bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning and Evolution in Neural Networks
Authors: Nolfi Stefano , Parisi Domenico , Elman Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2007

This article describes simulations on populations of neural networks that both evolve at the population level and learn at the individual level. Unlike other simulations, the evolutionary task (finding food in the environment) and the learning task (predicting the next position of food on the basis of present position and planned network's movement) are different tasks. In these conditions, learning influences evolution (without Lamarckian inheritance of learned weight changes) and evolution influences learning. Average but not peak fitness has a better evolutionary growth with learning than without learning. After the initial generations, individuals that learn to predict during life also improve their food-finding ability during life. Furthermore, individuals that inherit an innate capacity to find food also inherit an innate predisposition to learn to predict the sensory consequences of their movements. They do not predict better at birth, but they do learn to predict better than individuals of the initial generation given the same learning experience. The results are interpreted in terms of a notion of dynamic correlation between the fitness surface and the learning surface. Evolution succeeds in finding both individuals that have high fitness and individuals that, although they do not have high fitness at birth, end up with high fitness because they learn to predict.
An Autonomous Agent Navigating with a Polarized Light Compass
Authors: Lambrinos Dimitrios , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Pfeifer Rolf , Maris Marinus , Labhart Thomas , Wehner Rüdiger
Published: March 2007

One of the fundamental abilities required in autonomous agents is homing. Natural agents—for instance, desert ants—solve the homing problem mainly by using path integration within an egocentric frame of reference. When employing such a mechanism, compass information for determining direction is necessary, and the precision of the compass will have a crucial effect on the precision of homing. For deriving compass information, certain insects use the pattern of polarized light in the sky that arises due to scattering of sunlight in the atmosphere (polarized light compass). The analysis of skylight polarization is mediated by specialized photoreceptors and neurons in the visual system. Inspired by the insect's polarized light compass, we have constructed a polarization compass that was employed successfully on the mobile robot Sahabot. Three models for extracting compass information from the polarization pattern of the sky were tested. In this article, we describe the navigation system and report results of experiments performed with the Sahabot in one of the natural habitats of the desert ant Cataglyphis in North Africa.
Client Requirements Processing for Concurrent Life-Cycle Design and Construction
Authors: Kamara John M. , Anumba Chimay J.
Published: March 2007

The potential of concurrent engineering in the integration of the construction industry is now widely acknowledged. This paper describes research on the development of a model for processing client requirements so as to facilitate the implementation of an inte grated framework for concurrent life-cycle design and construction. Client requirements processing involves the definition, analysis and translation of client requirements into solution-neutral design specifications. The development of a model for accomplishing this involved the use of both primary and secondary sources of information, and techniques such as Quality Function Deployment, to define the need, context, framework, and procedure for client requirements processing in concurrent life-cycle design and construction. The functional and informational/data perspectives of the model, which were represented using the IDEF-0 and EXPRESS-G modelling methods, re spectively, provided the basis for developing a prototype software (ClientPro) within Microsoft Access. This prototype was evaluated by practitioners from the construction industry following a demonstration using the requirements for a building project. It is concluded that the client requirements processing model represents a unique and innovative approach in which Quality Function Deployment and other tools were successfully combined and adapted to facilitate the systematic definition, analysis, and mapping of client requirements to de sign specifications in construction. It not only contributes to the implementation of concurrent engineering in construction, but it repre sents an improved alternative to the existing process of briefing.
The Acts of Cooperative Design
Authors: Branki Cherif NE
Published: March 2007

An essential prerequisite to successful cooperative design is communication among designers in the design task concerned. Lin guistics may support the communication process by providing procedures for the analysis of verbal communication, whether spoken or written, and hence, immediately suggests itself as a source of descriptive methods that may fruitfully be employed in the study of communication in coop erative design.

