Use Of Appropriate Equipment Research Articles

Ensuring Accuracy: Critical Validation Techniques in Geochemical Analysis for Sustainable Geothermal Energy Development

Geochemical analysis is a critical tool in geothermal exploration, providing valuable insights into reservoir characteristics. However, obtaining accurate and reliable geochemical data requires rigorous validation techniques. This review examines key factors affecting the accuracy of geochemical data and discusses best practices for ensuring quality. Proper sampling methods, including selection of representative locations, use of appropriate equipment, and adherence to robust protocols for sample collection, filtration, preservation, and storage, are essential for maintaining integrity. Analytical techniques must be carefully selected, with regular calibration and standardization of instruments using certified reference materials. Implementing comprehensive quality assurance and quality control procedures, such as analyzing blanks, duplicates, and spike samples, helps monitor precision and accuracy. Data interpretation should consider the complexities of the geological and hydrological settings, integrating multiple lines of evidence. By following established guidelines and continuously updating methods based on emerging technologies and inter-laboratory comparisons, geothermal teams can optimize the reliability of their geochemical data. Accurate and precise geochemical information, when combined with geological, geophysical, and hydrological data, enables informed decision-making and enhances the success of geothermal projects. As geothermal energy gains importance in the transition to sustainable resources, ensuring the accuracy of geochemical analysis will be crucial for effective exploration and development.

Current Panorama and Challenges in Preventing Ankle Injuries in Athletes

Introduction: The review addresses ankle injuries in athletes, highlighting their prevalence and impact on sports performance. Injuries, such as sprains and fractures, result from a variety of factors, including direct trauma and sudden movements. Prevention is crucial and involves specific training, use of appropriate equipment and innovative strategies. Objective: Check current challenges in preventing ankle injuries in athletes. Methods: This study constitutes a systematic review, classified as exploratory and descriptive. The preparation of the research was a bibliographical search in electronic databases on methods associated with RSL (Systematic Literature Review) and the applications of SMARTER (Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique using Exploiting Rankings). The study methodology is a systematic, exploratory and descriptive review, using qualitative and quantitative methods. The bibliographic search covered several databases, with well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was conducted by three independent researchers. Results and Discussion: The results revealed 399 articles, 11 of which were included in the review. Various studies addressed diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic methods. Interventions such as weight-bearing MRI, neuromuscular training programs, low-friction adhesives and proprioceptive training stand out. The understanding of radiographic patterns and the analysis of innovative techniques, which enrich the preventive approach. Conclusion: The conclusion highlights important insights, highlighting the need for more comprehensive research, standardization and long-term studies. Despite limitations, promising advances indicate a positive shift in ankle injury prevention, requiring a collaborative approach between researchers, healthcare professionals and athletes.

Patologia Dermatológica em Atletas

Dermatological conditions are prevalent among elite athletes, affecting performance in different sports. The wide range of skin disease presentations makes the diagnosis challenging, although crucial for the implementation of effective treatment. Strategies for prevention and management of these lesions include education, the use of appropriate equipment, and close contact with dermatologist. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential in optimizing athlete performance and minimizing the impact of these diseases on their careers. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of skin lesions among elite athletes.

Intramuscular injection: exploring the evidence on effective administration.

Administering medicines by intramuscular (IM) injection is a familiar, though not necessarily common, nursing procedure. To ensure effective administration of IM injections it is important that nurses are up to date with the evidence on factors such as selection of injection site, use of appropriate equipment and injection technique. This article explores the evidence on effective administration of IM injections with the aim of enhancing nurses' decision-making and technique when undertaking this procedure.

Evaluation of Respiratory Particle Emission during Otorhinolaryngological Procedures in the Context of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

Understanding the risk of infection by routine medical examination is important for the protection of the medical personnel. In this study we investigated respiratory particles emitted by patients during routine otolaryngologic procedures and assessed the risks for the performing physician. We developed two experimental setups to measure aerosol and droplet emission during rigid/flexible laryngoscopy, rhinoscopy, pharyngoscopy, otoscopy, sonography and patient interview for subjects with and without masks. A high-speed-camera setup was used to detect ballistic droplets (approx. > 100 µm) and an aerosol-particle-sizer was used to detect aerosol particles in the range of 0.3 µm to 10 µm. Aerosol particle counts were highly increased for coughing and slightly increased for heavy breathing in subjects without masks. The highest aerosol particle counts occurred during rigid laryngoscopy. During laryngoscopy and rhinoscopy, the examiner was exposed to increased particle emission due to close proximity to the patient’s face and provoked events such as coughing. However, even during sonography or otoscopy without a mask, aerosol particles were expelled close to the examiner. The physician’s exposure to respiratory particles can be reduced by deliberate choice of examination technique depending on medical indication and the use of appropriate equipment for the examiners and the patients (e.g., FFP2 masks for both).

