Access to Better Education: The School Choice Experience of Families Served by Low-Performing Elementary Public Schools in Miami-Dade County

Public school choice education policy attempts to create an education marketplace. Although school choice research has focused on the parent role in the school choice process, little is known about parents served by low-performing schools. Following market theory, students attending low-performing schools should be the primary students attempting to use school choice policy to access high performing schools rather than moving to a better school. However, students remain in these low-performing schools. This study took place in Miami-Dade County, which offers a wide variety of school choice options through charter schools, magnet schools, and open-choice schools. This dissertation utilized a mixed-methods design to examine the decision-making process and school choice options utilized by the parents of students served by low-performing elementary schools in Miami-Dade County. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted with the parents of students served by low-performing schools. Binary logistic regression models were fitted to the data to compare the demographic characteristics, academic achievement and distance from alternative schooling options between transfers and non-transfers. Multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to the data to evaluate how demographic characteristics, distance to transfer school, and transfer school grade influenced the type of school a transfer student chose. A geographic analysis was conducted to determine how many miles students lived from alternative schooling options and the miles transfer students lived away from their transfer school. The findings of the interview data illustrated that parents’ perceived needs are not being adequately addressed by state policy and county programs. The statistical analysis found that students from higher socioeconomic social groups were not more likely to transfer than students from lower socioeconomic social groups. Additionally, students who did transfer were not likely to end up at a high achieving school. The findings of the binary logistic regression demonstrated that transfer students were significantly more likely to live near alternative school options.

Arteterapia em Idosos: efeitos nas funções cognitivas

Enquadramento: O envelhecimento abarca muitas transformações, desencadeando variadas mudanças do organismo, nomeadamente problemas cognitivos. A intervenção através da Arteterapia tem-se revelado eficaz na conservação do funcionamento das funções cognitivas dos idosos, sendo este um tema de extrema importância na manutenção da sua qualidade de vida. Objectivos: Identificar características sócio-demográficas da amostra; verificar se a Intervenção de arteterapia produz efeitos nas funções cognitivas dos idosos; verificar se estes efeitos correspondem a melhorias nas funções cognitivas. Métodos: A investigação adoptada é do tipo qualitativo, quase-experimental, (ensaio de Campo) sem grupo de controlo, que decorreu durante 3 meses (de Fevereiro a Abril de 2011), com sessões de 2 horas, três vezes por semana. Participaram no estudo 6 idosos institucionalizados, do sexo feminino com uma média de idades de 85 anos. Foi aplicado um questionário caracterizador da amostra, o Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (adaptado à população portuguesa) para a avaliação das funções cognitivas gerais, assim como o Teste da Figura Complexa de Rey, para avaliação da percepção visual e memória. Resultados: Existe uma melhoria em todos os itens avaliados, quando comparados os resultados pré-teste e pós-teste. Em suma, verificamos que a média de respostas correctas em todos os testes aplicados, antes da intervenção foi de 52,9% e após a intervenção foi de 69,8%. Desta forma apuramos um aumento global de 16,9% de respostas correctas, após a intervenção Arteterapeutica. O item onde os participantes demonstraram maiores dificuldades no momento anterior à intervenção, foi no exercício de reprodução de memória na Figura complexa de Rey, e na Atenção e Calculo e na Habilidade Construtiva (MMSE). No entanto, após a intervenção, as maiores subidas verificadas foram precisamente nestes dois últimos itens mencionados (30% e 33,3%, respectivamente). / Background: The aging encompasses many changes, triggering the body's various changes, including cognitive problems. Intervention through Art Therapy has proved effective in preserving the functioning of the cognitive functions of elderly people, and this is an issue of utmost importance in maintaining their quality of life. Objectives: To identify socio-demographic characteristics of the sample, verify that the art therapy intervention effect on cognitive function of older persons; verify that these effects correspond to improvements in cognitive functions. Methods: The research adopted is a qualitative, quasi-experimental (test field) with no control group, which ran for three months (February to April 2011), with sessions of two hours, three times a week. This study analyzed six institutionalized elderly female with a mean age of 85 years. A questionnaire was given characterization of the sample, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (adapted to the Portuguese population) for the assessment of general cognitive function, as well as the Test of Rey Complex Figure, for evaluation of visual perception and memory. Results: The analysis of the results allows us to verify that there is an improvement in all evaluated items, when comparing pretest and posttest. In summary, we found that the average of correct answers in all tests, before the intervention was 52.9% and after the intervention was 69.8%, verifying an overall increase of 16.9% of correct answers, after the intervention. The item where participants demonstrated greater difficulties at the moment before the intervention was playing in the exercise of memory in the Rey Complex Figure, and attention and calculation ability and Constructive (MMSE). However, after the intervention, the highest increases were observed especially in these last two items mentioned (30% and 33.3% respectively).

