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Research Findings: Conversing abstract concepts boost children's language learning. Despite the numerous studies on the linguistic environment of early childhood education settings (ECE), most of this work disregards contextual factors that may influence abstract conversations and omits characteristics of children's verbal participation in these interactions. We examined how preschool classroom contexts influenced the abstraction level of children's conversations and how the context and conversational partners' language influenced children's verbal participation. We analyzed 2,928 utterances in 453 natural teacher and peer conversations during a one-week period in a preschool classroom. Bayesian analysis showed that children and teachers used significantly more abstract talk in small-group activities coded as math and science than other coded settings. Moreover, Bayesian analysis revealed that the abstraction level of conversational partners' turns influenced that of children's talk beyond the characteristics of the context. Interestingly, this association was moderated by the partner (teacher or peer). Practice or Policy: The inconsistent association between measurements of ECE quality and children's outcomes invites practitioners to reevaluate what these measurements should assess. This study suggests the need to pay greater attention to the features of ECE settings that are conducive to children's development, such as learning materials, grouping, and peer interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S. aureus and S. epidermidis are the most common bacteria responsible for causing implant infections. We propose that 3D-printed antimicrobial biomedical devices are a rational solution for the prevention of infection. 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) constructs were alkali-treated to increase hydrophilicity and functionalized using a suspension of Zinc/HNTs-Ag-Chitosan Oligosaccharide Lactate (ZnHNTs-Ag-COS). PLA constructs were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antimicrobial potential was assessed using agar diffusion and biofilm assays. The surface of 3D printed PLA constructs were chemically modified to increase hydrophilicity and suspensions of COS-ZnHNTs-Ag were adsorbed on the construct surface. Surface adsorption of ZnHNTs-Ag-COS on PLA printed constructs was determined to be a function of relative pore size. Morphological surface characterization confirmed the presence of the suspension coatings on the constructs, and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of COS-ZnHNTs-Ag coatings. Growth inhibition studies validated the antimicrobial properties of PLA constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Findings: The global COVID-19 pandemic prevented the implementation of in-person summer learning programs designed to improve school readiness for entering kindergartners. Thus, we conducted the current study examining the feasibility, social validity, and preliminary impacts of a virtual summer learning program. Ninety-one preschoolers and their caregivers participated in a 4-week program involving one weekly teacher-caregiver meeting, two weekly Watch Together home learning activities, two weekly Play Together home learning activities, one or two weekly Read Together home learning activities, and one or two weekly teacher-child video chat lessons. Recruitment and participation indicated high levels of interest. Caregivers reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and teachers reported moderate to high levels of child engagement during video chat lessons. Children showed significant gains on emotion knowledge, patterning, and alphabet knowledge. Practice or Policy: This study demonstrates the promise of a virtual kindergarten readiness program and suggests that the combination of educational media and video chat instruction may be effective for promoting children's skills. A virtual intervention could be beneficial in other contexts, such as in rural areas where it would be challenging for families to participate in an in-person program or for immunocompromised or seriously ill children who are unable to attend in person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No abstract available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies enable not only faster bioconstructs development but also on-demand and customized manufacturing, offering patients a personalized biomedical solution. This emerging technique has a great potential for fabricating bioscaffolds with complex architectures and geometries and specifically tailored for use in regenerative medicine. The next major innovation in this area will be the development of biocompatible and histiogenic 3D printing materials with bio-based printable polymers. This review will briefly discuss 3D printing techniques and their current limitations, with a focus on novel bio-based polymers as 3D printing feedstock for clinical medicine and tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThis study assessed associations of depression and anxiety with risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among non-Hispanic blacks in the Metabolic Syndrome Outcome (MetSO) study. MethodA total of 1,035 patients participated. ARESTMscore ≥6 defined high OSA risk. Moderate depression was defined by a CES-D score ≥16. Moderate anxiety was measured by a BAI score ≥16. ResultsThe mean age was 62 ± 14 years; 70% were female. A total of 93% were diagnosed with hypertension; 61%, diabetes; and 72%, dyslipidemia; 90% were overweight/obese; 33% had a history of