Single- and Multi-Transducer Arrays Employing Nanoparticle Interface Layers as Vapor Detectors for a Microfabricated Gas Chromatograph.

This body of research focuses on improving microsensor arrays used as detectors in Si-microfabricated gas chromatographs (µGC) for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). By means of such improvements, µGC technology should find wider application in homeland security, disease diagnosis, and environmental monitoring. The microsensors considered here all employ thiolate-monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles (MPN) as vapor sorptive interface layers. The central hypothesis is that by altering the MPN ligand, core size, and/or the underlying transducer, the diversity of responses to VOCs provided by microsensor arrays with MPN interfaces can be improved. The first study evaluated a single transducer (ST) array of MPN-coated chemiresistors (CR) as a µGC detector for three semi-volatile markers of the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in the presence of alkane interferences of similar volatility. The effects of flow rate and temperature on chromatographic resolution, sensitivity, and limits of detection (LOD) were assessed. Under optimized conditions, a complete analysis required 95%). These types of sensor arrays can enhance the vapor discrimination of sorption-based detectors utilized in µGC technology, making the analysis of complex VOC mixtures possible.PHDChemistryUniversity of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studieshttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111430/1/lkamos_1.pd

Variables Affecting First-Time Parents\u27 Feeding Behaviors

After deciding whether to breastfeed or formula feed, parents must determine when to introduce solid foods. We examined feeding behaviors of 131 first-time parents, applying the theory of planned behavior to our investigation. Results indicated that parents\u27 attitudes influenced infant feeding behavior at 6 months old. Therefore, Extension professionals should consider providing programming and materials to encourage healthful attitudes, in addition to focusing on general nutrition information. Moreover, our sample relied heavily on health professionals, friends and family, and books or videos for infant feeding information, so Extension professionals should consider targeting other influential groups in addition to targeting parents directly

Variables Affecting First-Time Parents\u27 Feeding Behaviors

After deciding whether to breastfeed or formula feed, parents must determine when to introduce solid foods. We examined feeding behaviors of 131 first-time parents, applying the theory of planned behavior to our investigation. Results indicated that parents\u27 attitudes influenced infant feeding behavior at 6 months old. Therefore, Extension professionals should consider providing programming and materials to encourage healthful attitudes, in addition to focusing on general nutrition information. Moreover, our sample relied heavily on health professionals, friends and family, and books or videos for infant feeding information, so Extension professionals should consider targeting other influential groups in addition to targeting parents directly

Online Professional Development for Child Care Providers: Do They Have Appropriate Access to and Comfort with the Internet?

With the expansion of online trainings today, Extension professionals have an opportunity to reach child care providers in more convenient ways. However, having convenient, reliable Internet access can be a barrier to online training for some child care providers, especially those with limited financial resources. This study investigated child care providers’ ability to access online training through convenient, reliable Internet access by asking 494 child care providers in Georgia about their access to and comfort with the Internet. Participants completed a brief 12-question survey that included questions about their Internet access and use for both personal and professional purposes (i.e., whether or not they have Internet access, where they have access, how often they use it, and how comfortable they feel using it). The majority of child care providers reported having Internet access (89.68%) and feeling comfortable using the Internet (68.62%), and therefore, have the technological resources to participate in online professional development

Family experiences of engagement in inclusive childcare programs for toddlers

Previous research has explored family engagement experiences and practices in childcare programs. The purpose of this study was to explore family members’ experiences related to their engagement in decision-making processes across various inclusive, toddler childcare programs. Five early educators and eight parents participated in the study. Four parents had a child with a diagnosed disability or developmental delays, were at-risk for developmental delays, and/or received speech, occupational, or physical therapy. Eligible early educators participating in the study taught toddlers (18 to 30 months) in a private, faith-based, or university childcare program. A semi-structured interview style was used to collect family participant responses. The early educators’ inclusive practice indicator rubric scores previously collected from the larger grant funded project were used to triangulate data. Through a phenomenological qualitative design, this study gained a better understanding of families’ decision-making experiences, facilitators and barriers that may impact family engagement, and opportunities early educators have provided or not provided to encourage family engagement in inclusive, toddler childcare programs

