Verbal estimation of peak dynamic hand forces in experienced and novice manual material handlers

This study examined participants\u27 verbally estimated peak dynamic hand forces compared to actual hand forces during various pushing and pulling tasks. Effects of manual material handling (MMH) experience and feedback training on hand force self-reporting were studied. Verbally estimated hand forces were similar across all four groups, despite different amounts of feedback training received and MMH experience. Participants were more accurate verbally estimating pushes than pulls for two-handed tasks, and at low force level for one and two-handed tasks (mean errors =10.2 % MVC and 9.4 % MVC). Verbal estimation differences existed between high and medium forces for two-handed tasks, and medium and low forces for one and two-handed tasks. No differences were found between genders. Values generated by prediction equations demonstrated a strong relationship between actual and verbally estimated hand forces indicated by high R2. Results indicate that a similar methodology could be performed in workplaces to attain force magnitudes

Storytellers: Stories Within Songs

Stories are an important aspect of all cultures, v^^ether modem or ancient. History is passed on through stories, and lessons are learned. Some allow us to explore new dimensions beyond the scope of our own experiences, while others emphasize aspects of our life. Stories can take on a non-traditional format, such as the lyrics of songs. Few genres of music have been able to tell stories as genuine and sincere as those of classical country musicians. This genre of music is important because many of its artists tell stories that parallel the life and history of my family. On a personal level, I felt that it was important that the stories as well as the artist be acknowledged

Independent Practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in the Rural Setting

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are competent in delivering cost-effective, quality anesthesia care. Therefore, rural communities rely on CRNAs to provide anesthesia care in their facilities. With the shortage of CRNAs and anesthesiologists recruiting anesthesia providers to the rural communities has become a major issue. Without anesthesia services many rural facilities are unable to provide their community members with procedures that require anesthesia monitoring. Rural communities, unlike urban, are unable to recruit CRNAs using financial incentives. This project will provide CRNAs information needed to practice independently in the rural setting. The sole anesthesia providers in many rural medical facilities are CRNAs; however, due to the shortage of CRNAs many rural facilities are experiencing difficulties recruiting. Rural facilities lack the monetary advantages of an urban community and therefore, are unable to recruit CRNAs using monetary incentives. Self-employment offers many advantages over employed practice and could help recruit CRNAs back to the rural setting. This project will provide the CRNA with a guideline to follow in order to develop an independent practice. This project will include, (a) discussions with current CRNAs who are independent practioners, (b) what a business plan is, what the purpose of one is, and how to develop one; (c) where to get financing, (d) how to find business, (e) what type of contract is needed, (f) how to develop a contract, (g) what type of insurance is needed and where to get that insurance, and (h) how to bill for services administered. In order to develop a guideline for CRNAs, a majority of this project will be personal contacts. The author will contact at least two CRNAs that have successful independent practices. Information obtained from these individuals will give insight to the reader of how they started their practice, how they were able to finance it, and the advantages/disadvantages of this type of practice. The author will also contact the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Small Business Center at the University of North Dakota. Information will be gained regarding, what states allow CRNAs to practice independently, rules/regulations that may apply to an independent CRNA practice, billing, financing, office space and contracting. The author may also contact a lawyer that specializes in this area to gain additional information. Independent practice for CRNAs is new to the nurse anesthesia practice. Many adult learners prefer to have written instructions to follow as they encounter a new area. CRNAs are adults and therefore the author will provide them with this guideline for developing their own practice. The area that is in need for a CRNA independent practice is the rural community. This guideline will help recruit CRNAs to the rural community

'Old Mafia' and 'New Mafia' in the Novels of Saverio Strati, 1957–1977

Despite being recognised as Italy’s most powerful mafia, Calabria’s ’ndrangheta has long been dwarfed by its Sicilian and Neapolitan cousins in terms of cultural representations. Such representations, however, though frequently overlooked and ignored outside of their native region, have played a definite role in shaping wider perceptions of the ’ndrangheta. This article examines three novels by Saverio Strati (1924–2014), one of Calabria’s few celebrated authors, published between 1957 and 1977. These realist novels contain rich and detailed depictions of the ’ndrangheta, and encompass a significant phase of change and development within the organization. My reading of the novels considers the nature and pace of this change, with reference to historical debates concerning the “old” and “new” mafia, particularly Pino Arlacchi’s traditional/entrepreneurial dichotomy. I further explore Strati’s portrayal of the ’ndrangheta’s relationship with traditional Calabria, considering the consensus enjoyed by the mafia within its host communities, and argue that this presents a departure from the work of Corrado Alvaro (1895–1956). Finally, I explore the ways in which Strati’s novels have been used and interpreted by ’ndrangheta scholarship and literary criticism. I argue that while contemporary literary critics appear keen to downplay the presence of the ’ndrangheta in the texts, historians and sociologists have frequently cited them as eyewitness historical accounts of the organization, blurring the line between fact and fiction

