United States Armed Forces' voluntary education program: The effect of enlisted service member retention

Thesis (Ph.D.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1997The United States Armed Forces have sponsored off-duty voluntary higher education programs for fifty years. The investment in these programs by the Armed Services is substantial. In 1996, Department of Defense (DOD) expenditures for Tuition Assistance programs totaled $121 million. The longevity and scope of these military programs make them an ideal special case through which to study the outcomes of employer sponsored off-duty education. This study looked at the relationship between participation in military sponsored off-duty education programs and enlisted retention in the service. The data for the study was from a large (60,000 respondents) survey conducted by the DOD in 1992. Both univariate and multi-variate statistical analysis techniques were used. Additionally, over thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with service members. The quantitative analysis supports the conclusion that long-term participation in off-duty education is significantly and positively related to intention to reenlist in simple bi-variate models. However, when several other variables thought to be related to retention are controlled the overall education participation effect is very small, accounting for little of the variation in intention to reenlist. A comparison of the education participation pattern in this data with previous studies leads to the conclusion that there has been a fundamental change in the relationship between off-duty education and retention in the last ten to fifteen years. The qualitative data suggest that the military places a high value on educational participation exhibited in formal and informal policies, the organizational reward system, promotions and attitudes. The opportunity to participate varies by location, specific job and military specialty. Servicemembers' attitudes toward education appear to evolve. Early participation seems to be extrinsically motivated with an intrinsic motivation developing as the servicemember continues to participate. The quantitative and qualitative data support the conclusion that the military has changed in its view of educational participation. The data point to the conclusion that the military has adopted educational participation as an integral part of the military culture. This value is so embedded within the environment that the effect of educational participation may be masked by other variables such as satisfaction with the military way of life

Revisiting the Occupational Work Ethic Inventory: A Classical Item Analysis

Self-rated work attitudes of employees (N=492) from six randomly selected manufacturing companies were obtained using the Occupational Work Ethic Inventory (OWEI) (Petty, 1995b). Many respondents failed to answer the item with the descriptor apathetic or marked the highest level of response on a 1-7 Likert-type scale. The suitability of this item was investigated using a comparison of average inter-item correlations, comparison of item-scale correlations, and an internal consistency analysis. The item with the descriptor apathetic failed to demonstrate evidence to support its inclusion in the instrument. It was concluded that this item should be dropped from the scale and replaced by another item that is more readily understood by workers

Създаване на училищна STEM стратегия със STEM School Label, проектът Scientix и "Класната стая на бъдещето"

Развитието на технологиите се нуждае от добре обучени STEM специалисти. Преходът към качествено STEM образование изисква сътрудничество между STEM учители, изследователи в областта на образованието, политици и други заинтересовани страни в образованието. Създаването на общности за STEM образование и подкрепата на STEM учителите в Европа са сред основните цели на проекта Scientix. От 2021 г. Scientix поддържа дейностите по проекта STEM School Label. Платформата STEM School Label подкрепя училищата в разработването на успешни STEM стратегии. Future Classroom Lab е напълно оборудвана, преконфигурируема среда за преподаване и учене, разположена в Брюксел. Много европейски учители след посещението си във Future Classroom Lab са били вдъхновени да обновят своите класни стаи и да променят подходите си на преподаване. Статията представя двете платформи Scientix и STEM School Label, основните идеи на Future Classroom Lab, както и част от българския принос в развитието на STEAM образованието.The development of technologies needs well-trained STEM professionals. The transition to quality STEM education requires collaboration among STEM teachers, education researchers, policymakers, and other educational stakeholders. Creating communities for STEM education and supporting STEM teachers in Europe are the main goals of the Scientix project. Since 2021 Scientix maintains the activities of the STEM School Label project. The STEM School Label platform supports schools in developing successful STEM strategies. The Future Classroom Lab is a fully equipped, reconfigurable, teaching and learning environment located in Brussels. Мany European teachers were inspired to retool their classrooms and change their teaching approaches after their visit in the Future Classroom Lab. The article introduces the two platforms of Scientix, STEM School Label, the main ideas of Future Classroom Lab, and part of the Bulgarian contribution to the development of the STEAM education

