From Structural Chaos to a Model of Consumer Support: Understanding the Roles of Structure and Agency in Mental Health Recovery for the Formerly Homeless

Deinstitutionalization shifted the focus in mental health care from provider-guided treatment to consumer-centered recovery. In this article, I seek to develop a deeper understanding of the effect that the organization of mental health services offered in community settings has on the recovery process. I do this by presenting findings from the analysis of focus group and interview data collected from consumers and staff at four housing programs serving formerly homeless individuals with dual diagnosis. My findings highlight the importance of understanding the connection that exists between social structure and personal agency and the recovery process

100 CHALLENGES FACING STUDENTS OF COLOR IN THE 21st CENTURY

It is particularly critical to assess the impact, given the empirical data available, on institutions in California, Texas, Florida and Washington which anti-affirmative action laws and court orders have been passed/handed down

Virtual SATCOM, Long Range Broadband Digital Communications

The current naval strategy is based on a distributed force, networked together with high-speed communications that enable operations as an intelligent, fast maneuvering force. Satellites, the existing network connector, are weak and vulnerable to attack. HF is an alternative, but it does not have the information throughput to meet the distributed warfighting need. The US Navy does not have a solution to reduce dependency on space-based communication systems while providing the warfighter with the required information speed. Virtual SATCOM is a solution that can match satellite communications (SATCOM) data speed without the vulnerable satellite. It is wireless communication on a High Frequency (HF) channel at SATCOM speed. We have developed an innovative design using high power and gain, ground-based relay systems. We transmit extremely wide-wideband HF channels from ground stations using large directional antennas. Our system starts with a highly directional antenna with a narrow beam that enables increased bandwidth without interfering with other spectrum users. The beam focus and power provide a high SNR across a wideband channel with data rates of 10 Mbps; 1000 times increase in HF data speed. Our modeling of the ionosphere shows that the ionosphere has more than adequate bandwidth to communicate at 3000 km and high speeds while avoiding detection. We designed a flexible structure adjustable to the dynamic ionosphere. Our design provides a high-speed communications path without the geo-location vulnerability of legacy HF methods. Our invention will benefit mobile users using steerable beam forming apertures with wide bandwidth signals. This dissertation will focus on three areas: an examination of the ionosphere’s ability to support the channel, design of a phased array antenna that can produce the narrow beam, and design of signal processing that can accommodate the wideband HF frequency range. Virtual SATCOM is exciting research that can reduce cost and increase access to long-range, high data rate wireless communications

The Effectiveness of Peer Mediation in Westville C.U.S.D. #2

During the past several years concerns about student behavior and school discipline have figured prominently in various public opinion polls. Many approaches and methodologies have been used in an unsuccessful effort to remedy the problem. These methodologies include zero tolerance , codes of conduct, contracts and assertive discipline. Peer mediation is a relatively new concept that has not been significantly researched in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of peer mediation programs at McMillan Grade School and Westville Junior High School in Westville, Illinois. A survey of twenty-six certified teachers at both of the schools was conducted. Those surveyed were asked to respond to questions concerning their perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the peer mediation program at their school; identify other variables that prevent students from receiving corrective discipline measures; to evaluate the inservice procedure; and determine if there was a difference in the number of discipline referrals, suspensions and expulsions after the implementation of peer mediation. Results of the study inducated that the majority of the teachers felt that they were inserviced properly in peer mediation, and that peer mediation was effective as an intervention procedure. Although there was a considerable variance in the number of detentions, suspensions, and expulsions after the implementation of the peer mediation program, the teachers\u27 perceptions were divided on the amount of time spent on discipline. The author recommended that a peer mediation steering committee be established in the two schools to develop formal written objectives and results of peer mediation. These committees\u27 results should be distributed to students, teachers, administrators, school board and the citizen advisory board

Aeration System Design for Flat Grain Storages with an Expert System

An expert system, Aeration System Design (ASD), was developed for the design of aeration systems for farm-sized flat grain storages. ASD requests information about the storage problem from a user and generates a custom design drawing, component specification list, and management recommendations. The knowledge base was derived from publications and experts. ASD represents the first attempt to consolidate aeration system design guidelines and procedures for flat grain storage into an expert system. ASD uses illustrations to communicate concepts and terminology more clearly with users. A feature of ASD allows an expert to change the design guidelines and factors. For example, alternative methods of determining the layout and length of ducts can be selected. ASD offers the capability of rapidly designing an aeration system and changing design guidelines to study the effects upon the design

Teaching Control Programming Using Programmable Automation Controllers

Introductory control programming was included as a required course for agricultural systems students. A programmable automation controller (PAC) was programmed with a flowchart paradigm to monitor and control applications. An ex post facto research design was used, with a questionnaire to obtain student feedback. The PAC instructional unit and student feedback are described. Ninety‐two percent of students agreed the PAC unit of the course helped improve their problem‐solving skills

Air Carrier Technique for Row Crop Spraying Applications

This study focuses on the problem of applying spray material to upper-plant, underside-leaf surfaces of corn and soybean plants. Aircraft and ground pressureatomizer applications of spray solution were quantified. Percent coverage values were generally less than 1 % on the sampling locations. Flat and hollow cone nozzle air carrier units were developed and evaluated for spray application to the upper-plant, bottom leaf surface. The air carrier method tested within a shroud improved spray deposition to the entire plant by 100% for corn and 234% for soybeans. Deposition to the upper-plant, bottom leaf surface was increased by 900% and 400% for corn and soybean plants, respectively. Deposition uniformity was also improved with the air carrier method

Dennis Watson

Mr. Watson was a Business major and a Political Science minor in the Class of 1950. He is a member of Phi Gamma Delta. This interview was conducted at Westminster Village in Bloomington

The Meaning of Recovery from Co-Occurring Disorder: Views from Consumers and Staff Members Living and Working in Housing First Programming

The current study seeks to understand the concept of recovery from the perspectives of consumers and staff living and working in a supportive housing model designed to serve those with co-occurring disorder. Interview and focus group data were collected from consumers and staff from four housing programs. Data analyzed using an approach that combined case study and grounded theory methodologies demonstrate that: consumers’ and staff members’ views of recovery were highly compatible and resistant to abstinence-based definitions of recovery; recovery is personal; stability is a foundation for recovery; recovery is a process; and the recovery process is not linear. These themes are more consistent with mental health-focused conceptions of recovery than those traditionally used within the substance abuse field, and they help demonstrate how recovery can be influenced by the organization of services in which consumers are embedded