The economic changes that have occurred in this country over the course of this past decade have had a grave impact on manufacturing workers, which has forced many of these workers to transition into new career fields. As workers are faced with having to start new career paths, the community college has served as a hub of information and a source of inspiration to begin new careers. Through programs such as the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, these dislocated workers are able to acquire a new skill or trade. A qualitative study will investigate how dislocated workers make a successful transition from community college to a new career field. An examination will also be conducted, observing the positive transition that these workers have experienced since becoming unemployed. Due to the closures of manufacturing facilities, there are thousands of people who are now considered to be dislocated. Advances in technology and global trading have been the culprits in this shifting of the workforce; due to this, there has been an economic downturn in the areas affected by these plant closures. The federal and state governments have allocated resources to ensure that the dislocated workforce is retrained and educated through local community colleges in order to diversify and upgrade the workforce. The Trade Readjustment Act (TRA), which is a federal law that allows for displaced workers to be retrained are processed through job centers, which assists those workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. The basic qualifications for unemployment benefits are to be unemployed through no fault of one’s own and to be able and available for work. The aforementioned qualifications are suited to those individuals who have had the unfortunate experience of being laid off from a manufacturing plant. The local job center offices work closely with other state agencies and local community colleges. Community colleges act as a vehicle for the training, and the job center’s objective is to then assist the worker, not only with its benefits and other programs, but also to assist the worker in becoming reemployed once they have been successfully retrained.

Yes / Smokers attend preferentially to cigarettes and other smoking-related cues in the environment, in what is known as an attentional bias. There is evidence that attentional bias may contribute to craving and failure to stop smoking. Attentional retraining procedures have been used in laboratory studies to train smokers to reduce attentional bias, although these procedures have not been applied in smoking cessation programmes. This trial will examine the efficacy of multiple sessions of attentional retraining on attentional bias, craving, and abstinence in smokers attempting cessation. This is a double-blind randomised controlled trial. Adult smokers attending a 7-session weekly stop smoking clinic will be randomised to either a modified visual probe task with attentional retraining or placebo training. Training will start 1 week prior to quit day and be given weekly for 5 sessions. Both groups will receive 21 mg transdermal nicotine patches for 8–12 weeks and withdrawal-orientated behavioural support for 7 sessions. Primary outcome measures are the change in attentional bias reaction time and urge to smoke on the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale at 4 weeks post-quit. Secondary outcome measures include differences in withdrawal, time to first lapse and prolonged abstinence at 4 weeks post-quit, which will be biochemically validated at each clinic visit. Follow-up will take place at 8 weeks, 3 months and 6 months post-quit. This is the first randomised controlled trial of attentional retraining in smokers attempting cessation. This trial could provide proof of principle for a treatment aimed at a fundamental cause of addiction. / National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Doctoral Research Fellowship (DRF) awarded to RB (DRF-2009-02-15)

Information-processing studies have shown an attentional bias (AB) towards threat cues in individuals with anxiety disorders. Research has consistently shown that AB to threat may play a causal role in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders. Recent empirical evidence has demonstrated support for Attention Retraining (AR) to modify AB to threat, resulting in reductions of anxiety. Currently, AR approaches have not been systematically tested in individuals with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of a computer-based attention retraining (CBAR) treatment for clinical levels of PTSD using a modified dot-probe paradigm. A single-case time-series design was employed with a treatment and post-treatment period, following baseline. Results indicated significant reductions in trauma-related symptoms, attention to threat cues, state anxiety and depression, along with a significant increase in coping self-efficacy. AB change for the group was not significant. A significant relationship between AB change and PTSD symptoms was found. The results were discussed from the standpoint of the viability of AR for trauma. / Master of Science

