Luis E. Gonzalez, Gwendolyn P. Quinn*, Jessica McIntyre*, University of South Florida

Full manuscript: www.kon.org/urc/v9/gonzalez.html

Abstract Previous research indicates Hispanic cancer patients are severely underrepresented in cancer clinical trials. This study aimed to understand some of the main barriers that may prevent Hispanic cancer patients from participating in clinical trials. A total of 36 Hispanic cancer patients and their caregivers participated in a focus group either in Tampa, Florida or Ponce, Puerto Rico to discuss knowledge of clinical trials. Lack of knowledge about clinical trials, fears, psychological issues, and financial burden were identified by cancer patients and caregivers as major barriers to participation.

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Jaclynn Shaw, Kansas State University

Full report: www.kon.org/urc/v9/shaw.html

Abstract: Early childhood educational (ECE) facilities overwhelmingly impact their occupants; the design of these facilities, therefore, cannot be understated as young children often spend up to 12,500 hours of their juvenile lives in child development centers (Day, 1983; Vaughan, 2007). An analysis of the literature and research on ECE reveals differences in the layout of preschool, kindergarten, and first grade classrooms. This paper demonstrates how the design of the physical environment should evolve to respond to the developmental needs of preschool, kindergarten, and first grade children. Both literature and research on ECE environments have been used to create a schematic analysis that informs designers of particular design implications used to create a physical space successful in fostering and enhancing positive child development and effective learning.

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