dwelling older people. Therefore submaximal aerobic variables were used in the following chapters. The second objective investigated the relationship between clinical measures and falls among older people and was carried out to enable comparisons between the population in this study and those described in the literature. This research found that the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was the most sensitive of all clinical tests (including the Berg Balance Scale, Function Reach, Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment and Physiological Profile Assessment) for the assessment of future falls. The TUG requires participants to stand up, walk 3m, turn, walk back, and sit down. Time taken to complete the test is the recorded value. For this study, a cut-off value of 7-seconds was established, above which individuals were at increased risk of falls. Previous research suggested cut-off times of over 10s were appropriate for older people. However, this is the first study to assess falls prospectively and definitively find that the TUG can discriminate between future fallers and non-fallers. This research also investigated the differences in falls risk factors for functionally different subsamples, as defined by their ability to undertake and complete the cycle test. The participants who could complete the test had significantly better balance ability and strength than those unable to undertake or complete the cycle test. However, this inability to undertake or complete the cycle test was not itself a predictor of future falls. These two groups also differed in the relationships between clinical test results and falls risk. Participants in the no-cycle group had very similar results to that of the entire cohort. Even after adjustment for age, the TUG, foot and hand reaction times and knee flexion strength were all performed better by non-fallers than fallers. However, none of these differed between fallers and non-fallers for participants in the cycle group. This group had better balance ability and strength than the no-cycle group. These results indicated that the cycle group differed from the no-cycle group and the entire sample, further indicating that factors other than the physiological variables measured in this research influence falls risk in strong participants with good balance ability. Similar results were reported when aerobic tests and falls were investigated in the third objective. In the whole sample, the fallers walked significantly less distance than non-fallers for the 6-MWT. Similar results were found for participants in the no-cycle group but not the cycle group. All participants were able to complete the Six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) although only 74% were able to undertake and complete the cycle test. The fourth objective was to consider all measures from the previous chapters as potential predictors of falls. The variables most predictive of future falls were the TUG and having experienced one or more falls in the previous 12 months. As a result they could be used as screening tools for the identification of high-risk fallers who require referral for further assessment. This could be completed by a General Practitioner or Practice Nurse, which would ensure that screening is being undertaken in the wider population. If the patient is at high risk they should be referred for falls risk factor assessment to determine an optimal tailored intervention to reduce future falls. Low risk patients should be referred for preventive evidence-based activities. These steps can potentially improve quality of life for individuals, and if effective in preventing future falls, will result in reduced costs to the individual and the Australian public. The results of this work demonstrate that the best screening tests are simple tasks like the TUG and asking an individual if they have experienced a fall in the last 12 months. This research also found that strong, mobile older people who could undertake and complete a submaximal cycle ergometer test, still experienced falls in the following 12 months, although the causes of this are currently unknown. This research showed that physiological falls risk factors are less relevant as these highly functional older people do not have physiological deficits. However, this research found that the 6-MWT showed promise as a predictor of falls in a group who could not complete a submaximal cycle ergometer test, who had lower strength, balance and functional fitness scores than a group who could complete this cycle test. The results showed that physiological falls risk factors are still very important for older people with lower physical abilities, and this is where aerobic fitness may still be related to falls. While the association between aerobic fitness and falls remains unclear, these are novel and provocative findings highlighting the need for future falls risk investigations to consider aerobic fitness as a contributing factor. Publisher: Queensland University of Technology Rights: Copyright Rebecca Anne Roodveldt Bell
Software standardizes signal scaling
1989-01-01
The necessary scaling of large-sized process control systems has always been a complex, time consuming, and costly operation, requiring many hours of manual computation and careful application of the process and module equations before proper voltage values of gain and bias are obtained. INCAS (integrated computer-aided scaling) was developed to address several of the long-standing problems associated with scaling and testing protective and control systems at nuclear power plants. The system is a unique self-contained hardware/software package specifically designed to perform the complex scaling computations on customer identified control loops with efficacy and consistency. Using the system to standardize the scaling of large process control systems provided a cost effective solution to the problems associated with scaling
2009-01-01
Objective To evaluate the beneficial effects of Implanon on pelvic pain in women with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). The efficacy of pain control, amount and frequency of menstrual loss, degree of patients satisfaction and objective pelvic venography scores were investigated. Methods In a prospective open-labelled study, 25 consecutive women complaining of chronic pelvic pain were recruited. Pretreatment objective peruterine venography and diagnostic laparoscopy of pure PCS together with subjective pelvic pain scores, prefilled questionnaire of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), visual analogue scale (VAS), verbal rating scale (VRS) and quantified menstrual loss using the pictorial blood loss chart were documented in all cases. After identification, 23 subjects with pure P...
Factors Associated with Health Information-Seeking in Low-Income Pregnant Women
2010-01-01
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of health literacy, self-efficacy, and fetal health locus of control to health information-seeking in low-income pregnant women and the contribution from each factor alone or in combination to the variance in health information-seeking. This was a cross-sectional study of 143 English-speaking pregnant women who were recruited from a prenatal clinic and were 18 years of age or older in 2007-2008. Health literacy, self-efficacy, fetal health locus of control, and health information-seeking were measured using the Short Form of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, the Health Information Competence Scale, the Fetal Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Pregnancy Health Information-Seeking Scale. Health literacy was not si...
The present study, based on a sample of 220 African American college students, sought to examine the utility of the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSE) for African Americans. Values of coefficient alpha indicated reliability similar to that found in predominantly White samples. A four-factor structure best represented the data, with a large first factor emphasizing information gathering and decision making. However, the factor structure could also be interpreted relative to time orientation, from most immediate tasks ("choose a major") to those further away temporally ("choosing a career," "interviewing for a job," and "changing jobs if needed"). The students studied herein reported higher levels of career decision self-efficacy than found in previous samples, but cautions in interpreting this finding are suggested. Overall, more research on both measuring career decision self-efficacy and providing career decision interventions within African American samples is recommended. (Contains 2 tables and 1 note.)
2005-01-01
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of a task-oriented walking intervention in improving balance self-efficacy in persons with stroke and to determine whether effects were task-specific, influenced by baseline level of self-efficacy and associated with changes in walking and balance capacity. Design: Secondary analysis of a two-center, observer-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: General community. Participants: Ninety-one individuals with a residual walking deficit within 1 year of a first or recurrent stroke. Intervention: Task-oriented interventions targeting walking or upper extremity (UE) function were provided three times a week for 6 weeks. Measurements: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Six-Minute Walk Test, 5-m walk, Berg Balance Scale, and Timed "Up and G...
2010-01-01
Objectives: Atypical features are common among depressed primary care patients, but clinical trials testing the efficacy of psychopharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic treatment are lacking. This paper examines the efficacy of sertraline and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) among depressed patients with atypical features. Methods: Analyses involve a double-blind comparison of sertraline versus placebo (N=47) and a single-blind comparison between CBT versus a guided self-help group (GSG) (N=48), with primary efficacy endpoints being the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDSC) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17). Results: In intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses, the decrease on the IDSC scale (and HAMD-17) was greater after CBT compared to GSG: p=0.01 (HAMD-17: p=0.01). The differe...
OBJECTIVE: Previously, data from 97 weeks of open-label atomoxetine treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were reported. This final report of that study presents results from over 4 years of treatment. METHOD: Results were derived from the study of 384 patients (125 patients remaining in the open-label trial since the interim report), receiving up to 221 weeks of treatment. Primary efficacy measure was the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Investigator Rated: Screening Version (CAARS-Inv:SV) Total ADHD Symptom score. Adverse events and vital signs were assessed. RESULTS: CAARS-Inv:SV Total ADHD Symptom scores decreased 30.2% (p < .001) during treatment. Similar, significant decreases were noted for the secondary efficacy measures, including the Sheehan Disability Scale Total score, which improved 25.3% (p < .001). Adverse events consisted primarily of pharmacologically (noradrenergic) expected effects. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this open-label study support the long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of atomoxetine for the treatment of adult ADHD.