The Annual Condition of Education Report, 2015

Annual Condition of Education Report provides a rich tapestry of information about Iowa's Education system. The data presented in the report examines longitudinal trends about our students, our teacher and our schools from many perspectives. Information such as demographic characteristics, assessment results, college readiness, college readiness measures, courses taken, and financial health are just a few examples.

Satisfação Profissional do Trabalhador: um construto para o conhecimento de suas causas

Contexto: O estudo da Satisfação Profissional (SP) é um tema actual que tem despertado a atenção de vários investigadores. Sendo um tema bastante complexo, os investigadores têm procurado compreender as diversas determinantes da SP, considerando que só dessa forma os gestores das organizações estarão em condições de desenvolver estratégias que promovam o nível de satisfação dos seus colaboradores. Objetivos: Identificar quais os factores que contribuem para a SP da amostra. Método: O estudo teve por base uma bateria de três questionários, de administração direta, aplicados aos trabalhadores de duas fábricas da região centro. Para avaliar a SP recorreu-se ao “Job Discriptive Index” (JDI) adaptado à população portuguesa por Jesuíno, Sockza e Matoso (1983), e à Escala de Satisfação Organizacional, desenvolvida por Jorge Vala e colaboradores (1995). Para apurar as caraterísticas sociodemográficas da amostra fez-se uso ainda de um questionário construído pelos autores do estudo para o efeito. A amostra final é constituída por trabalhadores de duas empresas (N=52) - 24 da empresa “P” e 28 da empresa “B”, num total de 48 homens (92,3%) e 4 mulheres (7,7%), com prevalência de idades entre 31-40 anos (32,7%). O estudo teve a duração de dois semestres, e desenvolvido em quatro fases distintas: Fase conceptual, metodológica, Empírica e Reflexiva1. Resultados: Os resultados demonstram que a SP é mais influenciada por factores de ordem profissional e socioprofissionais, nomeadamente: relacionamento do trabalhador com a chefia, relacionamento do trabalhador com os colegas do mesmo nível, perspetivas de promoção, tempo de serviço e o tipo de vínculo contratual. Dos factores sociodemográficos, verificamos que a idade e o estado civil exercem influência moderada sobre a satisfação. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos devem ser analisados como preliminares, passíveis de serem confirmados no futuro. Com este estudo foi possível concluir que a maioria dos trabalhadores das empresas em estudo (75%) se sente satisfeita, em oposição a 25% dos casos que afirma sentir-se insatisfeito em relação ao seu trabalho. / Context: The study of the Professional Satisfaction (PS) is an actual theme that has aroused the attention of different investigators. Being a complex theme, the investigators have trying to understand the diversity of PS determinants, considering that approach, the only way to the managers being able to develop strategies to elevate the satisfaction level of the collaborators. Goals: Identify what factors contributes to the PS of the sample Method: As support, the study had a group of three direct implementation questionnaires applied to the workers of two factories from the area. To evaluate the PS we resort to the “Job Descriptive Index” (JDI) adapted to the Portuguese Population by Jesuíno, Sockza and Matoso (1983) and to the Organizational Satisfaction Scale, developed by Jorge Vala and his collaborators (1995). To settle the socio demographic characteristics of the sample it was used another questionnaire elaborated by the authors of the study to achieve those characteristics. The final sample is constituted by workers of two factories (N=52), 24 of them from the factory “P” and the other ones (28) of the factory “B”, resulting in a total of 48 males (92,3%) and 4 females (7,7%) mostly with an age average between 31 and 40 years (32,7%) The study had the duration of two semesters and it was developed in four distinct phases, the first one, the conceptual phase, the second one, the methodological, the third one, the empirical and the last one, the reflexive phase. Results: The results show us that factors like professional order and socio professionals as the relations between employers and managers, between employers at the same level, promotional expectations, service time and the different types of contract have influences over the PS. Above the social demographic factors the study verifies that factors like age and marital status have a moderate influence above PS. Conclusion: The achieved results must be analyzed as preliminaries since they have to be confirmed in the future. With this study it was possible to conclude that the majority of the studied workers in the factories (75%) feel satisfied and the remaining 25% of the cases says unsatisfied in his relation to work.

