Understanding the Uninsured: Tailoring Policy Solutions for Different Subpopulations

Segments the uninsured into subgroups by legal status, eligibility for public programs such as Medicaid, and income level, and presents various policy options for expanding coverage in each subgroup, including mandates and private market solutions

Variation between laboratory procedures for the microscopic examination of human hair

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston UniversityA critical overview of forensic science was performed by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in 2009 which resulted in several recommendations for the advancement of the hair analysis discipline within the field of trace evidence examination. Among them included improvements to training and proficiency testing requirements, adaptation of uniform protocols between all laboratories, and enhanced research and development efforts aimed at reducing the subjectivity between multiple analysts or within the same analyst. A survey was created for forensic hair analysts to determine what current microscopic hair examination procedures are being used and to identify variability between characteristics of individual examiners and laboratory practices in the field, three years following the NAS report. The survey was completed by 117 members of the American Society of Trace Evidence Examiners (ASTEE) and contained questions about the experience and training of the analyst, impact of the NAS report findings, type of hair examinations performed, and hair features referenced during microscopic hair comparisons. Most analysts surveyed received the same substantial amount of training and have several years of experience; however, very few reported that any laboratory procedures were affected as a result of the NAS report. Though hair analysis is not structured by mandated, uniform standard operating procedures, largely the same number and type of hair features are being referenced when microscopic hair comparisons are performed, indicating that little variability exists between laboratories or individual examiners. A trend toward more frequent root screenings for DNA viability and less frequent full microscopic hair comparisons was detected and supplemented by a shift of hair analysis from trace evidence sections to biology or DNA sections. Several technologies new to forensic hair analysis are currently being explored to supplement hair analyses with numerical data and, therefore, reduce subjectivity of forensic hair analysis

Restorative Justice in Post-Conflict Areas

This presentation sought to review the literature in regards to understanding international restorative justice efforts in conflict prone areas. After outlining a definition of restorative justice we explored its implementation in three different countries. First, we examined the historic precedence of indigenous sentencing courts in Australia. Second, we looked at current measures in Northern Ireland and their effectiveness. Third, we offered a predictive outline for the potential work in South Sudan. These case studies showed the past, present and future of restorative justice. With this knowledge we hoped that people would better understand the efficacy of restorative justice and recognize the role it played in conflict resolution

The Purpose of Capstone in an Entry-level Clinical Doctorate: A Scoping Review

This scoping review examined outcomes of capstones in relation to entry-level doctoral education programs within the health professions. Aims of the study included mapping existing evidence related to capstone across entry-level clinical doctorates; investigating the purpose of capstones within health professions education; and identifying future research initiatives. Researchers applied and reported via the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews systematic approach, and Best Evidence Medical Education global scale. The study indicated a gap in existing literature. Few health professions described requirements for capstones as part of an entry-level doctorate. Reviewed articles offered no consistent definition, intent, process, or outcome for capstones. The majority of publications documented Kirkpatrick Level 2a educational outcomes, modification of learner attitudes and perceptions. No publications documented Level 3, 4a, or 4b educational outcomes reporting student behavioral change, change in organizational practice, or direct improvement to the health and well-being of patients or clients. The researchers recommend additional evidence-based educational research to expand the body of evidence related to the capstone

Nursing program annual report process

In this paper the author wants to investigate streamlining and increasing the effectiveness of the nursing program annual report process at the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina

Little people learn numbers

The importance of early childhood education to the balance of a child\u27s academic career has been the subject of myriad articles and studies in recent decades. Numerous school districts are operating all-day kindergarten programs, pre-kindergarten programs, and preschool programs to ensure a proper beginning to a child\u27s challenging journey through the public school system. All subject areas have been scrutinized, but the area of number learning in young children has been particularly popular

Beginning Farmers: Will They Face Up to Safety and Health Hazards?

The study reported here assessed the farm safety and health training needs of beginning farmers in Pennsylvania to help educators develop training workshops and materials to meet those needs. Results of the online survey indicate that participants highly value farm safety, consider themselves to have mostly minimal to moderate skills relative to the safe operation of farms, and are willing to attend safety training workshops. The results of the study provide direction to Extension educators in designing farm safety and health training for this growing constituent group

Addressing Facilitators and Barriers Related to Early Childhood Obesity Prevention in Rural Appalachian Communities

Through a community-focused needs assessment conducted in rural Appalachia, we gauged perceptions of facilitators and barriers related to healthful eating and physical activity for young children and identified suggestions for improvement. Thirty-seven key informant interviews and three caregiver focus group sessions were coded and analyzed for key themes. Limited community resources emerged as a barrier to both healthful eating and physical activity. Suboptimal communication about existing opportunities was also identified. Community members reviewed the needs assessment data and implemented initiatives to address identified needs. The importance of Extension-facilitated needs assessments in rural settings to shape health initiatives to local contexts is highlighted