Full Text Available.Although access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the treatment of HIV has increased during the last decade, many patients are still in need of treatment. With limited funds to provide ART to millions of patients worldwide, there is a need for alternative ways to scale up ART in resource limited settings. This review provides an overview of pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy studies of generic and reduced dose ART. The production of generic ART has greatly influenced the decline in drug prices and the increased in ART access. Generic ART has good pharmacokinetic profile, safety and efficacy. Toxicity is however the main cause for ART discontinuation. Several dose reduction studies have shown adequate pharmacokinetic parameters and short term efficacy with reduced dose ART. Ethnicity may affect drug metabolism; several pharmacokinetic studies have confirmed higher plasma ART concentration in Asians. Randomized efficacy trial of reduced versus standard ART is warranted.
2010-01-01
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of terguride, a partial dopamine agonist, in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods In a 12-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 99 patients were randomized at a ratio of 2 to 1 to receive terguride or placebo. Over 21 days, the dosage was titrated to a maximum daily dose of 3 mg of terguride or placebo, and this fixed dosage was continued over 9 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the intensity of pain (100-mm visual analog scale). Secondary efficacy variables included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score, the tender point score (TPS), and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS) score. During the study, patients were evaluated for the presence of cervical spine stenosis by magnetic ...
Chemical analyses and biological response data were used to assess the efficacy of a field-scale hyperfiltration unit in the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) and other organic compounds from creosote- and pentachlorophenol (PCP)-contaminated ground water recover...
INTRODUCTION: The selection of appropriate instruments in clinical studies is an essential point to detect the effects of pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic treatments. METHODS: We performed a Medline search to identify the controlled pharmacological treatment studies and controlled and open psychotherapeutic investigations since 1999 in adult ADHD. The efficacy parameters were collected in order to compare their psychometric properties and psychopathological content. RESULTS: We identified 21 pharmacological and 6 psychotherapeutic treatment studies. The ADHD-Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV), the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Observer Version (CAARS-O), and the Wender Reimherr Adult Attention Disorder Rating Scale (WRAADDS) are the clinical expert rating scales, which were used most frequently. The Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Self -Report: Short Version (CAARS-S:S) and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) are self-report rating instruments which have found general acceptance. DISCUSSION: The instruments offer appropriate psychometric properties. The psychopathological item content of the ADHD-RS-IV and the CAARS-O is focused on inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The WRAADDS comprises additionally emotional symptoms and disorganization.
2010-01-01
Objective This international, non-randomised study evaluated maintained efficacy and safety of Risperidone Long-Acting Injectable (RLAI) compared to previous medications. To investigate the possible effect of differences in national health care systems across Europe, the UK subset efficacy, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functioning data are reported here. Methods Patients with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, symptomatically stable on antipsychotic medication, received intramuscular injections of RLAI 25 mg (to a maximum of 50 mg) every 2 weeks for 6 months. Results Of 182 UK patients recruited; 79% had schizophrenia (87% paranoid), 21% other psychotic disorders; 96% had been hospitalised at sometime. Improvement in mean Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) ...
2010-01-01
Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of aripiprazole as adjunctive treatment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) without psychotic features and an inadequate response to standard antidepressant therapy (ADT). Methods: Data were collected from three identical, short-term, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (CN138-139, CN138-163, CN138-165). After a single-blind prospective phase with placebo plus ADT, patients with inadequate response were randomized to 6-weeks' treatment with adjunctive aripiprazole or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score during the double-blind phase. Secondary endpoints were response (
Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy in Asthma Self-Management and Quality of Life
2010-01-01
Background. Cognitive variables such as knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy affect asthma patients' abilities to be effective self-managers. Objective. The objective of this cross-sectional analysis was to determine what patient and clinical factors were associated with these cognitive variables and to assess the contributions of these cognitive variables to clinical status. Methods. Primary care asthma patients were interviewed using the three domains of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Asthma Questionnaire (KASE), as well as established scales to measure social support, depressive symptoms, and ratings of asthma care. Clinical asthma status was measured with the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Results. In total, 180 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 43 ...
2010-01-01
Background: Several variables have been studied as possible predictors for the efficacy of ECT, results from the few studies assessing the influence of age on the efficacy of ECT were inconsistent. In older patients suffering from severe depression, ECT is often the treatment of choice, therefore, investigating the influence of age on ECT response is considered relevant. Method: At two depression units, 141 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for major depression and scores of at least 18 on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) were treated with bilateral ECT, twice weekly. Clinical evaluation of depressive symptoms was performed each week; scores on the HAM-D were obtained 1-3days prior to ECT and 1-3days after termination of the ECT course. The primary outcome criterion ...
Role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) refers to employees' perceived capability of carrying out a broader and more proactive set of work tasks that extend beyond prescribed technical requirements. A newly developed scale of RBSE was internally consistent and distinct from the related concepts of proactive personality and self-esteem. In an initial cross-sectional study (N = 580), work design variables (job enrichment, job enlargement, and membership of improvement groups) were the key organizational predictors of RBSE. These investigations were repeated in a second cross-sectional study (N = 622) and extended by examining change over time (N = 459). The longitudinal analysis showed that increased job enrichment and increased quality of communication predicted the development of greater self-efficacy.
2010-01-01
ABSTRACT Objectives: Spray with stretch therapy is frequently used in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome [MPS]. Although rewarming is suggested after vapocoolant spray therapy, there have been no reports of its efficacy. We investigated the clinical efficacy of immediate rewarming after application of vapocoolant spray in patients with MPS. Method: Female patients presenting with MPS in their upper trapezius muscle were included in the study. Initial, pain intensity, lateral bending of the cervical spine, and pressure pain threshold [PPT] of the trigger points were assessed using a visual analog scale [VAS], measuring contralateral acromion-tragus distance, and a pressure algometer. Patients in the group one were treated with conventional spray with stretch; patients in the group tw...
Efficacy of IV Buscopan as a muscle relaxant in CT colonography
2003-01-01
The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of IV Buscopan as a muscle relaxant in CT colonography in terms of colonic distension and polyp detection, and to determine its particular efficacy in patients with diverticular disease. Seventy-three consecutive patients were randomised to receive IV Buscopan or no muscle relaxant prior to CT colonography. CT colonography was performed using a Siemens Somatom 4-detector multislice CT scanner. The following parameters were recorded: degree of colonic distension using a 4-point scale. Diagnostic adequacy of colonic distension. Presence or absence of diverticular disease. And presence of colonic polyps. Accuracy of polyp detection was assessed using subsequent conventional colonoscopy as a gold standard. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of segments that were deemed to be optimally ...
2009-01-01
ABSTRACTObjective: This study aimed to examine the effects of exercise programs on physical fitness, depression, and self-efficacy in low-income elderly women (age≥75). Design and Sample: A pretest-posttest experimental research design with a control group was used. The sample consisted of 26 women in the exercise group and 22 women in the wait-list control group in Seoul, Korea. Measures: The measures of physical fitness included body mass index, cardiopulmonary endurance (blood pressure and heart rate), muscle strength (hand grip strength), flexibility (degree of bending of the upper body), and balance (duration of time for which the subject could stand on one foot). Depression and self-efficacy were measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale and a modified fo...
2010-01-01
Background The optimal effective dose of epidural morphine that provides postoperative analgesia after caesarean section with minimal side effects remains debated. Aims We performed a systematic review to assess the analgesic efficacy and the incidence of adverse effects of epidural morphine after caesarean section compared to systemic analgesia with opioids. Methods We searched Medline, Embase and Cochrane Collaboration Library databases. Studies were evaluated with the Modified Oxford Scale. Prospective randomized studies comparing analgesic efficacy and/or adverse effects of a single epidural morphine administration versus systemic opioids after elective caesarean section were included. Results Ten studies (n=431) were selected. Epidural morphine increases the time until the first reque...