The effect of ion chamber volume on intensity-modulated radiotherapy small field dosimetry

The use of appropriate equipment during the measurements required for a treatment planning system (TPS) directly affects the quality of treatment. The present study investigates the effect of small field output factors (OF) obtained with ion chambers of different volumes on intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment plans. Three different beam models (BM65, BM13, BM04) were created at TPS using small fields OFs measured by ion chambers with three different volumes, i.e. 0.65, 0.13 and 0.04 cc respectively. IMRT plans with the same features were designed for these models. The difference between the calculated and measured doses at dose distributions for each IMRT plan was investigated using point-dose measurement and gamma index method. The OF values obtained with a 0.65 cc ion chamber were significantly different, especially in small fields. The greatest difference in point-dose measurements made in IMRT plans was observed in the plans produced in the BM65 beam model. There was no significant difference in gamma passing rate (GPR) values in 2D array measurements. Inaccurate OF values obtained during small-field measurements is one of the important parameters that affect dosimetric accuracy. Therefore, using different dosimetric methods in quality assurance during TPS commissioning may allow to detect measurement errors, especially in small-field measurements.

Mortality in Via Ferrata Emergencies in Austria from 2008 to 2018.

Although the European Alps now have more than 1000 via ferratas, limited data exist on the actual incidence of fatal events in via ferratas and their causes. This retrospective study analysed data from a registry maintained by the Austrian Alpine Safety Board (n = 161,855, per 11 September 2019). Over a 10-year period from 1 November 2008 to 31 October 2018, all persons involved in a via ferrata-related emergency were included (n = 1684), of which 64% were male. Most emergencies were caused by blockage due to exhaustion and/or misjudgement of the climber’s own abilities. Consequently, more than half of all victims were evacuated uninjured. Only 62 (3.7%) via ferrata-related deaths occurred. Falling while climbing unsecured was the most common cause of death, and males had a 2.5-fold higher risk of dying in a via ferrata accident. The mortality rate was highest in technically easy-to-climb sections (Grade A, 13.2%/B, 4.9%), whereas the need to be rescued uninjured was highest in difficult routes (Grade D, 59.9%/E, 62.7%). Although accidents in via ferratas are common and require significant rescue resources, fatal accidents are rare. The correct use of appropriate equipment in technically easy-to-climb routes can prevent the majority of these fatalities.

ТОЧНОСТЬ ЗЕНКЕРОВАНИЯ ОТВЕРСТИЙ ПОСЛЕ СВЕРЛЕНИЯ

At enterprises of building materials, various large-scale technological equipment is used, which in the process of operation is subjected to various types of repair, requiring the use of appropriate equipment and technology. Mills used for grinding raw materials have flanged connections that are attached with precision and fastening bolts to ensure the tightness of the connection. The precision bolts of the flange connections perceive the entire load of the equipment; therefore, high quality requirements are imposed on the holes for them in the flanges. Precision holes must be machined according to technology that meets their requirements. This article presents a study of hole machining by countersinking, ensuring the accuracy of holes after drilling in shape and spatial deviation. The results of experiments related to the machining of holes using portable devices with a sliding spindle and a movable drilling head are given. The deviations of the holes, which are obtained after drilling on portable devices, are set out, and the dependence of the deviations on various factors, which is expressed in breaking down and leading away the hole axis, is established. The influence of technological heredity after drilling on the accuracy of the hole when countersinking is established. The dependences give the opportunity to predict the accuracy of holes machining using portable devices after drilling and after core drilling, to establish the actual depth of cut for core drilling taking into account the rigidity of the technological system and independent variables.

