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1
Williams, A. Lynn. "A Multiple Oppositions Intervention Approach." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2003. https://www.amzn.com/0769302564/.
Abstract:
Book Summary: This revised and updated volume in the Clinical Competence Series is a valuable resource for use in the care and treatment of individuals with articulation and phonological disorders. Covering articulation and phonological disorders that span client ages, populations, and settings, this text is ideal for both clinical use and in communication sciences programs. In addition to updating information from the first edition, the second edition adds two new chapters, providing an overview of speech and its disorders and addressing how children develop speech perception and production skills for communication. New to the Edition New Chapter 1: Foundations of Care, describes the social, linguistic, and biological foundations that underlie clinical care as described in this book. New Chapter 3: Speech Development, contains extensive discussion and clinically useful tables showing developmental milestones in speech perception and production, the connection between speech perception and production, and speech for purposes of communication. Updated references New appendices Revises section on distinguishing dialect from disorder and varieties of American English
2
Chumley, Steven L. "The Best Approach to Crisis Intervention." Thesis, Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10945/17344.
Abstract:
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimitedFirst responders protect and serve. They maintain order, prevent chaos, and keep this country safe and secure. Many of the freedoms enjoyed today are the result of U.S. first responders protecting and caring for U.S. citizens. Whether it is a terrorists attack, a criminal victimizing a citizen, or a natural disaster, first responders will be among the first on the scene to deal with the crisis. For this reason, their role in homeland security is so critical. Traumatic stress experienced by first responders may impact their ability to function and handle the next critical incident, as well as obstruct public safety agencies in maintaining a robust and resilient workforce. As a result, leaders of first responder organizations need methods to recognize the different levels of stress their employees are experiencing and identify ways they can support their officers and minimize long-term effects of stress, including absenteeism, early resignation/retirement, depression, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and suicide. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is the standard clinical practice most widely utilized by public safety agencies in crisis interventions. CISM is designed to mitigate stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Another technique to help the traumatized, now emerging as a preferred response in crisis interventions, is Psychological First Aid (PFA). The empirical evidence is examined comparing CISM and PFA in an attempt to determine the best care for first responders. Another valuable tool examined, and sometimes overlooked as a crisis intervention tool, is the role of trained chaplains in disaster care. The author has responded to numerous traumatic incidents and witnessed firsthand the effects trauma has on first responders. As a result of witnessing the lack of care CISM provides, he was inspired to research and find the best approach to crisis interventions. PFA and trained chaplains may be the answer; however, the author also desires that this paper inspire and challenge other agencies to invest, conduct further research, and ultimately, find the best approach to crisis interventions.
3
Dickinson, Wendy Lynn. "Increasing coping resources an experimental intervention approach /." unrestricted, 2006. http://etd.gsu.edu/theses/available/etd-09252006-095205/.
Abstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Georgia State University, 2006.Title from title screen. Jeffery S. Ashby, committee chair; Kenneth B. Matheny, Greg Brack, T. Chris Oshima,committee members. Electronic text (86 p.) : digital PDF file. Description based on contents viewed June 14, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 68-75).
4
Dickinson, Wendy Lynn. "Increasing Coping Resources: An Experimental Intervention Approach." Digital Archive @ GSU, 2007. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/cps_diss/6.
Abstract:
Recently, 44% of college students reported increased levels of stress, and 28% reported feeling overwhelmed (e.g., The American College Health Association: 2004). Stress has been linked to a variety of physical and emotional problems (e.g., Matheny & McCarthy, 2000). A number of studies (e.g., Matheny et al., 1993; Matheny et al., 1986) have identified coping resources as helpful in decreasing the negative effects of stress. However, there are still some questions in the literature regarding effective ways to increase coping resources. Reading written feedback about coping resources is one way to increase individuals’ awareness about their coping resources (e.g., Matheny et al., 1993). Another intervention that has been shown to have positive and lasting effects with regard to health and well being is therapeutic writing (e.g. Smyth, 1998). While there are studies that point toward writing being beneficial to coping, there are currently no studies that have specifically connected writing interventions with increased coping resources. The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals could increase coping resources and life satisfaction, as well as decrease perceptions of stress and depression by reading about their coping resources and/or writing about them. One hundred and four college students were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three conditions. Condition one was the control condition (i.e. no treatment), condition two received and read written feedback about their current coping resources, and condition three received written feedback about their current coping resources, and wrote about them at three different times. All students were given the following measures at the beginning and end of the study to assess for changes in their perceptions of stress and coping, as well as depression and satisfaction with life: the Coping Resources Inventory for Stress (Matheny, Curlette, Aycock, Pugh, & Taylor, 1992), the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (Radloff, 1977), and the Satisfaction with Life scale (Diener, Emmons, Larasen, & Griffen, 1985). The results showed that reading written feedback about coping resources positively and significantly affected the overall coping level of females. However, their satisfaction with life, perception of stress, and depression levels remained unchanged. For males, reading written feedback did not significantly change their overall coping resources or any of the other variables. Writing about stress and coping did not significantly benefit males or females on any variable. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
5
Williams, A. Lynn, and J. Kalbfleisch. "A Multiple Opposition Approach to Phonological Intervention." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 1999. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2101.
6
Williams, A. Lynn. "Phonological Intervention Using a Multiple Opposition Approach." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 1996. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2029.
7
Williams, A. Lynn, and John Kalbfleisch. "Phonological Intervention using a Multiple Opposition Approach." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2001. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2095.
Abstract:
The purpose of this investigation was to examine phonological restructuring when contrastive oppositions were constructed to include larger treatment sets that confronted the child with multiple sound targets selected from an entire rule set.
8
Williams, A. Lynn. "A Phonological Approach to Assessment and Intervention." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 1998. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2027.
9
Russell, Anthony Charles. "A workshop intervention approach to nursing stress management." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1996. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp04/MQ33447.pdf.
10
Williams, A. Lynn. "A Systemic Approach to Phonological Assessment and Intervention." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 1999. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2026.
11
Williams, A. Lynn. "From Assessment to Intervention: A Systemic Phonological Approach." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 1997. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2108.
12
Hall, Jessica Faye. "The development of an intervention for carers of stroke survivors using an Intervention Mapping approach." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2017. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/20345/.
Abstract:
Background: Burden is well documented among carers of stroke survivors, yet current evidence is insufficient for determining the best strategies for reducing negative outcomes. The Medical Research Council (MRC) framework advocates using theories in intervention development, but lacks guidance on how this can be achieved. Interventions targeting carers of stroke survivors often lack theory or provide inadequate descriptions of the active ingredients determining their effects. This research aimed to develop a proposed theory- and evidence-based intervention to reduce burden in carers of stroke survivors. Methods: In conjunction with stakeholder involvement, Intervention Mapping stages one to four guided intervention development: needs assessment; identifying outcomes and objectives; selecting theoretical methods and practical applications; and creating a programme plan. The needs assessment included three components: A systematic review of systematic reviews established the factors that influence burden in carers of stroke survivors and other longer-term conditions; a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies and a qualitative interview study established carers’ needs, how and whether they change over time, and the barriers and facilitators to addressing needs. Findings influenced subsequent stages of intervention development. Results: Stakeholders prioritised the need for carers to feel prepared before and during the transition from hospital to home as key to reducing burden. The proposed intervention comprises multiple components based on theoretical methods and practical applications to target relevant determinants. This includes: a training package for information and support providers working with carers; an additional training session for other staff; and elements to support carers to feel prepared. Conclusions: Using Intervention Mapping addressed some of the limitations of previous interventions and fulfilled MRC recommendations by providing a structured framework for systematically incorporating evidence, theories, and stakeholder input throughout intervention development. Further research is required to produce and refine the proposed intervention components before evaluating their effectiveness.