Engaging Street Youth in an Evaluation of a Community-Based Arts Program

Data from the Edmonton Arts & Youth Feasibility Study (EAYFS) was used to ascertain the feasibility of engaging street youth in a structured community-based arts program and an outcome-based evaluation. The study engaged 23 street youth in a ten-week multi-media arts program focused on developing prosocial communication, team-building, and problem-solving skills. Results have shown that street youth are highly interested in artistic endeavors; will participate to the best of their circumstances; and will provide reliable data. The youth and staff reported improved art skills, problem-solving capacity, and prosocial communication as well as a decrease in drug use, depression, loneliness, and a greater sense of enjoyment about life. Strengths of the program included the arts media, the non-judgmental environment, and the support from staff. The study suggests that community-based arts programs for street youth could be subjected to a rigorous outcome-based evaluation

Fit for work? Health, employability and challenges for the UK welfare reform agenda

This article introduces a special issue of Policy Studies entitled “Fit for work? Health, employability and challenges for the UK welfare reform agenda”. Growing from a shared concern over the need to expand the evidence base around the processes that led to large numbers of people claiming disability benefits in the UK, it brings together contributions from leading labour market and social policy researchers providing evidence and commentary on major reforms to Incapacity Benefit (IB) in the UK. This special issue address three key questions: what are the main causes of the long-term rise in the number of people claiming IBs; what will reduce the number of claimants; and what is likely to deliver policy effectively and efficiently? This introduction first explains and examines the challenges to reforms to IB in the UK, and then, in conclusion, highlights the answers to the previous three questions – first, labour market restructuring and marginalisation have driven the rise in numbers claiming IBs. Second, economic regeneration in the Britain’s less prosperous areas coupled with intensive and sustained supply-side support measures will bring numbers down. Third, delivery need to be flexible and tailored to individual needs and needs to be able to access local and expert knowledge in a range of organisations, including Job Centre Plus, the NHS as well as the private and voluntary sectors

Implementing AAC with children with profound and multiple learning disabilities: a study in rationale underpinning intervention

There is a developing research base to support the rationale underpinning augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for people with learning disabilities. However, there is a paucity of research examining the process involved in implementing AAC support for people who have profound disabilities. This paper seeks to explore the processes involved in planning and implementing AAC systems to support the communication of two six year olds with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Following assessment, a plan of intervention involving specific implementation of objects of reference, gestures and signs was implemented to enhance communication opportunities for both children. Both children improved their communication skills through use of specific AAC supports. Results suggest that important aspects to include when planning intervention are understanding the level of each child’s cognition in relation to their receptive abilities, and a consistent, collaborative approach where strategies are agreed between team members. Specific challenges are discussed

THE BEHAVIOR OF ELECTROLYTIC SOLUTIONS AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES AS DERIVED FROM CONDUCTANCE MEASUREMENTS

Methods and techniques for measuring the conductances of reactor solutions at elevated temperatures and to interpret the results with electrolytic solution theories are discussed. Criteria applied to room-temperature conductances for determining complete ionization of 1-1 electrolytes were applied to the Noyes high-temperature conductance data obtdined on NaCl, HCl, KCl, NaOH, AgNO3, and H/sub 3/PO/sub 4/ solutions. lt was found that the first four electrolytes behave as strong electrolytes up through temperatures of 218, 218, 281, and 156 deg C, respectively. Application of the Bjerrum theory showed that, somewhat above each of these temperatures, these electrolytes begin to associate by ion-pair formation. H/sub 3/PO/sub 4/ solutions associated at room temperature and above. AgNO/sub 3/ solutions appeared to asscciate at all temperatures. The equivalent conductances and infinite dilution and the dissociation constants for each of the electrolytes were calculatsd. An apparatus was constructed and measurements were made on the conductances of LiOH and NH/sub 4/OH solutions over the temperature range of 100 to 520 deg F. Equivalent conductances at infinite dilution were calculated. The pH of reactor coolants using LiOH or NH/sub 4/OH was calculated from the disscciation constants for water, LiOH, and NH/sub 4/OH at elevated temperatures. (auth