The effect of length of participation in a parent support group on reported stress levels of parents of children with autism or other developmental disorders

This study examined the effects of a support group for parents of autistic children on the parents\u27 reported stress levels

Utilizing simulation to evaluate production line performance under varying demand conditions

Determining how a new production cell will function is problematic and can lead to disastrous results if done incorrectly. Discrete-event simulation can provide information on how a line will function before, during, and after the line is in operation. A simulation model can also provide a visual animation of the line to see how product will flow through the line. This paper discusses the development and analysis of a simulation model of a new manufacturing line. The manufacturing cell is a new motor assembly cell. An analysis of the capability of the line for varying demand levels was conducted for the two main motor types produced on the line. An ARENA® simulation model was developed, verified, and validated to determine the daily production and potential problem areas for the various demand levels. The results show that at all but one demand level, the line is capable of producing to within one unit of customer demand if the required number of workers is present. At the highest demand level, the simulation results suggest that the line is not capable of meeting demand. Additional analysis indicates that multiple workstations could prove problematic with minor fluctuations in demand. Problematic workstations were identified for each assembly area and for the line as a whole

Using Community Based Participatory Action Research as Service-learning for Tribal College Students

This work reports the methodological approach used in a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) project that incorporated Northern Plains tribal college students from four different communities as data gatherers and co-researchers in their communities. We report preliminary findings of perceptions of service learning among the participating tribal college students based on reflective interviews

Surveillance and Reporting of Zoonotic Diseases: Perception of Partnership and Communication Between and Among State Animal Health Officials and State Public Health Veterinarians

The transmission of zoonotic diseases from wild and domestic animals to human beings is considered a global public health threat. Developing guidelines to establish communication between and among animal health and health public agencies is paramount. Constant monitoring of the exchange of information and the reporting of zoonotic disease episodes constitute effective surveillance techniques. However, past research has indicated that communication and reporting methods vary widely among U.S. states, with some states having minimal or no collaboration between and among animal health professionals and public health agencies. Therefore, guided by a social network theory, the current research examined whether communication structures and the assignment of roles and responsibilities between and among agencies had improved since a prior survey was conducted in 2005. Survey research was used to gather data from 41 state animal health officials and state public health veterinarians. Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact Test analyses identified a significant increase in frequency of meetings and satisfaction in communications since 2005. In addition, roles and responsibilities of the agencies as well as the agencies themselves were determined to have become more clearly defined. Based upon the analyses, the findings indicate that the perception of partnership and communication between and among animal and public health agencies has improved since 2005 with regard to zoonotic disease surveillance and reporting. This study reviewed these findings and placed them in the context of enhancing social change initiatives through improved communication, surveillance, and reporting between and among animal health officials. Finally, limitations of the study are discussed, and recommendations for action and future research are offered

Mandatory large-scale food fortification programmes can reduce the estimated prevalence of inadequate zinc intake by up to 50% globally.

Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) can increase dietary micronutrient intake and improve micronutrient status. Here we used food balance sheet data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to estimate current country-specific prevalences of inadequate zinc intake. We assessed the potential effects of improving existing LSFF programmes for cereal grains or implementing new programmes in 40 countries where zinc deficiency is a potential public health problem. Accounting for LSFF programmes as currently implemented, 15% of the global population (1.13 billion individuals) is estimated to have inadequate zinc intake. In countries where zinc deficiency is a potential public health problem, the implementation of high-quality mandatory LSFF programmes that include zinc as a fortificant would substantially increase the availability of zinc in the national food supply, reducing the estimated prevalence of inadequate zinc intake by up to 50% globally. Investments in strong LSFF programmes could have a substantial impact on population zinc status

A linear domain decomposition method for two-phase flow in porous media

This article is a follow up of our submitted paper [11] in which a decomposition of the Richards equation along two soil layers was discussed. A decomposed problem was formulated and a decoupling and linearisation technique was presented to solve the problem in each time step in a fixed point type iteration. This article extends these ideas to the case of two-phase in porous media and the convergence of the proposed domain decomposition method is rigorously shown.Comment: 8 page

ICD-9 Codes and Surveillance for Clostridium difficile–associated Disease

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare Clostridium difficile–associated disease rates determined by C. difficile–toxin assays and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes. The correlation between toxin assay results and ICD-9 codes was good (κ = 0.72, p<0.01). The sensitivity of the ICD-9 codes was 78% and the specificity was 99.7%

Effects of Corn Bran and Degradable Protein Source on Microbial Protein Estimated From Spot Urine Samples in Heifers

A metabolism trial was conducted in finishing heifers to determine if allantoin in spot urine samples could be a predictor of microbial CP (MCP) supply. When corn bran replaced high moisture corn, ruminal pH was higher and microbial efficiency and flow were greater. Estimated microbial efficiency and flow were not different for SBM compared to urea as a source of degradable protein. Daily variation in intake was reflected in MCP estimates. Within day variation for MCP estimates was consistent and small. Estimates of MCP from allantoin in spot urine samples followed NRC estimates. Results demonstrate that allantoin is an effective predictor of MCP flow

Effects of Corn Bran and Degradable Protein Source on Microbial Protein Estimated From Spot Urine Samples in Heifers

A metabolism trial was conducted in finishing heifers to determine if allantoin in spot urine samples could be a predictor of microbial CP (MCP) supply. When corn bran replaced high moisture corn, ruminal pH was higher and microbial efficiency and flow were greater. Estimated microbial efficiency and flow were not different for SBM compared to urea as a source of degradable protein. Daily variation in intake was reflected in MCP estimates. Within day variation for MCP estimates was consistent and small. Estimates of MCP from allantoin in spot urine samples followed NRC estimates. Results demonstrate that allantoin is an effective predictor of MCP flow