13
Chater, Angel Marie. "Children's health perception and health behaviour : an intervention approach." Thesis, University of Roehampton, 2006. https://pure.roehampton.ac.uk/portal/en/studentthesis/children’s-health-perception-and-health-behaviour(a06c6553-ed09-4a4c-acbe-b30c865d9292).html.
Abstract:
The principal aim of this two-study research programme was to investigate the contribution of psychological factors to health behaviours in children, and the intention to perform them. The investigation focused on healthy eating, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking cigarettes and avoiding drinking alcohol. The first study examined children’s individual cognitions, past behaviour and perception of their own and their parents’ health behaviours. Drawing from Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 1985), the aim of study 1 was to investigate the extent to which these psychological factors could predict children’s future intentions towards the above behaviours. The second study aimed to identify if a child’s behavioural intention was a significant predictor of their actual health behaviour. Furthermore, it aimed to develop and run a series of theoretically based intervention workshops drawing from Prospect Theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979; 1982) and the Health Action Process Approach (Schwarzer, 1992) to promote health behaviours. A cross-sectional quantitative survey design was used in the first study. Data was collected from 529 school-aged children within year groups 7 (11-12 years) and 10 (14-15 years) using an instrument specifically designed for this research, named the ‘Health Perceptions Questionnaire’. The second study employed an experimental repeated measures 2x3 factorial design. With a sub-sample of study 1 (N = 72) it investigated interactions between pre and post intentions and behaviours, and the possible effects of two framed interventions compared to a control condition. Results from study 1 indicate that the most significant predictors of health behaviour intention are behavioural importance, past behaviour, behaviour-specific self-efficacy, attitude and outcome expectancies. Many of the study variables were found to differ between year group and gender. Study 2 revealed there were no significant differences in behavioural intentions between groups post-intervention. Moreover, a limited effect was observed in health behaviour performance with a significant interaction only found between intervention conditions in healthy eating behaviours. Significant differences were found between healthy eating and regular exercise behaviours from time 1 to time 2 of the research programme. Furthermore, behavioural intentions were found to be significant predictors of health behaviours.
14
Bansell, Marianne. "Smartwatches in the elderly care - a design intervention approach." Thesis, Malmö universitet, Fakulteten för kultur och samhälle (KS), 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-21694.
Abstract:
This thesis project is exploring future smartwatch use within elderly care. The user-centered designing phase uses a design intervention approach, where design and research happen simultaneously.The research question is: “How can a smartwatch be used within the elderly care, based on the existing TES mobile phone app, and how can these interactions be designed as smartwatch features?”. The results are four iteratively explored design opportunities, presented as design propositions with concept sketches, and two prototypes.The main participants in the field studies and workshops are end-users, caregivers within the elderly home care and an elderly care center. The outcome shows they are positive towards an imagined future containing smartwatches as a work tool. They see advantages with the wearable and glanceable technology, like freed hands, less to carry and simpler interactions in comparison to a smart phone.The study also shows positive effects of using interaction design for a company’s design process, and exploration of new technology.
15
Bradley, William Worth. "Therapeutic intervention with suicidal adolescents: A problem-solving approach." W&M ScholarWorks, 1986. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1539618886.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a problem-solving intervention strategy as applied to mildly suicidal adolescents. The population for this study consisted of male and female adolescents aged 14 to 19 who were referred by teachers, counselors, parents or self because of concerns about suicidal behavior. This project was a case study approach focusing on six mildly suicidal adolescents who volunteered from a pool of referrals received during the 1985-1986 school year. Prior to beginning intervention, each student's lethality was assessed by using the Lethality Index which allowed for the identification of those adolescents who were more seriously suicidal. These students were referred to appropriate agencies.;Pre and post assessment which included interview, the IPAT Depression Inventory, the Suicide Probability Scale, the Checklist for Solving Problems in Real Life and the Classroom Performance Profile was conducted by the school psychologist or social worker involved. Each subject received the same intervention strategy which was a problem-solving approach initiated with each student focusing on his/her own personal problems. Each subject was seen at least once a week for six weeks, however, some students were seen more frequently if necessary.;Overall results of this study were considered inconclusive, as there was no overwhelming or statistically significant proof that a problem-solving intervention approach is successful with mildly suicidal adolescents. It was felt, however, that results did indicate that adolescents referred for depression and suicidal concerns also experience weak problem-solving skills. Each subject indicated that they wanted help in learning how to solve their personal problems better.;Subjective reports from post intervention interviews revealed that students felt more confident in confronting future problems, however, results on the problem-solving inventory did not demonstrate growth in this area.;Generalization of results must be made with caution as there were several major limitations to this study. The problem-solving framework, however, does appear to have merit as a structured format for counselors to use when working with suicidal students and their problems.
16
Du, Plessis Sandra. "Multilingual preschool learners: a collaborative approach to communication intervention." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/28280.
Abstract:
Multilingualism in classrooms is currently prompting debate and has significantly impacted on schooling in South Africa over the last decade. At present South African educators face the challenge of coping with and finding solutions to culturally and linguistically diverse urban school contexts that did not exist before. In many South African communities young learners, without any prior knowledge of English, are placed in English preschools. Preschool teachers have the demanding task of preparing these multilingual preschoolers for formal schooling in English, and, in addition, are pressurised by parents or caregivers who expect their children to be fluent in English by the time they enter primary school. A group of preschool teachers in a specific urban, multilingual preschool context expressed concern about multilingual preschool learners’ academic performances and their future, and requested advice and support. Consequently a need was identified for speech-language therapists to make their expertise available to multilingual preschool learners, as well as to their preschool teachers. To address this need, an exploratory, descriptive, contextual research design, incorporating the quantitative perspective, was selected to describe the specific educational context of multilingual preschools in the Pretoria Central Business District (CBD) and Sunnyside area. A descriptive survey was conducted and two survey techniques were employed to collect the data, namely a questionnaire and a test battery. The questionnaire was used to collect information from 32 teacher participants to investigate the needs and strengths of preschool teachers and multilingual preschool learners. The test battery was utilised to collect data on the language and communication proficiency in English of 30 learner participants. Results indicated that the teacher participants perceived certain personal challenges while supporting the preschool learners acquiring English as Language of Learning and Teaching (ELoLT). These teachers expressed a need for knowledge and support. They also reported that the multilingual preschool learners in the research context had to communicate in ELoLT despite it being an unfamiliar language. Some of the multilingual preschool learners displayed behaviours that could be indicative of negative influences on their self-esteem. The language and communication assessment revealed that many learner participants’ comprehension and expression in ELoLT were insufficient for learning and that they required support for academic success. In addition, the results support the claim that an integrated view of the multilingual learners’ communication abilities need to be established across contexts, by combining assessment strategies, such as naturalistic and structured assessment, as well as interdisciplinary perspectives. The results of the empirical research was used to propose a service delivery model for the acquisition of ELoLT in the research context. This proposed model may be an effective approach to provide supportive intervention to multilingual preschool learners with linguistic barriers to learning. In addition, initial stage intervention guidelines for the basic level ELoLT learner were offered in response to the needs of the specific community. These guidelines may provide a basis for the planning of intervention strategies to preschool teachers who were concerned about the education and future of multilingual preschool learners.Thesis (DPhil (Communication Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2007.