However, linguistics concepts can also be applied in other ways to cooperative design technology, notably in relation to the design of knowledge-based systems (agents). It is within this context that this paper presents a communication scheme called CASCADE (Communicative Acts in Cooperative Architectural Design Environments) which supports the interaction between agents. It commences by outlining a multi-agents framework and discusses the communication scheme and its implementation.
A Concurrent Engineering Environment for Chemical Manufacturing
Authors: McGreavy C. , Wang X.Z. , Lu M.L. , Naka Y.
Published: March 2007

Design and operation of process plants are now dominated by constraints imposed by safety, environmental impact, waste minimiza tion, cost effectiveness, controllability, and operability over the complete product and process life cycle including market analysis, conceptual and detailed design through to commissioning, operation, and disposal of products and decommissioning of the plant This means it inevitably in volves a large number of activities carried out by teams of engineers which draw on a variety of technologies that rely on diverse types of informa tion having complex data structures and relationships which must be shared by team members and integrated through computer based software packages Conflicting goals, uncertainty, and multiple solutions are crucial elements of these activities which are essentially about decision mak ing This paper describes the architectural and functional characteristics of a computer integrated concurrent engineering environment for life cy cle chemical manufacturing which allows project teams to work over a heterogeneous computer network Emphasis is placed on the key imple mentation issues with specific attention being paid to STEP-based chemical process data modelling, information sharing and communication, and distributed agent cooperation. The benefits this approach can bring are illustrated by considering the revamp design of a refinery fluid cata lytic cracking process, particularly in respect to the way the environment supports the project team
SBD System Design
Authors: Cox Aoife , Bouchard Eugene , Drew Daniel
Published: March 2007

A simulation-based approach to concurrent engineering enables early consideration of downstream life cycle processes by supporting the development of virtual prototypes of products and processes and providing for their simulation and evaluation in synthetic environments rep resenting the entire product life cycle To be effective, a system supporting such an approach must adopt a highly integrated view of concurrent engineering This includes the provision of rich, dynamically extensible product and process descriptions, availability of high-level computing en vironments facilitating assembly and invocation of design analysis tools and simulations, and an overall collaborative framework supporting dis tributed product design and development teams Each of these areas is being incorporated into the development of the Simulation-Based Design (SBD) Phase II system prototype
Complementary Roles of IDEFO and DSM for the Modeling of Information Management Processes
Authors: Malmstrdm Johan , Pikosz Peter , Malmqvist Johan
Published: March 2007

The paper compares the IDEFO [1] (sometimes referred to as SADT) and DSM (Design Structure Matrix) [2,3] modeling tech niques. They both serve the purpose of modeling information flows. The aim of the paper is to identify positive and negative aspects of the different modeling techniques, thereby suggesting what kind of problems the different techniques are best suited for and how the techniques complement each other. As an example, both techniques are used to model the configuration management process at FFV Aerotech.

It is argued that IDEFO focuses on the formal communication of specified information. DSM, on the other hand, focuses on informal com munication. The techniques support each other. Depending on the objectives with the modeling work, both techniques can be used. Useful insights can be reached with little additional work by using both techniques. It would be favorable if both techniques could be used in the same instrument, i.e., computer tool. Thereby, the same data could be used for analysis in the two techniques.
Identification of Group Organization During a Design Process by Means of Cooperation Graphs
Authors: Rondeau Eric , Idelmerfaa Zahra , Richard Jacques
Published: March 2007

In this paper, the authors describe an approach for identifying and organizing concurrent working groups so as to optimize the information exchange between the actors of these working groups. The main idea is to analyze the cooperations between the differ ent actors involved in the organization in order to determine if this organization collects all the actors qualified to adequately perform the assigned tasks. For this, the proposed approach aims at identifying abilities of each actor in a working group. Definition of these abili ties can then serve to structure a design process and control its evolution.
Retrofitting: Learning Theory and Instructional Design in Marriage and Family Counseling Curricula
Authors: Bourdeau Beth , Mooney Matthew E.
Published: March 2007