heart disease; and 10% had a stroke. Logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age and gender, showed that patients with depression had nearly two-fold increased odds of being at risk for OSA (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.02–2.98, p < 0.05). Patients with anxiety had three-fold increased odds of being at risk for OSA (OR 3.30, 95% CI 2.11–5.15, p < 0.01). After adjusting for marital status and income, patients with anxiety had a 6% increase in OSA risk (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.09, p < 0.05), but depression was no longer significant. ConclusionOur results suggest that non-Hispanic blacks with metabolic syndrome who experience anxiety and/or depression should be screened for OSA.Key messagesThis study assessed associations of moderate to severe depression and anxiety with risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among non-Hispanic blacks with metabolic syndrome.Patients with depression had nearly two-fold increased odds of being at risk for OSA.Patients with anxiety had three-fold increased odds of being at risk for OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a novel actuation approach is proposed for linear ultrasonic motors by applying a square-wave excitation voltage across the piezoceramic elements. Using this approach, the output force and power of the ultrasonic motor can be tangibly increased, without increasing its stator volume, thereby leading to improvement in the actuator power density. Added normal force is exerted on the moving stage by exciting the higher longitudinal resonant modes, the frequencies of which coincide with the harmonics of the square-wave voltage. The proposed approach is illustrated herein via the simulation of a suitably designed bimodal linear ultrasonic motor using finite-element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonlinear robust controller design procedure is presented, which is designed to simultaneously satisfy multiple conflicting closed-loop performance specifications. Significantly, a robust performance specification for the experimental system, developed for studying the attitude control of a small-scale helicopter in our previous work, is discussed quantitatively. The robust performance specifications and nominal multiple closed-loop performance specifications are conflicting. Use of the Convex Integrated Design (CID) method can provide, where feasible, a single closed-loop controller which satisfies a set of multiple conflicting performance specifications. However, the resultant controller has a complex form. Here, the standard CID method is extended to a more general control system framework to solve the conflicting simultaneous performance design problem. When compared with the standard CID design, the extended CID design procedure generates a relatively simple closed-loop controller. Finally, the synthesised controller is tested in simulation and is validated with an experimental small-scale test helicopter, demonstrating the performance of the proposed controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certainly one of the most important public sector issues facing policy makers and marketers is that dealing with the marketing of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). A public policy-desirable and sometime mandated product, uncertain technology, and unknown demand in the marketplace continue to pose enormous public sector marketing questions in this area. The present study utilises diffusion theory to extend previous clean fuel vehicle research through an in-depth and very comprehensive investigation of environmentally active consumers' response to various public policy incentives, promotions and endorsements aimed at facilitating ZEV purchases, along with these consumers' knowledge and preference for ZEV configurations at a level of specificity not previously studied. Results show that enormous public policy problems exist in terms of the trade-offs that even environmentally active consumers are willing to make for a cleaner environment, though the provision of combinations of public sector incentives does influence share of preference. Implications and directions for public policy and for marketing action are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Institute for Geriatric Social Work (IGSW), located at Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW), formed a collaborative partnership with Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley (ESMV), a large urban Area Agency on Aging (AAA) near Boston to design, implement, and evaluate an innovative model program of agency-based training for practicing social workers. The collaboration facilitated and strengthened the development of a program that benefited the university-based program and the community-based agency. The training program comprises a 'blended' model of core and elective online courses combined with face-to-face training. Evaluation of the model program is integral to its design, and includes a randomized control trial to test the effectiveness of the training program in increasing practice competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: To further investigate mortality among farm workers, a proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) analysis was conducted among the membership of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), a farm worker labor union, for the years 1973-2000 in the state of California. Purpose: This report compares proportionate mortality for 118 causes of death in the UFW and the general United States population, adjusting for age, sex, race