A Comparative Study of the Fitness and Trueness of a Three-Unit Fixed Dental Prosthesis Fabricated Using Two Digital Workflows

The purpose of this study was to measure and correlate the fitness and trueness of a 3-unit fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) fabricated using two digital workflows. The 3-unit FDPs were fabricated using two digital workflows (N = 15). The digital workflows were divided into chairside (closed type) and in-lab (open type) groups. The scanning, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) processes were conducted with 3shape E1 scanner, exocad CAD software, and DDS EZIS HM, respectively, in the in-lab group; and with CEREC omnicam intraoral scanner, CEREC CAD software, and CEREC MC XL, respectively, in the chairside group. The fitness of the fabricated 3-unit FDPs was evaluated by scanning the silicone replica of the cement space and analyzing the thickness of the silicone replica in the three-dimensional (3D) inspection software (Geomagic control X). The trueness of the milling unit was analyzed by 3D analysis of the CAD reference model, which is the design file of the 3-unit FDP, and the CAD test model, which is the scanned file of the 3-unit FDP. In the statistical analysis, comparison of the two groups was conducted by Mann–Whitney U test, and the correlation between the fitness and trueness was conducted by Pearson correlation test (α = 0.05). The marginal and internal fit were significantly lower in the in-lab group at all measurement positions (p < 0.001). The trueness of the milling unit was significantly higher in the in-lab group compared to the chairside group (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the trueness and internal fit (correlation coefficient = 0.621) in the in-lab group (p = 0.013). The use of appropriate equipment in an in-lab (open type) digital workflow enables a better fabrication of 3-unit FDPs than a chairside (closed type) digital workflow, and poor trueness on the inner surface of the crown adversely affects the internal fit.

Investigating the impact of the use of security equipment in the confrontation with the arrival of alcoholic drinks "Case Study of Ghorveh City"

The subject of the present study is to investigate the effect of the use of law enforcement equipment on the criminal response to the arrival of alcoholic beverages in the city of Ghorveh. This research has been conducted with a quantitative and survey approach and a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population of the study consisted of 20 expert police officers, responsible and knowledgeable in the subject of the city of Ghorveh and all of them were tried to complete the questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the research tool (questionnaire) were determined through face validity and Cronbach's alpha test using Spss software. In describing the research fields, the results showed that most respondents were distributed in the and very large spectrum. In other words, the majority of respondents believed that the use of appropriate security equipment to counteract the smuggling of alcoholic beverages in Qorveh city has been effective in preventing this issue. According to the results of this research, the use of appropriate equipment to fight smuggling of alcoholic beverages in the country as a whole, and in particular in the city of Ghorveh, is extremely effective and effective. According to respondents, the use of modern and new car equipment (With an average response of 4.85 points) As well as the use of databases (With an average response of 4.65 points) In Ghorveh, the city has the most impact on the fight against smuggling of alcoholic beverages.

Infection control recommendations for radiology departments in Malawi.

BackgroundGuidelines for radiographers contain recommendations related to standard infection control precautions for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) which are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in hospital settings. However, the implementation of these recommendations has proven to be a challenge in the Malawian radiology departments, as there are no national guidelines or radiology policies for infection control.AimThis article outlines the development of infection control recommendations that could facilitate sound knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control.SettingRadiology departments in hospitals in Malawi.MethodsThe recommendations were developed based on data from a questionnaire that measured the knowledge and practices of 62 radiographers regarding infection control as well as data from the literature. The Florence Nightingale environmental theory was used as the conceptual framework for the recommendations, while its development was based on steps of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. For the format of the draft recommendations, an adapted version of the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool was used.ResultsIssues identified from the responses to the questionnaire and literature resulted in seven sets of recommendations: hand hygiene, personal hygiene, personal protective gear and the use of appropriate equipment, safe handling of sharps and sharp containers, decontamination and cleaning, housekeeping and routine infection control practices.ConclusionsThe recommendations can be further reviewed and implemented to improve the implementation of infection control and to reduce HAIs in resource-constrained settings.Keywordshealthcare-associated infections; infection control; radiographer; recommendations; Malawi.