As marriage and family counselor educators, many current trainers focus on issues related to counseling theory, special issues, and techniques. This practice tends to be atheoretical in relation to instructional design and creates difficulties for marriage and family counseling students and clinicians as learners. This article proposes an integrative, comprehensive model of instructional design, using concepts based in learning theory and development. When implemented, this model can provide a consistent, developmentally sensitive training curriculum for marriage and family counseling students and educators.
A Holistic Treatment Approach to Male Erectile Disorder
Authors: Millner Vaughn S. , Ullery Elizabeth K.
Published: March 2007

Male erectile disorder (ED), the inability to reach or sustain an erection, is a prevalent condition affecting the psychological well-being of millions of U.S. males, their families, and their prospective partners. It can be caused by an aberration of a body’s physiology, psychological factors, or a rather complicated interplay of both. Whereas current treatment options for ED are primarily focused on medical choices, a biopsychosocial approach is a more logical option for this often multifactorial condition. In this article, we offer information about erectile functioning, provide a DSM-IV-TR interpretation of ED, and discuss a biopsychosocial approach to ED treatment.
Marriage Preparation Programs: A Literature Review
Authors: Silliman Benjamin , Schumm Walter R.
Published: March 2007

In the past two decades, the need for high-quality marriage preparation programs and better program evaluation has become more evident. This review tracks developments in programming, theory, and evaluation as a foundation for program improvements. Recommendations for programming and policy include reaching a wider variety of audiences with a greater diversity of educational tools. Recommendations for research include seeking better understanding of self-generated couple growth, applying laboratory-tested models to community settings, and exploring differential effects of formal and informal prevention strategies.
Working Effectively and Efficiently with Couples
Authors: Lazarus Arnold A.
Published: March 2007

The field of couples therapy suffers from a dearth of empirically supported materials. Anecdotes, conjecture, and hearsay abound. This article discusses several myths and underscores some active ingredients of effective couples counseling. The adjunctive value of bibliotherapy is presented and the interactions among such components as similarity, compatibility, mood, disposition, temperament, and communication are elucidated. Clinical vignettes illustrate and bring to life several crucial issues and principles.
Couple Rating Scale: Clarifying Problem Areas
Authors: Cron Elyce A.
Published: March 2007

The Couple Rating Scale assesses eight common areas of couple interaction. These eight areas include 31 specific issues rated by each partner on both current level and desired level of functioning. Ratings are made for both the self and other in the couple dyad. Benefits of completing this assessment are (a) an increased personal responsibility for the problems and (b) a new awareness of issues that deserve attention.
Using Movies to Teach Family Systems Concepts
Authors: Hudock Anthony M. , Warden Sherry A. Gallagher
Published: March 2007

This article reflects a review of research relevant to family systems training and the use of films in the teaching of family systems theory. Advantages and disadvantages of using movies in an introductory-level graduate family therapy course are discussed. An outline of family therapy training objectives, as well as examples of a movie-based assignment, is provided.
Coping with Cancer in the Family
Authors: Sherman Allen C. , Simonton Stephanie
Published: March 2007

Cancer presents the affected family with major challenges and disruptions. Family therapists offer a valuable but underutilized resource. Multiple marriage and family therapy approaches may be helpful, if appropriately tailored to characteristics of the illness (e.g., phase of treatment) and the family. This article reviews a number of clinical interventions directed toward the following four core strategies: (a) enhancing communication and emotional contact, (b) accommodating structural changes within the family, (c) facilitating a sense of meaning, and (d) addressing mortality issues.
Balancing Family Health and Illness
Authors: Huber Charles H.
Published: March 2007

Literature on health and illness in families is reviewed. Ramifications for counseling and therapy are addressed.
Secondary Traumatization: A Reflection of Family Environment
Authors: Huber Charles H.
Published: March 2007

Paralleling reports of the effects of passive smoke exposure in medicaljournals, the term "secondary traumatization "is receiving increasing attention in the mental health literature. Implications of this forfamily counselors are considered.
To Parent or Not To Parent: Nonresidential Parenting after Divorce and Remarriage
Authors: Bray James H.
Published: March 2007

