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Objective Individuals living with serious mental illnesses are key stakeholders in user experience design and the development of the WorkingWell mobile app to enhance on-the-job follow-along support. In this study, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) consumers identify challenges in sustaining employment, provide data regarding their use of technology, and suggest technology-based solutions for coping on the job to inform app development. Method Focus groups were conducted in 3 agencies providing IPS services to examine consumers' perspectives on supported employment, work, and their preferences for technology-based supports. Qualitative data were coded thematically in a multistep, collaborate approach to ensure trustworthiness. Survey data were collected to describe participants and their current technology use; these data were analyzed descriptively. Results A total of 25 IPS consumers reported work challenges related to interpersonal relationships and social situations; job characteristics, tasks, and expectations; illness- and treatment-related issues; lifestyle/wellness and conditions apart from work; and motivation. The majority owned mobile phones, felt comfortable using technology, and could see how technology-based tools could help sustain employment. Participants highlighted the potential benefits of technology-based supports for work challenges, and underscored the potential for independence and empowerment as a consequence. Conclusions and implications for practice Study findings suggest the value of a WorkingWell mobile app that is innovative, easy to access, self-directed, and individually tailored to enhance IPS follow-along support. The WorkingWell app, if proven effective, will provide an empowering set of tools designed with input from individuals with serious mental illnesses, and integrated into a single, accessible interface. (PsycINFO Database Record

Although Malaysia is a major producer and exporter of wood products in the world, the status of wood products certification in the industry is relatively unknown. Therefore, a study was carried out to assess the status of chain of custody certification among wooden furniture manufacturers using a structured questionnaire to interview firms who had participated at the annual Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF). Results collated indicate that the readiness to adopt chain of custody certification among wooden furniture manufacturers was low. The lack of price premiums, limited market potential and high cost was cited as the primary reasons deterring furniture manufacturers from adopting chain of custody certification. Furthermore, the use of plantation wood resources, such as Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), perceived to be certified wood resources, reflects the lack of understanding among the manufacturers. This study shows that an increasing adoption of chain of custody certification among wooden furniture manufacturers in Malaysia can be realized in the market organisation, especially with regards to price premiums and market requirements.

Malaysia, a major producer and exporter of wood products has been slow to embrace wood products certification. A study was carried out with the intention of assessing the status of chain of custody certification among wooden furniture manufacturers. A structured questionnaire was used to interview firms who participated at the annual Malaysian International Furniture Fair in 2007. Results indicate that the readiness to adopt chain of custody certification among wooden furniture manufacturers was low. The lack of price premiums, limited market potential and high cost were cited as the primary reasons deterring furniture manufacturers from adopting chain of custody certification. Furthermore, the use of plantation wood resources, such as Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis Mll. Arg.), were perceived by many respondents to be certified wood resources, reflecting a lack of understanding among manufacturers. It was concluded that the promotion of chain of custody certification in Malaysia must focus on increasing awareness as well as highlighting the tangible and intangible benefits to be gained from such a scheme.

To assess the effect of bariatric surgical treatment of morbid obesity on bone mineral metabolism.We analyzed pertinent vitamin D and calcium metabolic variables in 136 patients who had undergone a malabsorptive bariatric operation. Measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were performed. Statistical analyses assessed correlations among various factors.The mean age (+/-SD) of the study group was 48.34 +/- 10.28 years. Their mean weight loss was 114.55 +/- 45.66 lb, and the mean duration since the bariatric surgical procedure was 54.02 +/- 51.88 months. Seventeen patients (12.5%) had a T-score of -2.5 or less, and 54 patients (39.7%) had a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5. Of 119 patients in whom serum 25-OHD was measured, 40 (34%) had severe hypovitaminosis D (25-OHD8ng/mL), and 50 patients (42%) had low hypovitaminosis D (serum 25-OHD 8 to 20 ng/mL). The magnitude of weight loss correlated negatively with serum 25-OHD, calcium, phosphorus, and calcium x phosphorus product values and positively with serum alkaline phosphatase level. Serum 25-OHD and calcium concentrations correlated positively with the BMD. PTH, serum 1,25-(OH)2D, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations correlated negatively with the BMD, a reflection of the presence of secondary hyperparathyroidism, an accelerated conversion of 25-OHD to 1,25-(OH)2D by the elevated PTH levels, and increased osteoblastic activity. The mean daily vitamin D supplementation was 6,472 +/- 9,736 IU.Hypovitaminosis D and subsequent bone loss are common in patients who have undergone a bariatric surgical procedure for morbid obesity. These patients require rigorous vitamin D supplementation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the consumer perceptions towards rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) as a premier furniture material. The data for this study were collected from a questionnaire survey completed by 250 buyers who attended the international furniture fairs in Malaysia. Correlation analysis showed that the success factors of rubberwood as a furniture stock in comparison to other furniture wood species are its lower cost, availability, environmental friendliness and easy workability.

