A statistical study of Mercurian crater classes applied to the emplacement of the intercrater plains

Two principal processes have been invoked for emplacement of the intercrater plains: (1) basin ejecta and autochthonous surface materials reworked by that ejecta or (2) volcanic flows. A new approach was taken: the multivariate statistical analysis of crater class. The results of the analysis constrain the formative process of the intercrater plains units to have affected craters on both terrains in a similar manner. Any emplacement process brief in temporal extent (compared to the period of late heavy bombardment), such as emplacement of ejecta from a single event or a brief period of extensive volcanism, violates this constraint. This analysis is briefly discussed

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Australian trainee childcare educators regarding their role in the feeding behaviours of young children

Background: Early childhood (2–5 years) is acknowledged as a critical time for the establishment of healthy behaviours. The increasing number of children and amount of time spent in childcare provides strong rationale to explore the important role that childcare services and childcare educators play in influencing healthy eating behaviours of young children in their care. Methods: This study used a qualitative exploratory approach to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Australian childcare trainee educators’ regarding their role in the feeding of young children. Results: All participants agreed that feeding of young children was an important part of their role, but described challenges to the promotion of healthy eating and the adoption of responsive child feeding practices. These included personal beliefs and experiences with food, the bi-directional nature of child feeding, conflicting parental requests and/or unsupportive centre-based policies and procedures. Conclusion: Training about responsive child feeding practices within the childcare sector should include all childcare staff; aim to enhance relational efficacy and communication skills with parents; and empower childcare staff to lead organisational change. To support this, childcare centres need to provide coherent centre-based healthy eating policies inclusive of healthy food provision and desirable feeding practices

Modification of kraft wood-pulp fibre with silica for surface functionalisation

A new science strategy for natural fibre modification was devised in which glass surface properties would be imparted to wood-derived fibre. The enhancements known from addition of silane reagents to glass fibre–polymer composites could therefore be realised for modified cellulose fibre–polymer composites. A process is described whereby the internal void spaces and micropores of never-dried Kraft pulp fibre walls were impregnated with silica. This was achieved by initial dehydration of never-dried fibre through azeotropic distillation to achieve substitution of fibre water with the silicon chemical solution over a range of concentrations. Kraft fibres were stiffened and made resistant to collapse from the effect of the azeotrope drying. Specific chemical reaction of azeotrope-dried fibre with the reagent ClSi(OEt)3 followed by base-catalysed hydrolysis of the ester groups formed a fibre-bound silica composite. The physico-chemical substitution of water from micropores and internal voids of never-dried fibre with property-modifying chemicals offers possibilities in the development of new fibre characteristics, including fibres which may be hardened, plasticised, and/or stabilised against moisture, biodegradation or fire. The embedded silica may also be used as sites of attachment for coupling agents to modify the hydrophilic character of the fibre or to functionalise the fibre surface

Guidleine Implementation for Dermal Filler Administration Via Blunt-tip Cannula to Decrease Post-Procedure Hematoma Formation

Dermal filler injections are the second most common in-office cosmetic procedure and are typically administered using pre-packaged 27-gauge needles. In addition to pain and bruising, needle administration has been associated with an increased risk of serious complications due to possible embolization of facial arteries. An alternative technique to needle administration, blunt-tipped cannula administration has emerged as a possibly safer and less painful alternative. Because the tip of the cannula is blunted, blunt-tipped cannulas are believed to decrease the risk of vascular embolization, while also decreasing pain and bruising. Based on current research, an evidence-based project converting from needle to blunt-tipped cannula was implemented in three Southern California med-spas. Twenty-four participants were treated using both needle and blunt-tipped cannula and the participant’s intra-procedural pain and post-procedural bruising was evaluated. A statistically significant decrease in both bruising (p \u3c 0.01) and pain (p \u3c 0.01) was found when using cannulas over needles

Teacher Impact on Supporting the Parent-Teacher Partnership During the Middle School Years