This column presents issues that affect families undergoing separation, divorce, and remarriage, including single parent and stepfamilies. If you have specifzc ideas or questions that you would like discussed in this column, please write toJames H. Bray, Department of Family Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 5510 Greenbriar, Houston, TX 77005, or call (713) 798-7751.
Sexual Narcissism: Addiction or Anachronism?
Authors: Apt Carol , Hurlbert David Farley
Published: March 2007

This article addresses the issue of whether sexual addictions exist. An examination of how the concept developed and how it is applied leads to a discussion of why the authors believe that this is an inappropriate use of the term addiction. A specific form of sexual dysfunction, sexual narcissism, is used as an example. Sexual narcissism is not a sexual addiction; it is an enduring pattemn of traditional and dysfunctional forms of sexual interaction characterized by, among other traits, the inability to experience intimacy. It is rooted in low selfesteem and insecurity. Treatment considerations for sexual narcissism are discussed.
Facilitating Disclosure of HIV-Positive Status to Family Members
Authors: Huber Charles H.
Published: March 2007

Little has sofar appeared in thefamily counseling literature concerning disclosure to family members of HIVpositive status. Yet disclosure is necessary if HIVpositive individuals are to garner support from their families or family members are to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from contracting the disease (e.g., spouses). A review of a recent article from the family counseling literature offers a model for facilitating disclosure developed from the experiences of 5 women.
Cognitive Flow Model for Training Couples Counselors
Authors: Brack Catherine J. , Brack Greg , Morran D. Keith , Kurpius DeWayne J.
Published: March 2007

Supervision and training of couples counselors is relatively new in university settings. Counselor training programs have tended to focus on a behavioral approach to what the counselor does in session. On the basis of research, the counselors' cognitiveflow (i.e., what they are thinking) during the counseling session seems to be at least as important to the effectiveness of the therapeutic work. This article presents the stages of counselors' cognitiveflow based on research along with associated techniques that can be used by supervisors of any theoretical orientation to teach supervisees working with couples to be aware of and modify thezr thought processes in sessions.
Teaching Social Skills to Shy Single Men
Authors: Foster Sandra L. , Krumboltz John D. , Ford Martin E.
Published: March 2007

This intervention study compared the efficacy of two treatments for increasing dating frequency and reducing interpersonal discomfort in heterosocial interactions among shy men. Sixty self-described shy single men were randomly assigned to one of three groups: cognitive-behavioral workshop, practice dating, or waiting-list (delayed work-shop) control. All participants agreed to attend a singles function where female observers, posing as party goers, made notes regarding the men's social behavior at this public event. These notes indicated that, overall, workshop participants demonstrated greater levels of social competence than did either practice daters or control group members. Workshop participants also showed greater increases in social self-efficacy than did men in the control group. Dating frequency increased modestly for workshop and practice-dating participants and significantly for delayed workshop participants at a 2-month follow- up.
Why Do Women Demand and Men Withdraw? The Role of Outside Career and Family Involvements
Authors: Nichols Michael P. , Rohrbaugh Michael J.
Published: March 2007

Contextual and essentialist explanations of how couples 'interactions are gendered were compared by examining the relationship between demanding and withdrawing within couples and the partners'involvements outside the couple. Data consisted of questionnaire reports completed independently by partners in 62 heterosexual couples. Results showed that wives were more often in the demanding/pursuing role than were their husbands, but that this pattern also was significantly correlated with the partners' outside involvements. The magnitude of demanding-and-withdrawing and pursuing-and-distancing was higher in couples in which one partner was more involved than the other in his or her career In addition, gender differences in who demands and who withdraws were more pronounced when wives had greater involvement with their families of origin than husbands had with theirs. Results are discussed in terms of relevance to the debate on gender stereotypes and implications for couples therapy.
Overcoming Alienation and Social Stressors: A Brief Review
Authors: Sherman Robert
Published: March 2007

This column provides a forum within which readers can share with their colleagues some of the creative techniques that they have developed or adapted and find successful in their work with couples and families. Others might be able to adapt the techniques for their own uses or might be stimulated to invent new techniques. Please submit manuscripts to Robert Sherman, 12 Berkshire Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512, or send them to the Editor; indicating that they are intended for this column.
Couples Forgiveness Exercise
Authors: Holeman Virginia Todd
Published: March 2007