Objective—To test the efficacy of a community based 10 week exercise intervention to reduce fall risk factors in women with osteoporosis. Methods—Static balance was measured by computerised dynamic posturography (Equitest), dynamic balance by timed figure of eight run, and knee extension strength by dynamometry. Subjects were randomised to exercise intervention (twice weekly Osteofit classes for 10 weeks) or control groups. Results—The outcome in 79 participants (39 exercise, 40 control) who were available for measurement 10 weeks after baseline measurement is reported. After confounding factors had been controlled for, the exercise group did not make significant gains compared with their control counterparts, although there were consistent trends toward greater improvement in all three primary outcome measures. Relative to the change in control subjects, the exercise group improved by 2.3% in static balance, 1.9% in dynamic balance, and 13.9% in knee extension strength. Conclusions—A 10 week community based physical activity intervention did not significantly reduce fall risk factors in women with osteoporosis. However, trends toward improvement in key independent risk factors for falling suggest that a study with greater power may show that these variables can be improved to a level that reaches statistical significance. Key Words: osteoporosis; balance; strength; fall risk; exercise
2010-01-01
Data on the efficacy of aripiprazole in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), compared to data on the efficacy of other atypical antipsychotics, are inadequate. This report presents the successful treatment of concurrent OCD with aripiprazole in three patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Assessments performed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale revealed significant reductions in OCD symptoms. Aripiprazole may be a beneficial psychotropic agent for the treatment of BD and OCD comorbidity, which is an important problem in clinical practice.
Measuring Confidence for Basic Domains of Vocational Activity in High School Students
These studies report the development and psychometric evaluation of a version of the Expanded Skills Inventory designed for use with high school students. The resulting inventory contains 14 eight-item scales measuring self-efficacy with respect to dimensions of vocational behavior comparable in specificity to the Basic Interest dimensions of the Strong Interest Inventory. The self-efficacy, or confidence, measures were internally consistent and were related to the appropriate Holland confidence theme and to parallel measures of vocational interest. Patterns of gender and ethnic group differences were generally consistent with previous research findings.
Objective: Previously, data from 97 weeks of open-label atomoxetine treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were reported. This final report of that study presents results from over 4 years of treatment. Method: Results were derived from the study of 384 patients (125 patients remaining in the open-label trial since the interim report), receiving up to 221 weeks of treatment. Primary efficacy measure was the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Investigator Rated: Screening Version (
Carer communication skills contribute to the well being of individuals with learning disabilities. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of communication training interventions, and there is a lack of robust measures of outcome. A communication self-efficacy measure relevant to carers supporting adults with learning disabilities was developed and piloted. Paid carers supporting adults with learning disabilities participated in the study. A pre-post intervention study design was used to examine the reliability and sensitivity to change of the Glasgow-Communication Efficacy Scale (
2010-01-01
Abstract We evaluated in this study the efficacy and safety of an alternate regimen using clobetasol propionate 0.05% shampoo (CP shampoo) for long-term control of scalp psoriasis. Patients with moderate scalp psoriasis (Global Severity Score [GSS] of 3 on a 0-5 scale) first received CP shampoo once daily for 4 weeks. Patients with a GSS 2) occurred, patients received the 4-week daily CP shampoo treatment. Patients who had a GSS p
Resilience and vulnerability in communities around Mt Taranaki
2007-01-01
The aim of this thesis is to examine the resilience and vulnerability of Taranaki communities to volcanic hazards, and to propose a strategy to ensure the safety and longevity of Taranaki residents in the event of an eruption. Mt Taranaki is a dormant volcano that is surrounded by a ring plain populated by over 100,000 people. The volcano has had an average eruptive cycle of 330 years, with the last eruption dated at ~1755 AD. Hazards include ash fall, lahars, debris avalanches and pyroclastic density currents. Inglewood, Stratford and Opunake are the largest population centres located in moderate to high hazard zones, and for this reason were chosen as the study communities. Resilience is defined as the capacity to respond to a hazard event by physically and psychologically recovering, adapting to, or changing to similar or better conditions than those experienced before the event. Vulnerability is defined to be people�s incapacity to cope with a hazardous event as a result of their personal characteristics. A person�s vulnerability and resilience is influenced by demographic variables, socio-cognitive variables and preparedness. Inglewood, Stratford and Opunake adults have good self-efficacy and action-coping use, fair risk perceptions, outcome expectancy and response efficacy, but poor understanding of event timing relative to eruption probability, critical awareness, preparedness and information-seeking intentions and preparedness levels. Preparedness is found to be influenced by residents� intentions to prepare, which in turn are influenced by critical awareness, action-coping and outcome expectancy. Taranaki students have a fair awareness of hazard and knowledge of correct response behaviours to various hazards. Preparedness, in terms of preparedness measures undertaken, emergency plans made and emergency practices in place, is low. Students who have participated in hazard-education programmes have a better knowledge of response behaviours, lower levels of hazard-related fear, and reported higher level of preparedness. Spatial analyses, carried out to determine the geographic distribution of at-risk groups within the study communities, showed that the areas most at-risk tend to be those with the highest population densities. The spatial analysis was not as beneficial as expected, due to small data sets, but did provide some results to be considered as a basis for further research. Effective public education can be achieved when delivered to a set of guidelines, such as providing information regularly through multiple media and sources, ensuring consistent messages, targeting information to at-risk groups and monitoring programme effectiveness. Community capacity building projects decrease aspects of vulnerability and build resilience by working at a local scale and targeting at-risk groups. Psychological preparedness education helps citizens to mentally prepare for an event and should be a component of all projects. The proposed strategy calls for (a) forming partnerships with relevant stakeholders to assist with public education, research, and funding, (b) further research into the characteristics of Taranaki communities and effective public education campaigns, (c) the development and implementation of a public education schedule and projects that build community capacity, and d) long-term planning, periodic revision of programmes and consistent public engagement. Publisher: University of Otago. Department of Geology Language: en Rights: http://policy01.otago.ac.nz/policies/FMPro?-db=policies.fm&-format=viewpolicy.html&-lay=viewpolicy&-sortfield=Title&Type=Academic&-recid=33025&-find); Copyright Kristen Kay Finnis
OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) influenced the efficacy and safety of duloxetine in treating fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis using pooled data from 4 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of patients with American College of Rheumatology-defined primary FM with or without MDD. Patients were randomized to duloxetine [60 or 120 mg/d (N=797)] or placebo (N=535) for approximately 3 months. Efficacy measures included the Brief Pain Inventory average pain score, 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and Patient's/Clinician's Global Impressions of Improvement/Severity scales. RESULTS: At baseline, 26% of patients met diagnostic criteria for MDD. At endpoint (3 mo or last observation), duloxetine showed significantly (P0.1 for treatment-by-strata interaction). On the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, duloxetine showed significantly (P0.1 treatment-by-strata interaction). DISCUSSION: Duloxetine was effective in reducing pain and other symptoms in FM patients with and without MDD and demonstrated a similar safety profile for both groups.
Efficacy of sertraline in a 12-week trial for generalized anxiety disorder
2004-01-01
Objective: Sertraline's efficacy and tolerability in treating generalized anxiety disorder were evaluated. Method: Adult outpatients with DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder and a total score of 18 or higher on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were eligible. After a 1-week single-blind placebo lead-in, patients were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with placebo (N=188, mean baseline anxiety score=25) or flexible doses (50-150 mg/day) of sertraline (N=182, mean anxiety score=25). The primary outcome measure was baseline-to-endpoint change in the Hamilton anxiety scale total score. A secondary efficacy measure was the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) improvement score; response was defined as a score of 2 or less. Results: Sertraline patients had significantly greater improvement than placebo patients on all efficacy measures at week 4. Analysis of covariance of the intent-to-treat group at endpoint (with the last observation carried forward) showed a significant difference in the decrease from baseline of the least-square mean total score on the Hamilton anxiety scale between sertraline (mean=11.7) and placebo (mean=8.0). Significantly greater endpoint improvement with sertraline than placebo was obtained for mean scores on the Hamilton anxiety scale psychic factor (6.7 versus 4.1) and somatic factor (5.0 versus 3.9). The rate of responders, based on CGI improvement and last observation carried forward, was significantly higher for sertraline (63%) than placebo (37%). Sertraline was well tolerated; 8% of patients versus 10% for placebo dropped out because of adverse events. Conclusions: Sertraline appears to be efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing Inc Contributor: N. C. Andreasen; S. L. Patterson Coverage: 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z
Scale inhibition in desalination applications: An overview
1996-12-01
Desalination is a process in which dissolved impurities are removed from water. Three processes commonly employed include: distillation, electrodialysis, and reverse osmosis. This paper provides a general discussion of various desalination processes including advantages and disadvantages of each, performance comparisons, and problems encountered in the operation of the process. An in-depth discussion of fouling by mineral scales, colloidal matter, and metal hydroxides is also included. The role of the foulant control agent in treating a desalination system is also presented. Basic chemistry and efficacy of the individual scale inhibitors is summarized.