Radiological protection and safety: Putting patients first

The concept of radiation safety has always been a hot topic, especially with the late reports pointing to increased hazards with chronic radiation exposure for patients and medical personnel alike. Appropriate use of equipment include collimation, optimizing beam-on time, minimizing distances between image intensifier and patient, ensuring sufficient distance between patient and x-ray tube, and optimizing exposure rates for image quality and dose. Present day diagnostic radiology relies on three radiation protection principles - Justification of practice safety, optimization of radiation exposure ALARA, and dose limitation. General practitioners need a working knowledge of radiation safety as to adequately inform their patients of the risks-benefit ratio of diagnostic imaging procedures

Morbidly obese patients’ experiences of mobility during hospitalisation and rehabilitation: A qualitative descriptive study

Morbid obesity is strongly linked to declining mobility and is a main risk factor for mobility disability. Little is known about morbidly obese patients’ experience of mobility during hospital admission and the specific rehabilitation needs of this patient population. The aim of the study was to explore the mobility experiences and needs of morbidly obese patients before and during hospital admission. A qualitative descriptive methodology was used where semi-structured interviews with morbidly obese patients were undertaken and content analysis conducted. Seven people who were morbidly obese and admitted to one tertiary level hospital in New Zealand for various medical and surgical reasons in the previous six months participated in the study. Key findings revealed that pre-existing mobility had a significant impact on the experiences and needs of morbidly obese patients during hospitalisation. The physical environment of the hospital compounded and intensified mobilisation difficulties. Two categories were identified, these were: ‘compromised pre-existing mobility’, with a subcategory of ‘accessing services prior to admission’; and ‘mobilisation difficulties during hospitalisation’, with a subcategory of ‘dissonance between dependency and need for assistance’. Bariatric care pathways for the morbidly obese patient need to be developed to take into consideration mobility status and include a comprehensive mobility assessment prior to or on hospital admission, for both elective and acute admissions. This would inform the use of appropriate equipment, and support patient independence and rehabilitation. Professional development focusing on patient-centred rehabilitation for morbidly obese patients is needed to improve quality of care and patient satisfaction. Ngā ariā matuaE mōhiotia ana he pūtake tino nui te tino mōmona nō te hekenga o te oreore, ā, he tino take nō ngā hauātanga oreore. He iti noa iho te mōhio o te tangata mō ngā wheako o te tangata tino mōmona mō te oreore i te urunga ki te hōhipera, me ngā hiahia whakamātūtū motuhake o tēnei wehenga o ngā tūroro. Ko te tino whāinga ia o te rangahau he tūhura i ngā wheako oreore me ngā hiahia o ngā tūroro tino mōmona i mua, i roto hoki i te urunga ki te hōhipera. I whakamahia he tikanga whakaahua kounga, i kawea ai ētahi uiuinga āhua ōkawa ki ngā tūroro tino mōmona, i āta tātaritia ai hoki ngā whakautu. Tokowhitu ngā tāngata tino mōmona i whai wāhi ki te rangahau. He tāngata katoa ēnei kua whakaurua atu ki tētahi hōhipera taumata tuatoru i Aotearoa mō ētahi take tiaki tinana, poka tinana hoki i roto i te ono marama i mua atu i te uiuinga. Ko ētahi o ngā kitenga matua, he tino wāhi matua te kaha o te oreore o mua i te urunga, ki ngā wheako me ngā hiahia o ngā tūroro tino mōmona i te wā o te noho ki te hōhipera. Nā te taiao kikokiko o te hōhipera i kaha ake ai, i taumaha ake ai ngā uauatanga o te oreore. E rua ngā wehenga i tautuhitia, inā rā: ‘te kahakore o te oreore o mua’ me tōna wehenga tuarua o roto ' he whakapā atu ki ngā ratonga i mua i te urunga', me te 'whai uauatanga oreore i roto i te noho ki te hōhipera’, me tōna wehenga whakaroto o te ‘taupatupatu o te whirinaki ki te tino hiahia o te tūroro kia āwhinatia.’ Me mātua whakarite huarahi ārai i te mate tino mōmona e whakaarotia ai te āhua o te kaha o te tūroro ki te oreore, e uru atu ai hoki he aromatawai oreore i mua, i te wā tonu rānei o te urunga ki te hōhipera, mō ngā urunga kōwhiri, me ngā urunga mate taumaha hoki. Mā konei e mōhiotia ai ko ēhea ngā taputapu tika hei whakamahi, e tautokona hoki te tū pakari o te tūroro, me tōna whakamātūtūtanga. Me āta whakarite akoranga whakapakari i ngā kaimahi mō te whakamātūtūtanga hāngai ki ngā hiahia o te tūroro, hei whakapiki i te kounga o te tiaki me te hari o te tūroro i te mutunga. Keywords / Ngā kupu matua Bariatric care / Ngā mahi ārai i te mate mōmona, content analysis / te tātari whakautu, descriptive qualitative design / te hoahoa whakaahua kounga, hospitalisation / te urunga ki te hōhipera, mobility / te oreore, morbid obesity /te mate tino mōmona, patient agency / ngā mahi a te tūroro, rehabilitation / te whakamātūtūtanga.

