scholarly journals Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Large-Scale Readmission Reduction Program

2016 ◽  
Vol 176 (5) ◽  
pp. 681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Y. Jenq ◽  
Margaret M. Doyle ◽  
Beverly M. Belton ◽  
Jeph Herrin ◽  
Leora I. Horwitz
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Evaluation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Reduction Program ◽  
Quasi Experimental

scholarly journals Wireless Sensor Networks for Smart Cities: Network Design, Implementation and Performance Evaluation

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 218
Author(s):  
Ala’ Khalifeh ◽  
Khalid A. Darabkh ◽  
Ahmad M. Khasawneh ◽  
Issa Alqaisieh ◽  
Mohammad Salameh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wireless Sensor Networks ◽  
Sensor Networks ◽  
Experimental Evaluation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Sensor Nodes ◽  
Wireless Sensor ◽  
Real Field

The advent of various wireless technologies has paved the way for the realization of new infrastructures and applications for smart cities. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are one of the most important among these technologies. WSNs are widely used in various applications in our daily lives. Due to their cost effectiveness and rapid deployment, WSNs can be used for securing smart cities by providing remote monitoring and sensing for many critical scenarios including hostile environments, battlefields, or areas subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and floods or to large-scale accidents such as nuclear plants explosions or chemical plumes. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new framework where WSNs are adopted for remote sensing and monitoring in smart city applications. We propose using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to act as a data mule to offload the sensor nodes and transfer the monitoring data securely to the remote control center for further analysis and decision making. Furthermore, the paper provides insight about implementation challenges in the realization of the proposed framework. In addition, the paper provides an experimental evaluation of the proposed design in outdoor environments, in the presence of different types of obstacles, common to typical outdoor fields. The experimental evaluation revealed several inconsistencies between the performance metrics advertised in the hardware-specific data-sheets. In particular, we found mismatches between the advertised coverage distance and signal strength with our experimental measurements. Therefore, it is crucial that network designers and developers conduct field tests and device performance assessment before designing and implementing the WSN for application in a real field setting.

Evaluation of a Mystery Shopper Intervention to Reduce Sales of Alcohol to Minors in Zacatecas and Guadalupe, Mexico

2020 ◽  
pp. 004723792098177
Author(s):  
Mallie J. Paschall ◽  
Joel W. Grube ◽  
Ted R. Miller ◽  
Christopher L. Ringwalt ◽  
Deborah A. Fisher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Evaluation ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Convenience Stores ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Mystery Shopper ◽  
Low And Middle Income

We report the results of a quasi-experimental evaluation of a mystery shopper intervention in Zacatecas and Guadalupe, Mexico. Underage youth attempted to purchase beer at 50 Modelorama stores and 32 Oxxo stores (intervention groups), and at 19 comparison convenience stores in March, July, and August 2018. After each attempt, intervention store operators were informed if a sale was made. Modelorama operators also received training and were warned that repeated sales to minors could jeopardize their franchise. Average sales rates to minors were 63.8% at Modeloramas, 86.5% at Oxxo stores, and 98.2% at comparison stores. The findings suggest that mystery shopper interventions with training, feedback to store operators, and sanctions after repeated sales to underage youth may reduce sales to minors in low- and middle-income countries.

CLIL theory and empirical reality – Two sides of the same coin?

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Rumlich
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Empirical Reality ◽  
Longitudinal Model ◽  
Composition Effects ◽  
Class Composition ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Individual Variables ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
A Minor

This article summarizes the essential theoretical and empirical findings of a large-scale doctoral dissertation study on content and language integrated learning (CLIL) streams at German secondary schools (Gymnasium) with up to three content subjects taught in English (Rumlich, 2016). A theoretical account rooted in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL), language acquisition and educational psychology provides the basis for the development of a comprehensive longitudinal model of general EFL proficiency, which incorporates cognitive, affective-motivational, and further individual variables. In a second step, the model is used to estimate the effects of CLIL on general EFL proficiency, EFL self-concept and interest over a span of two school years (Year 6 to Year 8). The statistical evaluation of the quasi-experimental data from 1,000 learners finds large initial differences prior to CLIL due to selection, preparation, and class composition effects brought about by the implementation of CLIL within streams. After two years, the analyses found no CLIL-related benefits for general EFL proficiency or interest in EFL classes and solely a minor increase in EFL self-concept that might be attributable to CLIL. The results make a strong claim for comprehensive longitudinal model-based evaluations and the inclusion of selection, preparation, and class composition effects when conducting research on CLIL programmes in similar settings. The findings also suggest that not all language competences and affective-motivational dispositions might benefit from CLIL (the way it is currently taught in Germany) to the same extent.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document