and calendar year of death. En addition, an exploratory analysis was conducted comparing deaths in the UFW to deaths in the California Hispanic population. Methods: A roster of members of the UFW was compared to the death certificate master tiles of the state of California for the years 1973 to 2000. Matches were detected using automated techniques and visual review. PMR and associated confidence intervals were calculated using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Life Table Analysis System using deaths in the U.S. as the standard. A similar analysis was conducted limiting attention to the time period 1988-2000 and using deaths in the California Hispanic population as the standard. Findings: There were a total of 139,662 members of the union included in the linkage that yielded 3,977 deaths in the time period 1973-2000. Proportionate mortality in the farm workers was significantly elevated for respiratory tuberculosis, malignant neoplasms of the stomach, biliary passages, liver and gallbladder, and uterine cervix, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and ‘other diseases of the digestive system.’ Transportation injuries including motor vehicles deaths, deaths from machine injuries, unintentional poisonings and assault and homicide were significantly elevated as well. Farm workers were at significantly lower risk of death from HIV-related disease, malignant neoplasms of the esophagus, intestine, pancreas, lung, urinary bladder, melanoma, and brain, all cancer deaths, ‘other diseases of the nervous system,’ ischemic heart disease, conductive disorder, ‘other diseases of the heart,’ emphysema, ‘other respiratory diseases,’ and symptoms and ill-defined conditions. These results were similar when using California Hispanic deaths as the standard for the years 1988-2000. There was still excess proportionate mortality from tuberculosis, cerebrovascular disease and unintentional injuries among the UFW members and lowered mortality from HIV related deaths, all cancer deaths combined and diseases of the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent improvements in long-term care insurance (LTCI) policies, concerns have been raised regarding just how well LTCI benefits actually meet elderly consumers' health and financial needs. In this case study, we examined the quality assurance (QA) provisions in a state-sponsored LTCI program, the California Partnership for Long-Term Care (CPLTC). CPLTC invests the primary responsibility for QA with care management networks, which assure quality services through care monitoring, quarterly service record reviews, and annual documentation of care manager clinical competence. Study findings suggest a number of limitations in existing QA policies and procedures, which can undermine the ability of care managers and other third parties to identify and rectify potential unmet needs among LTCI policyholders. These findings, while based on an intensive analysis of QA provisions in a particular, state-sponsored LTCI program, are likely to have implications for other LTCI programs and policies, most of which have less well-developed QA provisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new observer for estimation of rotor fluxes is proposed to improve traditional backstepping controls of AC induction motors. The estimated torque and flux tracking errors are added to the observation. The new observer-based backstepping control guarantees asymptotic convergence to zero of both position and flux tracking errors, and exhibits less sensitivity to variation of rotor resistance. Simulation and experimental results verify the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During May 1991, a mooring equipped with a blue-green colour sensor and two fluorometers was deployed in Loch Striven, Scotland. The colour sensor recorded the ratio of downwelling irradiances at 440 and 524 nm, which is strongly influenced by phytoplankton abundance. The fluorometers recorded the red fluorescent response of phytoplankton pigments to a blue flash. Profiles of water properties were made almost daily near the mooring, in order to assess the reliability of automatic bio-optical measurements of phytoplankton abundance. Each type of instrument had limitations, but all were able to estimate chlorophyll concentration with a precision of 10-14% over the observed ranges of 1 to 21 or 33 mg m [sup 3], giving an r[sup 2] (between the bio-optical signal and extracted chlorophyll) of about 0.8. There were large day-to-day, and, sometimes, hour-to-hour changes in amount of phytoplankton. These were largely the result of (non-tidal) water movements: biological changes were slow. Implications for the monitoring of phytoplankton blooms in coastal waters are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes one business college's efforts to substantially revise its core business curriculum. To give some sense of the progress of this revision effort, the discussion is organized using the new product development process. The process' final result is a new core curriculum that emphasizes the integration of all business disciplines. The paper describes how changes were developed, tested, and finally implemented. Baseline measures for curriculum evaluation are briefly discussed, though the final success of the new curriculum will only be known after a longitudinal analysis of the data in subsequent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes pesticide use data and cancer incidence rates in California counties. Pesticide use in agriculture throughout the state; Subjects and methods of the study; Results and discussion.

