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We describe here a 4 hour experimental session based on reaction monitoring of the degradation of an organic pollutant via a Fenton-like reaction. An aqueous solution of p-nitrophenol is treated with hydrogen peroxide and magnetite, and the progress of the reaction is monitored by UV-vis spectrophotometry and/or gas chromatography using an internal standard. During that session, undergraduate students discovered a new scope of heterogeneous catalysis, namely, a green process for water depollution. Behind the simplicity of setting up the Fenton-like reaction, they were challenged by the requirements of replicability and precision of the quantitative tracking of the reaction. They appreciated being confronted with a realistic environmental problem and seeing what role catalysis and modern chemistry could play to tackle the issue.

We adapted a classical asymmetric Michael addition for a 1 day experimental session (6-8 h) for third- or fourth-year undergraduate students. The experiment contains three steps: synthesis of a chiral Lewis acid, LiAl((S)-BINOL)[subscript 2], then its use as a catalyst in the Michael addition of diethyl malonate on cyclopentenone, followed by purification through column chromatography on silica gel. The desired product can be fully characterized by 1D and 2D NMR experiments and IR spectroscopy. The enantiomeric excess can be determined by polarimetry and [superscript 1]H NMR using the chiral lanthanide shift reagent Eu(hfc)[subscript 3]. This laboratory experiment bridges the gap between theoretical courses about asymmetric reactions and practical implementations of enantioselective reactions.

The current project evaluated the use of behavior management techniques utilized in Parent- Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in head start classrooms. The sample included seven Head Start classrooms; four classrooms receiving treatment and three classrooms receiving no treatment. Evaluation of the progress included observation of teacher and student behavior and teacher report of class manageability and number of time-outs. Results indicated that child behavior improved throughout the study for both groups. Both groups of teachers also gave fewer timeouts, criticized the children less often, and rated their classes as more manageable from pre- to post-treatment. Teachers receiving training gave more labeled praise following treatment. These findings provide initial support for improving teacher behavior modification skills through the use of PCIT skills modified for Head Start classrooms. (Contains 1 table.)

The efficacy of three behavior management techniques used in a Head Start classroom was examined. The three techniques included: (a) techniques currently used by the teacher, (b) response cost, and (c) the Level System (token economy). The current study used an ABACA single subject withdrawal design with follow-up where all conditions were implemented until stability was reached. Classroom behavior was evaluated by both behavioral observation and teacher report. Children's and teacher's behavior were examined. No conclusions could be made concerning the efficacy (i.e., inappropriate behavior) of the techniques. Teachers used more labeled praise statements and fewer critical statements during the Level System condition than all other conditions. (Contains 4 figures.)

Opinions of parenting programs mostly have been obtained from mothers. Because mothers and fathers' interactions with children differ, gathering data from both parents regarding behavior modification and parenting programs is necessary. This project was part of a larger study and compared mothers and fathers' acceptability of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and its various components. Acceptability data were obtained using the Treatment Evaluation Inventory-Short Form and a modified version of this measure assessing specific PCIT components. The sample consisted of 40 community mother-father pairs of a young male child. Findings suggest gender differences in PCIT treatment acceptability and various PCIT components. (Contains 2 tables.)

Background: Population-based surveys on the quality of life of people with Down syndrome (DS) are difficult to perform because of ethical and legal policies regarding privacy and confidential information, but they are essential for service planning. Little is known about the sample size and variability of quality of life of people with DS living in the city of Rome, which has a population of 2.7 million inhabitants. The aim of the present study is to explore the needs and challenges in health, social integration and daily life, of people with DS living in Rome. Methodology: A cross-sectional, census-based survey was conducted in 2006. All family doctors (3016 in total) of the National Health Service were involved by the Statistical Bureau of the Municipality of Rome. As per the census, every resident citizen is registered with a family doctor and every person with disabilities is coded. Associations for Down Syndrome encouraged their members to participate in the research. Questionnaires were completed by families of people with DS, in accordance with privacy laws. Findings: An initial survey, conducted via a letter and a telephone contact with family doctors, identified 884 people with DS residing in the city of Rome. Data on the medical and social conditions of 518 people with DS, ranging in age from 0 to 64 years, were collected. Some 88% of these were living with their original family; 82.1% had one or more siblings, and 19.5% had lost one or both parents. A full 100% of children with DS were enrolled in the public school system. This ensures that they are fully occupied and entirely integrated in society. After secondary school there is a lack of opportunities. Thus, only 10% of adults were working with a regular contract. A mere 42.2% of people with DS aged 25-30 were involved in some form of regular activity (although not always on a daily basis). After the age of 30, the percentage of people demonstrating decline in function increased sharply, while disability-related support decreased. In other words, as people with DS age, daily life evolves increasingly around the home, with only occasional outdoor activities. Conclusion: The health, employment and social needs of the majority of people with DS in the city of Rome are not being met. The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive inclusion in society of adults with DS and for the provision of support services to create an enabling environment for inclusion. Because of the variability of performance among individuals with DS, there is a need to create more case-specific options in terms of work, living arrangements, social networking and medical services. Schooling and social inclusion in childhood alone do not guarantee a satisfactory quality of life in adulthood. It is argued herewith that policy of inclusion and support should extend over the entire lifetime of people with DS.

Behavioral parent training (BPT) is one of the most commonly utilized research treatments for young children with externalizing behaviors. Most BPT research, however, has been conducted with mothers. Thus, insufficient data exist as to the benefits of father participation in BPT. This paper provides rationales for why fathers should be included in BPT and an extension of previous critiques on father participation in BPT to critically evaluate recent research (1989-2003) in the same area. Several limitations of this body of research make it difficult to draw conclusions about the benefit of including fathers in BPT. Future research should be conducted with methodologically-sound designs to examine treatment outcome with fathers.

Uses Marxist/feminist concepts to explain employment patterns among female workers in multinational maquiladoras (assembly plants) in northern Mexico. Concludes that maquiladoras have not alleviated regional unemployment for either sex, but have created a docile low-wage work force that includes a pool of surplus labor. Contains 48 references. (SV)