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PubMed1992

Comparison of role conception and role deprivation in LPN-transition students and traditional ADN students in a specially designed associate program.

This study compared differences in role orientation and role deprivation between 41 LPN-transition students and 123 basic traditional associate degree nursing (ADN) students upon entry and exit to a specially designed ADN program. The Corwin Role Conception Scale was used to assess role conception and deprivation. Statistically significant differences were noted upon entry between LPN-transition students and traditional ADN students in professional and service role conceptions and in role deprivation, upon exit in professional role conception and role deprivation between LPN-transition and traditional ADN students, and in professional role conception within the LPN-transition students. No differences were found within traditional ADN students from entry to exit of the program.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

DESIGN: computerized optimization of experimental design for estimating Kd and Bmax in ligand binding experiments. II. Simultaneous analysis of homologous and heterologous competition curves and analysis blocking and of "multiligand" dose-response surfaces.

We have developed a computer program, DESIGN, for optimization of ligand binding experiments to minimize the "average" uncertainty in all unknown parameters. An earlier report [G. E. Rovati, D. Rodbard, and P. J. Munson (1988) Anal. Biochem. 174, 636-649] described the application of this program to experiments involving a single homologous or heterologous dose-response curve. We now present several advanced features of the program DESIGN, including simultaneous optimization of two or more binding competition curves optimization of a "multiligand" experiment. Multiligand designs are those which use combinations of two (or more) ligands in each reaction tube. Such designs are an important and natural extension of the popular method of "blocking experiments" where an additional ligand is used to suppress one or more classes of sites. Extending the idea of a dose-response curve, the most general multiligand design would result in a "dose-response surface". One can now optimize the design not only for a single binding curve, but also for families of curves and for binding surfaces. The examples presented in this report further demonstrate the power and utility of the program DESIGN and the nature of D-optimal designs in the context of more complex binding experiments. We illustrate D-optimal designs involving one radioligand and two unlabeled ligands; we consider one example of homogeneous and several examples of heterogeneous binding sites. Further, to demonstrate the virtues of the dose-response surface experiment, we have compared the optimal surface design to the equivalent design restricted to traditional dose-response curves. The use of DESIGN in conjunction with multiligand experiments can improve the efficiency of estimation of the binding parameters, potentially resulting in reduction of the number of observations needed to obtain a desired degree of precision in representative cases.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed1991

A Macintosh computer program for designing DNA sequences that code for specific peptides and proteins.

A computer program (PINCERS) is described for use in the design of synthetic genes and mixed-probe DNA sequences. A protein sequence is reverse translated with generation of synonymous codons at each position producing a degenerate sequence. In order to locate potential restriction enzyme sites, the degenerate sequence is searched with a library of restriction enzymes for sites that utilize any combination of synonymous codons. These sites are indicated in a map so that they may be incorporated into the synthetic gene sequence. The program allows the user to select the appropriate codon usage table for the organism of interest and then to set a threshold usage frequency below which codons are not generated. PINCERS may also be used to assist in planning the synthesis of mixed-probe DNA sequences for cross-hybridization experiments. It can identify regions of specified length with the protein sequence that have the least overall degeneracy, thereby minimizing the number of probes to be synthesized and, therefore, maximizing the concentration of a given probe sequence.

DNA↗

PubMed1991

Factors affecting participation in external degree completion programs.

Although many dental hygienists have considered pursuing a baccalaureate degree, many barriers intervene to prevent accomplishment of this goal. The external degree is one option that could be available to overcome some of the barriers to accessibility. An external program is one that makes education accessible to students in nontraditional ways. A characteristic of these programs is that students can usually pursue academic credit toward a degree without being physically present on the degree-granting campus for the majority of the program. This paper reports the results of a 1988 survey of certificate and associate degree dental hygienists' interest in an external baccalaureate degree completion program. A questionnaire was mailed to 213 certificate and associate degree dental hygienists in Tennessee who had expressed an interest in degree completion. Two hundred six questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 96.7%. In order to determine the potential success of such programs, the following factors were explored: the motivations or reasons for participating; program design factors that might encourage or deter participation; degree of employer support; and individual characteristics relevant to participation, such as personal commitment and demographic information. Geographic location, flexibility in scheduling, and accessibility to course work were the program design factors most important to the likely participants. Likely participants indicated that they wanted to return to complete their baccalaureate degrees for personal satisfaction, for the status of the degree, and to increase their knowledge and skill in dental hygiene. They indicated that they did not want to change the focus of their careers. The area of study rated as most important was advanced clinical dental hygiene. The likely participants were found to resemble other nontraditional students. They averaged 34 years of age, were married with children living at home, and were able to study on a part-time basis only. The analysis of the data obtained from the questionnaire led to the conclusion that external program design factors would be essential for most certificate and associate degree dental hygienists to participate in a baccalaureate degree completion program.