The couples forgiveness exercise provides a tool for therapists when a breach of trustworthiness has occurred between mates. The procedure is outlined and applied to a case study.
The Ethics of Counseling via the Internet
Authors: Frame Marsha Wiggins
Published: March 2007

The Internet has become a popular andfrequently used toolfor many consumers. It is not surprising, then, that for-profit counseling services are being offered via the Internet. In this article, the author provides a case study followed by a discussion of the ethical dilemmas raised by cybercounseling.
Adult Children of Alcoholics: Adjustment to a College Environment
Authors: Cutler Heather A. , Radford Amy
Published: March 2007

This article provides a literature review of family-of-origin issues related to adult children of alcoholics (ACOA) and their adjustment to college. Implications for college personnel are provided as is a case study to illustrate the many issues an ACOA college student may face in his or her transition.
Integrating Theory: A Process of Construction, Deconstruction, and Reconstruction
Authors: Demmitt Alan D.
Published: March 2007

This article describes the process of how theory is constructed in the classroom, deconstructed in the workplace, and then reconstructed to meet the unique needs of individual counselors. Marital and family counselor educators and students can both benefit from knowledge about this process. Educators can more adequately prepare students for the rigors of the workplace, and students can learn to reflect on their experiences and use their successes and failures to enhance their development as marital and family counselors.
Cross-Cultural Career Assessment: Review and Prospects for the New Millennium
Authors: Leong Frederick T. L. , Hartung Paul J.
Published: March 2007

A distinct body of research literature reflects work initiated in the last decade of the 20th century to examine issues in the development and use of career assessment instruments across cultures. The authors review this literature to integrate current understandings of career assessment in cultural context and to identify potentially fruitful avenues for future inquiry. The theoretical framework of cultural validity and cultural specificity developed by Leong and Brown was used to guide the current review. Based on this framework, the review focuses on literature dealing with (a) the cultural validity of career assessment instruments for use cross-culturally with racial and ethnic minority populations, (b) the extent to which culture-specific variables may influence the career assessment process, and (c) the construction and validation of new culture-specific career assessment measures. Most research contained within the review pertains to cultural validity with much less attention given in the current literature on new test construction and cultural specificity. The authors conclude their review with a summary of findings and implications for research and practice in career assessment. Surveying leading scholars in the fields of career development and vocational psychology could elaborate our understanding of career assessment in cultural context and determine empirically its prospects for advancement and refinement.
Career Assessment and the Person-Centered Approach
Authors: Stubbs Jeanne P. , Bozarth Jerold D.
Published: March 2007

This article integrates some of the major literature of person- centered counseling and its contextual application to career counseling and career assessment. The discussion of a person- centered career counseling model and the use of testing or assessment in the person-centered stance emphasizes several factors in tandem with the crux of the person-centered approach. A historical perspective of the person-centered approach, the major premise hypothesized by Rogers of certain basic core conditions that are necessary and sufficient for therapeutic personality change, is reviewed within the perspective of person-centered assessment. In addition, a model which incorporates the principles of the person- centered approach is reviewed and examples of assessment from this particular framework are presented.
Racial Identity and Career Assessment
Authors: Helms Janet E.
Published: March 2007

In the career assessment literature, relatively little attention is given to the matter of the influence of racial factors on assessees' responses to traditional assessment measures. In this paper, I argue that racial identity models could provide a framework by which to investigate the influence of racial factors on the career decision- making process but existing measures are inadequate for this purpose. The construct of racial salience is used to discuss hypothesized deficiencies in the career maturity and congruence racial group comparison assessment literature, and to recommend ways in which measures could be modified to incorporate race- related theory more directly.
Sources of Self-Perceptions of Career-Related Abilities
Authors: Hall Alex S. , Kelly Kevin R. , Hansen Kristen , Gutwein Amanda K.
Published: March 2007