Dynamic performance of continuous railway bridges: Numerical analyses and field tests

In this study, a refined finite element model was built that represented the structural and mechanical properties of railway bridges. A coupled vehicle–bridge vibration model was established to simulate the dynamic behavior of the bridge under moving trains. Field tests were then conducted to determine the free vibration characteristics as well as the strain, displacement, and acceleration of the bridge structure under trains moving at different speeds and braking at a specified position from a set speed. The dynamic response of the bridge was found to increase with the train speed, but the main beam of the bridge was more affected by a train braking than the one passing over it. Both the bridge and vehicle were found to meet the relevant requirements for safe design and operation, with the train exhibiting good running safety and smoothness, and the bridge structure showing sufficient stiffness and dynamic performance. Based on the field measurements and analytical modeling, it can be concluded that the use of appropriate equipment and the selection of a suitable layout for the sensors permit the assessment of the dynamic behavior of the bridges from vibration measurements. This indicates the potential for the continuous health monitoring of the railway bridges that may be sensitive to the vehicle–bridge interaction.

Indicators of stress in equitation

Stress is a generic concept describing the body’s reaction to external stimuli, including both physiological and psychological factors. Therefore, by definition, the assessment of psychological stress in the exercising horse encompasses the problem of teasing apart the psychological and physiological factors both of which result in stress responses. The present study reviews the existing literature on various measures of stress taken specifically in the context of equitation science. Particular attention has been paid to short-term effects, and commonly used measurements of short-term stress include heart rate, a number of heart rate variability parameters, blood or saliva cortisol levels, eye temperature, and various behaviour parameters including in particular behaviour patterns presumably indicative of conflict with the rider’s/trainer’s aids. Inspection of the individual studies’ results revealed that disagreement between these different measures of stress is commonplace. For physiological parameters, the largest proportion of agreement (i.e. both parameters simultaneously indicated either higher, insignificant or lower stress compared to a control treatment) was found for heart rate and heart rate variability parameters, while generally limited agreement was found for cortisol. It appears that cortisol levels may not be particularly useful for assessing/assessment of the valence of a situation in the exercising horse as cortisol levels are predominantly linked to activation and exercise levels. Although heart rate variability parameters reflect in theory more closely sympathovagal balance compared to cortisol levels, great care has to be taken regarding the use of appropriate time-frames, appropriate raw data correction methods as well as the use of appropriate equipment. In spite of its wide-spread and apparently successful use, popular equipment may in fact not be accurate enough under field conditions. Eye temperature is another promising parameter for assessment of psychological stress, but the technique is likewise susceptible to application errors. Given the high susceptibility of physiological parameters to errors at various experimental stages, behavioural rather than physiological parameters may in fact provide more accurate measures of valence when conducting experiments in the exercising horse. Behavioural parameters that appear to be particularly practical in assessing stress in ridden horses’ behaviour are associated with frequencies of behaviour indicative of conflict. However, while increased frequencies of are a good indicator of stress, the absence of conflict behaviour does not provide proof of the absence of stress due to the possible occurrence of conditions such as Learned Helplessness. In future studies, the above issues should be taken into consideration when designing experiments to assess psychological stress in ridden horses.

Use of plant protection products in agriculture

Introduction: Agriculture is an activity practiced for thousands of years by humans for food production representing risks to the workers' health. These risks are present mainly due to the use of Plant Protection Products (PPP) that despite having benefits in getting food also entail disadvantages for their handlers, to consumers of food produced and also for the environment me to carry out an empirical evaluation of the use of PPP in agriculture. Objectives: Assess knowledge about the use and application of plant protection products in agriculture. Methods: Study exploratory was conducted in several companies in the agricultural sector in the north and centre of Portugal. As the target population were considered all workers who used PF in their work duties for a total of 46 employees to whom questionnaires were administered to collect information on the practices adopted by the workers as regards the labour use of PPP. The investigation lasted eight months, starting in October 2015 and ending in May 2016. Results: The application of this research has shown the good practices adopted by the workers who were questioned and which are reading the labels, use of equipment for individual safety and proceed the correct disposal of waste of empty containers of PPP. However it can be noted that there are still aspects that the workers have to improve awareness level about the risk they are exposed to when handling PPP since not all employees were careful to adopt these good agricultural practices. Conclusions: The results also demonstrate the need for further action by the supervisory bodies to ensure that the PPP applicators have all the required training certificate by law. It should also be created more awareness campaigns about the safety issues when these products are used like the importance of reading labels, use of appropriate equipment for individual safety for each product type and exposure, and properly route for the waste package.