The primary purpose of this thesis was to review and evaluate a project conducted under the Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962 in Redford, Virginia. To place the subject in proper perspective, a review of the economy with particular emphasis on employment, was necessary. It was further necessary to define clearly the types of unemployment; seasonal, cyclical, frictional, and structural, as well as underemployment and full employment. After these guidelines were established, the investigation was carried into the specific areas covered by the Act. This was accompanied by a brief description of the intent and the administration of the Act. The project itself was evaluated by first investigating the participants, students, teachers, and administrators on an individual basis. The conclusions on the project are based on the necessity of the program to that particular area and how the national program appears in the light of this project. / Master of Science

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

This thesis is the culmination of a series of studies designed to improve the management of musculoskeletal (MSK) injury in an infantry training centre (ITC Catterick, UK). The overall aim of this thesis is to develop and evaluate a management strategy for MSK injury during Combat Infantryman’s Courses (CIC) training. Included is an epidemiological study of MSK injuries in the British Army (Study1), a risk factor model for MTSS (Study 2) and two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which the effects of prevention (Study 3) and rehabilitation interventions (Study 4) were examined. The aim of Study 1 was to quantify incidence, type and impact of the MSK injuries during military CIC training (26 weeks). Over a two year period (April 2006 -March 2008), 6608 British infantry CIC trainees completed an informed consent form to take part in this study. A prospective epidemiological study was conducted. Data for the injuries were reported according to: onset, anatomical location, diagnosis and regiment-specific incidence, week and months, impact and occupational outcome. It was clearly demonstrated that MSK injuries are a substantial burden to the British Army. Injury rate was 48.65% and overuse injury was significantly higher than acute and recurrence. Most overuse injuries occurred in the lower limb (82.34%) and were more frequent (p <0.01) in the first phase of training (Weeks 0-13). One third of the recruits (33%) were discharged prior to completion of training. A further 15% (n=991) were removed from training for further rehabilitation. Rehabilitation time ranged from 21 to 168 days and 12% of total training time was lost due to injury (equivalent to 155,403 days of training). Owing to its high severity index, medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is argued to be the most impactful of these injuries despite only being second most frequent. Implications for practice and research (Study 1): MSK injuries are a significant burden to the British Army and strategies to improve prevention and treatment need to be explored. An initial focus on MTSS is warranted. In order to develop interventions for Studies 3 and 4 it is necessary to identify those risk factors for developing MTSS. The aim of Study 2 was to determine prospectively whether gait biomechanics and/or lifestyle factors can identify those at risk of developing MTSS. Again, British Infantry male recruits (n = 468) were selected for the study. Based on a review of the literature of known risk factors for MSK injury, plantar pressure variables, lifestyle factors comprising smoking habits and aerobic fitness as measured by a 1.5 mile timed-run were collected on the first day of training. A logistic regression model for membership of the MTSS and non-MTSS groups showed that an imbalance in foot pressure (heel rotation = pressure on the medial heel minus pressure on the lateral heel) was the primary risk factor for MTSS. Low aerobic fitness and smoking habit were also important, but were additive risk factors for MTSS. The logistic regression model combining all three risk factors was capable of predicting 96.9% of the non-injured group and 67.5% of the MTSS group with an overall accuracy of 87.7%. Implications for practice and research (Study 2): Foot pronation, as measure by heel rotation, is a primary risk factor for MTSS. Previous studies have shown that gait retraining can change risk factors for injury. The aim of Study 3 was to examine the effectiveness of gait retraining on reducing risk factors associated with MTSS and on reducing the incidence of MTSS during the subsequent 26 week training period. British Infantry recruits (n = 450) volunteered for the study and baseline plantar pressure variables were recorded on the first day of training. Based on the findings of Study 2, those with abnormal foot pronation at baseline (n = 134, age 20.1 ± 2.03 years; height 167 ±1.4 cm; body mass 67 ± 2.4 kg) were randomly allocated to an intervention (n = 83) or control group (n = 83). The intervention group undertook a gait retraining program which included targeted exercises three times a week and biofeedback on risk factors once per week. Both groups continued with the CIC training concurrently. Injury diagnoses over the 26 week training regimen were made by physicians who were blinded to the study. Post-measures of plantar pressure were recorded at 26 weeks. There was a significant reduction in the pronation (p <0.001) and overall difference survival function between MTSS and non-MTSS (Log rank test X2 = 6.12, p = 0.013). The absolute risk reduction was 60% in the intervention group. Implications for practice and research (Study 3): Gait retraining can reduce risk factors and incidence of MTSS injury. Based on such positive findings for the prevention of MTSS in Study 3, it was hypothesised that gait retraining may also have potential for the rehabilitation of MTSS. The aim of Study 4 was to examine the effectiveness of a gait retraining on plantar pressure variables, pain intensity and time spent in rehabilitation due to MTSS. Recruits diagnosed with MTSS but not responding to current treatment were eligible for this study (n = 66, age 20.85 ± 2.03 years; height 167 ±1.4 cm; body mass 67 ± 2.4 kg). The participants were randomly allocated to an intervention (n = 32) or control group (n = 34). In order to overcome the debilitating pain suffered by MTSS patients during exercise, the intervention group received a corticosteroid injection prior to the gait retraining programme. The control group continued with the current rehabilitation programme. There were significant improvements in terms of time to reach peak heel rotation (p<0.001), pain intensity (p<0.001) and positive occupational outcome in the intervention group (p<0.019). Implications for practice and research (Study 4): A combined corticosteroid-exercise intervention is beneficial in normalising plantar pressure, reducing rehabilitation times, pain intensity and occupational outcome of MTSS.