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Unrestricted
17
Sanni, Kemi Funlayo. "An Evidence-Based Approach to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Access." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5262.
Abstract:
Coronary heart disease is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States; Healthy People 2020 set an objective to reduce the rate of the disease by 20% to the baseline rate of 126 deaths per 100,000 population per year. In the local healthcare setting, heart disease was responsible for a high percentage of mortality and morbidity. To address this, the local site developed a plan to improve outcomes for patients seeking care at the facility. Because the femoral approach to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was used to treat coronary heart conditions at the site and complications were frequent, a quality improvement initiative was begun that included a shift to the use of radial artery PCI. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether the new approach lowered the complication rates. The project focused question asked how the complication rate of transradial and transfemoral approach to PCI compared. Data from nonrandom aggregate PCI results for 158 adult patients, ages 40-80 years; data from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry; and summarized unit reports were used to compare the transfemoral and transradial outcomes. Two-samples t test results indicated the complications were clinically and significantly lower (p < .01) with patients who underwent the transradial approach (n = 82) compared to those who had the transfemoral approach (n = 76). Study results suggest the new initiative using the transradial approach for PCI reduced the complications for patients undergoing PCI at the site. Positive social change is possible as the morbidity and mortality rates were reduced and consumers who need the procedure may experience a lower burden of physical and fiscal cost.
18
Tarrant, Robert Gerard. "Early childhood intervention in rural Newfoundland, a community-based approach." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape7/PQDD_0021/MQ54964.pdf.
19
Empelen, Pepijn van. "AIDS prevention among Dutch drug users an intervention mapping approach /." [Maastricht : Maastricht : Universiteit Maastricht] ; University Library, Maastricht University [Host], 2001. http://arno.unimaas.nl/show.cgi?fid=5986.
20
Voerman, Gerritje Evelien. "Musculoskeletal neck-shoulder pain a new ambulant myofeedback intervention approach /." Enschede : University of Twente [Host], 2007. http://doc.utwente.nl/57841.
21
Tilbury, Emma. "The psychodynamic approach to observing organisations : towards a psychosocial intervention." Thesis, University of Leicester, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/27573.
Abstract:
A mixed methods literature review was conducted to investigate methods of obtaining process feedback during and after a psychosocial intervention and how this has been used to evaluate the intervention. Twenty four articles were retrieved that met the inclusion criteria. The data were synthesized and critiqued according to methodological features, with limitations evaluated. Results were presented according to how the feedback research has been used in relation to therapeutic outcome and clinical implications were considered. Recommendations were suggested, including investigating long term outcomes where single measures were utilised. The research study involved a series of six psychodynamic ward observations of an acute inpatient ward. The data were analysed within the supervision group discussions; thematic analysis was conducted on the transcripts (Braun & Clarke, 2006); with further analysis occurring during academic supervision. Five main themes were created to describe the ward culture from the observer’s experience, which captured the dynamic processes and relationships between staff and patients. A follow on study is planned which involves presenting the current findings to the staff group in an attempt to validate the observation method. A critical appraisal is included which describes the researcher’s reflections throughout the research process and the impact experiential learning made on her.
22
Solomonides, Ian Paul. "Learning intervention and the approach to study of engineering undergraduates." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.308312.
23
Williams, A. Lynn. "Multiple Oppositions: Theoretical Foundations for an Alternative Contrastive Intervention Approach." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2000. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2007.
Abstract:
Abstract
A multiple opposition approach to phonological intervention is described as an alternative contrastive approach for the treatment of severe speech disorders in children. The development and theoretical constructs of this approach are presented within the context of a clinical case study. The multiple opposition approach is based on the premise that the systemic level of phonological organization is essential in the description and intervention of disordered sound systems. Phonological descriptions identify phoneme collapses, which are viewed as phonologic strategies developed by the child to accommodate a limited sound system relative to the full adult system of the ambient language. Intervention is then directed systemically across the child’s entire rule, or collapse, by using larger treatment sets of multiple oppositions rather than by one contrast at a time.
24
Hirsch, Jameson K., L. Wingate, C. Bryan, Peter C. Britton, C. Genest, and K. Rasmussen. "A Positive Psychological Approach to Suicide Research, Prevention and Intervention." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2014. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/601.
25
Ryan, Jill. "The design of an intervention to reduce violence in the family: A family–centred approach." University of the Western Cape, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/6960.
Abstract:
Philosophiae Doctor - PhDViolence occurs in different environments, however, it is often found in the family with family members being the perpetrators. Family violence, as an integrative concept, is defined by few researchers or theorists, let alone conceptualised as a theoretical grounding for family-centred interventions aimed at violence in the home. However, family members are all affected in the act of any violence in the family, thus any intervention should include the whole family. A family-centred approach focuses on all family members to be included in the intervention and is acknowledged as the best method when trying to create an intervention for family violence. Thus, the aim of this study was to design an intervention programme for families experiencing family violence in order to reduce violence in the family. To create such a programme, intervention mapping was the chosen design for this study. Intervention mapping has five steps, 1.) Specify the programme’s goals into proximal programme objectives. In this stage, needs are identified; 2.) Selection of theoretical and practical strategies; 3.) Design the programme, 4.) Implementation of the programme, and 5.) Focus on anticipating process and effect evaluation. However, this study only focused on the first 3 steps of intervention development, namely, Phase I, a family violence needs assessment done to identify the problem, Phase II entailed a review done to determine appropriate theoretical and practical approaches for the intervention regarding family violence, and lastly, Phase III had been a Delphi study which aided in the design and development of the intervention. This study showed promising results with proven long-term positive effects in implementing a family-centred approach, and when coupled with a collaborative network of support services, political will, and community support, and has the ability to ensure continuity of care and improved functioning for families experiencing violence in the home.
26
Bruns, Claudia. "A usage-based approach to language processing and intervention in aphasia." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2018. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10062404/.
Abstract:
Non-fluent aphasia (NFA) is characterized by grammatically impoverished language output. Yet there is evidence that a restricted set of multi-word utterances (e.g., "don't know") are retained. Analyses of connected speech often dismiss these as stereotypical, however, these high-frequency phrases are an interactional resource in both neurotypical and aphasic discourse. One approach that can account for these forms is usage-based grammar, where linguistic knowledge is thought of as an inventory of constructions, i.e., form-meaning pairings such as familiar collocations ("wait a minute") and semi-fixed phrases ("I want X"). This approach is used in language development and second language learning research, but its application to aphasiology is currently limited. This thesis applied a usage-based perspective to language processing and intervention in aphasia. Study 1 investigated use of word combinations in conversations of nine participants with Broca's aphasia (PWA) and their conversation partners (CPs), combining analysis of form (frequency-based approach) and function (interactional linguistics approach). In study 2, an on-line word monitoring task was used to examine whether individuals with aphasia and neurotypical controls showed sensitivity to collocation strength (degree of association between units of a word combination). Finally, the impact of a novel intervention involving loosening of slots in semi-fixed phrases was piloted with five participants with NFA. Study 1 revealed that PWA used stronger collocated word combinations compared to CPs, and familiar collocations are a resource adapted to the constraints of aphasia. Findings from study 2 indicated that words were recognised more rapidly when preceded by strongly collocated words in both neurotypical and aphasic listeners, although effects were stronger for controls. Study 3 resulted in improved connected speech for some participants. Future research is needed to refine outcome measures for connected speech interventions. This thesis suggests that usage-based grammar has potential to explain grammatical behaviour in aphasia, and to inform interventions.