Efficacy of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) to Predict Extraordinary Support Needs
Data were collected on 274 adults to investigate the efficacy of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) as a tool to measure the support needs of individuals with intellectual and related developmental disabilities. Findings showed that SIS scores contributed significantly to a model that predicted greater levels of support need. Moreover, scores from different sections of the SIS made unique contributions to explaining variance associated with a variety of support need proxies. Finally, data suggest that the SIS measures a different construct than that measured by traditional assessments of personal competence. The implications of these findings for decision-making, including decisions affecting the disbursement of state developmental disability funding, are discussed.
Biofeedback for Pain Management in Traumatised Refugees
2009-01-01
Chronic pain (CP) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are both frequent and often comorbid in refugees. To date, few controlled trials have studied the efficacy of treatments targeting this comorbidity; no treatment guidelines yet exist. The authors examined the feasibility and efficacy of short-term cognitive behavioural biofeedback (BF) addressing CP in traumatised refugees. The sample comprised 11 severely traumatised refugees with CP and PTSD (mean age = 36 years, SD = 6), who underwent assessment with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale, Pain Disability Index, and Visual Rating Scale. Additionally, coping with pain and psychotherapy tolerance were assessed. Acceptance of BF was high. Pre-post effects were small to ...
2010-01-01
Hematoma growth is common in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and is associated with a poor outcome for patients. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) used as a hemostatic agent in patients with ICH without hemophilia, we searched Medline, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov and the Stroke Trials Directory. Five randomized controlled trials were selected for analysis. Although rFVIIa can reduce the change in ICH volume, there was no significant difference in mortality, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score or extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E) score in patients treated with rFVIIa or placebo. There was a significant increase in arterial thromboembolic adverse events (TAE) in patients treated with rFVIIa. There was an increase in deep v...
BACKGROUND: The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education adopted revised accreditation standards and guidelines for the PharmD degree program in January 2006. The revised standards mandate the inclusion of cultural competence in pharmacy curricula. Assessment tools to evaluate the impact of training are needed. OBJECTIVE: To examine the psychometric properties of a 12 item scale designed to estimate the impact of cultural competence training on pharmacy students' self-efficacy in providing culturally appropriate patient care. METHODS: A 12 item scale to assess the impact of an elective course on pharmacy students' (N = 175; 173 analyzable) perceived self-efficacy in providing culturally competent patient care was used before and after students completed the training. Principal components analysis was conducted to examine the underlying structure of the scale, and the Cronbach alpha statistic was computed as an estimate of internal consistency. Pre-versus posttraining responses for each item and for the total scale scores were compared as an indicator of concurrent validity. RESULTS: The principal components analysis yielded a one-component solution, "self-efficacy for cultural competence," which included all 12 contributing items and accounted for 46% of the total variance. Item communalities ranged from 0.25 to 0.58. Component loadings ranged from 0.50 to 0.76. Overall, the scale exhibited a Cronbach alpha estimate of internal consistency of 0.89. Posttraining scores were significantly higher than pretraining scores for both the total scale scores (posttest and pretest mean +/- SD score = 47.96 +/- 5.15 and 34.21 +/- 6.19, respectively; p < 0.001) and for each item (p values < 0.001). These comparisons provide evidence of concurrent validity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that our 12 item scale exhibits acceptable psychometric properties and is a useful tool for estimating the impact of cultural competence training on pharmacy students' perceived self-efficacy for providing culturally competent care and services.
Scaling of broadband dielectric data of glass-forming liquids and plastic crystals
1999-02-24
The Nagel-scaling and the modified scaling procedure proposed recently by Dendzik et al. have been applied to broadband dielectric data on two glass- forming liquids (glycerol and propylene carbonate) and three plastic crystals (ortho-carborane, meta-carborane, and 1-cyano-adamantane). At the highest frequencies investigated, deviations from a single master curve show up which are most pronounced in the Dendzik-scaling plot. The loss curves of the plastic crystals do not scale in the Nagel-plot, but they fall onto a separate master curve in the Dendzik-plot. The question of a possible divergence of the static susceptibility at low temperatures is discussed.
1998-01-01
The present study examined the relative importance of outcome expectancies and self-efficacy [1] in the prediction of alcohol dependence [2] and alcohol consumption in a sample of young adult drinkers drawn from a milieu previously reported as supportive of risky drinking. In predicting alcohol dependence, outcome expectancies were found to mediate self-efficacy and the same pattern was found for both males and females. This suggests that male and female drinkers may become more similar as they progress along the drinking continuum from risky drinking to dependent drinking. However, in women, in comparison to men, a greater array of expectancies and self-efficacy scales were found to predict heavy drinking, as measured by quantity and frequency. These results suggest that heavy drinking women are particularly at risk of developing drinking related complications and that preventative education needs to take into account gender differences. Coverage: 1998-01-01T00:00:00Z
2010-01-01
Aims: To conduct a subgroup analysis of the efficacy of adjunctive aripiprazole as treatment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who demonstrated an inadequate response to standard antidepressant therapy (ADT). Methods: Data were pooled from three identical, short-term, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (CN138-139, CN138-163, CN138-165) with an 8-week phase of placebo plus ADT and a 6-week double-blind phase with ADT plus adjunctive placebo or aripiprazole. Only MDD patients without psychotic features were eligible for entry. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score in the double-blind phase. Subgroup analyses of the primary efficacy endpoint were performed for age, race, ethnicity, MADRS resp...
2005-01-01
ObjectiveTo test a theoretical model linking developmental coordination disorder (DCD) to reduced physical activity (PA) through the mediating influence of generalized self-efficacy regarding PA.Study designThis was a cross-sectional investigation of students in grades 4 through 8 from 5 elementary schools in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada (n=590). Motor proficiency was evaluated using the short-form Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Generalized self-efficacy was assessed using the Children's Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity scale, and PA levels were evaluated using a 61-item Participation Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the influence of generalized self-efficacy on the relationship between DCD and PA.Re...
OBJECTIVE:To test the efficacy of a community based 10 week exercise intervention to reduce fall risk factors in women with osteoporosis. METHODS:Static balance was measured by computerised dynamic posturography (Equitest), dynamic balance by timed figure of eight run, and knee extension strength by dynamometry. Subjects were randomised to exercise intervention (twice weekly Osteofit classes for 10 weeks) or control groups. RESULTS:The outcome in 79 participants (39 exercise, 40 control) who were available for measurement 10 weeks after baseline measurement is reported. After confounding factors had been controlled for, the exercise group did not make significant gains compared with their control counterparts, although there were consistent trends toward greater improvement in all three primary outcome measures. Relative to the change in control subjects, the exercise group improved by 2.3% in static balance, 1.9% in dynamic balance, and 13.9% in knee extension strength. CONCLUSIONS:A 10 week community based physical activity intervention did not significantly reduce fall risk factors in women with osteoporosis. However, trends toward improvement in key independent risk factors for falling suggest that a study with greater power may show that these variables can be improved to a level that reaches statistical significance.
