ORB IMPACT ON OFFICER RETENTION IN THE NAVY EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL (EOD) COMMUNITY

The Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NEOD) community continues to struggle to retain officers at eight to ten years of commissioned service (YCS). In an effort to incentivize more officers to stay, the Navy implemented an officer retention bonus (ORB) in 2005. Since its inception, the bonus has had a statistically significant increase in retention but has diminished in its attractiveness over time, as fewer and fewer officers take the bonus each year. The object of this project is to study the effectiveness of monetary incentives, specifically the ORB, and its ability to influence the retention decisions of Navy EOD officers at critical career points. Using demographic data from the Officer Personnel Information System (OPINS) from various Navy EOD year groups, a logistic regression analysis was run to quantify the relationship between ORB amounts and "take" decisions. Based on the regression results, ORB amounts were shown to be statistically significant at the 95 percent confidence level. These findings were then used to develop a logit model. Using this model, it was shown that in order to return to the targeted 75 percent "take" rate, the ORB amount would need to be increased and adjusted for inflation. Therefore, it is recommended that the ORB be updated, at a minimum, on a periodic basis to keep pace with inflation, if it is to remain competitive with earnings potential outside of the Navy.Lieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

Teesside Tertiary College inspection report

This inspection was carried out by OFSTED under section 62 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. It was a joint inspection by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) and the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI). Inspection Week: 23 April 2001 Reporting Inspector: J R Marriott HM

Experimental observations of obstructions on floodplains

The effect of placing obstructions of similar size but different shapes and at different locations on a floodplain adjacent to a meandering channel is considered. The results from the laboratory model tests show that placing a solid obstruction along some parts of a bend has a more significant effect on the upstream and downstream water levels than at other locations. The average increase in water level upstream from the obstructions is compared with the obstruction length and percentage blockage. One result using a permeable obstruction is presented and a 15% reduction in upstream water level is observed compared with a solid obstruction of the same length. The results suggest that maintenance of vegetation is more critical in some areas than in others

Implementation of a low-cost, web-based, multi-component training for trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy

Although continuing education appears to be a promising strategy for closing the research-to-practice gap, effective trainings that result in clinician behavior change remain expensive and largely inaccessible. The current study evaluated a low-cost, multicomponent, web-based training for Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Clinician members of a practice-based research network were recruited via email and randomized to either a training group (TG; N=89 assigned) or control group (CG; N=74 assigned), with half of each group randomized to receive incentives for completion. The TG was immediately offered the training; the CG was offered the same training after 6 months. Clinicians completed assessments at baseline (pre-training), 6-months, and 12-months covering (a) completion of training components, (b) knowledge, (c) use of TF-CBT, and (d) for a subset of clinicians (N=34), TF-CBT fidelity. There were no significant between-group differences on TF-CBT knowledge and strategy use at 6 months, although significant differences in overall TF-CBT skill were found. There was also considerable variability in the extent of training completed. We found significant positive associations between extent of training completed and clinician knowledge, use, and fidelity in TF-CBT. A multiple regression showed that previous TF-BT training, clinician attitudes towards evidence-based practices, and clinician age predicted training completion. Implications for web-based trainings and implementation science are discussed.Includes bibliographical reference

The synthesis and utilization of low molecular weight ozonides for air revitalization Supplement to interim report of 14 Nov. 1965

Thermal decomposition characteristics of sodium superoxide, sodium peroxide, and lithium peroxide and magnetic susceptibility of calcium superoxid

Viral CNS infections: role of glial pattern recognition receptors in neuroinflammation

Viruses are the major causative agents of central nervous system (CNS) infection worldwide. RNA and DNA viruses trigger broad activation of glial cells including microglia and astrocytes, eliciting the release of an array of mediators that can promote innate and adaptive immune responses. Such responses can limit viral replication and dissemination leading to infection resolution. However, a defining feature of viral CNS infection is the rapid onset of severe neuroinflammation and overzealous glial responses are associated with significant neurological damage or even death. The mechanisms by which microglia and astrocytes perceive neurotropic RNA and DNA viruses are only now becoming apparent with the discovery of a variety of cell surface and cytosolic molecules that serve as sensors for viral components. In this review we discuss the role played by members of the Toll-like family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in the inflammatory responses of glial cells to the principle causative agents of viral encephalitis. Importantly, we also describe the evidence for the involvement of a number of newly described intracellular PRRs, including retinoic acid-inducible gene I and DNA-dependent activator of IFN regulatory factors, that are thought to function as intracellular sensors of RNA and DNA viruses, respectively. Finally, we explore the possibility that cross-talk exists between these disparate viral sensors and their signaling pathways, and describe how glial cytosolic and cell surface/endosomal PRRs could act in a cooperative manner to promote the fulminant inflammation associated with acute neurotropic viral infection

Perinatal and infant mental health and wellbeing

This chapter considers factors influencing parental and infant mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. Perinatal depression and anxiety is a significant health problem affecting not only mothers but also their infants, other children, partners, extended families and communities generally. The significance of infant attachment in the perinatal period (from conception to the end of the first year after the baby is born) and the importance of culture and ways of working with families in this sensitive life stage are described. Perinatal mental health is about the emotional wellbeing of pregnant women and their infants, partners and families during this time. This chapter discusses the risk and protective factors that impact on parental mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. It refers to processes of assessment and the issues related to culturally appropriate prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of perinatal depression and anxiety; and its potential impact on the infant, other children, parents, family and community. The key policies that impact on perinatal mental health and relevant preventative programs are briefly described

Grevillea merceri Olde & Marriott (Proteaceae: Grevilleoideae: Hakeinae) an uncommon, geographically isolated species in the Triloba Group from subcoastal areas of southern Western Australia

The existence of Grevillea merceri Olde & Marriott, herein described, was brought to light following a single collection by the late Ken Newbey in 1963. His specimen was treated by McGillivray and Makinson (1993: 187) as ‘unassignable to species’ but with possible affinity to G. paniculata Meisn., a species very broadly conceptualised in their work. Revision and a more restricted delimitation of G. paniculata by Olde & Marriott (1994, 1995) clarified the many significant differences from this specimen. The relationship of G. merceri to other members of the Triloba Group however remains uncertain and awaits phylogenetic analysis