Barak (1981) identified self-perceived ability as a determinant of career interest. The purpose of the present study was to identify sources of perceptions of career-related abilities. The Self-Directed Search (SDS; Holland, 1985) was administered to college students to obtain self-ratings of career abilities. Parents of these students also completed the SDS ability ratings, as they applied to their children. A series of hierarchical regression analyses was conducted in which parent ratings of their children's abilities were entered after measures of general cognitive ability. The parents' ratings accounted for substantial amounts of variance in self-perceptions of career- related abilities for female and male students. These findings are discussed in relation to Barak's (1981) cognitive theory of career interests and counseling interventions to change career interests.
The Construct Validity of Scores on the Career Beliefs Inventory
Authors: Walsh Beverly Dolenz , Thompson Bruce , Kapes Jerome T.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of Career Beliefs Inventory (CBI; Krumboltz, 1991, 1994) scores in terms of construct validity. Factor analysis was the primary vehicle for this exploration. Two independent samples of data ( n 1 = 251, n 2 = 1,788) were analyzed using confirmatory first- order and exploratory second-order factor analyses. Results of the analyses suggest that reproducible clusters of beliefs can be measured using the CBI. However, these factors do not match well with the scale clusters used in CBI score reports.
The MMPI-2 and Vocational Assessment: A Brief Report
Authors: Westefeld John S. , Maples Michael
Published: March 2007

A review of the brief literature concerning the utilization of the MMPI-2 in vocational assessment is presented. Particular areas of focus include personnel selection, malingering, and applications with military personnel. Conclusions and implications are discussed.
Career Assessment: Holland's Vocational Interests, Personality Characteristics, and Abilities
Authors: Carless Sally A.
Published: March 2007

A two-study design was used to examine the relationship between Holland's vocational interest types, personality characteristics, and abilities. Study 1 consisted of 139 individuals (48 men and 91 women) who participated in a vocational assessment exercise. They completed the Self-Directed Search, the revised NEO Personality Inventory, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised. Study 2 consisted of 669 men and 206 women employed in the finance industry who completed the SDS, the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory, and a measure of general abilities, the PL-PQ. In both studies conceptually similar vocational interests and personality were found to be empirically related. A weak to moderate relationship was observed between general abilities and Investigative interests and between general abilities and the personality characteristics of Openness to Experience and Intuition. It was concluded that assessment of all three domains of interests, abilities, and personality has several advantages for assisting clients seeking vocational counselling.
An International System of Tradeable CO2 Entitlements: Implications for Economic Development
Authors: Rose Adam , Tietenberg Tom
Published: March 2007

The potentially widespread damage that could stem from global warming has prompted the search for international policy solutions. The problem for policy makers is to initiate programs that not only will mitigate the global buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, but also will facilttate cooperation and be perceived as equitable. To this end, tradeable emissions permits, or entitlements, are a promising policy instrument. Nations could be assigned emission allowances on the basis of present and future baseline levels, but would be free to trade these permits. Such a program would share the burden of abatement, protect the interests of developing nations, and encourage cooperation through technology transfer.
Baptists and Bootleggers for the Environment: The Origins of United States Unilateral Sanctions
Authors: Desombre Elizabeth R.
Published: March 2007

The United States has a long history of using or threatening import restrictions against other countries to gain their adherence to conservation measures. While these import restrictions are of questionable GATT-legality, the history of the 13 such current pieces of legislation suggests that they are not simply industry efforts to gain protection from foreign competition. As with other U.S. international environmental policies, sanctioning legislation arises from a complex interaction between industry and environmental actors. In these cases, due either to domestic or international regulation, U.S. industry actors are disproportionately disadvantaged relative to theirforeign competitors by legislation requiring them to uphold conservation standards. There may have been an initial battle between environmentalists and industry actors over imposing such standards, but once the standards are in place, a coalition of industry and environmentalists forms to internationalize the standards. Industry actors, who want their competitors either to uphold the same costly standards they must uphold or be prohibited from competing in the U.S. market, find a natural alliance with environmentalists in working to encourage broader conservation efforts. Evidence suggests that this type of coalition plays a wider role in the formation of U.S. international environmental policy.
Imagining a Stabilized Atmosphere: Population and Consumption Interactions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Engelman Robert
Published: March 2007

