Application of the Intervention Mapping protocol to develop Keys, a family child care home intervention to prevent early childhood obesity.

BACKGROUND: Many families rely on child care outside the home, making these settings important influences on child development. Nearly 1.5 million children in the U.S. spend time in family child care homes (FCCHs), where providers care for children in their own residences. There is some evidence that children in FCCHs are heavier than those cared for in centers. However, few interventions have targeted FCCHs for obesity prevention. This paper will describe the application of the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework to the development of a childhood obesity prevention intervention for FCCHs METHODS: Following the IM protocol, six steps were completed in the planning and development of an intervention targeting FCCHs: needs assessment, formulation of change objectives matrices, selection of theory-based methods and strategies, creation of intervention components and materials, adoption and implementation planning, and evaluation planning RESULTS: Application of the IM process resulted in the creation of the Keys to Healthy Family Child Care Homes program (Keys), which includes three modules: Healthy You, Healthy Home, and Healthy Business. Delivery of each module includes a workshop, educational binder and tool-kit resources, and four coaching contacts. Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination Theory helped guide development of change objective matrices, selection of behavior change strategies, and identification of outcome measures. The Keys program is currently being evaluated through a cluster-randomized controlled trial CONCLUSIONS: The IM process, while time-consuming, enabled rigorous and systematic development of intervention components that are directly tied to behavior change theory and may increase the potential for behavior change within the FCCHs.

Immobilisation of heavy metal in cement-based solidification/stabilisation: a review

Heavy metal-bearing waste usually needs solidification/stabilization (s/s) prior to landfill to lower the leaching rate. Cement is the most adaptable binder currently available for the immobilisation of heavy metals. The selection of cements and operating parameters depends upon an understanding of chemistry of the system. This paper discusses interactions of heavy metals and cement phases in the solidification/stabilisation process. It provides a clarification of heavy metal effects on cement hydration. According to the decomposition rate of minerals, heavy metals accelerate the hydration of tricalcium silicate (C3S) and Portland cement, although they retard the precipitation of portlandite due to the reduction of pH resulted from hydrolyses of heavy metal ions. The chemical mechanism relevant to the accelerating effect of heavy metals is considered to be H+ attacks on cement phases and the precipitation of calcium heavy metal double hydroxides, which consumes calcium ions and then promotes the decomposition Of C3S. In this work, molecular models of calcium silicate hydrate gel are presented based on the examination of Si-29 solid-state magic angle spinning/nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS/NMR). This paper also reviews immobilisation mechanisms of heavy metals in hydrated cement matrices, focusing on the sorption, precipitation and chemical incorporation of cement hydration products. It is concluded that further research oil the phase development during cement hydration in the presence of heavy metals and thermodynamic modelling is needed to improve effectiveness of cement-based s/s and extend this waste management technique. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of process parameters on fluidised hot-melt granulation and tablet pressing of pharmaceutical powders

This study investigates the influence of process parameters on the fluidised hot melt granulation of lactose and PEG 6000, and the subsequent tablet pressing of the granules. Granulation experiments were performed to assess the effect of granulation time and binder content of the feed on the resulting granule properties such as mass mean granule size, size distribution, granule fracture stress, and granule porosity. These data were correlated using the granule growth regime model. It was found that the dominant granule growth mechanisms in this melt granulation system were nucleation followed by steady growth (PEG 10–20% w/w). However, with binder contents greater than 20% w/w, the granulation mechanism moved to the “over-wet massing” regime in which discrete granule formation could not be obtained. The granules produced in the melt fluidised bed process were subsequently pressed into tablets using an industrial tablet press. The physical properties of the tablets: fracture stress, disintegration time and friability were assessed using industry standards. These analyses indicated that particle size and binder content of the initial granules influenced the mechanical properties of the tablets. It was noted that a decrease in initial granule size resulted in an increase in the fracture stress of the tablets formed.