Evaluation of Mobile Telephone Text Message Reminders for People with Antipsychotic Medication

Nonadherence to treatment is a worldwide problem among people with severe mental disorders. Patient treatment adherence may be supported with simple reminding methods e.g. text message reminders. However, there is limited evidence of its benefits. Intervention evaluation is essential in mHealth research. Therefore, this evaluative study was conducted. This study aimed to evaluate text message reminder use in encouraging patients’treatment adherence among people with antipsychotic medication. The data were collected between September 2011 and December 2013. First, a systematic literature review revealed that text message reminders were widely used in healthcare. However, its impacts were conflicting. Second, a sub-sample (n = 562) analysis showed that patients preferred humorous text message reminders and preferred to receive them in the morning, at the beginning of the week. Age, gender and marital status seemed to have different effects on the preferred amount and timing of the selected reminders. Third, a cross-sectional survey revealed that people with antipsychotic medication (n = 408) expressed overall satisfaction towards the reminder system. Finally, the evaluative design showed that patient recruitment for a randomized controlled trial concerning people with antipsychotic medication was challenging due to low rates of eligible participants. Follow-up drop-out rates varied depending on the data collection method. Participants’ demographic characteristics were associated with the risk of dropping out from the trial. This study suggests that text messages are a potential reminder system in healthcare services among people with antipsychotic medication. More research is needed to gain a comprehensive picture of the impacts and effectiveness of text message reminders.

Perpetual private land conservation: the case for outdoor recreation and functional leisure

As natural areas, agricultural lands, and open spaces continue to be developed at unprecedented rates, it is important for land conservation professionals to understand the individuals who might play a role in permanently protecting these lands and their ecological services. Many factors have been shown to influence land protection decisions among private owners, including land-use activities, demographic characteristics, and environmental intention and behavior. With the hypothesis that individuals already involved in land conservation programs would be candidates for permanent protection, we set out to model conservation easement decisions within a group of participants in southern Indiana’s Classified Forest and Wildlands Program (ICFWP). We used a mailed questionnaire to survey 500 landowners, garnering 308 responses, about their interest in conservation easements. Our results indicated significant positive relationships between interest in conservation easements with variables representing perception of landscape change, outdoor recreation behavior as an adult, and environmental organization membership. By better understanding the ways these factors promote permanent land-use decisions, land conservation professionals can better allocate limited resources through strategic investments in targeting and outreach.

Self-regulatory behaviours and flow dispositions in musical practice: a survey with advanced performers

Flow experience, a holistic sensation of total involvement in an activity, seems to have positive influences on musical performance activities. Although its main requirements (balance between challenges and skills, clear goals and unequivocal feedback) are inherent elements of musical practice, there is a lack of research about flow occurrences in the context of musical practice and on how specific practice behaviours affect the experience of flow and its particular dimensions. The aims of this thesis were to investigate advanced performersʼ dispositions to flow in musical practice, and to investigate whether the frequency of these experiences of holistic engagement with practice are associated with self-regulatory practice behaviours. 168 advanced classicallytrained performers (male = 50.0%; female = 50.0%), ranging in age from 18 to 74 years (m = 34.41, SD = 12.39), answered a survey that included two measures: the Dispositional Short Flow Scale, assessing performersʼ flow dispositions, and the Self-Regulated Practice Behaviours Questionnaire, developed specifically for the present research. The overall results of the survey suggested that advanced musicians have high dispositions to flow in musical practice, but not associated with the participantsʼ demographic characteristics. Three of the individual flow indicators were less experienced, suggesting that the most intense flow experiences are rare in musical practice. However, the results point to the existence of another relevant experience, named optimal practice experience. Practice engagement levels were positively associated with knowledge of oneʼs own personal resources and a capacity for practice organization, but not with inclusion/use of external resources. A capacity for setting optimal practice goals was related to self-regulation and to immersion aspects of flow. Current findings offer new clues about the assessment of flow dispositions in performers, helping to clarify how daily practice can heighten positive affective responses in musicians who are vulnerable to the requirements and difficulties of deliberate practice, as well as to other negative practice outcomes. The current research questions issues pertaining to the optimization and sustaining of flow in daily practice, suggesting future directions in the study of the affective subjective functioning of engagement with deliberate practice.