27
Golan, Guy D. "Countering violent extremism| A whole community approach to prevention and intervention." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10065201.
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The United States national strategy for Countering Violent Extremism is broadly written and currently does not provide the framework necessary to combat homegrown violent extremism and the foreign fighter phenomenon. The threat of foreign terrorist organizations targeting the United States through a 9/11-style attack has become overshadowed by the threat of homegrown violent extremists and lone-wolf attacks. The purpose of this thesis is to gain a comprehensive insight into how intervention is used within the context of a counter-terrorism preventative strategy. How can intervention be used to disengage radicalizing individuals whose expression of extremist ideology involves committing violent acts? Furthermore, it is anticipated that the most appropriate methods for applying such an intervention program, in the pre-criminal space, can be most successful through interagency collaboration and a Whole Community approach. Such a system leverages partnerships between local, state, and federal government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and community-driven initiatives. This paper analyzes specific case studies of socio-political landscapes, individuals who have radicalized to violent extremism, and intervention programs from Denmark, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The results of the analysis provide recommendations for implementing a nation-wide intervention program in the United States.
28
Birleson, Angela. "Promoting employment in young-onset Parkinson's disease : a staged intervention approach." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2010. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/7256/.
Abstract:
This study investigated the employment experience of younger people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The aims of this study were formulated from reflections on clinical practice and observation of the often detrimental impact caused by relinquishing employment. A steering group consisting mainly of younger people with PD was established to guide the project. A sequential transformative research design was chosen and three methods of data collection were utilised in a flexible, multi-method approach: a questionnaire, which was distributed nationally and in electronic format via the Parkinson’s Disease Society website; a series of three focus groups; and an electronic proforma which recorded the employment stories of respondents via a newly created website. The meaning that employment had for younger people with PD, benefits of working, the decision making process regarding leaving work, difficulties encountered and successful strategies used by younger people with PD to maintain their employment were explored. This study unveiled a narrative surrounding the experience of employment of younger people with PD. The results indicated that this group required targeted assistance to enable them to maintain employment. The results were therefore transformed into a seven staged intervention to facilitate the maintenance of employment and to alter the current narrative. The staged intervention was developed to address the key issues highlighted by the study. Respondents identified a lack of available information and had a poor awareness of employment rights. There was a consensus regarding difficult symptoms to cope with in employment with fatigue having the biggest impact and other symptoms being: cognitive changes, stress, anxiety, reduced dexterity and mobility. Lack of flexibility by employers was noted to contribute to difficulty in work, and dealing with customers or speaking in public were the most problematic work roles. Respondents identified the benefits of work as: mental stimulation, a sense of identity, self esteem and financial benefits, and felt that giving up work would contribute to a social withdrawal. Respondents found that interaction with non-specialist professionals, in relation to the maintenance of work, was ineffective. The study recommends that this intervention should be delivered by a specialist occupational therapist with access to the skills of a multi-disciplinary team. The intervention was tested in practice and an evaluation model was presented to enable further development.
29
Woienski, Richard T. "Suicide an integrated pastoral approach /." Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN), 1997. http://www.tren.com.
30
Rinaldi, Roberto L. "A Developmental Intervention Science Outreach Research Approach to Promoting Positive Youth Development." FIU Digital Commons, 2011. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/342.
Abstract:
Recent intervention efforts in promoting positive identity in troubled adolescents have begun to draw on the potential for an integration of the self-construction and self-discovery perspectives in conceptualizing identity processes, as well as the integration of quantitative and qualitative data analytic strategies. This study reports an investigation of the Changing Lives Program (CLP), using an Outcome Mediation (OM) evaluation model, an integrated model for evaluating targets of intervention, while theoretically including a Self-Transformative Model of Identity Development (STM), a proposed integration of self-discovery and self-construction identity processes. This study also used a Relational Data Analysis (RDA) integration of quantitative and qualitative analysis strategies and a structural equation modeling approach (SEM), to construct and evaluate the hypothesized OM/STM model. The CLP is a community supported positive youth development intervention, targeting multi-problem youth in alternative high schools in the Miami Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS).
The 259 participants for this study were drawn from the CLP’s archival data file. The model evaluated in this study utilized three indices of core identity processes (1) personal expressiveness, (2) identity conflict resolution, and (3) informational identity style that were conceptualized as mediators of the effects of participation in the CLP on change in two qualitative outcome indices of participants’ sense of self and identity.
Findings indicated the model fit the data (χ2 (10) = 3.638, p = .96; RMSEA = .00; CFI = 1.00; WRMR = .299). The pattern of findings supported the utilization of the STM in conceptualizing identity processes and provided support for the OM design. The findings also suggested the need for methods capable of detecting and rendering unique sample specific free response data to increase the likelihood of identifying emergent core developmental research concepts and constructs in studies of intervention/developmental change over time in ways not possible using fixed response methods alone.
31
Dempton, Jennifer L. "Genetic intervention as a lifestyle approach an analysis of disease and treatment." Honors in the Major Thesis, University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETH/id/368.
Abstract:
Purpose: The scientific knowledge of how genes affect disease expression and evolution can facilitate more effective environmental and drug therapy interventions delivered by health care professionals. The purpose of this paper is to a) describe the role of genetic science in healthcare; b) explore genotype determinants for environmental and pharmacological interventions; c) and analyze ethical dilemmas, barriers to access, and allocation of resources based on genotype. Methods: A review of literature was conducted from the disciplines of nursing, medicine, psychology, and sociology using the CINAHL, Ebsco Host, Medline, and PsychINFO databases. The search was limited to peer reviewed, full text article in English that dated from 1987 to 2011. Inclusion criteria were articles describing environmental, pharmacologic, and nutritional influence on genetic expression. Forty-five articles on genetic intervention were chosen for further review, in addition to five book publications which met inclusion criteria. Many of the sources retrieved were obtained from the biomedical sciences and published in the last decade, owing to more recent innovations in genetic discovery. Results: Disease and treatment must be approached according to genetic profiles for effectiveness and to increase health outcomes. Several variations were found regarding response to pharmaceuticals, as well as environmental exposures, based on genotype. Conclusions: Health care has been practiced using a "universal protocol" approach; however, as the literature reveals, each individual genotype must be taken into account to provide optimal care.B.S.N.
Bachelors
Nursing
Nursing
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McKinley, Lauren E. "Increasing Teachers' Intervention Adherence through a Multi-Tiered System of Support Approach." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1479817366518158.
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Bates, Sarah H. "Investigation of potential intervention targets to improve insulin action: a therapeutic approach." Thesis, Aston University, 1999. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/10980/.