While evidence suggests stereotype threat effects invade conscious levels of processing, less is known about the role that implicit processes play in stereotype threat. Results from four studies indicate that implicit attitudes and stereotypes play a unique role in motivation and performance in stereotype threatening contexts. Women trained to have positive implicit math attitudes exhibited increased math motivation in general (Study 1). This effect was magnified among stereotype threatened women when negative stereotypes had either been primed subtly (Study 2) or implicitly reinforced (Study 3). Implicit attitudes had no effect on working memory capacity or performance however. Conversely, after retraining women to associate their gender with being good at math, they exhibited increased working memory capacity (Studies 3 and 4) and increased math performance (Study 4) in stereotype threatening situations. The enhanced performance that resulted from the positive stereotype reinforcement was mediated by the increased working memory capacity. Thus while implicit attitudes appear important for motivating stigmatized individuals to engage with stigmatized domains, stereotypes play a key role in undermining cognitive capacity that is critical for success in the domain.

Tyrimo objektas. Profesinės orientacijos Tikslas. Išnagrinėti pirmą profesiją pasirinkusių ir persikvalifikuojančių asmenų profesines orientacijas Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1. Išnagrinėti profesines orientacijas ir jų pasireiškimo formas įvairaus amžiaus tarpsniuose. 2. Atskleisti asmenų pirmosios profesijos rinkimosi motyvus ir profesines orientacijas. 3. Ištirti persikvalifikuojančių asmenų poreikius, motyvus ir profesines orientacijas. 4. Palyginti profesines orientacijas asmenų, kurie renkasi pirmąją profesiją ir persikvalifikuoja. Hipotezės: 1. Asmenų pirmosios profesijos rinkimąsi labiau įtakoja išoriniai veiksniai, jų profesinės orientacijos mažiau išreikštos asmeniniais motyvais 2. Persikvalifikuojančių asmenų profesinėse orientacijose labiau išreikšti asmeniniai motyvai Tyrimo metodika 1. Mokslinės literatūros ir kitų informacijos šaltinių analizė 2. Anketinė apklausa 3. Matematinė tyrimo rezultatų analizė Tyrimo vietos: profesinė mokykla; kolegija; universitetas; suaugusiųjų mokymo centras. Tyrimo rezultatai: Lyginant persikvalifikuojančių ir besimokančių pirmosios profesijos asmenų profesines orientacijas, nerasta statistiškai reikšmingų skirtumų tarp grupių. Persikvalifikavimo priežastis yra dvejopo pobūdžio: vidinės (savirealizacijos ir karjeros) bei išorinės (didesnio užmokesčio ir darbo susiradimo). Tyrimo pradžioje iškelta hipotezė, kad asmenų pirmosios profesijos rinkimąsi labiau įtakoja išoriniai veiksniai, jų profesinės orientacijos mažiau išreikštos... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Purpose: to examine professional orientationst of the persons, who have chosen their first professions and who are in retraining. Objectives of the study: 1. to examine professional orientations and their expression in a variety of age groups. 2. to reveal motives and professional orientations for the first careers. 3. to analyse needs, motives and professional orientations of persons in retraining. 4. to compare professional orientations of individuals who are choosing their first occupation and who are in re-training. Hypotheses: 1. The first choice of profession more influenced by external factors, their professional orientations are less expressed by personal reasons. 2. Personal motives are stronger expressed in professional orientations of persons in retraining. Research Methods: 1. Analysis of scientific literature and other sources of information 2. A questionnaire-based survey 3. Mathematical analysis of the survey results Test site: a vocational school; College; University; adult education center. The results : Comparison of professional orientations of persons in retraining and those studying for their first profession has found no statistically significant differences between the groups. The reasons for retraining are of two types: internal (self-realization and career) and external (higher wage and employment). The hypothesis that individuals' first choice of profession is more influenced by external factors, their professional orientations are less... [to full text]