2009-01-01
Two field trials were conducted using established apple (Malus cv. Golden Delicious) and pear (Pyrus communis `Williams' Bon Chretien) to assess the efficacy of three commercially available systemic inducing resistance (SIR) products, Messenger (a.i. Harpin protein), Phoenix (a.i. Potassium phosphite) and Rigel (a.i. Salicylic acid derivative) applied at four different growth stages of tree development (bud break, green cluster, 90% petal fall, early fruitlet) against the foliar pathogens Venturia inaequalis and Venturia pirina which cause apple and pear scab respectively. A conventional synthetic fungicide (penconazole) used within the UK for apple and pear scab control was included for comparison. Little efficacy as scab protectants was demonstrated when each SIR product and penconazole ...
1999-01-01
We improved our predictions of fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) habitat use by analyzing spawning habitat at the spatial scale of redd clusters. Spatial point pattern analyses indicated that redd clusters in the Hanford Reach, Columbia River, were consistent in their location from 1994 to 1995. Redd densities were 16.1 and 8.9 redds?ha-1 in 1994 and 1995, respectively, and individual redds within clusters were usually less than 30 m apart. Pattern analysis also showed strong evidence that redds were uniformly distributed within the clusters where inter-redd distances ranged from 2 to 5 m. Redd clusters were found to occur predominantly where water velocity was between 1.4 to 2 m?s-1, water depth was 2 to 4 m, and lateral slope of the riverbed was less than 4%. This habitat use represented a narrower range of use than previously reported for adult fall chinook ...
Operation of the Lower Granite Dam Adult Trap, 2008.
2009-01-01
During 2008 we operated the adult salmonid trap at Lower Granite Dam from 7 March through 25 November, except during a short summer period when water temperatures were too high to safely handle fish. We collected and handled a total of 20,463 steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss and radio-tagged 34 of the hatchery steelhead. We took scale samples from 3,724 spring/summer Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha for age and genetic analysis. We collected and handled a total of 8,254 fall Chinook salmon. Of those fish, 2,520 adults and 942 jacks were transported to Lyons Ferry Hatchery on the Snake River in Washington. In addition, 961 adults and 107 jacks were transported to the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery on the Clearwater River in Idaho. The remaining 3,724 fall Chinook salmon were passed upstream. Scales samples were taken from 780 fall Chinook salmon tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and collected by the sort-by-code system.
CO and near IR observations of a filamentary cloud, L43
1979-05-01
Detailed observations of the filamentary cloud L43 have been made. Maps are presented for /sup 12/CO and /sup 13/CO emission and for star counts on a hypersensitized Kodak IV-N plate. We determine that for thermalized CO, N (/sup 13/CO)/A/sub V/approx.1.5 x 10/sup 15/ cm/sup -2/ mag/sup -1/ everywhere in the cloud except for the highly opaque core, where N (/sup 13/CO)/A/sub V/ or =12 mag. The cloud mass is estimated to be > or =14 M/sub sun/ in the core. A small observed velocity gradient is insufficient by a factor of at least 12 to allow any rotational support for the cloud, and is also much less than that expected for free-fall collapse along its length. It appears as if this filament is evolving towards a configuration with a centralized concentration of mass. The time scale for this to happen is indeterminate, but it appears to be longer than a free-fall collapse time. Two stars have faint reflection nebulae at the periphery of L43. If these stars formed in the cloud, then small-scale star formation may occur without the free-fall collapse of a surrounding cloud.
1982-06-15
The analysis of the field equations and the conservation laws is extended into the skin boundary region which maintains the initially static configuration of the two fluid spheres. Although this leads to a correction of the gravitational-radiation energy-loss rate from a dependence of Eapprox...cap alpha../sup -4/rho/sub 0/ /sup -4/ to ..cap alpha../sup -6/rho/sub 0/ /sup -2/, the importance of the nonlinear structure-dependent terms remain and the essential conclusion, that the quadrupole formula does not apply to this problem, is unaltered. The hydrodynamic, stress-breaking, and free-fall time scales are considered. It is shown that insofar as the quadrupole-formula comparison for free-fall is concerned, only the contribution from bulk motion of the fluid spheres need be considered since tidal quadrupole deformation contributes negligibly to the quadrupole formula. With reference to our problem, it is shown that a recent derivation of the quadrupole formula for free-fall is incorrect and it is suggested that certain other derivations may be applicable only to the radiation damping of a single body.
Wartime rat control, rodent ecology, and the rise and fall of chemical rodenticides
2005-01-01
The story of how World War II stimulated the development of DDT, and the ensuing postwar dependence on such chemical insecticides, is well known. However, less recognition has been given to the wartime efforts to synthesize new rodenticides to fight rat-borne epidemics. Baltimore, Maryland served as the site for field tests of the powerful new compound alpha napthyl thiourea (ANTU) from 1942-1946. This experimental campaign sparked debates over the efficacy of controlling rats via chemical warfare instead of environmental sanitation, which led to the ironic conclusion that urban rat control demanded an ecological, rather than technological, approach.
2009-01-01
A frequent consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant reduction in patients' cerebral activation/arousal, which clinicians agree is not conducive to optimal rehabilitation outcomes. In the context of paediatric rehabilitation, sustained periods of inactivity are particularly undesirable, as contemporary research has increasingly called into question the Kennard principle that youth inherently promotes greater neural plasticity and functional recovery following TBI. Therefore, the onus to create rehabilitation conditions most conducive to harnessing plasticity falls squarely on the shoulders of clinicians. Having noted the efficacy of environmental enrichment in promoting neural plasticity and positive functional outcomes in the animal literature, some researchers have sug...
Virtual Physiological Human research initiative: the future for rational HIV treatment design?
2008-01-01
The clinical management of HIV-positive patients receiving existing drug regimens is performed largely as a clinician's best guess, based on available viral and patient data. The development of new antiretroviral therapies for HIV is at an impasse. How can we progress beyond this? ViroLab, an example of a new `style' of research project, is attempting to answer this question by stepping into the realm of prediction. A method is in development that can model and predict the efficacy of antiretroviral treatment and may enhance clinical decision support. If extended, this method can potentially target any other pathology where a ligand-substrate interaction is concerned. This type of research falls within the remit of a new initiative: the Virtual Physiological Human (VPH). The potential impa...
2010-01-01
Summary Over the past 10 years, several randomised clinical trials of therapeutic hypothermia for perinatal asphyxial encephalopathy have demonstrated both safety and efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia in improving neurological outcome. Today cooling is increasingly used in tertiary level units throughout the developed world. Therapeutic hypothermia (cooling to a rectal or core temperature of 33-34degreeC for 72h) is easier to achieve in newborn infants than in adults. There is a natural tendency for the core temperature of infants who suffered birth asphyxia to fall and remain lower than non-asphyxiated infants for up to 16h after birth. A variety of high- and low-tech surface cooling methods have been used in neonates - newer systems are servo-controlled and provide very stable temperat...
Physical techniques for delivering microwave energy to tissues.
Some of the physical aspects of delivering microwave energy to tissues have been discussed. Effective penetration of a few cm may be achieved with external applicators whilst small coaxial or cylindrical devices can induce localized heating in sites accessible to catheters or to direct invasion. To heat deep tissue sites in general, systems of greater complexity involving a number of applicators with particular phase relationships between them are required. The problems of thermometry in the presence of electromagnetic fields fall outside the scope of this article. Their solution, however, is no less important to the future of clinical hyperthermia than the development of heating techniques. Finally, it should be remembered that physiological parameters such as blood flow have appreciable effects in determining the efficacy of the physical techniques described above.
Mechanisms Regulating Skin Pigmentation: The Rise and Fall of Complexion Coloration
Full Text Available.Skin pigmentary abnormalities are seen as aesthetically unfavorable and have led to the development of cosmetic and therapeutic treatment modalities of varying efficacy. Hence, several putative depigmenting agents aimed at modulating skin pigmentation are currently being researched or sold in commercially available products. In this review we will discuss the regulation of processes that control skin complexion coloration. This includes direct inhibition of tyrosinase and related melanogenic enzymes, regulation of melanocyte homeostasis, alteration of constitutive and facultative pigmentation and down-regulation of melanosome transfer to the keratinocytes. These various processes, in the complex mechanism of skin pigmentation, can be regulated individually or concomitantly to alter complexion coloration and thus ameliorate skin complexion diseases.
