Upper Middle Class Support for the Idea of Family Allowances

There is a newly arisen opportunity for reassessment and redirection of children\u27s policy using non-ideological, pragmatic solutions. Middle class attitudes toward family allowances are crucial to the implementation of the proposed solutions. This paper presents preliminary data indicating that current middle class attitudes are favorable toward the idea of family allowances. Potential explanations of this phenomenon are presented along with policy implications

Quantifying intervertebral disc mechanics: a new definition of the neutral zone

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The neutral zone (NZ) is the range over which a spinal motion segment (SMS) moves with minimal resistance. Clear as this may seem, the various methods to quantify NZ described in the literature depend on rather arbitrary criteria. Here we present a stricter, more objective definition.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To mathematically represent load-deflection of a SMS, the asymmetric curve was fitted by a summed sigmoid function. The first derivative of this curve represents the SMS compliance and the region with the highest compliance (minimal stiffness) is the NZ. To determine the boundaries of this region, the inflection points of compliance can be used as unique points. These are defined by the maximum and the minimum in the second derivative of the fitted curve, respectively. The merits of the model were investigated experimentally: eight porcine lumbar SMS's were bent in flexion-extension, before and after seven hours of axial compression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The summed sigmoid function provided an excellent fit to the measured data (r²> 0.976). The NZ by the new definition was on average 2.4 (range 0.82-7.4) times the NZ as determined by the more commonly used angulation difference at zero loading. Interestingly, NZ consistently and significantly decreased after seven hours of axial compression when determined by the new definition. On the other hand, NZ increased when defined as angulation difference, probably reflecting the increase of hysteresis. The methods thus address different aspects of the load-deflection curve.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A strict mathematical definition of the NZ is proposed, based on the compliance of the SMS. This operational definition is objective, conceptually correct, and does not depend on arbitrarily chosen criteria.</p

Synthesis of Zinc Photocaged Thioester Molecules and their Biological Applications

The downstream goal of the group’s research is to combine neuroscience and chemistry to determine the role of zinc ions in the brain. The role of this MQP is to construct a new type of cage molecule that can reversibly bind to zinc and bring it into human cells. The project has consisted mainly of the synthetic construction of that cage molecule. The synthetic route proved to give sufficient product for analysis and serves as a baseline of data for thiol-containing photocleavable cages. In addition to that main focus, supplementary analytical and biological research was done for the previously developed XDAPdeCage and DAPdeCage molecules. Imaging and RT-PCR of XDAPdeCage and DAPdeCAge demonstrated promise for these cages, with increased zinc metabolism in cages induced with cage complexes

Teaching students with mild and moderate disabilities : research-based practices

Encouraging high standards and expectations for all students, this title goes beyond other methods texts by personally connecting education professionals with the knowledge, tools, and practical strategies to be effective in today\u27s diverse classrooms.https://scholarworks.umf.maine.edu/publications/1016/thumbnail.jp

Assessment of children and youth with special needs

This highly respected text focuses on current assessment issues and procedures that every special educator needs to know. The author’s integrated approach emphasizes in-class assessment approaches as well as more formal measures and instruments. Throughout they provide numerous practical examples of how the techniques and procedures can be used in the classroom. Included are practical, ready-to-used materials integrated within instruction delivery methods; relevant case studies; and examinations of current assessment topics in every chapter. This new Fifth Edition features an expanded discussion of classroom assessment and the assessment cycle; an expanded discussion of Response to Intervention (RTI); new sections on how to use assessment effectively with students with behavior problems and how to collaborate effectively with speech and language specialists; updated descriptions of formal, standardized texts and measures; interactive features embedded into examples and mini-cases throughout; and Web links embedded into the text to further engage readers with the material.https://scholarworks.umf.maine.edu/publications/1015/thumbnail.jp

Assessment of children and youth with special needs

xxi, 410 hlm.: 25 c

Paraguay D-21 Extending the Poverty Stoplight to More Paraguayan Businesses

The project team worked with Fundación Paraguaya’s coordinator of their Empresas sin Pobreza program, Guido Ruiz Díaz. This program focuses on solving a major issue in Paraguay: the elimination of employee poverty within businesses. We conducted interviews virtually to gather success stories from businesses participating in the program. With the recorded interviews, the team developed and delivered new promotional materials for the program. These promotional materials will help Empresas sin Pobreza reach more Paraguayan businesses