PO-0613 Real Time Safety Auditing Of Monitoring And Respiratory Support In A Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

<h3>Background</h3> Real time safety auditing (RTSA) has not been widely used in hospitals. There is insufficient information on its use as a tool for patient safety. <h3>Aim</h3> To determine the frequency of appropriate use of the security systems in technological equipment for monitoring and respiratory support through RTSA. To estimate whether the characteristics of the patient, time or location influence the frequency of appropriate use. <h3>Methods</h3> Prospective observational study conducted during 2012 in a tertiary NICU. 115 days were randomly selected. Two monitoring or respiratory devices were randomly selected each study day. Information about time, location and patient characteristics was collected. Appropriate use was defined as all evaluated items correctly programmed on the same device. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 94 pulse oximeter, 104 multi-measurement monitor, 53 conventional ventilator, 64 high frequency oscillatory ventilator and 68 CPAP audits were performed. Kappa coefficient of inter-observer agreement was 0.93. Audits revealed appropriate use of equipment in 33.68% of cases. During non-working days it was 43.02% compared to 30.98% on working days (p 0.03). During afternoon shifts it was 38.65% compared to 30% on morning shifts (p 0.07). Patient characteristics, location and month did not have a significant influence. In the adjusted analysis the OR of appropriate use for non-working days was 1.85 (1.11–3.06) and for afternoon shifts 1.59 (1.03–2.47). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Frequency of appropriate use of security systems in the equipment surveyed was low. Surprisingly, when there are fewer doctors in the unit (non-working days and afternoons) the use of technology improves.

OHP-022 Departmental pharmacists join the Central Surgical Unit (BOC): a yearís experience in the E. O. Galliera Hospital, Genoa

BackgroundIn 2012, the surgical unit of E. O. Galliera was reorganised with the inauguration of four new operating rooms, two sterilisation areas and a recovery room.PurposeIn this context, the S....

Gastrointestinal endoscopy in the cat: equipment, techniques and normal findings.

Feline gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is in high demand, particularly by cat owners already aware of the clinical benefits and availability of this procedure within the human healthcare system. This article will provide a basic introduction to GI flexible endoscopy, covering important aspects of endoscope selection, clinical indications, and basic techniques required to perform a thorough and diagnostically meaningful examination in the cat. Challenges associated with implementing endoscopy in GI tract investigations can include lack of appropriate/suitable-sized equipment to perform a thorough examination in the cat, insufficient operator training/understanding in how to 'drive the scope' through the GI tract, and/or lack of confidence in differentiating normal from abnormal. This article is intended to familiarize and motivate the feline practitioner to develop basic endoscopic skills. Clinical proficiency can only be obtained through use of appropriate equipment, formal training and hours of practice indistinguishing normal from abnormal. The guidance contained in this article is based on a combination of the published literature, the authors' personal experience and the experience of colleagues.

Effects of Ready for Recess, An Environmental Intervention, on Physical Activity in Third-Through Sixth-Grade Children

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Ready for Recess, an elementary school recess intervention targeting staff training (ST) or providing recreational equipment (EQ) separately, and the combination (EQ+ST) on physical activity (PA). Participants were children attending 1 of 12 elementary schools (grades 3rd-6th) included in the study. Separate analytical models were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention conditions on children's accelerometry and direct observation derived PA measures. Boys and girls were measured using accelerometry (n = 667). Boys in EQ+ST increased their MVPA by 14.1% while ST decreased their MVPA by -13.5%. Girls in ST decreased their MVPA by -11.4%. Neither boys nor girls in EQ increased their time spent in MVPA. A total of 523 (boys) and 559 (girls) observations were collected. For boys' and girls' sedentary and vigorous activity there were no significant main effects for treatment condition, time, or treatment condition-by-time effects. Environmental modifications are only as strong as the staff that implements them. Supervision, if not interactive, may be detrimental to PA participation, especially in girls. Research related to staff training for encouragement and promotion of PA coupled with appropriate use of equipment during recess is warranted.