PEER INTERACTIONS AND ADOLESCENT TOBACCO USE

描述：在第一阶段，SBIR项目的目标是确定 使用网上数据收集和评估系统的可行性， 解决六年级、七年级和八年级儿童的吸烟问题 学校环境。一个主要的创新是社会网络的估计 与吸烟、吸烟相关行为及其 方面的影响. 拟议的软件将包括两个互补但不同的软件 系统，并将通过培训讲习班予以加强。第一软件 程序将收集数据用于描述每个教室？的非正式 社交网络，除了收集涉及吸烟的数据。第二 系统需要学校辅导员使用的映射和评估系统， 协助分析和预防。这两个系统结合在一起， 在第一阶段和第二阶段的过程中实施和测试，旨在 支持两个层次的干预：（1）个别“治疗”的辅导员， 吸烟;（2）使用社交网络参数来识别和影响 领导者和吸烟所涉及的群体动力学。第一阶段的主要目标是 （1）实施和测试有效和高效的可行性 学校的孩子们可以用来记录吸烟数据的界面， 吸烟相关行为;（2）自动计算和呈现， 相关社会网络参数的顾问;（3）初始发展和 用软件实施支持培训的材料和功能 方案制定和干预讲习班。 对于正在进行的软件系统的长期开发和演进， 将软件实现为基于web的多层（即，网络客户端， 中间件和数据库服务器）客户机-服务器系统具有重要的 优势在教室和学校部署这样一个系统是远远不够的。 与传统的客户端-服务器模型相比， 需要网络软件，也不需要专有软件（除了 互联网浏览器）需要安装和维护在个人电脑上。 拟议的制度？Web客户端和中间件都依赖Java 发展提供了真实的平台独立性，重要的是，当许多学校 混合使用苹果Macintosh和基于Windows的系统。具有受试者数据 在安全的数据库服务器上集中和异地保存增强了保密性和安全性。在第二阶段，有针对性的干预措施将以社会网络参数为指导，并将通过使用该系统对成果进行系统评估。

DESCRIPTION: In Phase I, the goal of this SBIR project is to determine the feasibility of using a web-based data gathering and assessment system for addressing the problem of smoking among 6th, 7th, and 8th grade children in the school setting. A major innovation is the estimation of social network parameters which are relevant to smoking, smoking-related behaviors and their effects. The proposed software will consist of two complementary but distinct software systems, and will be enhanced by a training workshop. The first software program will collect data used in the description of each classroom?s informal social network, in addition to collecting data involving smoking. The second system entails a mapping and assessment system used by school counselors to assist inanalysis and prevention. Together, these two systems, to be implemented and tested over the course of Phase I and Phase II, are intended to support two levels of intervention: (1) individual "treatment" by counselors of smoking; and (2) using social network parameters to identify and influence leaders and the group dynamics involved in smoking. In Phase I the main aims are (1) to implement and test the feasibility of an effective and efficient interface which children in school can use to record data on smoking and smoking-related behaviors; (2) automatic calculation and presentation to counselors of relevant social network parameters; (3) initial development and software implementation of materials and functions to support training workshops for program development and interventions. For ongoing long-term development and evolution of a software system, implementation of the software as a web-based, multi-tier (i.e., web client, middleware and data base server) client-server system has significant advantages. Deployment of such a system across classrooms and schools is far easier compared to traditional client-server models, since no proprietary networking software is needed nor does proprietary software (other than an Internet browser) need to be installed and maintained on individual computers. The proposed system?s reliance on Java for both the web client and middleware development provides real platform independence, important when many schools use a mix of Apple Macintosh and Windows-based systems. Having subject data kept centrally and off-site on a secure data base server enhances confidentiality and security. In Phase II, targeted interventions will be guided by social network parameters, and outcomes will be systematically assessed through use of the system.