Adult↗

PubMed1986

ICWU cancer control education and evaluation program: research design and needs assessment.

The International Chemical Workers Union is implementing a 3-year nationwide field experiment in cancer prevention education. The educational program includes three stages: generalized cancer control education, education tailored to each local union, and an interactive monitoring system designed to provide ongoing communication and reinforcement for desired cancer control behaviors among local unions and their members. These alternative educational approaches will be systematically evaluated using a randomized factorial study design involving more than 120 local unions. The need for such a program is demonstrated by the results of a needs assessment survey of 690 union members. Respondents expressed strong concern regarding possible carcinogen exposures at the work site, combined with generally low ratings of co-worker knowledge of and adherence to appropriate cancer control behaviors. Engineering controls and personal protective equipment were reported to be inadequate in many work sites.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed1992

The role of designated driver programs in the prevention of alcohol-impaired driving: a critical reassessment.

We review the "designated driver" concept and the current debate over its role in preventing alcohol-impaired driving. In our view, the focus on this strategy by broadcasters, the alcohol industry, and various public service groups has deflected attention from other alcohol-related problems that account for the vast majority of deaths and injuries associated with alcohol use. This focus has also distracted many public health advocates and policymakers from the bigger and more important jobs of increasing public awareness of the social, environmental, and economic factors that influence alcohol consumption and promoting debate on legislation and other public policy solutions to alcohol-impaired driving. As part of a comprehensive strategy, we strongly encourage a renewed focus on "sobriety checkpoints," strict enforcement of laws against alcohol sales to minors, alcohol advertising reform, increased excise taxes, and other public policy initiatives supported by the Surgeon General. These measures will curb underage and heavy alcohol consumption and will create a legal and social environment in which individuals are motivated to avoid impaired driving through several alternative strategies, including but not limited to the use of designated drivers.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed1976

A model for the improvement of medical faculty lecturing.

The development of a program designed to improve the teaching effectiveness of faculty members of a new Introductory Psychopathology course at the University of Washington School of Medicine is described. Two consultants from the Office of Research in Medical Education worked closely with the faculty in designing the evaluation program during the preparation of the course. The literature on lecture effectiveness is reviewed, as are existing instructional evaluation instruments. The integration of this information and the needs of the involved faculty produced a lecture observation schedule designed to facilitate the observation of a lecture and the immediate feedback which followed each of the 15 lectures evaluated. The process of using this instrument to assist the faculty in self-improvement is discussed. While the specific evaluation method described may not be appropriate for all situations, it may serve as a model for the development of similar programs in other settings.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

PubMed1988

Regen: program for designing gene assembly.

One of the main problems in constructing synthetic genes is the incorrect hybridisation between the oligonucleotides. The problem is resolved if the sequence uniquely defines the position of the oligonucleotide in the assembled gene. This can be accomplished through the wise partition of dsDNA sequence in the fragments. We describe a program for use in designing such gene assembly. For a given DNA sequence and the approximate location of oligonucleotide boundary it generates all sets of protruding ends that share the smallest homology.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1991

Occupational therapy in the Department of Veterans Affairs: focus on health care of the elderly veteran.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) operates the largest integrated health care system in the world (VA, 1989), with designated departments and programs designed to meet the long-term care needs of the aging veteran. Occupational therapy is an important intervention to maximize the quality of life of older persons. Because of the increasing number of aging veterans and the national shortage of occupational therapists, the VA has been devising programs to recruit and retain occupational therapists in VA medical centers. The combination of long-term care programs and the VA's commitment to ongoing research, education, and occupational therapy services points to a promising outlook for care of our aging veterans.

Aged↗

PubMed1986

DIGICALC: a restriction fragment analysis program.