Efficacy of LAIV-T on Absentee Rates in a School-Based Health Center Sample
2009-01-01
Purpose To determine the effectiveness of the intranasal LAIV-T in decreasing school absenteeism in a school-based vaccination initiative and to compare the acceptability of LAIV-T versus TIV among adolescents. Methods This study was conducted within a single, urban community high school in the Fall of 2006. Participation was offered to all students in grades 6 to 10, aged 11 to 17 years. In December, school health center staff administered influenza vaccines to the students whose parents had returned written consent. Students received LAIV-T (n = 86), unless they were medically ineligible or objected; in those cases the injectable inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) (n = 41) was offered. Students that did not receive either vaccination served as a control group (n = 234). Nonsus...
Effects of aquatic exercise training using water-resistance equipment in elderly
2010-01-01
To prevent falls in Japan, both gait and resistance training of the lower extremities are recommended. However, resistance training for the elderly induces muscle damage. Recently, aquatic exercise using water buoyancy and resistance have commonly been performed by the elderly. We have now produced new water-resistance equipment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of aquatic exercise training using the new equipment for the elderly. Subjects were divided into two groups: a resistance group of 12 subjects (using water-resistance equipment) and a non-resistance group of eight subjects (without the equipment). The aquatic exercise training was 90min, three times per week for 8weeks, and mostly consisted of walking. All subjects underwent anthropometric measureme...
Effect of whole-body vibration on bone properties in aging mice
2010-01-01
Recent studies suggest that whole-body vibration (WBV) can improve measures of bone health for certain clinical conditions and ages. In the elderly, there also is particular interest in assessing the ability of physical interventions such as WBV to improve coordination, strength, and movement speed, which help prevent falls and fractures and maintain ambulation for independent living. The current study evaluated the efficacy of WBV in an aging mouse model. Two levels of vibration - 0.5 and 1.5g - were applied at 32Hz to CB57BL/6 male mice (n=9 each) beginning at age 18months and continuing for 12weeks, 30min/day, in a novel pivoting vibration device. Previous reports indicate that bone parameters in these mice begin to decrease substantially at 18months, equivalent to mid-fifties for human...
2009-01-01
Invasive plants cause ecosystem degradation throughout the world, including the reduction of native plant density and diversity, and changes in ecosystem structure and function. Woody weeds often grow faster than native species and in invaded habitats produce larger and/or more seed and outshade other mid- and under-storey species. Boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera (L.) T. Norl. has caused the degradation of many temperate woodlands in Australia and has not yet reached its full potential distribution in this country. The control of this weed is therefore a high priority in Australia. Biological control agents have not controlled boneseed populations to date and no detailed integrated control strategies exist for different densities of mature boneseed plants and soil seed banks in native vegetation of varying levels of degradation. Fire, herbicides and manual plant removal have previously been used to control boneseed; however, substantial landscape scale control has not yet been achieved. Boneseed population control experiments were undertaken in two temperate woodlands in Victoria, Australia. In highly degraded temperate grassy woodlands at the You Yangs Regional Park west of Melbourne in Victoria and in a highly diverse native closed woodland at Arthurs Seat State Park in south-eastern Victoria. Several combinations of the weed control techniques of fire, herbicide application, hand-pulling of seedlings and distribution of competitive native grasses were found to control both mature boneseed populations and the large reserves of viable boneseed seeds in the soil. The efficacy of controlled burning, and the combination and timing of control techniques were found to vary according to differing densities of boneseed plants, viable soil seed banks and post-fire emergent seedlings. Where sufficient fine fuel existed, a warm, even, autumn burn consumed above ground biomass, killed the majority of viable boneseed seed in the soil, and caused the remaining boneseed seed to germinate. Spraying with glyphosate herbicide was as effective as metsulfuron-methyl herbicide for killing boneseed seedlings along with the secondary climbing weed Billardiera heterophylla (Lindl.) L.W.Cayzer & Crisp after fire. However, the use of glyphosate also killed all native species, resulting in bare ground. After fire in species rich vegetation, boneseed was eliminated where seed of the native C3 grass Poa sieberiana Spreng. had been broadcast onto the post fire ash-bed, and seedlings had been sprayed five months after the burn or where seedlings had been sprayed 12 months after burning. Boneseed control occurred when seedlings were sprayed five months after the burn. In degraded vegetation few boneseed seedlings remained where seedlings were sprayed 17 months after fire. Where insufficient rainfall occurred, hand-pulling flowering boneseed seedlings prevented new seed fall for 6 to 12 months. Suggestions are made for the integration of these methods with the establishment and proliferation of biological control agents. A new protocol for utilising several integrated control strategies for boneseed and other woody weeds in a mosaic at both the site and landscape scale is described. A mosaic would allow for a variety of native species responses to fire and other control methods and thus lead to heterogeneous ages and structures within the native vegetation following weed control.http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url=http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1457770Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, 2009
2010-01-01
Diabet. Med. 27, 1033-1040 (2010) Abstract Aims This study compared the efficacy and safety of tramadol/acetaminophen (T/A) and gabapentin in the management of painful diabetic neuropathy. Methods An open, randomized, comparative study was conducted. Subjects with painful symmetric neuropathy in the lower limbs and mean pain-intensity score ≥ 4 on a numeric rating scale were eligible. Subjects were randomized to receive either tramadol (37.5 mg)/acetaminophen (325 mg) or gabapentin (300 mg) for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks of the titration period (1200 mg/day for gabapentin and three tablets/day for T/A), the doses were maintained if the pain was relieved. The primary efficacy outcome was a reduction in pain intensity. Secondary measures evaluated a pain relief scale, a Brief Pain Inventory, ...
Seabed disposal of high-level nuclear wastes: an alternative viewpoint
1985-01-01
Various comments on a published article on subseabed disposal of nuclear wastes are presented. These include the scale of the proposed operation, the technical problems of canister retrievability, the feasibility of the free-fall penetrometer disposal method, canister lifetime, the possible contravention of the 1972 London Dumping Convention and land-based geological repositories as an alternative method of disposal.
Seabed disposal of high-level nuclear wastes: an alternative viewpoint
1985-01-01
Various comments on a published article on subseabed disposal of nuclear wastes are presented. These include the scale of the proposed operation, the technical problems of canister retrievability, the feasibility of the free-fall penetrometer disposal method, canister lifetime, the possible contravention of the 1972 London Dumping Convention and land-based geological repositories as an alternative method of disposal. (author)
Power generating system of the Sajan-Chuchenskoje hydroelectric power plant
1981-12-01
For the Sayan-Chuchenskoye plant, machines for 640 MW were planned, designed and built; at a height of fall of 212 m and more they produce 720 MW (the turbine can yield 735 MW). The development of such large-scale machines and their auxiliary equipments required numerous complex technical and economic problems to be solved, with the domestic industry being able to cope with successfully.
Pollution and Ecosystem Health: Metabolomic bioindicators in Health Communities
DescriptionThe deposition of nitrogen as rain or in dry form poses several threats to biodiversity at a global scale. Increased N deposition as a result of pollution can have negative impacts on plants and their communities. Many plant species perish as a result of such pollution and biodiversity as a whole is reduced. Monitoring where nitrogen falls and quantifying its effect on biodiversity are problematic and can present major logistical challenges. Our ability to predict what will happen to communitie [continued...]
NASA - NASA at 2009 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting: Press ...
Dec 10, 2009 ... Rocks with Altitude - Finding Near-Earth Objects Before They Find Us: .... daily global digital video of Earth's climate system will also be presented, ... global-scale view of the complex life cycle of these clouds, ...
In this first large-scale study of mercury (Hg) in Lake Mead, USA, the nation's largest man- made reservoir, total-Hg concentrations were determined in the skeletal muscle of 339 fish collected during the Fall of 1998 and the Spring of 1999. Five species of fish representing ...