THE HYPER-DISCIPLINING OF BLACK STUDENTS IN ONE SOUTHEASTERN STATE

There is ample evidence in prior research to substantiate the hyper-disciplining of Black students nationwide. Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, select factors influencing the disproportionate discipline outcomes for Black students were examined. Recent studies point to school-level factors, such as principal or administrator perspectives about discipline. Principal perspectives were analyzed with a quantitative survey sample of principals (N = 57) and four semistructured interviews from one southeastern state. A mixed methods convergent analysis confirmed administrator beliefs, attitudes, and values may influence their responses to behavior. An 8-month professional learning course was developed to facilitate administrators reflecting on their identity and beliefs as well as data, policies, and student voice. Within the course, principals will dialogue with other administrators and consider 10 promising practices from research to inform action steps. The professional learning intervention is designed to build administrators’ social justice leadership capacity and can be measured using one group pre- and posttest evaluation. The next steps include piloting the professional learning intervention on a small scale before offering it nationwide. A reflection from the author completes this dossier

MutY-Homolog (MYH) inhibition reduces pancreatic cancer cell growth and increases chemosensitivity

Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PC) have a poor prognosis due to metastases and chemoresistance. PC is characterized by extensive fibrosis, which creates a hypoxic microenvironment, and leads to increased chemoresistance and intracellular oxidative stress. Thus, proteins that protect against oxidative stress are potential therapeutic targets for PC. A key protein that maintains genomic integrity against oxidative damage is MutY-Homolog (MYH). No prior studies have investigated the function of MYH in PC cells. Using siRNA, we showed that knockdown of MYH in PC cells 1) reduced PC cell proliferation and increased apoptosis; 2) further decreased PC cell growth in the presence of oxidative stress and chemotherapy agents (gemcitabine, paclitaxel and vincristine); 3) reduced PC cell metastatic potential; and 4) decreased PC tumor growth in a subcutaneous mouse model in vivo. The results from this study suggest MYH may be a novel therapeutic target for PC that could potentially improve patient outcome by reducing PC cell survival, increasing the efficacy of existing drugs and reducing metastatic spread

The Effect of Parental Monitoring on Diabetes Management in Adolescents: A Systematic Review of the Literature

poster abstractObjective: Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes require parental guidance when it comes to the management of their glycemic control. Little is known regarding how parental monitoring affects adolescents’ diabetes control. A systematic review of the literature was performed to gain more insight into how parental monitoring influences glycemic control in adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes. Methods: Databases used to identify articles included: CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Search terms used were teenagers, adolescents, young adults, Type 1 Diabetes, parental monitoring, diabetes management and glycemic control. Inclusion criteria included: peer-reviewed research articles published between 2000 and 2013; involved a sample of adolescents (ages 8-18); conducted in the United States; written in English; and identified parental monitoring as the main independent variable. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies were longitudinal and three were cross-sectional. Seven studies collected data from the adolescent and parent while the other two studies collected data only from the adolescent. Sample sizes ranged from n=81-376. The most common glycemic control outcome factors measured were: hemoglobin A1C scores, adherence and glucose monitoring. Findings showed that parental monitoring is positively associated with adolescents’ adherence to diabetes management. There was mixed evidence regarding the father’s role. One study showed the father’s parental monitoring had significant impact on the adolescent adherence and A1C scores; however, another study reported the opposite. Overall, adolescents’ perception of positive parental monitoring provided better adherence. Conclusion: From the nine studies reviewed, it seems that there is some evidence that parental monitoring is positively associated with beneficial outcomes in glycemic control. However, future research is needed and should examine long-term effects of parental monitoring. Additionally, greater attention is needed on diverse populations such as single parent homes, families from different ethnic backgrounds, families of differing socioeconomic statuses and adolescents without parental figures

Article Integrating PCR Theory and Bioinformatics into a Research-oriented Primer Design Exercise

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a conceptually difficult technique that embodies many fundamental biological processes. Traditionally, students have struggled to analyze PCR results due to an incomplete understanding of the biological concepts (theory) of DNA replication and strand complementarity. Here we describe the design of a novel research-oriented exercise that prepares students to design DNA primers for PCR. Our exercise design includes broad and specific learning goals and assessments of student performance and perceptions. We developed this interactive Primer Design Exercise using the principles of scientific teaching to enhance student understanding of the theory behind PCR and provide practice in designing PCR primers to amplify DNA. In the end, the students were more poised to troubleshoot problems that arose in real experiments using PCR. In addition, students had the opportunity to utilize several bioinformatics tools to gain an increased understanding of primer quality, directionality, and specificity. In the course of this study many misconceptions about DNA replication during PCR and the need for primer specificity were identified and addressed. Students were receptive to the new materials and the majority achieved the learning goals