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Due to the variance in community infrastructure and resources, COVID-19 impacted rural communities differently than their urban counterparts. This study examines two waves of data from a survey of rural residents in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia regarding how community organizations responded to the pandemic, what strategies were most successful, and where needs shifted. The findings demonstrate that organizations with deeply embedded community leaders achieve higher levels of collaborative change in a timely manner. Additionally, mental health services have become a more pronounced need as a result of the pandemic. The interdependence of community needs, recognized by community members, calls for collaborative strategies for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing mission statements from 1,420 community foundations, this research aims to determine whether community foundations portray themselves as primarily transactional or transformational in their leadership style. Results indicate that approximately half of the community foundations present themselves as transformational dominant although about a third demonstrate transactional dominance. The well-established leadership categories of transformational and transactional (a) give us a new way to explore community foundations' roles in their communities, (b) help us better understand the way community foundations perceive themselves and their leadership, and (c) provide a mechanism to assess how community foundations are presenting their missions to their communities. In addition, by examining organizations as the unit of analysis, this research answers long-standing calls in leadership studies to consider levels of analysis beyond the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on Cosby's Rule which was unintentionally utilized in a mathematical problem by a calculus student at Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School in Georgia. It states that the student taken the coefficient from the numerators, divided them by the exponent of their denominators, and then summed up the results. It mentions that the rule is connected with the definition of the definite integral, fundamental theorem of calculus, and definition of Riemann sums. It says that denominators are the key to Cosby's rule. Moreover, it states that the curiosity of students have helped to prove the utility and validity of Colby's Rule.

The primary goal of this study was to investigate the role of the mathematics coach at Tabaka Middle School during the school's implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards through the utilization of Connected Mathematics Project materials. The study explores the coach's emergent understanding of her role as she provided teachers support through professional development, observation, and feedback in dealing with new content, adapting to new methods of teaching, working in collaborative groups, adapting to new ways of assessing students, and learning how to use new curriculum materials. The study suggests that in regards to teacher beliefs and practices, teachers benefit from a site-based long-term professional development program that targets content and pedagogical knowledge. The study underscores the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and having a mathematics coach on site in bringing to reality a new vision of a school's mathematics program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Good practice guide on library services for older people' was commissioned by the UK Department of Health in 2008. This paper focuses on the development of its content. Key policies give context with pointers to identifying older people now and their needs, involving older people in developing services, and working in partnerships. Elements for developing a comprehensive strategy include consultation, staff participation, ensuring a comfortable and encouraging environment, marketing, diversity and inclusiveness, partnerships, use of checklists, resources, and evaluation and advocacy. Edited version of a paper presented at the Next Chapters conference, State Library of NSW 1-2 May 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although accountability systems are established to ensure organizational adherence to financial and ethical standards for nonprofit organizations, the reality of whether such standards make a difference to donors has not been measured. This article discusses the current landscape of accountability systems and accountability ratings and describes a model for estimating the effect of ratings systems on donor behavior within the theoretical context of information asymmetry. Hypotheses are tested with nonprofit ratings for New York charities from the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance to estimate the effect of accountability ratings on the amount of contributions an organization receives. Results indicate that the Wise Giving Alliance "pass" ratings have a statistically significant effect on the contributions received; however, "did not pass" ratings are nonsignificant. The study is important for academics as well as practitioners who are monitoring time and money spent on accountability issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This work provides an empirical assessment of the usefulness of obtaining exposure data from proxy respondents. Methods: Two independent case groups were formed in data from a population-based case–control study. One case set was derived from proxy respondents. The second case series was derived from respondents who self-reported. The second case group was matched to the proxy case group for age, cancer site, and sex. These data were compared with a control group for completeness of information and identifying heterogeneity of risk estimates for a variety of variables. Index cases and controls were matched to the 829 available proxy respondents for sex, age (5-year groups), and cancer site. Results: Proxy respondents provided levels of complete information similar to index cases and controls for height and weight; occupational physical activity; consumption of coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes; and family history of cancer. Proxies had more missing responses for variables concerning recreational physical activity, clinical depression, age at first menstruation, use of oral contraceptives, and occupational exposure to pesticides. Polytomous logistic regression models found only a few examples of meaningful heterogeneity among all variables, limited to models for coffee consumption and cigarette smoking. Conclusions: Our data suggest that proxy respondents, especially parents and spouses, provide adequately complete information for many, but not all, exposures common in epidemiologic studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Physical inactivity is linked to risk for cancers of the colon, breast, lung and endometrium, but few data exist on this association with stomach cancer. We evaluated the association between recreational physical activity and incident stomach cancer in a case-control study. The data yielded odds ratios suggestive of ∼20–40% reduced risk of stomach cancer when comparing more frequent (3+ times/week) to less frequent (<1/month) strenuous activities. The magnitudes of the associations for strenuous physical activities were consistent across the teens, early 30s, and early 50s. Compared to the least active quartile, the second, third, and fourth quartiles of average lifetime strenuous physical activity yielded odds ratios of 0.82, 0.69, and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.41–0.83), respectively. Odds ratios for moderate activity generally suggested a modest, but not statistically significant, inverse association. Increased strenuous physical activity, throughout the lifespan, was associated with decreased risk of incident stomach cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses the relationship of regional medical programs to children's cancer clinics in the U.S. Information on the Division of Regional Medical Programs in the National Institute of Health; Identification of regional needs.