Adult missing persons: can an investigative framework be generated using behavioral themes?

There is a limited amount of research in the area of missing persons, especially adults. The aim of this research is to expand on the understanding of missing people, by examining adults' behaviours while missing and determining if distinct behavioural themes exist. Based on previous literature it was hypothesised that three behavioural themes will be present; dysfunctional, escape, and unintentional. Thirty-six behaviours were coded from 362 missing person police reports and analysed using smallest space analysis (SSA). This produced a spatial representation of the behaviours, showing three distinct behavioural themes. Seventy percent of the adult missing person reports were classified under one dominant theme, 41% were ‘unintentional’, 18% were ‘dysfunctional’, and 11% were ‘escape’. The relationship between a missing person's dominant behavioural theme and their assigned risk level and demographic characteristics were also analysed. A significant association was found between the age, occupational status, whether they had any mental health issues, and the risk level assigned to the missing person; and their dominant behavioural theme. The findings are the first step in the development of a standardised checklist for a missing person investigation. This has implications on how practitioners prioritise missing adults, and interventions to prevent individuals from going missing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for the treatment of complicated appendicitis

Aim. Laparoscopic Appendectomy (LA) is widely performed for the treatment of acute appendicitis. However the use of laparoscopic approach for complicated appendicitis is controversial, in particular because it has been reported an increased risk of postoperative IntraAbdominal Abscess (IAA). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of LA versus Open Appendectomy (OA) in the treatment of complicated appendicitis, especially with regard to the incidence of postoperative IAA. Patients and Methods. A retrospective study of all patients treated at our institution for complicated appendicitis, from May 2004 to June 2009, was performed. Data collection included demographic characteristics, postoperative complications, conversion rate, and length of hospital stay. Results. Thirty-eight patients with complicated appendicitis were analysed. Among these, 18 (47,3%) had LA and 20 (52,7%) had OA. There were no statistical differences in characteristics between the two groups. The incidence of postoperative IAA was higher (16,6%), although not statistically significant, in the LA compared with OA group (5%). On the other hand the rate of wound infection was lower (5%) in the LA versus OA (20%). Conclusion. Our study indicated that LA should be utilised with caution in case of perforated appendicitis, because it is associated with an increased risk of postoperative IAA compared with OA.

Researching a segmented market: reflections on telephone interviewing

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to review the effectiveness of telephone interviewing for capturing data and to consider in particular the challenges faced by telephone interviewers when capturing information about market segments. Design/methodology/approach The platform for this methodological critique was a market segment analysis commissioned by Sport Wales which involved a series of 85 telephone interviews completed during 2010. Two focus groups involving the six interviewers involved in the study were convened to reflect on the researchers’ experiences and the implications for business and management research. Findings There are three principal sets of findings. First, although telephone interviewing is generally a cost-effective data collection method, it is important to consider both the actual costs (i.e. time spent planning and conducting interviews) as well as the opportunity costs (i.e. missed appointments, “chasing participants”). Second, researchers need to be sensitised to and sensitive to the demographic characteristics of telephone interviewees (insofar as these are knowable) because responses are influenced by them. Third, the anonymity of telephone interviews may be more conducive for discussing sensitive issues than face-to-face interactions. Originality/value The present study adds to this modest body of literature on the implementation of telephone interviewing as a research technique of business and management. It provides valuable methodological background detail about the intricate, personal experiences of researchers undertaking this method “at a distance” and without visual cues, and makes explicit the challenges of telephone interviewing for the purposes of data capture.