Corrosion of Orthodontic Pliers Using Different Sterilization Procedures

Abstract : Aim: : The aim of this study was to investigate the corrosion resistance of orthodontic pliers from several manufacturers following different sterilization procedures, namely heat sterilization and the use of a disinfectant agent (Sekusept Extra N®) in an ultrasonic bath. Material and Methods: : Employed in this study were ten distal-end cutters and ten Weingart pliers manufactured by Aesculap®, ETM and Hu-Friedy®, examined under electron microscopy for evidence of corrosion following 500 sterilization cycles. The corrosion data were recorded photographically and graphically. Metallographic microsections were prepared from each pair of pliers and were then analyzed by means of EDX measurements to assess the chemical alloy composition. Results: : The light and electron microscopic evaluation showed that both heat sterilization and high level disinfection caused corrosive changes on the pliers. However, the type of corrosion differed between the two sterilization methods. The main type of corrosion with Sekusept Extra N® was pitting, while with heat sterilization it was surface corrosion. Heat sterilization was the type of corrosion that caused the most corrosive changes, regardless of which type of corrosion was considered. However, these results must be viewed critically, because pitting corrosion is obviously a more severe problem than surface corrosion. In comparing the pliers of various manufacturers, differences were noted. However, it was difficult to rank them when the correct maintenance regime was adhered to. The soldered joint gap was revealed to be a specific weak point, and that area proved to be inadequate due to qualities related to their production, particularly in the Hu-Friedy® pliers. Conclusions: : This study showed that heat sterilization leads to less corrosion than cold disinfection. Corroded pliers can be restored to a useable condition by re-polishing, though it is important that the instructions for their care be strictly adhered t

Effekt des Thermocyclings auf das Reflexionsverhalten von volatilen Anästhetika nach Applikation von Kohlendioxid

