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Current education reform initiatives give little support to family and consumer sciences (FCS) programs. However, there is evidence suggesting a critical need for such preventive education that is focused on nurturing human development. Despite rhetoric of public officials concerning "prevention models" of wellness, society continues to function predominantly in a crisis intervention mode, waiting until the need for extensive services arises before publicly intervening. Although issues of the human condition are highly complex, interrelated, and not easily remedied, public education has both the potential and responsibility to serve a primary role in prevention, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. (Contains 1 table, and 1 figure.)

Interpretive labels and signs rely on readability and comprehensibility for their effectiveness. Tourist site managers should examine interpretive materials for length and size, placement, layout, organization of information and language complexity. Managers should also directly ask for reader input so that improvements can be made that address visitors' needs specifically.

Zoos can play key roles in promoting conservation awareness in their visitors. While visitors are usually curious and respectful of the wild animals they observe, additional information is needed to educate them on the interdependency between animals and their environment. This can be achieved through open-air exhibits and the availability of handlers who can answer visitors' questions.

It is clear, both intuitively and from research findings, that humans have definite preferences regarding different animal species. These preferences have implications for the management of wildlife tourism in terms of selecting animals that people want to see, understanding the features of the animals that are appealing to visitors, and developing education and interpretation programs. This study reports on findings from 790 respondents who were asked to list their favourite animals, and the reasons why they are favourites. The results confirm that favourite animals are often companion animals and those animals with which people are familiar. The reasons for liking animals centre around perceptions of their attractiveness, intelligence and character. Reasons for disliking animals often focus on the threat or potential harm to humans. Results highlight the importance of perceptions rather than actual characteristics in influencing preference and provide a basis for wildlife tourism planning.

Background: Over the last decade, the pharmacists' role in health-care services has evolved and expanded to include more direct patient care and disease management services. Objective: To evaluate medical students' perceptions on pharmacists, their role in health care, and demographic or experiential factors that influenced the medical students' opinions. Methods: Medical students, at a Midwest, academic medical center, were solicited to complete a cross-sectional, web-based survey consisting of 3 domains: basic demographics, knowledge of the pharmacy profession, and opinions of pharmacists. Results: Participants supported pharmacists' role in recommending and monitoring drug therapy. However, participants did not support pharmacists' role in performing physical examinations, health screenings, or managing patients with chronic diseases. The main factors that influenced perceptions of pharmacists were female gender and frequent (weekly or more) interaction with a pharmacist or pharmacy student. Neither year in medical school nor participation in intercollaborative practice significantly influenced perceptions of pharmacists. Conclusion: This survey highlights the need to improve the education medical students receive about pharmacists' contribution to the health-care team and the importance of increasing the interaction between medical students and pharmacists or pharmacy students to enhance interprofessional collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]