We have investigated the ability of cells derived from the human joint to generate nitric oxide (NO). Synovial fibroblasts, articular chondrocytes and osteoblasts were cultured from tissues of patients undergoing hip replacement surgery, and synovial fluid leucocytes were obtained from patients undergoing joint aspiration. There was little spontaneous generation of NO by any of the cells after culture, but synovial fibroblasts, articular chondrocytes and osteoblasts all produced large quantities of NO in response to a cytokine mix of interleukin (IL)-1 beta + tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) + interferon (IFN gamma). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed the presence of mRNA transcripts for the inducible isoform of NO synthase in cytokine-stimulated but not in unstimulated cells. In contrast, leucocytes from synovial fluid did not produce NO either spontaneously or after cytokine stimulation, and mRNA for inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was not detected in these cells even by nested PCR. There were significant differences in the regulation of NO production between chondrocytes and other cells. Only chondrocytes generated NO in response to IL-1 beta or TNF alpha alone, whereas synovial fibroblasts and osteoblasts required the presence of at least two cytokines to generate NO. Dexamethasone (10(-6)M) had a small but significant inhibitory effect on NO production by chondrocytes, synovial fibroblasts and osteoblasts. Our results indicate that several cells within the human joint have the potential to generate NO in the presence of an appropriate pro-inflammatory cytokine stimulus, while leucocytes in synovial fluid are not a significant source of NO. The data support suggestions that NO is produced within the inflamed joint in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

As we now progress in the field of bariatric surgery, improving methods and fine tuning operative procedures, we witness many benefits. Fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and more evidence of successful weight loss consistently appear in the statistics that have been accumulated through years of research. The information accumulated through years of research. The information provided, continues to verify that surgery is the most viable treatment for morbid obesity. There is minimal literature, however, that addresses the emotional issues faced by the patients who have undergone bariatric procedures. Postoperatively we may find at intervals of 3 months, 6 months, and even 1 or more years, a patient struggling to deal with their identity. The resolution or improvements of various medical anomalies, may seem insignificant as the patient now begins to focus on emotional and physical changes. Their bodies' new shape may create distressing personal concerns. Family members may also struggle with these psychological and physical changes. The surgery has forced the patient to deal with the loss of a love that is not easily replaced, the love of food. These, all too frequently, are the actual postoperative complications, co-morbidity changes, and weight loss, most importantly, we must also understand our responsibility to address the patients' emotional well-being. While indicating our concerns for the psychological as well as physiological recovery, the patient may then realize a healthier transition into life beyond bariatric surgery.

In bariatric surgery we modify, in varying degrees, the gastrointestinal system. We observe the patients clinically over the postoperative period of a few months or more. During this time our main concern is to monitor them physiologically, noting the decline in weight, change in body structure, and vast improvement in their comorbidities. Frequently the reaction of the patient may be somewhat surprising to us. One or 2 years past surgery they have forgotten about having had diabetes and hypertension, diseases for which they had received a barrage of medical treatment. It does not seem to matter anymore that at one time they wore a size 2X and now can wear size 14. Now we are forced to wonder what the expectation of the patient was. Our goal was to improve their physiological and psychological well-being, assuming they would go hand in hand with weight loss. If the patient does not recognize an improvement in their quality of life and continues to question their self-worth, then perhaps we should reassess our goals and our obligations. The principles of surgery and how it is or should be done is fairly clear. If we are to maintain standards of quality in this particular field of medicine, we must recognize our commitment to patients and make these principles just as clear. The commitment involves ongoing postoperative assessment and teaching, assessment of emotional well-being and lessons in dietary and physical activity, including exposure to and involvement in group support.

carrier-relaying equipment theco-ordinationofindividual relays isanimportant factor inthecorrect operation ofthe equipment. Itisthepurpose ofthis paper todescribe theoperating principles ofthevarious electronic relays employed intheall-electronic carrier-relaying equipment,andtopoint outthefeatures that havebeenincluded toobtain 1-cycle operation andwhichatthesametime guarantee co-ordination betweenterminals. Incompanion papers theneed forahigh-speed relaying equipment,' the over-all operating principles,2 andperformance evaluation' arepresented indetail. A directional-comparison relaying equipment mustperform thefollowing functions: detection ofabnormal system conditions, determination offault location, transmission ofblocking signal tothe remoteterminal, discrimination between short circuits andother abnormal system conditions suchaspowerswings and momentary powerreversals, andcontrol ofcircuit-breaker tripcurrent. These functions areprovided inagroupofelectronic relays whichoperate onthefollowing principles

Although electromagnetic protective relays are adequate for present requirements, the ever-increasing demand for higher speeds and greater accuracy and dependability seems likely to exceed the capabilities of relays now available. However, the trend toward electronic control circuits in other branches of electrical engineering, coupled with the recent improvements in the design and manufacture of electronic circuit components, indicates a possibility of overcoming these limitations.