Einleitung: Während intensivmedizinischer Therapie kommt es häufig zur Notwendigkeit einer Sedierung, um seelische Belastungen und negative Erinnerungen zu reduzieren. Durch ein Reflexionsdevice wie das Sedaconda-ACD-S (Sedana Medical, Danderyd, Schweden) gelingt es, volatile Anästhetika effizient auf der Intensivstation zu verabreichen. Ein Großteil des Anästhetikums wird während der Exspiration im Reflexionsdevice zurückgehalten und bei der nächsten Inspiration wieder zurückgegeben. Aufgrund des klimaschädlichen Potentials volatiler Anästhetika erscheint es sinnvoll, Möglichkeiten zu erforschen, die die Effizienz des Reflexionsdevice verbessern und den Verbrauch volatiler Anästhetika weiter senken. Methoden: Mit einem Intensivbeatmungsgerät wurde eine Testlunge mit einem Tidalvolumen von 500 ml und einer Atemfrequenz von 10/min kontrolliert beatmet. In der Testlunge wurden konstant Körperbedingungen (37 °C und Luftfeuchtigkeit > 95 %) hergestellt. Isofluran wurde über eine Spritzenpumpe mit unterschiedlichen Laufraten (0,5, 1, 2 und 5 ml/h) über ein Sedaconda-ACD-S verdampft. Nach Erreichen eines stabilen Zustands wurde die Isoflurankonzentration in der Testlunge gemessen und die Reflexionseffizienz berechnet. Zusätzlich wurde eine physiologische Kohlendioxidkonzentration (35-45 mmHg) in der Testlunge etabliert. Der Anästhetika-Reflektor wurde während der Inspiration auf 37 °C erwärmt und während der Exspiration auf 12 °C bzw. 1 °C abgekühlt (Thermocycling), wodurch eine Temperaturdifferenz von 25 °C (Δ25) bzw. 36 °C (Δ36) zu Stande kam. Ergebnisse: Nach der Applikation von Kohlendioxid wurden niedrigere Isoflurankonzentrationen in der Testlunge erreicht. Durch den Effekt des Thermocyclings (Δ25) konnte bei allen Laufraten trotz Anwesenheit von Kohlendioxid eine signifikant höhere Isoflurankonzentration erreicht werden. Intensivierte man das Thermocycling durch eine größere Temperaturdifferenz (Δ36), stieg die erreichte Isoflurankonzentration für die Laufraten 0,5, 1 und 2 ml/h weiter. Eine Interpolation unserer Daten zeigt, dass, um eine Zielkonzentration von 0,4 (0,6) Vol% Isofluran zu erreichen, die Laufrate von 1,17 (1,86) ml/h auf 0,77 (1,14) ml/h bei Thermocycling Δ25 und auf 0,60 (0,90) ml/h bei Thermocycling Δ36 gesenkt werden kann. Der Isofluranverbrauch wird in diesem Zielbereich um 34 (39) % bzw. 48 (52) % reduziert. Dies entspricht einer Steigerung der Reflexionseffizienz um bis zu 10 % auf 91 % bei Thermocycling Δ36. Schlussfolgerung: Die Anwesenheit von Kohlendioxid verschlechtert die Reflexionseffizienz des Sedaconda-ACD-S. Durch Thermocycling kann die Effizienz signifikant gesteigert werden. Mit einer größeren Temperaturdifferenz kann die Effizienzsteigerung im Konzentrationsbereich der inhalativen Sedierung weiter verbessert werden, sodass der Isofluranverbrauch um etwa die Hälfte sinkt.Effect of thermocycling on the reflection of volatile anesthetics after applying carbon dioxide Introduction: During intensive care therapy, there is often a need for sedation to reduce emotional load and negative memories. With a reflection device, such as the Sedaconda-ACD-S (Sedana Medical, Danderyd, Sweden), it is possible to apply volatile anesthetics efficiently. Most of the agent is adsorbed in the reflection device during expiration and released back to the patient during inspiration. As volatile anesthetics are potent greenhouse gases, it is urgent to reduce their consumption by improving the efficiency of the device. Methods: A test lung was ventilated with a tidal volume of 500 ml and a respiratory rate of 10/min with an intensive care ventilator. Constant body conditions (37 °C and humidity over 95%) were implemented in the test lung. Isoflurane was applied with a syringe pump via a Sedaconda-ACD-S with different infusion rates (0.5, 1, 2 and 5 ml/h). After achieving a steady state, isoflurane concentration was measured in the test lung and the reflection efficiency was calculated. Furthermore, a physiological carbon dioxide concentration (35-45 mmHg) was created in the test lung. The reflector was warmed up to 37 °C during inspiration and cooled down to either 12 °C or 1 °C in expiration (Thermocycling), resulting in a temperature difference of 25 °C (Δ25) and 36 °C (Δ36). Results: After adding carbon dioxide, lower isoflurane concentrations were measured in the test lung. Thermocycling (Δ25) lead to a significantly higher concentration of isoflurane for every infusion rate even though carbon dioxide was added. Intensifying thermocycling by using a greater temperature difference (Δ36) resulted in even higher isoflurane concentrations for 0.5, 1 and 2 ml/h. Interpolation of data showed that for achieving 0.4 (0.6) vol% isoflurane, infusion rates can be lowered from 1.17 (1.86) ml/h to 0.77 (1.14) ml/h with thermocycling Δ25 and to 0.60 (0.90) ml/h with thermocycling Δ36. To achieve clinical target concentrations, isoflurane consumption may thus be reduced by 34 (39) % and 48 (52) %, respectively. In thermocycling Δ36 reflection efficiency increased up to 10 % resulting in an efficiency of 91 %. Conclusion: The addition of carbon dioxide decreases the efficiency of the Sedaconda-ACD-S. However, its efficiency can be restored and even further improved by thermocycling with temperature differences of 25 °C and of 36 °C. Thereby, isoflurane consumption can be halved