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences of middle school teachers in supporting parents as they move from traditional forms of parental involvement and towards engagement to support their children as they move into the middle school years of education. The design of this study was qualitative using in-depth interviews of middle school teachers. Bronfenbrenner\u27s bioecological system theory of human development was the theoretical framework for this study to examine the factors influencing the child\u27s development during the middle school years. Participants demonstrated that their perceptions and experiences did impact how they viewed parental involvement based on their understanding of culture and the needs of diverse families, especially if they were willing to challenge their own belief system when necessary. The findings of this study discovered that several well supported principles of parental involvement and engagement were evident. The consequences associated with lack of parental involvement/engagement were the missing key components of the theoretical framework and models of parental involvement. Parental engagement cannot occur in isolation, administrators and community agencies also need to support the efforts of teachers. Teachers need to learn how to support parents in providing social-emotional and executive functioning skills to students. Finally, it is important for teachers to develop a learning agenda that includes how to engage the culturally, generationally and socioeconomic diverse families that they will be working with in order to support the educational success of their students

Nonprofit Fundraising Strategies to Provide Quality Sustainable Services

Nonprofit organizations are essential in providing goods and services to the under-resourced in the community. Nonprofits have experienced a growth rate of 47% in 2014 and yet 53% of nonprofits reported less than 3 months cash on hand needed to meet the demands of their clients. This explorative and descriptive study analyzed nonprofit fundraising strategies for providing sustainable quality services. The purpose of this study was to determine what strategies successful nonprofits used to increase funding as it relates to the delivery of quality sustainable service and what conditions influenced fundraising effectiveness. The methodology consisted of a qualitative, thematic research design. The sample consisted 19 participants who held executive level positions in their organizations. Data were collected through a series of recorded in-depth interviews and analyzed using a contrast-comparative qualitative thematic analysis of the recording and written transcription and the NVivo Software Data Management Program. The findings of the study revealed that leaders with transformative attributes and demonstrably connected to the mission drive the fundraising success of the organization by influencing donor relationships, strategies, and performance. The implications of the study include sustainable delivery of service by the development of effective leadership models for the internal stakeholders thus, positively influencing donor behavior and improved quality of life for the under-resourced over a sustained period. Future research using the mixed methods is recommended for examining how leadership styles may influence funding sustainability

Energy Renovations: Volume 17: Insulation - A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners

This report was prepared by PNNL for DOE's Building America program and is intended as a guide that energy performance contractors can share with homeowners to describe various insulation options for improving the energy performance and comfort of existing homes. The report provides descriptions of many common insulation types, including their advantages and disadvantages, R-values, characteristics, and typical uses. The report also describes potentially hazardous products such as asbestos and formaldehyde and safety issues when conducting energy-efficient upgrades including radon. The guide is available for download at the DOE Building America website, www.buildingamerica.gov

National priorities for dementia care : perspectives of individuals living with dementia and their care partners

The current article reports the consensus recommendations from individuals living with dementia and their care partners on priorities for public policy and research funding, which were found using a nationwide, Delphi study. A modified snowball sample was used. Listservs, personal contacts, and advocacy groups were asked to distribute the survey. Paper versions were provided upon request. In Rounds 1 and 2 of the study, 388 and 301 responses, respectively, were received. Borda counts produced a ranked order consensus of priorities. Research ranked third, after the need for caregiver support and resources for the provision of long-term care. Education and training in person-centered practices for all care partners was also a high priority. Responses indicated that research funding should be expanded beyond its current emphasis on cure. Policymakers should reconsider the current priorities of the National Alzheimer's Project Act to better address the long-term needs of individuals living with dementia and their care partners

Angiotensin II-inhibition:effect on Alzheimer's pathology in the aged triple transgenic mouse

Reducing excessive accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a key objective of most AD therapies, and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) may delay onset or progression of AD. The effects of an ACE-inhibitor (ACE-I) and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) on Aβ and tau pathology in a triple transgenic (3xTGAD) mouse model of AD were investigated. 9-10month 3xTGAD mice were treated with ARB, ACE-I or vehicle for 6 months. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was measured periodically and mice were assessed behaviourally. Aβ, phospho-tau, amyloid precursor protein (APP) and ACE activity were analysed. MABP was significantly reduced at 2 weeks and 3 months in the ACE-I group and at 3 months in the ARB group, compared to vehicle. Neither drug altered performance of 3xTGAD mice in Morris Water Maze or T-maze, nor were Aβ, tau immunolabelling or APP levels altered. ACE-I significantly reduced ACE activity in kidney. Prolonged treatment with ACE-I or ARB does not affect Aβ or phospho-tau accumulation in brains of aged 3xTGAD mice