DIGICALC is a program designed to aid in the acquisition, storage, and analysis of nucleic acid restriction fragment data. The chief considerations during program design were (i) ease of use for people with varying degrees of computer experience, (ii) minimal hardware requirements (e.g. an IBM PC), (iii) portability and ease of modification, and (iv) improved functionality in sizing and comparing restriction fragments over manual methods. The program accepts manual or digitizer input of nucleic acid fragment mobility, calculates the fragments' sizes, and provides the means to search the fragment database and to produce charts of fragment sizes.

Base Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Low back pain: risk evaluation and preplacement screening.

As screening tests in a currently asymptomatic population, all of the available methods for predicting low back pain and disability have serious technical, ethical and legal limitations. From a technical point of view, none of the predictive tests appear to have sufficient sensitivity or specificity to justify routine usage. The most sensitive indicator (a past history of low back pain) lacks reliability and specificity. Muscle strength-testing may be predictive of future musculoskeletal injury as part of a well-designed program that considers specific job demands in relation to specific worker capabilities. Unfortunately, the conditions necessary for a well designed program--a large number of predictable high-risk jobs that have measurable specific demands that can be reproduced reliably in a testing situation--are rarely met. In the future, the use of computer-assisted multivariate models analogous to those used in the prediction of cardiovascular risk may be capable of integrating information about an individual's medical history, physical exam, physical capacity and other tests with specific job requirements to give us a more accurate prediction of the future risk of back pain and disability. If such predictive models are ever developed and verified, it would then be appropriate to examine various interventions and their effectiveness in modifying risks for the population and the individual worker. From a legal point of view, all of the techniques described hold potential for significant discrimination against legally protected groups. Making employment decisions with regard to a past history of low back pain or on the basis of an x-ray will lead to systematic age discrimination and discrimination against the handicapped. The use of muscle strength-testing will systematically discriminate against women and certain ethnic groups. The ethical implications of predictive screening for low back pain clearly depends on what is done with the information that is garnered from such tests. If the information is used only to make a safe job placement for an individual, and this placement does not affect the individual's salary or future job possibilities, then the testing program may have a net social value to the extent that it leads to true prevention of low back pain and disability. If the tests are used merely to reduce employer liability by refusing employment to those who are thought to be at "high risk," the technical, legal and ethical limitations will far outweigh any perceived benefits.

Back Pain↗

PubMed1990

Comparing nutrition programs conducted by public health and Cooperative Extension personnel.

We surveyed 218 county extension agents, 75 state extension specialists, 163 public health nutritionists, and 87 public health administrators in 16 states to compare the nutrition program characteristics of extension personnel with public health personnel. Public health personnel were most strongly influenced by funding regulations--more than 80% of public health nutritionists cited infant/preschool nutrition and nutrition for pregnant/lactating women as program topics. About half of the extension agents listed food preservation and preparation as the dominant topics provided. Public health personnel most frequently designed programs for pregnant and lactating women and low-income clientele; 91% of the nutritionists ranked one-to-one counseling as one of their three most important delivery methods. Extension personnel designed programs more often for homemakers/adults and youth and ranked a combination of group and media delivery methods as most important. Public health personnel use anthropometric measures and food intake records to evaluate their programs; extension personnel use written questionnaires and program records. More than 50% of the nutritionists ranked improving the health of their clients as one of the three most important impacts of their programs; more than 50% of the extension agents ranked increasing knowledge and improving skills as their most important impacts.

Dietary Services↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Culture and the management of family planning programs.

Integrating family planning programs with local cultures can increase or undermine their effectiveness. Program design and organization will be influenced by kinship and reproductive decision-making, which varies across regions, racial and communal divisions, and religions. Program implementation depends on four aspects of culture: (1) the understanding, acceptance, and continued practice of family planning by clients; (2) the climate in the organizations responsible for fieldwork, which affects the disposition to work and the tasks to be done; (3) the ability and willingness of field implementers to do their work; and (4) the communities in which clients live, including collective attitudes toward family planning and local pressures put on clients to participate. The Indonesian family planning program is a case in which these elements of culture are often positive. Other programs, such as that in Kenya, have a more negative environment for action.

Cross-Cultural Comparison↗

PubMed1985

Educational and exercise programs for asthmatic children.