Abstract:
Impaired insulin action (insulin resistance) is a key factor in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. To investigate therapeutic targets against insulin resistance, this thesis explores the mechanism of action of pharmacological agents and exogenous peptides known or suspected to modify insulin action. These included leptin, a hormone primarily involved in the regulation of body weight; sibutramine, an antiobesity agent; plant-derived compounds (pinitol and chamaemeloside) and agents known to affect insulin sensitivity, e.g. metformin, tolbutamide, thiazolidinediones, vanadyl sulphate and thioctic acid. Models used for investigation included the L6 skeletal muscle cell line and isolated skeletal muscles. In vivo studies were undertaken to investigate glycaemia, insulinaemia, satiety and body weight in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and obese (ob/ob) mice. Leptin acutely altered insulin action in skeletal muscle cells via the short form of the leptin receptor. This direct action of leptin was mediated via a pathway involving PI 3-kinase but not Jak2. The active metabolites of sibutramine had antidiabetic properties in vivo and directly improved insulin sensitivity in vitro. This effect appeared to be conducted via a non-PI 3-kinase-mediated increase in protein synthesis with facilitated glucose transport, and was independent of the serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition produced by sibutramine. Pinitol (a methyl inositol) had an insulin mimetic effect and was an effective glucose-lowering agent in insulinopenic states, acting directly on skeletal muscle. Conversely chamaemeloside appeared to improve glucose tolerance without directly altering glucose transport. Metformin directly increased basal glucose uptake independently of PI 3-kinase, possibly via an increase in the intrinsic activity of glucose transporters. Neither tolbutamide nor thiazolidinediones directly altered insulin sensitivity in L6 skeletal muscle cells: however vanadyl sulphate and thioctic acid increased glucose transport but appeared to exert toxic effects at therapeutic concentrations. Examination of glucose transport in skeletal muscle in this thesis has identified various components of post-receptor insulin signalling pathways which may be targeted to ameliorate insulin resistance.
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Livaic, Zelko F., of Western Sydney Nepean University, and Faculty of Business. "Privatisation and market structure : a game theoretic approach." THESIS_FB_XXX_Livaic_Z.xml, 2000. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/348.
Abstract:
This thesis focuses on the impacts of privatisation on the relevant industrial structure of the economy. Standard tools of industrial organisation theory are applied to examine these impacts and, thereby, shed light on relevant welfare issues. The focus of this thesis is to examine the ramifications of privatisation in imperfectly competitive markets. Simple Cournot-Nash types of games have been developed, where the market is a duopoly containing a privatised firm with the other firm being a new entrant. These games examine the efficacy and impacts of privatisation, and the role of government in this duopoly. The thesis endrogenously derives multiple equilibria in the duopolistic market; examines decontrolling/deregulating a vertical market; looks at the potential competition in vertical markets and examines potential collusion among existing firms to forestall entry; and addresses issues of privatisation in successive duopolies with cooperative investments. Results show that whether privatisation is beneficial to the community will rely on the astute role of government intervention.Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
35
Graham, Fiona. "Development and evaluation of a point-of-choice intervention to increase healthy and environmentally friendly food consumption : an intervention mapping approach." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2018. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/22330/.
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Shin, Lynna Betty. "Improving the Learning Approach of College Freshmen and Future Teachers Through Curricular Intervention." Diss., CLICK HERE for online access, 2006. http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/ETD/image/etd1493.pdf.
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Clow, Lisa Ann. "Yoga as a Women’s Population Health Intervention." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7621.
Abstract:
Women’s mortality rate in the United States has increased in almost every age group in the past several years. However, more women in the United States are choosing yoga as a complementary health approach to improve general well-being. Thus, research on yoga and other factors that affect women’s health in the United States may inform public health initiatives to address the health disparities in women’s mortality rates. Grounded in the health belief model, the purpose of this study was to explore whether the factors of practicing the components of yoga, doctor’s recommendation for increased physical activity, body mass index (BMI) categories, hypertension, high cholesterol, age, and occupation predicted the self-rated health of women. This cross-sectional, secondary analysis of the 2017 National Health Interview Survey included 14,464 female respondents, and ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the data. The results showed that self-reported participation in yoga, breathing as a part of yoga, and meditation as a part of yoga was associated with higher self-rated health. Additionally, participants with healthy weight BMI, teachers, and participants who did not receive recommendations for increased physical activity and did not have hypertension or high cholesterol were more likely to report better self-rated health. Based on the results of this study, public health researchers may continue to explore the effects of yoga on women and how a yoga-based population health intervention could help women in the United States live longer and healthier lives.
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Taylor, David. "Use of the Transdisciplinary Teaming Approach for Early Intervention Service Delivery in Kentucky." TopSCHOLAR®, 1995. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/889.
Abstract:
This study was conducted to determine the extent to which the transdisciplinary teaming approach is being utilized in early intervention programs serving infants and toddlers birth through three years in the state of Kentucky. Information was gathered through a survey mailed to intervention agencies in Kentucky. Of the 65 agencies to whom surveys were sent, 30 were considered usable and analyzed. The largest percentage of surveys were completed by respondents working in a coordinator's position with an educational level of at least a bachelor's degree. Results of the study indicated that programs are not fully utilizing the transdisciplinary teaming model in their service delivery. The majority of respondents perceived their programs to be operating under an interdisciplinary teaming approach; however, analysis of early intervention activities indicated that many respondents had misidentified their programs' teaming model. While it appeared that programs identified as using transdisciplinary teaming methods were operating in a transdisciplinary manner, a Chi-square analysis did not indicate any systematic relationships regarding how the participants responded (p > .05). Survey responses indicated that many participants were dissatisfied with their programs' current teaming practices and desired changes, especially in the areas of assessment techniques and communication between the involved disciplines. The majority of respondents perceived the desired changes could be best achieved by moving to a more integrated teaming approach (e.g., from the interdisciplinary model to the transdisciplinary model). Further education and additional training were also indicated to be important in achieving the changes.
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Ranellucci, John. "Unmasking the academic achievement potential of mastery-approach goals: a mastery-focused intervention." Thesis, McGill University, 2014. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=121332.
Abstract:
The effects of three interventions developed to boost academic achievement among mastery-oriented students were evaluated on three variables assumed to explain the weak relationship between mastery-approach goals and academic achievement, namely interest-based studying, perceived task difficulty, and social desirability. Undergraduate students (N = 177) completed relevant self-report measures at the beginning and end of the semester, with participants randomly assigned after the first questionnaire to one of three intervention conditions (interest-based studying, perceived task difficulty, or social desirability intervention) or a control condition. Dummy coded sequential multiple regressions showed the only variable to consistently be predicted by the intervention conditions to be interest-based studying, with this effect being moderated by students' prior achievement and mastery-approach goals. Furthermore, none of the interventions had a direct or indirect effect on academic achievement. Results are discussed in terms of their contribution to theory and practice.Les effets de trois interventions développées afin de stimuler la réussite scolaire chez les élèves orientés vers la maîtrise ont été évalués quant à trois variables qui sont considérées comme étant responsable de cet effet, notamment, les intérêts par rapport à l'étude, la difficulté perçue de la tâche, et la désirabilité sociale. Les étudiants de premier cycle (N =177) ont complété les mesures d'auto-évaluation pertinentes au début et à la fin du semestre. À la suite du premier questionnaire, les participants ont été assigné au hasard à l'une des trois conditions d'intervention (les intérêts par rapport à l'étude, la difficulté perçue de la tâche, et la désirabilité sociale) ou un groupe control. Les résultats de régression multiple et successive avec variable muette ont démontré que la seule variable à toujours être prédite par les conditions d'intervention est les intérêts par rapport à l'étude, avec ces effets étant modéré par l'accomplissement académique préalable et les buts de maîtrise.
40
Hankinson, Colin. "An evaluation of the learning styles approach to education : a minimal intervention strategy." Thesis, University of Manchester, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.488159.