Cybr, a cytokine-inducible protein that binds cytohesin-1 and regulates its activity

Cytokines regulate lymphocyte development and differentiation, but precisely how they control these processes is still poorly understood. By using microarray technology to detect cytokine-induced genes, we identified a cDNA encoding Cybr, which was increased markedly in cells incubated with IL-2 and IL-12. The mRNA was most abundant in hematopoietic cells and tissues. The predicted amino acid sequence is similar to that of GRP-1-associated protein (GRASP), a recently identified retinoic acid-induced cytohesin-binding protein. Physical interaction, dependent on the coiled-coil domains of Cybr and cytohesin-1, was demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation of the overexpressed proteins from 293T cells. Cytohesin-1, in addition to its role in cell adhesion, is a guanine nucleotide-exchange protein activator of ARF GTPases. Acceleration of guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate) binding to ARF by cytohesin-1 in vitro was enhanced by Cybr. Because the binding protein modified activation of ADP ribosylation factor by cytohesin-1, we designate this cytokine-inducible protein Cybr (cytohesin binder and regulator).

Co-melt fluidised bed granulation of pharmaceutical powders: Improvements in drug bioavailability

This study investigates the use of co-melt fluidised bed granulation for the agglomeration of model pharmaceutical powders, namely, lactose mono-hydrate, PEG 10000, poly-vinyl pyrolidone and ibuprofen as a model drug. Granulation within the co-melt system was found to follow a nucleationâ??steady growthâ??coating regime profile. Using high molecular weight PEG binder, the granulation mechanism and thus the extent of granulation was found to be significantly influenced by binder viscosity. The compression properties of the granulate within the hot fluidised bed were correlated using a novel high temperature experimental procedure. It was found that the fracture stress and fractural modulus of the materials under hot processing conditions were orders of magnitude lower than those measured under ambient conditions. A range of particle velocities within the granulator were considered based on theoretical models. After an initial period of nucleation, the Stokes deformation number analysis indicated that only velocities within the high shear region of the fluidised bed were sufficient to promote significant granule deformation and therefore, coalescence. The data also indicated that larger granules de-fluidised preventing agglomeration by coalescence. Furthermore, experimental data indicated that dissipation of the viscous molten binder to the surface was the most important factor in the latter stages of the granulation process. From a pharmaceutical perspective the inclusion of the model drug, ibuprofen, combined with PVP in the co-melt process proved to be highly significant. It was found that using DSC analysis on the formulations that the decrease in the heat of fusion associated with the melting of ibuprofen within the FHMG systems may be attributed to interaction between PVP and ibuprofen through inter-molecular hydrogen bonding. This interaction decreases the crystallinity of ibuprofen and facilitates solubilisation and bioavailability within the solid matrix.

The reform of Welfare Regimes in Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay

The aim of this article is to analyze the social policy in Latin America in a context of emerging welfare states. To understand the changes one takes into consideration the theories about institutional reform and the transformations produced in the XX century and the beginning of the XXI to substitute a social security regime mainly based on segmentation of benefi ts and on programs to fi ght poverty by another with an institutional and redistributive nature. The paper pays attention in particular to the path of the most developed welfare states of Latin America: Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Brasil y Uruguay.

Filling Ability and Passing Ability of Self-Consolidating Concrete

This paper reviews statistical models obtained from a composite factorial design study, which was carried out to determine the influence of three key parameters of mixture composition on filling ability and passing ability of self-consolidating concrete (SCC). This study was a part of the European project “Testing SCC”- GRD2-2000-30024. The parameters considered in this study were the dosages of water and high-range water-reducing admixture (HRWRA), and the volume of coarse aggregates. The responses of the derived statistical models were slump flow, T50 , T60, V-funnel flow time, Orimet flow time, and blocking ratio (L-box). The retention of these tests was also measured at 30 and 60 minutes after adding the first water. The models are valid for mixtures made with 188 to 208 L/m3 (317 to 350 lb/yd3) of water, 3.8 to 5.8 kg/m3 (570 to 970 mL/100 kg of binder) of HRWRA, and 220 to 360 L/m3 (5.97 to 9.76 ft3/yd3) of coarse aggregates. The utility of such models to optimize concrete mixtures and to achieve a good balance between filling ability and passing ability is discussed. Examples highlighting the usefulness of the models are presented using isoresponse surfaces to demonstrate single and coupled effects of mixture parameters on slump flow, T50 , T60 , V-funnel flow time, Orimet flow time, and blocking ratio. The paper also illustrates the various trade-offs between the mixture parameters on the derived responses that affected the filling and the passing ability.