Idosos em atendimento ambulatorial: adesão á terapêutica medicamentosa e fatores relacionados.

A adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa por idosos é um fenômeno dependente de fatores diversificados. Defende-se como tese: A adesão aos medicamentos prescritos em idosos em atendimento ambulatorial apresenta-se relacionada aos fatores referentes às características: demográficas, socioeconômicas; dos serviços de saúde, dos profissionais de saúde; das condições de saúde; da terapêutica medicamentosa; comportamentais. Esses fatores estão relacionados aos principais motivos referidos pelos idosos para aderirem ou não aos medicamentos prescritos. Foram objetivos: identificar na literatura brasileira e estrangeira a prevalência de adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa e os fatores relacionados em idosos; caracterizar os idosos em atendimento ambulatorial em um hospital universitário no Rio Grande/RS, Brasil, quanto às características demográficas, socioeconômicas, condições de saúde e uso de medicamentos; identificar os motivos referidos por estes idosos que levavam à adesão/não adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa; verificar a prevalência de adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa nestes idosos; verificar se há associação entre adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa e fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos, condições de saúde, terapêutica medicamentosa e fatores comportamentais destes idosos. Pesquisa realizada por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura e de um estudo quantitativo. Na revisão integrativa selecionaram-se 49 artigos e os fatores identificados foram organizados nas categorias: demográficas e socioeconômicas; sistema e profissionais de saúde; condições de saúde; terapêutica medicamentosa; comportamentais. O estudo quantitativo foi exploratório, descritivo, transversal, realizado em um serviço ambulatorial de um hospital universitário no Rio Grande/RS, Brasil. Participaram 107 idosos que responderam ao instrumento para caracterização do idoso e dos fatores relacionados à adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa; ao Miniexame do Estado Mental; à Escala de Medida de Adesão aos Tratamentos. A coleta de dados foi realizada em novembro de 2013. Realizou-se análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Verificaram-se mais idosos do sexo feminino, na faixa etária entre 60-69 anos. A doença mais prevalente foi a Hipertensão Arterial e a média de uso de medicamentos por dia foi de 4,8. Querer sentir-se bem/manter a saúde e querer controlar a doença e os sintomas foram os motivos para aderir à terapêutica medicamentosa prescrita. A ocorrência de reação adversa e falta de condições financeiras foram os motivos para não aderir. A prevalência de adesão à terapêutica medicamentosa foi de 86,9%. Houve associação entre a adesão e receber orientações do médico sobre como tomar os medicamentos, ter reação adversa, acreditar que os medicamentos são importantes para manutenção da saúde e ter vontade de não tomar os medicamentos. A tese é confirmada em parte: a adesão aos medicamentos prescritos em idosos em atendimento ambulatorial apresenta-se relacionada aos fatores referentes às características: dos profissionais de saúde; das condições de saúde; da terapêutica medicamentosa; comportamentais. Esses fatores estiveram relacionados aos principais motivos referidos pelos idosos para aderirem ou não aos medicamentos prescritos. Por outro lado, a adesão não apresentou relação com os fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos, embora as condições financeiras tenham sido referidas pelos idosos como um motivo que leva à não adesão.

Analysis of the entrepreneurial profile of students attending higher education in Portugal: the Carland Entrepreneurship Index application