One possible solution to common running related injuries is to transition runners from a rearfoot strike during initial contact to a midfoot strike. Natural rearfoot strike runners were studied to see if a modified elliptical trainer could be used to alter their running pattern to that of a midfoot strike runner. Their results were compared to subjects who ran on a non-modified elliptical trainer. After training on the modified elliptical trainer, subjects demonstrated a decrease in foot angle at initial contact when attempting to run with a midfoot strike. Training did not affect all kinetic metrics or stride frequency. However, the kinematic change suggests that there may be an impact on running energetics. Training on the modified elliptical trainer resulted in improved midfoot strike kinematics in natural rearstrike runners when they attempted run in a midfoot strike pattern.

Background: Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is a respiratory disorder involving an upper chest breathing pattern and respiratory symptoms that cannot be attributed to a medical diagnosis. Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to describe patients with DB and investigate clinical outcomes after physiotherapy treatment. Methods: Study I was descriptive and comparative, that included 25 patients with DB and 25 age- and sex-matched patients with asthma. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety, depression, sense of coherence, influence on daily life due to breathing problems, respiratory symptoms, emergency room visits and asthma medication were investigated. Study II, a 5-year follow-up study based on the same sample as study I (22 patients with DB, 23 patients with asthma), studied treatment outcomes after information and breathing retraining. Study III was descriptive and correlational (20 healthy subjects), investigating whether the Respiratory Movement Measuring Instrument (RMMI) can discriminate between different breathing patterns in varying body positions. Study III also studied correlations between respiratory movements and breathing volumes (12 healthy subjects). Study IV was a single-subject AB design with follow-ups. Self-registered patient-specific respiratory symptoms and respiratory-related activity limitations and breathing pattern (measured with the RMMI) were evaluated after an intervention consisting of information and breathing retraining in five patients with DB. Results: Patients with DB had lower HRQoL (SF-36): vitality (mean 47 vs. 62), social functioning (70 vs. 94) and role emotional (64 vs. 94) (p&lt;0.05) than patients with asthma. The DB group had a higher prevalence of anxiety (56% vs. 24%) and experienced more breathing problems than the asthma group. Patients with DB had made several emergency room visits and had been treated with asthma medication. At the 5-year follow-up, patients with DB showed improved HRQoL (SF-36): physical function 77 to 87 (p=0.04), decreased breathing problems and emergency room visits, and they were not treated with asthma medication. The RMMI can differentiate between different breathing patterns in different body positions. Strong correlations between respiratory movements and breathing volumes were observed (rs 0.86-1.00). The results in study IV indicate that patients with DB benefit from information and breathing retraining regarding decreased respiratory symptoms and activity limitations and improved breathing pattern.