Focuses on community health nurses' use of contracts to involve patients in their own care. Types of contracts; Steps in formulating contracts including identifying the problem, exploring resources, developing a plan, dividing responsibilities, setting limits and evaluating the contract; Modifying contracts; Benefits of contracts.

Examines the strategies to increase the response rate doctors asked for permission to enrol patients in cancer study. How the doctors who do not do not give permission for patients to participate in a study are affecting the representatives in a study.

Quantitative comparisons of distribution and abundance of exotic species in their native and non-native ranges represent a first step when studying invaders. However, this approach is rarely applied 2 particularly to tree species. Using biogeographical contrasts coupled with regional dispersal surveys, we assessed whether two exotic maple tree species, Acer negundo and Acer platanoides, can be classified as invasive in the non-native regions surveyed. We also examined the importance of biogeography in determining the degree of invasion by exotic species using this reciprocal approach. Local-scale surveys were conducted in a total of 34 forests to compare density, relative abundance, age structure of native and introduced populations, and whether the two introduced maple species negatively affected native tree species density. Regional-scale surveys of a total of 136 forests were then conducted to assess distribution in the introduced regions. Introduced populations of A. negundo were denser than populations measured in their native range and negatively related to native tree species density. Age structure did not differ between regions for this species. At the regional scale, this species has invaded most of the riparian corridors sampled in France. Conversely, the density of A. platanoides introduced populations was similar to that of native populations and was not related to native tree species density. Although seedling recruitment was higher away than at home, this species has invaded only 9% of the forests sampled in southern Ontario, Canada. Although reported invasive, these two exotic maple species differed in their relative demographic parameters and regional spread. Acer negundo is currently invasive in southern France while A. platanoides is not aggressively invasive in southern Ontario. Importantly, this study effectively demonstrates that biogeography through structured contrasts provide a direct means to infer invasion of exotic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the association between time of smoking initiation and both the independent and joint effects of active and passive tobacco smoke exposure and the risk of breast cancer in a sample of Ontario women. Methods: Data from two large population-based case-control studies conducted among Ontario women aged 25-75 years were combined for analysis (n = 12,768). Results: Women who had ever smoked and were exposed to passive smoke had a significant increased risk of breast cancer (OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.01-1.25). A significant increased risk was also observed among women who initiated smoking: at age 26 or older (OR 1.26, 95%CI 1.03-1.55); more than five years from menarche (OR 1.26, 95%CI 1.12-1.42); and, after their first live birth (OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.02-1.52). Conclusion: The results suggest that women who initiate smoking at an older age are at an increased risk of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the lifetime prevalence of selected psychiatric disorders in Ontario women and to compare these estimates with use of mental health resources.Methods: We obtained data from a survey of 3062 Ontario women, aged 25 to 74 years, who participated in the Women's Health Study. A 5-item scale assessed lifetime prevalence of 5 psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD], and anorexia [AN] or bulimia [BN]). We assessed use of mental health services by comorbidity. We employed stratified random sampling to select study subjects. Prevalence estimates were weighted and 95%CIs were obtained using Taylor linearization techniques (1).Results: Nearly 30% of those surveyed reported at least 1 of the disorders studied. The most common were depression (27%) and anxiety (21%). Lifetime prevalence of PTSD, OCD, and AN or BN were 10.7%, 6.1%, and 3.9%, respectively. Successively younger birth cohorts displayed an increase in prevalence and a decrease in onset-age for all disorders. "Ever" use of mental health services was higher for women with 3 or more comorbid disorders (65%) than for those with no disorder (9.8%), or only 1 disorder (51.4%).Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the need to conduct more research into the reasons for the low rates of professional service use, especially for women with high comorbidity. They also highlight the need to understand the phenomenon underlying the possibly increasing rates of disorders in younger birth cohorts, so that outreach strategies can be modified to accommodate differences in younger women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed data from a survey of occupational and other factors in pregnancy to assess the effects of cigarette, alcohol, and coffee consumption on pregnancy outcome. The risk of low birth weight for gestational age was found to increase substantially with smoking. Ocassional consumers of alcohol had a slightly reduced risk relative to total abstainers. In more frequent drinkers, there was a small increase in risk. Risk increased slightly with coffee consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed data from a survey of occupational and other factors and pregnancy outcome to assess the effects of cigarette, alcohol, and coffee consumption. There was no evidence of an association between any congenital defect and smoking. Results for alcohol and coffee consumption were largely negative, but there was a weak association with musculoskeletal defects in babies born to women who drank one or more alcoholic drinks a day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed data from a survey of occupational factors and pregnancy outcome to examine the effects of cigarette, alcohol, and coffee consumption on pregnancy outcome. Clear and statistically significant association were found between cigarette and alcohol consumption and spontaneous abortion. There was a weaker but statistically significant association with coffee consumption; If the association were casual, 11% of the spontaneous abortions could be attributed to smoking, 5% to alcohol, and 2% to coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary recommendations emphasize increased consumption of fruit, vegetables, and whole grain cereals for prevention of chronic disease.Objectives: This study assessed the effect of dietary advice and/or food provision on body weight and cardiovascular disease risk factors.Methods: Healthy overweight men (n = 209) and women (n = 710), mean age 44.7 years, body mass index [BMI] 32.4 kg/m2, were randomized between November 2005 and August 2009 to receive Health Canada's food guide (control, n = 486) or 1 of 3 interventions: dietary advice consistent with both Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and dietary portfolio principles (n = 145); weekly food provision reflecting this advice (n = 148); or food delivery plus advice (n = 140). Interventions lasted 6 months with 12-month follow-up. Semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires and fasting blood, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were obtained at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months.Results: Participant retention at 6 and 18 months was 91% and 81%, respectively, after food provision compared to 67% and 57% when no food was provided (p < 0.0001). Test and control treatments showed small reductions in body weight (-0.8 to -1.2 kg), waist circumference (-1.1 to -1.9 cm), and mean arterial pressure (0.0 to -1.1 mm Hg) at 6 months and Framingham coronary heart disease risk score at 18 months (-0.19 to -0.42%), which were significant overall. Outcomes did not differ among test and control groups.Conclusions: Provision of foods increased retention but only modestly increased intake of recommended foods. Current dietary recommendations showed small overall benefits in coronary heart disease risk factors. Additional dietary strategies to maximize these benefits are required. (Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains: A Community-based Intervention; NCT00516620). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is common and its etiology largely unknown; therefore, it is important to explore all potential risk factors that are biologically plausible. Recent literature suggests a relationship between whole-body vibration (WBV) and prostate cancer risk. The aim of this study was to determine whether occupational WBV was a risk factor for prostate cancer. Existing data, collected on 447 incident cases and 532 population controls (or their proxies), in Montreal, Canada, were used to evaluate this question. Personal interviews collected detailed job descriptions for every job held, the tasks involved, and type of equipment used. For each job, experts assessed the intensity and daily duration of WBV exposure. Inter-rater agreement for WBV ratings was examined using the kappa statistic, with values that ranged from 0.83 to 0.94. Logistic regression models explored the relationship between WBV exposure and prostate cancer, using various combinations of intensity, daily duration, and years of exposure. Potential confounders were also examined. Occupations with WBV exposure demonstrated an increased statistically non-significant risk [odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99–2.09]. The risk for transport equipment operation, a job with WBV exposure, was significantly elevated (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.07–3.39). These results, together with those of an earlier study, suggest that workers in heavy equipment and transport equipment operation may have increased risk of prostate cancer. Further investigation is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study was an exploratory analysis of dietary and other risk factors for primary salivary gland cancer in a population-based case-control study in Ontario, Canada. Cases were men and women diagnosed between 1995 and 1996 with a first primary cancer of the salivary gland, identified through the Ontario Cancer Registry. Controls were an age-matched random sample of the population of Ontario, identified through property assessment files. Cases (n = 91) and controls (n = 1897) completed a self-administered questionnaire with information on diet, smoking, height and weight, and other lifestyle and socio-demographic factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among dietary variables, high relative to low intakes of alcohol (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.68-2.35), fruits (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.68-2.33), sweets (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 0.85-3.25), dairy (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 0.77-2.58), and starchy foods (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 0.96-3.3) were associated with non-statistically significant increased risk of salivary gland cancer; whereas vegetables and meats were linked with non-statistically significant decreased risks of the disease. Among non-diet factors, male sex, obese BMI, exposure to occupational radiation, family history of cancer, and household income were suggestive of increased disease risk. Future work with larger numbers of cases are needed to further explore these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aim is to evaluate benzodiazepine use and risk for breast cancer in Ontario, Canada, by using a population-based case–control study design. Methods: Cases were a random sample of women aged 25 to 74 years identified through the Ontario Cancer Registry and diagnosed with breast cancer between 1996 and 1998 (n = 3133). Controls were an age-matched random sample of women (n = 3062). Cases and controls completed a self-administered questionnaire that included questions about their past use of benzodiazepines (defined as daily use for at least 2 months) and potential confounders. Individual classes of benzodiazepines also were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results: Compared with nonusers, ever use of benzodiazepines was not significantly associated with risk for breast cancer (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.88–1.27). No apparent trends were observed for duration of use, time since first use, or time since last use. Estimates according to individual classes of benzodiazepines, including diazepam, lorazepam, and chlordiazepoxide, also were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Our data show no association between benzodiazepine use and breast cancer risk. Results confirm findings from previous studies that diazepam use does not increase the risk for breast cancer and also suggest no association with the use of other benzodiazepine compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]