Validation of Causal Analysis for Obtaining Intervention-Study Results from Non-Intervention Studies

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikel G. Aickin
2008 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank R. Vellutino ◽  
Haiyan Zhang

Abstract This article reviews recent intervention studies that have provided the foundation for a variety of RTI approaches to reading disability classification and remediation. The three-tier model of RTI is defined and discussed. Selected findings from a kindergarten and first grade intervention study are summarized.


1992 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reynaldo Martorell

This is an overview of ten papers published in this issue of the Food and Nutrition Bulletin dealing with two components of a nutrition intervention study: the INCAP longitudinal study, 1969–1977, and the follow-up study, 1988–1989. The latter is a continuation of the former and seeks to test the hypothesis that nutritional improvements in early childhood lead to improved human capital formation in adolescents and young adults. Beneficial outcomes have been found to include greater body size and fat-free mass (particularly in females), improved working capacity in males, and enhanced intellectual performance in bath sexes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 228-254
Author(s):  
Ai Nurlaelasari Rusmana ◽  
Fenny Roshayanti ◽  
Minsu Ha

Abstract Metacognitive ability is enormously important for improving students’ learning performance. However, overconfidence bias may hinder students’ metacognition abilities. Therefore, in this study, we conducted an intervention to reduce or debias overconfidence among students using the KAAR (knowledge, awareness, action, and reflection) model. Ninety Indonesian undergraduate students were subjects of this study. Overconfidence scores were analyzed using paired sample t-tests in SPSS to compare the mean difference between pre- and post-tests. Next, their overconfidence patterns during the intervention were analyzed using R to perform group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). Two main findings were noteworthy: Watching a video about overconfidence is likely the most significant activity of KAAR model in reducing students’ overconfidence, and, based on students’ overconfidence change during the intervention, trajectory analysis classified them into five groups. Recommendations for future intervention studies to reduce overconfidence among students are discussed.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caleigh Sawicki ◽  
Kara Livingston ◽  
Alastair Ross ◽  
Paul Jacques ◽  
Katie Koecher ◽  
...  

Consumption of whole grains have been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases in many observational studies; yet, results of intervention studies are mixed. We aimed to use evidence mapping to capture the methodological and reporting variability in whole grain intervention studies that may contribute to this inconsistency. We conducted a reproducible search in OVID Medline for whole grain human intervention studies (published 1946 to February 2018). After screening based on a priori criteria, we identified 202 publications describing a total of 213 unique trials. Over half (55%) were acute trials, lasting ≤1 day, 30% were moderate duration studies (up to 6 weeks) and 15% were of longer duration (more than 6 weeks). The majority of acute trials (75%) examined measures of glycaemia and/or insulinemia, while most of the longer trials included measures of cardiometabolic health (71%), appetite/satiety (57%) and weight/adiposity (56%). Among the moderate and long duration trials, there was a wide range of how whole grains were described but only 10 publications referenced an established definition. Only 55% of trials reported the actual amount of whole grains (in grams or servings), while 36% reported the amount of food/product and 9% did not report a dose at all. Of the interventions that provided a mixture of whole grains, less than half (46%) reported the distribution of the different grain types. Reporting of subject compliance also varied and only 22% used independent biomarkers of whole grain intake. This evidence map highlights the need to standardize both study protocols and reporting practices to support effective synthesis of study results and provide a stronger foundation to better inform nutrition scientists and public health policy.


Obesity Facts ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 928-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teodora Handjieva-Darlenska ◽  
Claus Holst ◽  
Katrine Grau ◽  
Ellen Blaak ◽  
J.Alfredo Martinez ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariel Colmán-Martínez ◽  
Miriam Martínez-Huélamo ◽  
Esther Miralles ◽  
Ramón Estruch ◽  
Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós

A simple and accurate reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method for simultaneously determining and quantifying the antioxidants carotenes, xanthophylls, and retinol in human plasma is presented in this paper. Compounds were extracted with hexane, a C30 column, and a mobile phase of methanol, methyltert-butyl ether, and water were used for the separation of the compounds. A total of 8 carotenoids, 3Z-β-carotene isomers, and 1 fat-soluble vitamin (retinol) were resolved within 72 min at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. Detection was achieved at 450 nm for carotenoids and 330 nm for retinol. To evaluate the effectiveness of themethod, it has been applied to an intervention study conducted on eight volunteers.Results. Limits of detection were between 0.1 μg/mL for lycopene and astaxanthin and 1.3 μg/mL for 15-Z-β-carotene. Recoveries were ranged between 89% and 113% forα-carotene and astaxanthin, respectively. Accuracy was between 90.7% and 112.2% and precision was between 1% and 15% RSD. In human plasma samples compounds studied were identified besides three lycopene isomers, demonstrated to be suitable for application in dietary intervention studies.Conclusions. Due to its accuracy, precision, selectivity, and reproducibility, this method is suitable to dietary habits and/or antioxidants status studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 253-261
Author(s):  
Muchtar Ahmad

Work culture has a direct positive effect on the performance of the apparatus. If the apparatus creates conducive work culture in managing the allocation of village funds, their work performances will get better as well. The study aimed to explore the impact of work culture on the apparatus work performance. This quantitative study employed a survey method with causal analysis; the subject was the apparatus in Gorontalo Regency. The study results found that the creation and improvement of work culture will increase the work performance of the apparatus in managing village allocation funds. This means that work culture is a set of values, norms, and rules that are felt by individuals. It is fostering belief based on the values believed by employees to realize the best work performance in forming a work culture that occurs when the work environment or learning organization faces problems in the organization. As a result, creating a conducive workplace culture will be the main factor determining changes in apparatus performance in planning, implementing, and evaluating work programs.


