Using screen video capture software to aide and inform cognitive interviewing

Web-based surveys are a salient tool in the repertoire of social and behavioral scientists. The increase in web-based surveys is understandable considering the distinct advantages offered, including: (a) lower costs and reduced labor time, (b) ability to directly transfer data into statistical packages (reducing coding errors), (c) customization options enabling more attractive presentation, (d) ability to reduce respondent burden by embedding skip patterns, and (e) access to larger sample sizes in different geographic regions. It is important to note, however, that administering web-based surveys also introduces distinct sources of error (e.g., coverage, sampling and non-response). Regardless of format (e.g., paper-and-pencil or web-based), specific, prescribed steps must be followed when constructing an instrument in order to reduce survey error and lend credence to the data collected before subsequent analysis is performed. One of those crucial stages integral to the pretesting process is cognitive interviewing. Cognitive interviewing is a qualitative process, encompassing two main techniques: think aloud interviewing and verbal probing. Collectively, these two methods seek to (a) produce information on what the respondent is thinking while answering the questions, (b) the cognitive processes used to answer the questions, and (c) how the respondent answers the questions. The purpose of this article is to provide a practical guide outlining how Camtasia, a screen video capture software, can aide and inform the cognitive interview process

Demonstration of inverse free electron laser seeding in a sub 80K, short period cryogenic undulator

Short period, high field undulators have been shown to permit operation of x ray free electron lasers with short gain lengths, and at unprecedented short wavelengths. In addition, the reduced beam energy required to reach resonance with a given radiation wavelength in short period undulators could prove useful in advanced inverse free electron laser IFEL seeding schemes for future light sources, such as high gain harmonic generation and echo enabled harmonic generation, or in IFEL acceleration. We report here the in situ beam testing of a 9 mm period length cryogenic undulator having undulator parameter near unity in the context appropriate for advanced seeding and acceleration schemes, a linear accelerator. Because of the short period length of the undulator, a 47 MeV high brightness electron beam could be used to produce near infrared photons via the undulator radiation mechanism. The undulator radiation was observed through a filter and the spectral response of the undulator is compared to simulation. Finally, an 800 nm seed laser was introduced in order to generate an energy modulation via the IFEL mechanism. Resonance between the electron beam and the laser seed was achieved without detailed knowledge of the temperature dependent undulator magnetic field through the observation of the undulator radiation. The energy modulation and concomitant energy spread increase of the electron beam was observed both directly in an electron beam spectrometer and indirectly via coherent transition radiation after conversion to a density modulation in a longitudinally dispersive chicane. pape

Concerns about aging and caregiving among middle-aged and older lesbian and gay adults

Objectives: Despite the increasing number of lesbian and gay older adults, research geared towards health and well-being of this population is limited. Many lesbian and gay seniors experience health disparities and are at risk for poor health outcomes. The aims of this study were to gather in-depth information on the concerns of lesbian and gay elders with respect to aging and care needs. Method: The sample included 124 gay men and lesbian women aged 50+ years. Data were gathered via focus groups and questionnaires. The focus groups addressed: (1) concerns about aging in the LGBT community, (2) barriers to needed support and services, (3) concerns about caregiving and (4) needed programs for lesbian and gay seniors. Results: Concerns expressed about aging included: lack of financial security, lack of family or social support, fears about the lack of someone to provide needed care, and discrimination in healthcare or service communities. Participants also indicated concerns about being alone and vulnerable and a need for resources and support programs, specifically for lesbian and gay older adults and for lesbian and gay caregivers. Conclusions: These findings suggest needed areas of support and programs for older gay men and lesbian women. They also suggest that healthcare professionals might need more training regarding the particular needs and concerns of this community

Video assisted esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Video assisted surgery for esophageal cancer is an advanced surgical technique. It is being adopted with a concept of minimally invasive surgery. Since there are several options of the operative procedure for thoracic esophageal cancer, there are several laparoscopic approaches. The first VATS esophagectomy through a right thoracoscopic approach and the first transhiatal esophagectomy were reported in early 1990's. Mediastinoscope-assisted esophagectomy is also reported as a substitute of the blunt dissection of the esophagus. Moreover, video assisted Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy by right thoracotomy with intrathoracic anastomosis has also been tried. Furthermore, laparoscopic gastric mobilization and gastroplasty is also widely accepted as a substitution for open laparotomy. This article serves to review the literature on laparoscopic approaches for esophageal cancer