Abstract:
This research is in essence two separate pieces of work: (1) It is a traditional empirical piece of research evaluating the learning styles approach to education. (2) It considers the value of utilising the postmodern paradigm of chaos theory to argue for a synthesis incorporating learning (and by generalisation educational theory as a whole) with chaos theory, via neurological positivism. However, both (1) and (2) above overlap and interact on a theoretical philosophical plane. It should also be noted that the main research direction of this thesis is towards a traditional empirical study of the learning styles approach to education. The work on chaos theory is secondary to this and seeks to offer a theoretical philosophical rationale for the enrichment of educational theory as a whole, by linking traditional beliefs to postmodern concepts. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the Learning Styles Approach to Education, and in particular the nature of the minimal intervention required to produce a significant positive result in relation to student educational performance. The secondary aim was a more global theoretical one i.e. to argue for a synthesis incorporating learning (and by generalisation educational theory as a whole), with chaos theory, via Vandervert's (1988, 1997) 'neurological positivism'. A diagram was developed by the author to illustrate this theoretical synthesis (section 2. 32). In the main study the experimental hypothesis was as follows: Student's knowledge of their own Learning Style Profile will have a positive effect upon their educational performance, even when the educational environment has not been adapted to cater for individual learning style requirements', The independent variable is the feedback on the participant's own Learning Style Profile score, and the dependent variable is the course scores obtained by the participants at pre-test and post-test. The participants consisted of an experimental group (n = 130) and a control group (n = 126) all students at Stockport College of Further & Higher Education. The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Learning Style Profile was administered to each member of the experimental , group and the results explained to each member individually. At no time was the educational environment adapted in any way to cater for the participant's individual learning style needs. All the participants pre-test and post-test course scores were collected and mean improvement scores calculated and compared. The results indicated a significant 'group' by 'mean improvement' score
41
Watt, P. A. "Topics in the analysis of government expenditure and intervention : a public choice approach." Thesis, University of York, 1988. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/10782/.
42
Hoar, Robyn. "Strategic approach to psychotherapeutic intervention with male institutionalized white adolescents to control absconding." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/15888.
Abstract:
Bibliography: pages 92-98.Using a systems theoretical orientation the objective of this study was to implement a strategic approach for psychotherapeutic intervention with six male institutionalized white adolescents at a local custodial school. It was hypothesized that a strategic approach would control absconding for the duration of the investigation. Surveys of the literature were undertaken to provide the background to psychotherapeutic intervention with adolescents in custodial institutions, strategic psychotherapy and absconding. Absconding was selected as the condition for evaluating the interventions because it was an unambiguous indicator of school-based recidivism, viz., the adolescent was either on the property or he was not. The study was structured as a design-and-demonstrate investigation. Audiotape recordings were made during the sessions. Transcriptions of characteristic procedures and sequences of the strategic approach to psychotherapeutic intervention were presented, inter alia, paradoxes, reframing, metaphors, rituals, the declaration of therapeutic impotence. Evaluation of the interventions was based on follow-up interviews with the subjects and a qualitative analysis of risk of absconding aver the course of the intervention process. At the end of the investigation there was some evidence which suggested that five out of the six subjects were not as committed to absconding as they had claimed to be at the beginning of the study. The design of the study did not allow for the conclusion that the strategic approach for controlling absconding was of greater merit than any other form of intervention or no intervention at all. It was noted, however, that twelve of the eighteen potential subjects for the study indicated that they would abscond as soon as the opportunity arose. Therefore it was recommended that the issue of absconding be given priority in therapy on the admission of each new pupil. Given a strategic approach to addressing the issue of absconding in therapy, attention was drawn to a major aim of this type of intervention, viz., to generate a sense of personal autonomy. Hence a further recommendation was that once a pupil had made a commitment not to abscond, his sense of autonomy would need to be supported by an expeditious transfer to one of the more open hostels.
43
Pinijphon, Ponsopa. "An ICM approach to the assessment of a medical ethics intervention in Thailand." Thesis, [Tuscaloosa, Ala. : University of Alabama Libraries], 2009. http://purl.lib.ua.edu/96.
44
Campbell, Catherine. "'Little Steps' in Early Intervention with Sexually Abused Children: A Child-Centric Approach." Thesis, Campbell, Catherine (2010) 'Little Steps' in Early Intervention with Sexually Abused Children: A Child-Centric Approach. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2010. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/3425/.
Abstract:
While early intervention and treatment are often advocated for young children who has been sexually abused, little attention has been directed to developing an evidence base for such interventions. Hence, this research series took place over two principal areas of study: (i) the development of targeted interventions for young children who had experienced sexual abuse; and (ii) the co-evolution of a Child-Centric Intervention Research Framework to evaluate their effectiveness.
The research series began with a Participatory Action Research (PAR) and mixed method evaluation of a locally available Protective Behaviours program delivered across three groups of children aged four to seven years. Children in the participant sample were considered ‘at risk’ of, or with substantiated experiences of, interpersonal violence, including sexual abuse. Through iterative monitoring of their progress, contextual, summative and formative outcomes, which were both quantitative and qualitative in nature, were analyzed idiographically (within case) and nomothetically (across cases) to provide an idiothetic analysis of the program’s outcomes. This evaluation pointed to limited success of the program and provided impetus to develop a new approach to intervention for young and vulnerable sexually abused children. It also highlighted some of the challenges of evaluating programs for children, exposing the need for an iterative microanalytic approach focused on the child as an entity greater than his or her experience or symptoms, as well as an entity firmly embedded in a wider outcome-influencing system.
A Developmental Intervention Research approach (DIR) was introduced to the research framework at this juncture and resulted in a 12-week abuse-specific cognitive behavioural program, entitled ‘Little Steps’. The application of this program with a young sub-clinical group of children was evaluated in two group program iterations and three individual/family therapy modalities. After refinements of the program’s components and delivery strategies, the evaluation revealed substantive improvements in outcomes relative to those found in the Protective Behaviours program evaluation. Specifically, children demonstrated adequate learning of program concepts and clinically significant markers of positive adjustment.
The use of DIR and PAR used in conjunction highlighted a process driven approach to intervention development. However, even in combination these approaches provided only a bare framework for guiding the research endeavour. The framework was given life, meaning and strength in its application to working with this vulnerable group of children by infusing it with the sensibilities of the professional code of being a practitioner. That is, understanding the child and his/her relational context for engaging in the world informed the selection and development of measures, directed the process of observation (plan, observe, act and reflect), and program development at the immediate level of the ‘participant person’.
A Child-Centric Intervention Research Framework evolved through the intervention studies. It centres on considered understanding child development across cognitive, social and emotional domains. It recognizes the systemic constraints in a child’s life, including their engagement in intervention. Most importantly, it recognizes play as the language of childhood through which learning occurs and through which stories can be told, even by the youngest children. This evaluation framework carefully centres on the understanding of particular vulnerabilities of presenting children, and their progress through interventions, against a normative perspective of child development. This normative perspective was integrated into this research through a study of children’s typical pre-sexual knowledge and body awareness. Developing normative measures of children’s appraisals of their relationships and sense of resilience was also undertaken. Measuring aspects of positive adjustment was an important feature of this research framework, as a point of comparison to better understanding adjustment difficulties indicated in a child’s symptomatology. Importantly, the framework was engendered through adherence to the practice values of clinicians and the collateral confluences of existing methodological approaches to outcome research. Underpinning this framework, the researcher-practitioners were the principal medium through which contextually rich data were collected and interpreted.
45
Lal, Shubhangi S. "Designing Interventions for Cyber-bullying: A Design Thinking Approach." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1627666831641494.
46
Vogel, Kai. "Unveiling the Burqa Ban: An Examination of Humanitarian Intervention in Martha Nussbaum's Capabilities Approach." Scholarship @ Claremont, 2019. https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/2007.