2007 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 748-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duncan CS Talbot ◽  
Richard M Ogborne ◽  
Tony Dadd ◽  
Herman Adlercreutz ◽  
Geoff Barnard ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Time-resolved fluorescence immunoassays (TR-FIAs) for phytoestrogens in biological samples are an alternative to mass spectrometric methods. These immunoassays were used to test urine and plasma samples from individuals in a dietary intervention trial aimed at determining the efficacy of dietary isoflavones in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. Methods: We established murine monoclonal TR-FIA methods for daidzein, genistein, and equol. These assays could be performed manually or adapted to an automated analyzer for high throughput and increased accuracy. Analysis of urine was conducted on nonextracted samples. Blood analysis was performed on nonextracted samples for daidzein, whereas genistein and equol required diethyl-ether extraction. Results: Comparison of monoclonal TR-FIA, commercial polyclonal antibody–based TR-FIA, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed correlations (r, 0.911–0.994) across the concentration range observed in the Isoheart study (50 mg/day isoflavones). The concentrations of urinary daidzein and genistein observed during intervention demonstrated good compliance, and a corresponding increase in serum daidzein and genistein confirmed bioavailability of the isoflavone-rich foods; 33 of the 117 volunteers (28.2%) were classified as equol producers on the basis of their urinary equol concentration (>936 nmol/L), and significant differences in the numbers of equol producers were observed between Berlin and the 3 other European cohorts studied. Conclusions: The validated monoclonal TR-FIA methods are applicable for use in large-scale human phytoestrogen intervention studies and can be used to monitor compliance, demonstrate bioavailability, and assess equol producer status.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Petersen ◽  
Iris Vesper ◽  
Bernhild Pachwald ◽  
Nicole Dagenbach ◽  
Sina Buck ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Several clinical studies investigated improvements of patient outcomes due to diabetes management interventions. However, chronic disease management is intricate with complex multifactorial behavior patterns. Such studies thus have to be well designed in order to allocate all observed effects to the defined intervention and to exclude effects of other confounders as well as possible. This article aims to provide challenges in interpreting diabetes management intervention studies and suggests approaches for optimizing study implementation and for avoiding pitfalls based on current experiences. Main body Lessons from the STeP and ProValue studies demonstrated the difficulty in medical device studies that rely on behavioral changes in intervention group patients. To successfully engage patients, priority should be given to health care professionals being engaged, operational support in technical issues being available, and adherence being assessed in detail. Another difficulty is to avoid contamination of the control group with the intervention; therefore, strict allocation concealment should be maintained. However, randomization and blinding are not always possible. A limited effect size due to improvements regarding clinical endpoints in the control group is often caused by the Hawthorne effect. Improvements in the control group can also be caused with increased attention paid to the subjects. In order to reduce improvements in the control group, it is essential to identify the specific reasons and adjust study procedures accordingly. A pilot phase is indispensable for this. Another option is to include a third study arm to control for enhanced standard of care and study effects. Furthermore, retrospective data collection could be a feasible option. Adaptive study designs might reduce the necessity of a separate pilot study and combine the exploratory and confirmatory stages of an investigation in one single study. Conclusion There are several aspects to consider in medical device studies when using interventions that rely on changes in behavior to achieve an effective implementation and significant study results. Improvements in the control group may reduce effect sizes and limit statistical significance; therefore, alternatives to the traditional randomized controlled trials may be considered.


2021 ◽  
pp. 009862832110299
Author(s):  
Brenna M. Butler ◽  
Jennifer A. Morrow

Introduction Designing and conducting an intervention study is an arduous task for students that requires strong teaching and mentoring practices from psychology instructors. Statement of the Problem Most research methods textbooks simply describe how an intervention is incorporated into a research study design (Johnson & Christensen, 2016), but rarely discuss steps on how to plan and develop an intervention study, leaving instructors without a guide to mentor students throughout the process. Literature Review Some research methods education instructors incorporate teaching techniques such as problem-based learning, “learning by doing,” or by incorporating online modules into their research methods curricula (Gurung, R. A. R., & Stoa, R. (2020). A national survey of teaching and learning research methods: Important concepts and faculty and student perspectives. Teaching of Psychology, 47(2), 111-120.). Teaching Implications This article provides a summary of best practices from the literature and from our experiences in planning, developing, and implementing rigorous intervention studies utilizing a checklist teaching-tool intended for undergraduate- and graduate-level psychology instructors. Additionally, teaching tips on incorporating hands-on intervention activities and projects into coursework are provided (Butler, B. M., & Morrow, J. A. (2021). Developing and implementing an intervention study: Strategies for mentoring students throughout the research process supplementary material. Figshare). Conclusion This checklist can enhance the teaching and mentorship of students to ensure successful intervention studies of their own.


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