Uso problemático de las redes sociales en estudiantes universitarios

Los avances que están produciéndose en el ámbito académico con el surgimiento de herramientas de la Web 2.0 y el empleo masivo por parte de los estudiantes de la redes sociales para comunicarse entre ellos, está haciendo que el panorama educativo se encuentre ante unos desafíos a los que tiene que dar respuesta. La investigación que aquí se presenta tuvo como objetivo principal analizar el estado del empleo de la redes sociales por parte alumnado universitario, así como los posibles malos hábitos y usos problemáticos de las mismas. Se utilizó como instrumento de recogida de información un cuestionario “ad hoc” con un total de 23 ítems. Se concluye que el alumnado en general no posee malos hábitos en el empleo de las redes sociales, igualmente los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto que su utilización no está plenamente integrada en las instituciones universitarias de educación superior, así como que los estudiantes no las emplean/usan como herramienta fundamental para las resolución de cuestiones académicas.

Social networks applied to training

In this article, we address the importance and relevance that social networks exhibit in their use as an educational resource.  This relevance relies in the possibility of implementing new learning resources or increasing the level of the participant's connectivity, as well as developing learning communities.  Also, the risk entailed from their use is discussed, especially for the students that have a low technological education or those having excessive confidence on the media.  It is important to highlight that the educational use of social networks is not a simple extension or translation of the student's habitual, recreational use, but that it implies an important change in the roles given to teachers as well as learners; from accommodative learning environments that only encourage memorization to other environments that demand an active, reflective, collaborative and proactive attitude, that require the development/acquisition of technological as well as social abilities, aptitudes and values.  It is also important to highlight that a correct implementation and adequate use will not only foment formal learning, but also informal and non-formal learning.

Factorial Design of Cement Slurries Containing Limestone Powder for Self-Consolidating Slurry-Infiltrated Fiber Concrete

Slurries with high penetrability for production of Self-consolidating Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete (SIFCON) were investigated in this study. Factorial experimental design was adopted in this investigation to assess the combined effects of five independent variables on mini-slump test, plate cohesion meter, induced bleeding test, J-fiber penetration test and compressive strength at 7 and 28 days. The independent variables investigated were the proportions of limestone powder (LSP) and sand, the dosages of superplasticiser (SP) and viscosity agent (VA), and water-to-binder ratio (w/b). A two-level fractional factorial statistical method was used to model the influence of key parameters on properties affecting the behaviour of fresh cement slurry and compressive strength. The models are valid for mixes with 10 to 50% LSP as replacement of cement, 0.02 to 0.06% VA by mass of cement, 0.6 to 1.2% SP and 50 to 150% sand (% mass of binder) and 0.42 to 0.48 w/b. The influences of LSP, SP, VA, sand and W/B were characterised and analysed using polynomial regression which identifies the primary factors and their interactions on the measured properties. Mathematical polynomials were developed for mini-slump, plate cohesion meter, J-fiber penetration test, induced bleeding and compressive strength as functions of LSP, SP, VA, sand and w/b. The estimated results of mini-slump, induced bleeding test and compressive strength from the derived models are compared with results obtained from previously proposed models that were developed for cement paste. The proposed response models of the self-consolidating SIFCON offer useful information regarding the mix optimization to secure a highly penetration of slurry with low compressive strength

Influence of mix proprtions on rheolgy of cement grouts containing limestone powder