Abstract:
In Martha Nussbaum’s book Frontiers of Global Justice: Disability, Nationality, Species Membership, she presents the capabilities approach, a new theoretical framework that in her view better responds to the urgent problems of social inequality than existing theories of social justice. This thesis evaluates her descriptive claim by applying the capabilities approach to the French burqa ban and assessing whether the ban is unjust, and if so, what forms of intervention are most appropriate. In doing this, I will argue that Nussbaum’s theory is unsatisfactory unless she extends it to include the obligation to criticize in cases where we are certain that an injustice is being committed.
47
Arnautovska, Urska. "Physical Activity in Older Adults: Influences and Intervention Strategies using an Integrative Theory-based Approach." Thesis, Griffith University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/366098.
Abstract:
Population ageing presents a challenge for individuals and health systems globally. While physical activity (PA) has been associated with a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of age-related illness and disability, older adults are a group at risk for physical inactivity. The significance of this research program is in focusing on the multiple social-cognitive factors influencing PA in older adults specifically. Literature to date has tended to focus on conscious, reflective decision-making processes impacting PA. However, PA is also influenced by non-conscious, automatic processes. Furthermore, research applying multiple theoretical frameworks to understanding PA in older adults is limited. Currently, no comprehensive and theoretically integrative studies investigating PA in older adults have been conducted, which undermines efforts to facilitate PA in this population. Given that interventions aiming to promote PA in younger populations may not generalise to older individuals and that existing interventions targeting older adults produce only small effects, it is important to develop programs that are based on theory and that are also acceptable and feasible for older adults. Moreover, although the use of theory has been associated with intervention effectiveness, there is currently limited understanding of which behaviour change techniques (BCTs) are most appropriate to target specific theory-based constructs and for specific population groups. In addition, there is poor understanding of the best strategies to implement such techniques so that they are most useful for older adultsThesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Applied Psychology
Griffith Health
Full Text
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Longo, Francesca. "Two-Generation Approach to Improving Emotional and Behavioral Regulation:." Thesis, Boston College, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2345/bc-ir:107319.
Abstract:
Thesis advisor: Eric DearingIncreasing evidence indicates that exposure to poverty in early childhood may undermine neural growth that is critical to developing executive functions (EF) and, in turn, emotional and behavioral regulation (Blair et al. 2011; Kim et al., 2013; Raver et al., 2013). There is, however, also increasing evidence indicating that high-quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) (a) buffers children from risks associated with early exposure to poverty and (b) supports healthy socio-emotional development (Bierman et al., 2008; Raver, 2002; Yoshikawa et al., 2013). One line of this intervention work has focused on two-generation programs that pair high-quality ECE with supports for parents that are designed to improve parenting and the home environment. Although evidence on two-generation programs is mixed (Grindal et al., 2016; Neville et al., 2013), it is clear that much of the risk of poverty is relayed to children through their homes, and parenting is among the most critical influences on child emotional and behavioral self-regulation in infancy and early childhood (Bradley & Corwyn, 2004; Calkins & Johnson, 1998; Calkins et al., 1998). The present study builds on existing theoretical and empirical prior work indicating that children’s EF skills are important precursors to emotional and behavioral regulation that may be best promoted when addressed in both classroom and home contexts. Specifically, the present study uses a randomized design to evaluate the effects of classroom-based activities that target children’s executive functioning and the value added by training parents to better support their children’s EFs. Children were evaluated pre- and post-intervention on EF skills and prosocial and adaptive problem-solving behavior. In general, few significant effects of either the child training or the added parent component were evident. These findings are discussed with special attention to the fact that fidelity of implementation of the classroom and parent trainings was low, with less than half of teachers incorporating games at least once a week and only 13 percent of parents attending the trainings. In addition, implications for future empirical work as well as policy and practice are discussed with special attention given to further inquiry into the malleability of EF
Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2017
Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education
Discipline: Counseling, Developmental and Educational Psychology
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Toro, Quezada Edgardo Patricio. "Analysis of policy and legal frameworks, intervention models and intervention practices on commercial sexual exploitation of children in Chile : a discourse analysis approach." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/31196.
Abstract:
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is a serious violation of the Human Rights with global and local implications. The multidimensionality of CSEC requires us to understand its historical elements, legal definitions, and psychosocial characteristics. International agencies, states, and national agencies (statutory and voluntary sectors) have agreed on an agenda of responses including research on CSEC, partnership and collaboration, legal changes and adjustment, promoting criminal prosecution, social policies and interventions for children and young people that have been made subject to CSEC. These interventions are diverse in their approaches, purposes, types of services, models, and critical points. In accordance with international agreements, the Chilean State recognised CSEC as a social problem and developed social policies, legal changes and intervention programmes across the country. In this context, practitioners have built a 'know-how' of social intervention in CSEC based on technical guidelines (social policy on CSEC), institutional directions and pragmatic decisions from fieldwork reflexivity. However, there is no clear evidence about the rationale, models, practices, strategies and critical points in the interventions and weakness in the monitoring and evaluations. Applied Discourse Analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between different levels of social intervention on CSEC: policy, intervention models and practices. The research purpose was to describe, understand, and analyse the programmes of social intervention in CSEC, the social intervention models, and the interdisciplinary practices in Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, implemented in the decade of 2004-2014 in Chile. Government and alternative documents were analysed (13 each), discussion groups with interdisciplinary professional teams in CSEC (3), and a focus group (1) composed of policymakers, academics, researchers, police and judicial representatives was undertaken. These materials were data-managed and analysed using the software dedoose. All University of Edinburgh Research Ethics procedures were followed. The findings indicate that Government documents highlight two discursive styles: Mandatory and Pragmatic, regarding the intervention and the approaches used. These discourses (1) defined the interventions as a part of a system or building a network of services, (2) established a condition of the intervention that recognised children as a subject of law or recognised the specialised character of the intervention, and (3) based interventions on guidelines and ethical principles or challenges, and evidence-based approaches. Alternative documents developed a discursive style of Monitoring and Evaluation that emphasised (1) the complexity of CSEC and the need to develop responses, (2) then recognised challenges such a making visible CSEC and problems with the interventions; and finally (3) recommended the basis for the intervention. Mixed Stakeholders group (1) emphasised CSEC characteristics, and the institutional responses (2) specified the structure of the intervention, and (3) identified tensions and challenges in the adjustments of social policies and intervention practices, methodological needs, and the judicial system rationale and practices. These findings are significant because they help us to understand the processes involved in building appropriate and situated responses for children and young people that have been made subject to CSE on a local, regional and global level.
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González, Franquesa Alba. "Assessing metabolic plasticity in diet-induced obese mice upon lifestyle intervention. An integrative approach." Doctoral thesis, Universitat de Barcelona, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/396201.
Abstract:
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the metabolic disorder that accounts for the presence of hyperglycemia within insulin resistance (IR). The International Diabetes Federation estimated in 2013 that 382 million people (8.3% of world society ) had diabetes and that this number is set to rise beyond 592 million people in the next 22 years. T2DM accounts for 90% of people with diabetes (WHO 1999). Obesity is considered a major risk factor for developing T2DM over time. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated in 2014 that more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight and of these, over 600 million were obese (body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2). Besides healthcare costs, WHO projects that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death in 2030 (Mathers & Loncar 2006). Once T2DM is diagnosed, the first therapeutic approach is by lifestyle counselling consisting of an increase in physical activity and changes in the patient dietary habits.