The roles of both population and personal consumption have been difficult to address in analyzing the causative factors in human-induced climate change. Analysts in developing countries argue—accurately—that most responsibility for the atmosphere's current altered state lies with slow growing but high consuming wealthy countries. However, if population growth is considered in the context of a global effort to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases equitably, its importance emerges in a new light. Seen this way, popu la tion growth in both developingand developed countries adds to the pre-existing and considerable momentum ofgreenhousedriven climate change itself. As population rises, per capita atmosphere-stabilizing emissions fall, further restricting the sustainable use offossil fuels on an individual basis. This relationship is best illustrated in a hypothetical industrial carbon dioxide emissions trading regime, which could be negotiated through the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Revisiting Environmental Security in the Philippines
Authors: Alampay Jose Gerardo A.
Published: March 2007

Recent developments in the Philippines, a country that has been identified as a potential flash point for conflict resulting from environmental degradation, make it timely to revisit the concept of environmental security and explore its relevance and implications for security and policy making. In the face of continued environmental mismanagement and abuse, economic growth in the Philippines is taking hold and its democratic institutions are flourishing. It is reasonable to say that the chance of acute conflict in the Philippines is greatly diminished. This notwithstanding, it would be wrong to conclude that the proposed relationship between environmental degradation and the eruption of violence and instability is flawed. Indeed, the Philippines presents an interesting case that validates this linkage, providing an opportunity to further tune our understanding of the connections between economics, politics, and the environment.
Economic Development and the Environment in Chile
Authors: Taylor Matthew E.
Published: March 2007

As a rapidly developing economy based on natural resource exploitation, Chile embodies many of the themes so often discussed about the impact of economic growth on the environment. Economists typically hold Chile up as a model of progress, while environmentalists libel the wisdom of its development strat egy. Both are, in some respect, correct. Hence, given Chile's current economic necessities, it would be unwise for it to abandon pro-growth initiatives. How ever, it cannot continue its current model of development indefinitely if it hopes to provide a livable environment for its people. Chile must continue to strengthen its incipient environmental programs and diversify its economy with an eye to relative environmental cleanliness. These objectives are well within reach, and both economists and envircnmentalists would do well to rec ognize and encourage the moderate, sensible middle course that is still avail able to make Chile an example of sustainable development.
Psychometric Properties of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Asian/Pacific-Islander Adolescents
Authors: Hishinuma Earl S. , Miyamoto Robin H. , Nishimura Stephanie T. , Nahulu Linda B. , Andrade Naleen N. , Makini George K. , Yuen Noelle Y. C. , Johnson Ronald C. , Kim S. Peter , Goebert Deborah A. , Guerrero Anthony P. S.
Published: March 2007

Anxiety disorders are said to be universal across all cultures and recent reviews have found relatively high prevalence rates across different countries. However, the experience and interpretation of anxiety are strongly influenced by cultural factors. Demonstrating crosscultural equivalence of measures of anxiety is essential to assure that comparisons between cultures will result in meaningful interpretations. Despite the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory being the most researched of anxiety measures from a cross-cultural basis, there is a lack of empirical studies on the psychometric properties of the STAI with adolescent Asian/Pacific Islanders. The present study examined the STAI using a large sample of ethnically diverse high school students in Hawaii. In general, a four-factor model (State-Anxiety Absent, State-Anxiety Present, Trait-Anxiety Absent, and Trait-Anxiety Present) provided the best fit based on a series of confirmatory factor analyses. Indicators of internal consistency supported the reliability of the factors and subscales, and the inter-factor correlations reflected positively on the concurrent validity of the different STAI factor and subscale measures. This study suggested cautious use and interpretation of one particular item (Trait Item 14 = "I try to avoid facing a crisis or difficulty"), and cautious application of the STAI to Filipino adolescents (particularly Filipino males). Domains for further research are discussed.
Factor Structure of the Reitan-Indiana Neuropsychological Battery for Children
Authors: Livingston Ronald B. , Gray Robert M. , Haak Ruth A. , Jennings Earl
Published: March 2007