In this paper the parameters of cement grout affecting rheological behaviour and compressive strength are investigated. Factorial experimental design was adopted in this investigation to assess the combined effects of the following factors on fluidity, rheological properties, induced bleeding and compressive strength: water/binder ratio (W/B), dosage of superplasticiser (SP), dosage of viscosity agent (VA), and proportion of limestone powder as replacement of cement (LSP). Mini-slump test, Marsh cone, Lombardi plate cohesion meter, induced bleeding test, coaxial rotating cylinder viscometer were used to evaluate the rheology of the cement grout and the compressive strengths at 7 and 28 days were measured. A two-level fractional factorial statistical model was used to model the influence of key parameters on properties affecting the fluidity, the rheology and compressive strength. The models are valid for mixes with 0.35-0.42 W/B, 0.3-1.2% SP, 0.02-0.7% VA (percentage of binder) and 12-45% LSP as replacement of cement. The influences of W/B, SP, VA and LSP were characterised and analysed using polynomial regression which can identify the primary factors and their interactions on the measured properties. Mathematical polynomials were developed for mini-slump, plate cohesion meter, inducing bleeding, yield value, plastic viscosity and compressive strength as function of W/B, SP, VA and proportion of LSP. The statistical approach used highlighted the limestone powder effect and the dosage of SP and VA on the various rheological characteristics of cement grout

Activation of waste MDF sawdust charcoal and its reactive dye adsorption characteristics

This paper reports an experimental investigation of converting waste medium density fibreboard (MDF) sawdust into chars and activated carbon using chemical activation and thermal carbonisation processes. The MDF sawdust generated during the production of architectural mouldings was characterised and found to have unique properties in terms of fine particle size and high particle density. It also has a high content of urea formaldehyde resin used as a binder in the manufacturing of MDF board. Direct thermal carbonisation and chemical activation of the sawdust by metal impregnation and acid (phosphoric acid) treatment prior to pyrolysis treatment were carried out. The surface morphology of the raw dust, its chars and activated carbon were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorptive properties and total pore volume of the materials were also analysed using the BET nitrogen adsorption method. Liquid adsorption of a reactive dye (Levafix Brilliant red E-4BA) by the derived sawdust carbon was investigated in batch isothermal adsorption process and the results compared to adsorption on to a commercial activated carbon (Filtrasorb F400). The MDF sawdust carbon exhibited in general a very low adsorption capacity towards the reactive dye, and physical characterisation of the carbon revealed that the conventional chemical activation and thermal carbonisation process were ineffective in developing a microporous structure in the dust particles. The small size of the powdery dust, the high particle density, and the presence of the urea formaldehyde resin all contributed to the difficulty of developing a proper porous structure during the thermal and chemical activation process. Finally, activation of the dust material in a consolidated form (cylindrical pellet) only achieved very limited improvement in the dye adsorption capacity. This original study, reporting some unexpected outcomes, may serve as a stepping-stone for future investigations of recycle and reuse of the waste MDF sawdust which is becoming an increasing environmental and cost liability. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nucleation and growth in fluidised hot melt granulation

Fluidised hot melt granulation (FHMG) is a novel technology for granulation process in pharmaceutical industry, which has distinct advantages over other commercial techniques. The aim of this research was to investigate granulation and the effect of process parameters that may affect FHMG process. In this work, ballotini beads were used as the model particles and Lutrol (R) F 68 Poloxamer 188 was used as meltable solid binder. In order to determine the granulation and nucleation mechanism in this co-melt FHMG system, several parameters were investigated, such as binder content, particle size of binder and particle size and hydrophobicity of ballotini. These parameters were correlated to granule size distribution, mean granule size and granule shape. Furthermore, these experimental investigations were designed so that the coalescence model could be applied to the co-melt FHMG system. The analysis indicated that the non-inertial regime extends over a relatively short time period of

Drum granulation of NPK fertilizers

Nitrate-based NPK fertilizer was granulated in a bench scale drum granulation unit. The initial fertilizer possessed a particle size distribution similar to those in industrial granulation units. In this work, three factors are identified affecting the degree of fertilizer granulation, these are solution to solid phase ratio, the binder viscosity and the optimal rotation speed of the drum. Experimental results indicate that a critical solution to solid phase ratio is required for an increase in granulation in terms of mass median diameter. The saturated solution viscosity in this system was measured and correlated well to binder viscosity granulation theory with the critical Stokes number calculated at 700. The optimum rotation speed for flighted and unflighted drums correlated with the Froude number relationship for full scale granulation units. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.