The aim of this project is to study and integrate the metabolic responses that regulate systemic glucose homeostasis. We are not aware of other works describing in a holistic way the different metabolic processes regulating glucose homeostasis in different tissues that play an important role during the development and onset of diet-induced T2DM. With this approach, we will gain more insight and a better knowledge of the metabolic alterations taking place during an obese state induced by high-fat diet, as well as assess the degree of reversibility that can be reached by undergoing a lifestyle intervention, known as “metabolic plasticity”.
For this purpose a diet-induced obese animal model of T2DM is used. To achieve the presented aims, a phenotypical and funcional study is performed at systemic level in order to complete a more experimental and detailed approach afterwards in each of the studied tissues: pancreas, white adipose tissue, liver, oxidative and glycolytic skeletal muscle, and hypothalamus. This experimental approach encompasses tissue-specific-functional analysis, gene expression studies, protein content determination and signalling, metabolomics and RNAseq. Likewise, systems biology tools have been developed and have allowed to measure several correlations as well as perform different types of multivariant analysis with the studied parameters.
Three experimental groups are defined representing the metabolic stages of interest: control group (Ctrl); pathologic group (HFD, that mimic diet-induced T2DM after 16 wks on HFD; and in which animals showed overweight, and fasting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia); and a third group (Int) that follows a lifestyle intervention consisting of caloric restriction, modification of the fatty acid source and carbohydrates in the diet, and the performance of an exercise training programme.
The diet-induced obese experimental group (HFD group) reported the typical physiological features of the pathological state: overweight, fasting hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia, increase in fat mass and volume, increase of white adipose tissue, liver and pancreas weight, increase of liver and oxidative skeletal muscle triglycerice levels, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, increase in beta-cell mass along with hypertrophic enlarged islets and dysfunction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo and in vitro, and a diminishment in oxygen consumption, heat production and scapular temperature.
Lifestyle intervention was enough to revert most of the disruptions reported in the pathological group. However, certain irreversibility degree was still observed in particular studied
parameters: (1) alteration in fasting glucose and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo, (2) increment in pancreatic beta-cell area, (3) affectation in the epididymal white adipose tissue with inflammation and immune cell infiltration, as well as (4) mitochondria dysfunction, already observed in the pathological state. Taken all this together, we can conclude that the pathological state left a certain degree of metabolic irreversibility does not allow a total recovery of the phenotype across the different tissues studied, at least with this type of intervention and timings.
The development and application of systems biology tools have allowed the study the irreversibility degree in an integrative mode, the correlations among certain parameters at a multiorganic level, the gene expression patterns of complexes described from a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. These strategies and computational approaches have led to the identification of most of the altered tissues and metabòlic pathways in the different states under study.La Diabetes Mellitus del tipus 2 (DM2) és una malaltia que es caracteritza per uns nivells elevats de glucosa i insulina circulants ocasionats per un estat de resistència a la insulina. Segons la International Diabetes Federation, el 2013 382 milions de persones van ser diagnosticades de diabetes (8.3% de la població mundial), i d’acord amb les prediccions aquesta xifra augmentarà fins els 592 milions en els pròxims 22 anys. La DM2 explica el 90% dels casos de diabetes (WHO 1999). L’obesitat és un factor de risc per la DM2 i avui en dia suposa una epidèmia: el 2014 la OMS va xifrar en 1.9 bilions la població adulta amb sobrepès i 600 milions amb obesitat. A part del cost econòmic que suposa per a la societat, la OMS va projectar que el 2013 la DM2 serà la setena causa de mort al món (Mathers & Loncar 2006). Un cop diagnosticada, la primera aproximació en l’assessorament al pacient amb DM2 o en un estat de risc consisteix en una intervenció en l’estil de vida: incrementant l’activitat física i portant a terme una dieta equilibrada i saludable. Aquest projecte té com a objectiu l’estudi i la integració de les respostes metabòliques responsables de regular l’homeostasi de la glucosa a nivell sistèmic. Avui en dia, no existeix cap treball que descrigui de forma holística els diferents processos metabòlics que regulen l’homeostasi de la glucosa en tots els teixits que juguen un paper determinant durant el desenvolupament de la DM2 associada a l’obesitat. D’aquesta manera, es pretén guanyar coneixement sobre les alteracions metabòliques que tenen lloc en un estat d’obesitat induït per una dieta rica en greixos, i així mateix valorar el grau de reversibilitat que es pot assolir mitjançant una intervenció en l’estil de vida, al que ens referim com a “plasticitat metabòlica”. Utilitzem un model animal d’obesitat i DM2 induïda per una dieta alta en greixos. Per aconseguir els objectius plantejats inicialment es realitza un estudi fenotípic i funcional a nivell sistèmic per més tard realizar una aproximació experimental més exhaustiva en cadascun dels teixits d’interès: pàncrees, teixit adipós blanc, fetge, múscul esquelètic oxidatiu i glicolític, i hipotàlem. Aquesta aproximació experimental engloba anàlisis funcionals-teixit específic, estudis d’expressió gènica, determinació del contingut proteic i les vies de senyalització, metabolòmica i RNAseq. Així mateix, s’han desenvolupat eines de biologia de sistemes que han permès calcular diferents correlacions i fer diferents tipus d’anàlisis multivariant amb tots els paràmetres estudiats. Es defineixen tres grups experimentals d’animals que concreten els estats metabòlics d’interès: grup control (Ctrl); grup patològic (HFD) (que simula la DM2 induïda per la dieta grassa durant 16 setmanes, i en què els animals tenen sobreprès i la glucosa i insulina circulants elevades en dejú); i un tercer grup que segueix una intervenció en l’estil de vida (Int) que consisteix en restricció calòrica, una modificació de la font d’àcids grassos i hidrats de carboni de la dieta, juntament amb la realització d’un programa d’exercici. El grup experimental d’obesitat induïda per una dieta grassa (grup HFD) presenta les característiques fisiològiques pròpies de l’estat patològic: sobrepès, hiperglucèmia, hiperinsulinèmia i hiperleptinèmia en dejú, augment de la massa i el volum de greix, augment del pes del teixit adipós blanc, el fetge i el pàncrees, augment dels nivells de triglicèrids en fetge i múscul oxidatiu, intolerància a la glucosa, resistència a la insulina, augment de la massa de cèl·lula beta en el pàncrees juntament amb illots hipertròfics engrandits i disfunció de la secreció d’insulina estimulada per glucosa in vivo i in vitro, i disfunció del consum d’oxigen, generació de calor i temperatura escapular. La intervenció va ser suficient per revertir gran part de les alteracions observades en el grup patològic. No obstant, encara s’observa cert grau d’irreversibilitat en determinats paràmetres estudiats: (1) alteració de la glucosa en dejú i la resposta insulínica davant d’un estímul de glucosa in vivo, (2) increment en l’àrea de cèl·lula beta pancreàtica, (3) afectació en el teixit adipós blanc epididimal amb la presència d’inflamació i infiltració de cèl·lules immunes, així com (4) disfunció mitocondrial, ja observats en l’estat patològic. Amb tot, podem concloure que l’estat patològic deixa un cert grau d’irreversibilitat metabòlica no permetent així una recuperació total del fenotip en tots els teixits estudiats, almenys, amb aquest tipus d’intervenció i aquests períodes de temps. El desenvolupament i l’aplicació d’eines de biologia de sistemes han permès estudiar el grau de reversibilitat d’una manera integrada, les correlacions entre paràmetres concrets a nivel multiorgànic, el patró d’expressió gènica de complexes descrits en una xarxa de protein-protein-interaction (PPI). Aquestes estratègies computacionals han permès identificar aquells teixits i vies metabòliques més alterades en els diferents estats estudiats.