We designed programs to teach appropriate exercises to asthmatic children and to educate their parents about their special needs. Each of 11 programs over a six-year period included a weekly two-hour session for four weeks. Lectures for parents dealt with the etiology and precipitating events of asthma, environmental control and drug therapy, family interaction with a psychiatrist, and hyposensitization therapy and food allergy. The 59 children, aged 4 to 13, played group games, learned breathing exercises, and were assisted by their parents in postural drainage. School absences decreased in 59%, emergency room visits decreased in 70%, medication usage decreased in 54%, and the number of attacks decreased in 70%. Greater understanding of asthma by both parents and children improved the quality of life and lessened the severity of the disease.

Asthma↗

PubMed1989

Project SMART parent program: preliminary results of a chronic disease risk reduction trail.

Project SMART Parent Program is a school-based healthy lifestyle promotion program designed to reduce chronic disease risk in adults and to provide a health-conscious home environment for children through the adoption of healthy lifestyle by their parents. Parents in the high involvement condition received comprehensive health status appraisals, and a program designed to reduce dietary fat intake, and increase aerobic activity levels. Parents in the low involvement condition received only the comprehensive health status appraisals. ANCOVA, using treatment condition as the independent variable and change scores as the dependent variables, were used to assess program outcomes. At the first posttest measure, the intervention group compared to the control group had a significantly greater decrease in blood cholesterol, a greater gain in aerobic fitness, a greater weight loss, and a greater decrease in body fat. At the second posttest measure, the intervention group had significantly greater gain in aerobic fitness, a greater decrease in body fat, a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure, and a marginally significant decrease in weight. Preliminary results provide strong support for the effectiveness of the Parent Program in reducing chronic disease risks.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Intuitive user interfaces (IUI): a CASE starting point for design and programming.

The acceptance of a software product depends to a considerable extent on the user interface. The class of graphic-oriented user interfaces that are called Intuitive User Interfaces (IUI) is described. These interfaces allow the user to learn to operate software programs quickly. In the following the graphical layout put to use in an IUI is elaborated. All images the layout consists of are created with the aid of a paint program. Using these images, a procedure for creating, programming and linking an IUI to software applications is discussed and recommendations are made concerning software and hardware demands for easily creating IUIs. Practical experience of the authors with this procedure, mainly in the medical area, is described.

Computer Graphics↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Modification of fresh-frozen plasma transfusion practices through educational intervention.

The effect of an educational program designed to address misconceptions about the perioperative transfusion of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) was examined. Results of a baseline audit of FFP use were compared to those of a study subsequent to the educational process. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the decrease in the number of patients transfused with FFP, from 32 of 2077 operative cases in Group A (baseline) to 18 of 2540 operative cases in Group B (after education), was significant (p less than 0.01). Analysis of the justifications given for transfusion of FFP revealed that the increase in acceptable indications from 47 percent in Group A to 78 percent in Group B was also significant (p less than 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in units of FFP transfused per patient (Group A, 3.66 +/- 3.2, vs. Group B, 2.47 +/- 1.7) or red cells (Group A, 2.84 +/- 5.2, vs. Group B, 5.22 +/- 4.4), and the patterns of platelet transfusion were similar in the two groups. There was a significant difference in the postoperative partial thromboplastin time (Group A, 38.2 +/- 8.7 vs. Group B, 56.3 +/- 24 seconds, p less than 0.01) but no significant difference in postoperative prothrombin time (Group A, 14.1 +/- 2.6 vs. Group B, 15.4 +/- 3.3 seconds). It can be concluded that an educational program designed to address misconceptions in transfusion practice can alter physician performance and thereby reduce the inappropriate use of FFP.

Blood Transfusion↗

PubMed1986

Institutional storage and disposal of radioactive materials.

Storage and disposal of radioactive materials from nuclear medicine operations must be considered in the overall program design. The storage of materials from daily operation, materials in transit, and long-term storage represent sources of exposure. The design of storage facilities must include consideration of available space, choice of material, occupancy of surrounding areas, and amount of radioactivity anticipated. Neglect of any of these factors will lead to exposure problems. The ultimate product of any manipulation of radioactive material will be some form of radioactive waste. This waste may be discharged into the environment or placed within a storage area for packaging and transfer to a broker for ultimate disposal. Personnel must be keenly aware of packaging regulations of the burial site as well as applicable federal and local codes. Fire codes should be reviewed if there is to be storage of flammable materials in any area. Radiation protection personnel should be aware of community attitudes when considering the design of the waste program.

Drug Storage↗