Gert Ledig und die Sprache der Gewalt : Untersuchung über die Darstellung von Gewalt in literarischer Form anhand der Kriegs- und Nachkriegsromane von Gert Ledig

Die drei Kriegs- und Nachkriegsromane Die Stalinorgel, Vergeltung und Faustrecht von Gert Ledig (1921-1999), veröffentlicht in den Jahren 1955, 1956 und 1957, wurden in den Jahren 1999 bis 2001 erneut herausgegeben und fanden diesmal positivere Resonanz. Ledig beschreibt in seinem ersten Roman Die Stalinorgel einen über achtundvierzig Stunden dauernden Stellungskampf vor Leningrad im Sommer 1942, in dem er nicht nur die Qualen, Strapazen und Gewissenskonflikte der deutschen, sondern auch die der sowjetischen Soldaten schildert. Ledig benötigt nur wenige Protagonisten, die er auf ihren Wegen über das Schlachtfeld begleitet. Die in vielen Kriegsromanen beschworenen Werte, wie Kameradschaft, Mut und ritterliches Ehrgefühl sind den Soldaten aufgrund der destruktiven Wirkung des Krieges abhanden gekommen und finden keine Erwähnung.Vergeltung berichtet von einem sechzigminütigen Luftangriff auf eine deutsche Stadt. Auch in diesem Roman verleiht Ledig der gegnerischen Seite ein Gesicht, indem er das Schicksal eines amerikanischen Bomberpiloten schildert, der schließlich an den Verletzungen seines Absturzes und der Folter durch einen fanatischen Nationalsozialisten und Militärarzt in einem deutschen Luftschutzbunker stirbt. Kurze Erzählfragmente, abgerissene Handlungsstränge zeigen kaleidoskopartig die sich während des Angriffs vollziehende materielle und auch seelische Zerstörung. Gemeinsam ist den beiden Kriegsromanen die Fokussierung auf die Ungeheuerlichkeit der Geschehnisse, die Ledig durch seine knappe und unpathetische Sprache verdeutlicht. Sie sind die Inszenierungen von Ausweglosigkeit, Chaos und Perspektivlosigkeit, die die Anonymität der modernen Kriege bestimmen. Ledig veranschaulicht die Isolation und Verlassenheit der Soldaten auf beiden Seiten, die, obwohl mit Leidensgenossen vereint, sich in ihrer Todesangst allein gelassen fühlen. Von der Ruinenkriminalität während der Wirren in der unmittelbaren Nachkriegszeit berichtet ein Ich-Erzähler im letzten Roman Faustrecht. Drei ehemalige Soldaten mißlingt ein dilettantisch ausgeführter Überfall auf einen amerikanischen Offizier. Einer von ihnen bezahlt dafür mit dem Leben, die anderen flüchten. Die Trostlosigkeit und Orientierungslosigkeit der aus dem Krieg Entlassenen schlägt sich in ihren einfachen Dialogen nieder, in denen ihre Erlebnisse aus Kriegstagen bewußt ausgeklammert werden. Die von Ledig nicht als Trilogie geplanten Romane über erfahrene und ausgeübte Gewalt sprechen trotz des begrenzten Blickfeldes eine deutliche Sprache. Schonungslos entlarvt er Befehls- und Gehorsamshierarchie. Es gelingt ihm, auf semantischer, motivischer und struktureller Ebene das Ausgeliefertsein an eine anonyme Gewalt, den Verlust der Solidarität, die Enthumanisierung darzustellen. Die durch fiktionale Aufladung seiner eigenen Erfahrungen entstandenen Romane können gemeinsam mit anderen Werken über denselben Zeitraum zum Verständnis der damaligen Zeit und der in ihr handelnden Personen beitragen.</p