A carbon electrode recording system for chronic electrode implantation is physiologically inert and electrically non-polar. Its low inter-face impedance allows cortical recordings demonstrably superior to metal electrodes. The long term stability of the carbon system is better than others reported in the literature. Construction and electrically determined parameters are described.

The need arises for reliable, economical high-speed, semipermanent stores for electronic-telephone switching systems, as well as for modern digital computers. A semipermanent or fixed store is one in which the stored information may not be changed by the machine that is able to consult it. These stores provide data security for such information as operational programs and test routines. A random-access store system where the memory elements consist of a matrix of printed capacitors has been developed. The store has a cycle time of 3 Asec and contains 1024 words each 34 bits long. The access circuits developed enable one to utilize a matrix arrangement of components where a need exists for stores of thousands of words. These circuits consist of diodes and biased square-loop ferrite cores in the input, and magnetic gates, utilizing three transformers in a novel arrangement, in the output.

A stable line‐powered dc millivoltmeter is described which combines the advantages of a directly calibrated scale with the long‐range accuracy of a precision potentiometer. Fractional millimicroampere current drain and a full‐range scale of ±1 volt with 1‐millivolt sensitivity at all settings makes the instrument unusually useful for biophysical, electrochemical, and physical measurements.

Three Army studies--the Franklin Institute study on junior officer retention, the Army War College study of military professionalism, and a study of the officer evaluation system--have indicated that many officers felt that they would benefit substantially from improvement of the career guidnace and counseling system. From the officers' standpoint, the major objections to the current system have been that insufficient information is available when career decisions are being made; preference forms have little influence on assignment; and assignment officers and counselors at career branch are difficult to contact. Research was suggested to improve or aid the present system, making use of recent technological advances.

Lessons learned from the Army Maintenance Training and Evaluation Simulation System (AMTESS) program about how to design and acquire maintenance training devices were incorporated into a Device Acquisition Guideline (DAG). The DAG was applied to representative device specifications to determine the quality of current spec writing and to recommend improvements. It was concluded that much could be done to improve specs by organizing them more clearly, defining terms more explicitly, and highlighting and better defining specs that had proven to be problems in past acquisitions. It was further concluded that job aids should be developed to help the spec writer, since that job demands the skills of a technical writer, human factors specialist, and instructional designer, as well as those of an engineer.

The Skill Retention Model is a model that describes how people forget technical tasks in terms of such task characteristics as the number of steps in the task and the quantity of the job aids. We administered the Skill Retention Model to seven expert wheeled vehicle mechanical/instructors (SMEs) at the Ordnance Center School, Aberdeen, MD. A total of nine tasks were covered, five tasks in five hours on each of two days, with one task being evaluated on both days and one evaluator serving on both days. We identified three out of nine tasks that are rapidly forgotten. Out of ten task characteristics, five differentiated the three tasks easily forgotten from those that are not easily forgotten. We recommended ways to improve training and calculated how much retention would increase with improved training. Keywords: SME(Subject Matter Experts); Memory psychology; Military training effectiveness; Skill retention; Forgetting; Skill decay; Training cost effectiveness.

The purpose of this study was to derive information required improving State level civil defense training and to apply this information to the development of required courses for achieving this purpose. In order to achieve this goal, research was first conducted to determine the training requirements for the governmental and auxiliary personnel that are needed to implement State civil defense operational plans. Second, training materials were developed to meet these requirements.

Appendices to a core training program for state level civil defense program personnel.

A case of acute ‘localized’ phlegmonous gastritis is described. The predominant clinical features were persistent abdominal pain and a tender mass in the epigastrium. Complete recovery followed partial gastric resection.

The study evaluated the consumer perceptions towards Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) as a premier furniture material. The data for this study was collected from a questionnaire survey, completed by 250 buyers who attended the international furniture fairs in Malaysia. Correlation analysis showed that the success factors of Rubberwood as a furniture stock are primarily its low cost and ample availability. According to 82% of the respondents, the three major advantages of Rubberwood as a furniture stock in comparison to other furniture wood species are its lower cost, environmental friendliness and workability. Inadvertently, Rubberwood furniture is also plagued by the perception of being low-cost.