Presents a technique for teaching about the influence of the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment on early American history. Ideas which shaped these movements; Theories of Sir Isaac Newton and philosopher John Locke; Duties of government; `Natural' rights of citizens.

Studies interpersonal sensitivity and psychotic symptoms in obese adult with a history of childhood obesity. Methodology; Findings.

Studies interpersonal dependency correlates and locus of control orientation among obese adults in outpatient treatment of obesity. Use of Interpersonal Dependency Inventory and the I-E Scale; Internal orientation of obese people.

Details a study of locus of control (LOC) in samples of obese and nonobese subjects. Findings which challenge currently held assumptions on the directionality of LOC in obese groups; Study methods; Internal vs. external orientation.

Details a study which found that patients with early onset obesity demonstrated a greater frequency and higher levels of emotional distress and psychiatric symptoms than patients with late onset obesity. Support for the belief that obesity is characteristically associated with greater internal and psychological conflict; More.

Looks at a study that devised and administered the Alcohol Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ) to 56 male and 51 female undergraduates. Findings about differences in attitudes between groups with different income backgrounds; Personal alcohol consumption and attitudes about excessive drinking; More.

Rotter's (1966) I-E Locus of Control Scale was administered to 18 men in residential treatment for alcoholism and 13 men in intensive outpatient treatment for obesity. The obese sample scored significantly higher in internal locus of control, whereas the alcoholic sample was comparatively external in control orientation. These findings contradict currently held assumptions on the directionality of control orientation among both alcoholic and obese adults and suggest that internally oriented obese adults may feel that they have little control over their weight and eating behavior but more control over other aspects of their lives. In contrast, externally oriented alcoholics appear to be aware of their inability to control their drinking and their limited control over many factors influencing their lives. Implications for treatment are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

No abstract available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In China, there has been a long tradition of oppression, with the burden falling particularly on rural women. Since 1949, Chinese leaders have supported women's emancipation as a natural consequence of Socialist economic development. Government actions to mitigate the problem of inequality have enhanced some achievements but are largely inadequate. This paper examines the issue of Chinese women in politics and concludes that negative influences of the past, misunderstanding of the connection between general and gender specific policies, and the absence of general commitment to the ideology of sex equality have been the obstacles to women's emancipation in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty female rats of the Long-Evans strain were given 300 trials of signaled shuttlebox avoidance conditioning in a 2 x 4 factorial design with warning signal (CS) termination and feedback stimulus (FS) presentation as the two independent variables. The CS terminated either promptly after or well before (trace procedure) the response: the FS was presented on either avoidance trials only, escape trials only, both avoidance and escape trials, or not at all. The results indicated that there was (a) no main effect of the CS termination contingency at any stage of training, with equally high rates of responding occurring, under both prompt and trace conditions; and (b) a highly significant main effect of the FS contingency during the initial acquisition trials, with the greatest likelihood of avoidance responding under conditions in which the FS was presented on both avoidance and escape trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies perceptions of family acceptance concerning interracial friendships and romantic relationships. Methodology; Findings.

Studies the relationship between gender differences and racial prejudices. Profile of participants; Methodology; Findings.

Presents a study observing 65 adult and adolescent females in two outpatient obesity treatment programs who were administered Rotter's (1966) Internal-External (I-E) Scale. The differences between the adults and the adolescents according to the Scale; Method; Results; Discussion.

Examines the effects of long-term ambient concentrations of total suspended particulates and ozone on Seventh-day adventists suffering from cancer in California. Contribution of air pollution on airway obstructive disease; Mortality rate of the patient; Relationship between tobacco smoke and air pollution.

Evaluates the health effects of ambient air pollutants on nonsmoking population in California. Measurement of total suspended particulates, ozone and sulfur dioxides; Signs and symptoms of respiratory infection; Use of computer algorithms to classify airway obstructive disease symptoms.