Hydrogen peroxide propulsion for smaller satellites (SSC98-VIII-1)
As satellite designs shrink, providing maneuvering and control capability falls outside the realm of available propulsion technology. While cold gas has been used on the smallest satellites, hydrogen peroxide propellant is suggested as the next step in performance and cost before hydrazine. Minimal toxicity and a small scale enable benchtop propellant preparation and development testing. Progress toward low-cost thrusters and self-pressurizing tank systems is described.
Hydrogen peroxide propulsion for smaller satellites (SSC98-VIII-1)
1998-07-13
As satellite designs shrink, providing maneuvering and control capability falls outside the realm of available propulsion technology. While cold gas has been used on the smallest satellites, hydrogen peroxide propellant is suggested as the next step in performance and cost before hydrazine. Minimal toxicity and a small scale enable benchtop propellant preparation and development testing. Progress toward low-cost thrusters and self-pressurizing tank systems is described.
FIRST-YEAR WILKINSON MICROWAVE ANISOTROPY PROBE (WMAP ...
INTERPRETATION OF THE TT AND TE ANGULAR POWER SPECTRUM PEAKS ... this end, we introduce a new scaling relation for the TE antipeak-to-peak amplitude ratio and recompute ..... the photon-baryon fluid as it falls into preexisting wells in ..... set of peaks, the first two of which WMAP clearly sees, ...
Essays on industrial structure and economic growth
1997-07-01
The book is a thesis submitted for the degree of dr. polit. at the University of Bergen. It has chapters on economic development and industrial structure, trade and growth with static and dynamic economies of scale, terms of trade and economic growth in a world of constrained capital mobility, how liberalization of trade in services may conserve natural reserves, some reasons why capital does not flow from rich to poor counties and finally on South African manufacturing industries - catching up or falling behind.
Essays on industrial structure and economic growth
1997-01-01
The book is a thesis submitted for the degree of dr. polit. at the University of Bergen. It has chapters on economic development and industrial structure, trade and growth with static and dynamic economies of scale, terms of trade and economic growth in a world of constrained capital mobility, how liberalization of trade in services may conserve natural reserves, some reasons why capital does not flow from rich to poor counties and finally on South African manufacturing industries - catching up or falling behind
Energy production enters a new era
2008-03-15
The risk profile of investment in renewable energy projects such as large-scale wind and solar is lower than that of the traditional oil and gas industries. This is attracting a new group of investors such as pension funds, financial institutions, utilities and other capital-rich concerns. But for governments it poses a potential problem: revenues from environmental levies and taxes on the polluting oil and gas industry are set to fall.
Crisis in the French nuclear industry
1991-02-01
This report discusses the economics of the French nuclear power industry. It considers the dominant position of nuclear power in the French energy system, stresses the scale and causes of the current (1990) economic crisis and dispels the popular misconceptions on the cost efficiency of the French programme. The evidence is based on widely available French documents and articles. The report begins by looking at the background of nuclear power in France then discusses the problem of overcapacity, the technical problems and fall in load factors, generating costs and electricity prices and finally, strategic issues are considered. (UK).
Litter fall and decomposition in a Pinus halepensis forest on Mallorca
1995-05-01
Litter fall and decomposition in a Pinus halepensis forest was studied in order to help understand nutrient cycles in this ecosystem, threatened as it is by fire and tourism. The study was done over two years in an experimental forest stand at Cap des Pinar on Mallorca, Spain. The woodland area has not been disturbed for about 40 yr. Total litter fall amounted to 3.44 ton ha{sup -1}yr{sup -1} in the first and second year, and leaf fall to 2.00 ton ha{sup -1}yr{sup -1} and 1.93 ton ha{sup -1}yr{sup -1} respectively with a maximum in July. As to litter fall, there was a summer maximum for brown needles and kernels, a spring maximum for inflorescences and bud scales, and an autumn maximum for bark. Erratic maxima occurred for fall of green needles, cones and branches, linked to strong winds in winter. The total amount of litter mass on the forest soil reached 12.68 ton/ha: 5.75 ton/ha in the L organic horizon. 3.46 ton/ha needles and 6.93 ton/ha in the F organic horizon. Weight loss from annual decomposition, measured using litter bags, was 18.1% in year 1 and 26.8% in year 2. Over 36.5 days, an Olson (1963) decomposition rate of 0.045%/day was found in year 1 and of 0.084%/day for year 2. Decomposition half-time was 1529 for year 1 and 827 days for year 2. 34 refs, 2 figs, 1 tab
Development and validation of the Chinese version of the Diabetes Management Self-efficacy Scale
2008-01-01
Objective The purpose of this study was to translate the Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMSES) into Chinese and test the validity and reliability of the instrument within a Taiwanese population.Research design and methods A two-stage design was used for this study. Stage I consisted of a multi-stepped process of forward and backward translation, using focus groups and consensus meetings to translate the 20-item Australia/English version DMSES to Chinese and test content validity. Stage II established the psychometric properties of the Chinese version DMSES (C-DMSES) by examining the criterion, convergent and construct validity, internal consistency and stability testing. The sample for Stage II comprised 230 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 30 years or more from a diabetes outpatient clinic in Taiwan.Results Three items were modified to better reflect Chinese practice. The C-DMSES obtained a total average CVI score of .86.The convergent validity of the C-DMSES correlated well with the validated measure of the General Self-Efficacy Scale in measuring self-efficacy (r=.55; p<.01). Criterion-related validity showed that the C-DMSES was a significant predictor of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities scores (Beta=.58; t=10.75, p<.01). Factor analysis supported the C-DMSES being composed of four subscales. Good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=.77 to .93) and test-retest reliability (Pearson correlation coefficient r=.86, p<.01) were found.Conclusions The C-DMSES is a brief and psychometrically sound measure for evaluation of self-efficacy towards management of diabetes by persons with type 2 diabetes in Chinese populations. Publisher: Pergamon Relation: DOI:10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2006.08.020; Wu, Vivienne Shu-Fang and Courtney, Mary D. and Edwards, Helen E. and McDowell, Jan K. and Shortridge-Baggett, Lillie M. and Chang, Pei-Jen (2008) Development and validation of the Chinese version of the Diabetes Management Self-efficacy Scale. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 45(4). pp. 534-542.
Small-Scale Hydroelectric Power Demonstration Project
The US Department of Energy Field Office, Idaho, Small-Scale Hydroelectric Power Program was initiated in conjunction with the restoration of three power generating plants in Idaho Falls, Idaho, following damage caused by the Teton Dam failure on June 5, 1976. There were many parties interested in this project, including the state and environmental groups, with different concerns. This report was prepared by the developer and describes the design alternatives the applicant provided in an attempt to secure the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license. Also included are correspondence between the related parties concerning the project, major design alternatives/project plan diagrams, the license, and energy and project economics.
Small-Scale Hydroelectric Power Demonstration Project
1991-12-01
The US Department of Energy Field Office, Idaho, Small-Scale Hydroelectric Power Program was initiated in conjunction with the restoration of three power generating plants in Idaho Falls, Idaho, following damage caused by the Teton Dam failure on June 5, 1976. There were many parties interested in this project, including the state and environmental groups, with different concerns. This report was prepared by the developer and describes the design alternatives the applicant provided in an attempt to secure the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license. Also included are correspondence between the related parties concerning the project, major design alternatives/project plan diagrams, the license, and energy and project economics.
Energy shifts of Rydberg atoms due to patch fields near metal surfaces
2010-08-10
The statistical properties of patch electric fields outside a polycrystalline metal surface are calculated. The RMS field due to patches falls off like 1/z^2, when z>>w, where z is the distance to the surface, and w is the characteristic length scale of the patches. For typical thermally evaporated gold surfaces this field is comparable to the image field of an elementary charge, and scales the same way with distance to the surface. Expressions for calculating the statistics of the inhomogeneous broadening on Rydberg atoms are presented. Spatial variations in the patch fields over the Rydberg orbit are found to be insignificant.