Background The societal changes have created new necessities in terms of health care and of professionals with diverse skills. The institutions of higher education should promote the development of an entrepreneurial profile in students which may boost the exploration of new opportunities. Objectives: To identify the entrepreneurial profile in the students in higher education and its relationship to some personal characteristics and training. Methods Correlational quantitative study, accomplished with 1,604 students from 18 institutions of polytechnic Institutes of Portugal. The collection of data occurred between July and November/2015. The Carland Entrepreneurship Index (CEI) entrepreneurial skills questionnaire was applied, along with the acquisition of socio-demographic variables of the students. Data was analysed with the SPSS 23.0. The study followed the ethical requirements. Results The (CEI) application, allowed us to note that 75.7 % of the students presented an entrepreneurial profile, 20.8 % a Micro entrepreneurial profile and 3.4 % a Macro entrepreneurial. Additionally, we verified that older students (r = 0.193, p < = 0.000), of the male gender (Female = 0.55; Male, M= 0.580 p < 0.000), that had already worked or would like to work for others, showed the greatest entrepreneurial potential (Yes M= 0.60; No 0.54; p < 0.000), along with those who participated in entrepreneurial contents during their training (Did not participate M= 0.53; Participated 0.58; p < 0.000). Conclusions The entrepreneurial profile is related with some social demographic characteristics of the students; however, the educational institutions may have a preponderant role in the development of that profile, which may contribute to a greater contribution in the wellbeing of the populations.

Crime de incêndio urbano

Projeto de Graduação apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de licenciado em Criminologia

Determinants of self-medication with NSAIDs in a Portuguese community pharmacy

Background: Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a widely used therapeutic group in the world, and particularly in the Portuguese population. Objective: To compare NSAID’s use by prescription and self-medication acquisition and to determine the pattern of indication of NSAIDs, their usage profile and possible implications for patients’ safety. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used where individuals presenting at a community pharmacy requesting NSAIDs during the study period (one month) were invited to answer a face-to-face interview where socio-demographic characteristics, the indication pattern and previous experience of side effects were assessed. A follow-up interview was performed one week later to assess the incidence of adverse effects. The study was ethically approved. Results: A sample of 130 NSAIDs users was recruited, comprising mostly women (n=87; 66.9%), actively employed (n=77; 59.2%) and presenting a mean age of 49.5 years old (SD=20.49). An equal proportion of individuals acquired NSAIDs by self-medication and with medical prescription (n=65; 50%). Over 4/5 of patients (n=57; 87.7%) acquiring NSAIDs without a prescription were self-medicated by their own initiative, and only 10.8% (n=7) had been advised by the pharmacist. The most commonly acquired active substances were ibuprofen and diclofenac. Self-medicated users more frequently resorted to topical NSAIDs following short term treatments. The major underlying condition motivating NSAIDs sought were musculoskeletal disorders (45.0%), regardless of the regimen. An important proportion of prevalent users of NSAIDs reported previous experience of adverse effects (11.3%). One week after initiating NSAID therapy, a small proportion of patients reported incidence of adverse effects. Conclusion: Self-medication with NSAIDs is sought for numerous medical conditions. Reported adverse effects (prevalent and incident) confirm the need for a more rational use of NSAIDs and ongoing pharmacovigilance.

Blood donor motivation and recruitment : a comparative study in West of Scotland and the Sudan

In modern society, blood donor motivation and recruitment is a fundamental part of health care delivery. Well defined and documented programmes exist throughout the world but new ideas are always welcome. The situation in the Sudan is different and much remains to be done by way of comparison with elsewhere. This thesis outlines the objectives of a study, how it was supported, sponsored and achieved. It describes briefly the geography of the Sudan, the source of Sudanese economy, climate, culture and historical backgrounds. The problems of existing services in the Sudan are reviewed and a brief account of the demographic characteristics of the Sudanese population is given. Two surveys done in West of Scotland and in the Sudan are described in detail. This work discloses and compares the positive motives that enhances giving of blood and the negative motives that hinders its donation. The comparison is between an Eastern Society with a voluntary motivation not fully activated because of lack of understanding and awareness of the need to give blood voluntarily for strangers and Western Society with a well established voluntary system of donation. An addition to this research was the investigation into the immunity to tetanus and hepatitis in the Sudanese population. An estimate of the percentage of individuals with detectable levels of hepatitis A and B antibodies and tetanus antibodies is included since there is a need to establish a plasmapheresis programme as part of a good Blood Transfusion Service for the procurement of specific immunoglobulin's. This work has revealed major differences between the West of Scotland and the Sudan and suggestions are made for their resolution. The main conclusion and comparison are summarised in Chapter 7. It is hoped that many of the suggestions in this thesis can be introduced in the Sudan at an early date.