2004-01-01
Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of group resistance and agility-training programs in reducing fall risk in community-dwelling older women with low bone mass. Design: A randomized, controlled, single-blind 25-week prospective study with assessments at baseline, midpoint, and trial completion. Setting: Community center. Participants: Community-dwelling women aged 75 to 85 with low bone mass. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: resistance training (n=32), agility training (n=34), and stretching (sham) exercises (n=32). The exercise classes for each study arm were held twice weekly. Measurements: The primary outcome measure was fall risk (derived from weighted scores from tests of postural sway, reaction time, strength, proprioception, and vision), as measured using a Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA). Secondary outcome measures were ankle dorsiflexion strength, foot reaction time, and Community Balance and Mobility Scale score. Results: Attendance at the exercise sessions for all three groups was excellent: resistance training (85.4%), agility training (87.3%), and stretching program (78.8%). At the end of the trial, PPA fall-risk scores were reduced by 57.3% and 47.5% in the resistance and agility-training groups, respectively, but by only 20.2% in the stretching group. In the resistance and agility groups, the reduction in fall risk was mediated primarily by improved postural stability, where sway was reduced by 30.6% and 29.2%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups for the secondary outcomes measures. Within the resistance-training group, reductions in sway were significantly associated with improved strength, as assessed using increased squat load used in the exercise sessions. Conclusion: These findings support the implementation of community-based resistance and agility-training programs to reduce fall risk in older women with low bone mass. Such programs may have particular public health benefits because it has been shown that this group is at increased risk of falling and sustaining fall-related fractures. Publisher: Blackwell Coverage: 2004-05-01T00:00:00Z
Wavelength Scaling of High Harmonic Generation Efficiency
2009-01-01
Using longer wavelength laser drivers for high harmonic generation is desirable because the highest extreme ultraviolet frequency scales as the square of the wavelength. Recent numerical studies predict that high harmonic efficiency falls dramatically with increasing wavelength, with a very unfavorable lambda-(5-6) scaling. We performed an experimental study of the high harmonic yield over a wavelength range of 800-1850 nm. A thin gas jet was employed to minimize phase matching effects, and the laser intensity and focal spot size were kept constant as the wavelength was changed. Ion yield was simultaneously measured so that the total number of emitting atoms was known. We found that the scaling at constant laser intensity is lambda-6.3+-1.1 in Xe and lambda-6.5+-1.1 in ...
Shallow flows in the atmosphere and oceans: Geophysical and engineering applications
2010-01-01
There are many naturally occurring flows in the atmosphere and oceans with large horizontal scales compared to the vertical scale (i.e. shallow water flows), some examples being large scale synoptic and meso-scale flows, regions of stratified turbulence (e.g. thermocline and stable atmospheric boundary layers) and flows over sloping surfaces. Engineered flows in stably stratified regions of the atmosphere and oceans also fall into the category of shallow flows, which include wakes of underwater vehicles and structures, jets and plumes from waste outfalls and releases, and plume-stack releases in the atmosphere. This paper first outlines some cases of stratification induced natural shallow flows, paying particular attention to stratified turbulence, boundary layer flows over sloping terrain...
How does abundance scale with body size in coupled size-structured food webs?
2009-01-01
Summary Widely observed macro-ecological patterns in log abundance vs. log body mass of organisms can be explained by simple scaling theory based on food (energy) availability across a spectrum of body sizes. The theory predicts that when food availability falls with body size (as in most aquatic food webs where larger predators eat smaller prey), the scaling between log N vs. log m is steeper than when organisms of different sizes compete for a shared unstructured resource (e.g. autotrophs, herbivores and detritivores; hereafter dubbed `detritivores'). In real communities, the mix of feeding characteristics gives rise to complex food webs. Such complexities make empirical tests of scaling predictions prone to error if: (i) the data are not disaggregated in accordance with the assumptions ...
Studies on Scintigraphy, Sonography and CT of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
1988-01-01
Regarding Imaging Diagnosis (Scintigraphy, Sonography and CT) of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, numerous papers have reported on the diagnostic values of the three imaging methods, but there have been few studies to compare these diagnostic values. Many studies emphasize that sonography and scintigraphy are complementary. Technologic improvement in gray scale sonography reported high accuracy in diagnosis. Concerning the efficacy of CT studies they have shown still conflicting results
2010-01-01
Objective: We assessed efficacy and tolerability of the injectable atypical antipsychotic paliperidone palmitate in delaying time-to-relapse in adults with schizophrenia. Methods: Eligible patients (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS] total score
In situ nitrification in controlled landfills
1995-11-01
This research focused on the potential for in situ nitrification in controlled and modified bioreactor landfills using leachate recirculation. A laboratory scale simulated landfill column was constructed and operated for 366 days to demonstrate the feasibility of conversion of leachate ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 150--200 mg/L to nitrate. Sufficient carbon and nutrients were made available to the nitrifiers by leachate recirculation. Therefore, the efficacy of in situ nitrification in controlled landfills bioreactors was confirmed.
2010-02-01
Vaginally applied microbicides hold promise as a strategy to prevent sexual HIV transmission. Several nonspecific microbicides, including the polyanion cellulose sulfate, have been evaluated in large-scale...Full Text Available
A data-fitting procedure for chaotic time series
1998-10-01
In this paper the authors introduce data characterizations for fitting chaotic data to linear combinations of one-dimensional maps (say, of the unit interval) for use in subgrid-scale turbulence models. They test the efficacy of these characterizations on data generated by a chaotically-forced Burgers` equation and demonstrate very satisfactory results in terms of modeled time series, power spectra and delay maps.
Scales and hierarchies in warped compactifications and brane worlds
Warped compactifications with branes provide a new approach to the hierarchy problem and generate a diversity of four-dimensional thresholds. We investigate the relationships between these scales, which fall into two classes. Geometrical scales, such as thresholds for Kaluza-Klein, excited string, and black hole production, are generically determined soley by the spacetime geometry. Dynamical scales, notably the scale of supersymmetry breaking and moduli masses, depend on other details of the model. We illustrate these relationships in a class of solutions of type IIB string theory with imaginary self-dual fluxes. After identifying the geometrical scales and the resulting hierarchy, we determine the gravitino and moduli masses through explicit dimensional reduction, and estimate their value to be near the four-dimensional Planck scale. In the process we obtain expressions for the superpotential and Kahler potential, including the effects of warping. We identify matter living on certain branes to be effectively sequestered from the supersymmetry breaking fluxes: specifically, such "visible sector" fields receive no tree-level masses from the supersymmetry breaking. However, loop corrections are expected to generate masses, at the phenomenologically viable TeV scale.
Opioid-taking self-efficacy amongst Taiwanese outpatients with cancer
2008-01-01
Goals The purpose of this study was to describe the level of opioid-taking self-efficacy amongst Taiwanese outpatients with cancer pain, and to examine the associations between various demographic and medical characteristics and opioid-taking self-efficacy. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study. Ninety-two outpatients who had taken prescribed opioid analgesics for cancer related pain in the past 1week completed the Opioid-Taking Self-Efficacy Scale-CA (OTSES-CA). Details of the medical characteristics were obtained from the patients’ medical record. Main results Results show patients in this study were moderately confident of being able to perform many of the key tasks associated with effective opioid-taking. However, for many key behaviours relating to tailoring medication regimens, acquiring help and managing treatment-related concerns, only around one third to slightly more than two fifths reported high confidence. Individuals with lower levels of education and who were experiencing more side effects from opioids reported lower confidence in taking their analgesics. Conclusions The results of this study suggest it is important to understand how patients perceive their ability to perform key tasks associated with effective opioid-taking, to effectively tailor educational and supportive interventions. Patients with lower levels of education and with side effects of opioids may be at risk of lower self-efficacy, requiring particular attention. Publisher: Springer Relation: DOI:10.1007/s00520-008-0451-z; Liang, Shu-Yuan and Yates, Patsy and Edwards, Helen E. and Tsay, Shiow-Luan (2008) Opioid-taking self-efficacy amongst Taiwanese outpatients with cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer.
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