The Reitan-Indiana Neuropsychological Battery (RINB) was administered to a sample of children referred for educational and behavioral problems (N = 130). Subtest scores were standardized by age at 1-year intervals (6, 7, and 8 years). A principal components analysis (PCA) with promax rotation of 18 subtest scores produced a five-factor solution. Factor 1 emphasizes tactile/spatial functions, Factor 2 emphasizes concept formation and visual/spatial abilities, Factor 3 reflects motor strength, Factor 4 emphasizes sensory perception, and Factor 5 reflects motor speed. Principal factor analysis (PFA) of these data was performed to permit comparison with the PCA solutions. The PFA and PCA solutions were similar and major conclusions about factor structure were consis tent.
Psychometric Properties of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale
Authors: Smith Glenn E. , Ivnik Robert J. , Malec James F. , Kokmen Emre , Tangalos Eric , Petersen Ronald C.
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), including its internal consistency, sensitivity to age and education effects, pattern of change scores, convergent validity and predictive utility. Age and education effects and stability were assessed in a sample of 280 cognitively normal persons over age 55. All other features were assessed in a sample of 274 persons with cognitive impairment, including 221 newly diagnosed dementia patients and 53 patients with mild cognitive impairment. Both samples were drawn from the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Patient Registry. Within the normal sample, Pearson correlation coefficients for DRS Total score with age, education and intelligence were all significant, p < .0001; MAYO Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) shared approximately 20% variance with DRS Total score. Internal consistency was greater than .7 for Construction, Conceptualization, Memory, and Total score, greater than .65 for Attention and less than .5 for Initiation and Perseveration. DRS subscales cores for Memory, Attention, and Conceptualization were significantly correlated with appropriate indices from the WAIS-R or Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, as assessed in the Mayo Older Americans Normative Studies, providing convergent validity for these DRS scales. Importantly, proportional hazards modeling revealed initial DRS Total score to be a significant predictor of longitudinal institutionalization and mortality outcomes.
The Counterpoint of Personality Assessment: Self Reports and Observer Ratings
Authors: McCrae Robert R.
Published: March 2007

In musical counterpoint, two or more different voices sound together in ways that illuminate the possibilities of the musical theme. Similarly, self-reports and observer ratings together may tell us more about personality than either could separately. This article reviews convergence between these two data sources and illustrates ways in which they can be used jointly in personality research to rule out response biases and estimate stability and heritability of personality traits. A measure of profile agreement is introduced and a rule of thumb is proposed for distinguishing agreement from disagreement on specific traits in individual cases. Averaging may be useful when there is agreement about individuals across observers; when there is disagreement, further information should be sought to resolve the competing hypotheses offered by the discrepant ratings.
Qualitative Features of Clock Drawings in Normal Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Kozora Elizabeth , Cullum C. Munro
Published: March 2007

Two investigations examined qualitative features of clock drawings in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD), using standard 3-point and 10-point scales and an expanded 16-point scoring system. In the first study, clock drawings by healthy adults aged 50-70 were found to be significantly better than those of adults aged 70-95 using all three scoring systems. Results based on the 16-point system were strongly associated with those of other scoring systems, but correlations with two other visuospatial measures were low. Older adults demonstrated more difficulty in terms of numerical position, time-setting, and addition of irrelevant details. In Study II, using the same scoring systems, AD patients were significantly impaired on clock drawings compared to matched controls. AD patients showed particular deficits in the following domains: numerical position, time setting, proportions, spatial accuracy, and omission of details. The 16-point clock scoring system was equivalent to other scoring procedures in differentiating groups and showed modest reliability coefficients. Results suggest that alterations in visuospatial relations in aging and dementia share some features with conceptual declines in the two groups, although there are qualitative differences that may be of utility in understanding the underlying processes involved in aging and dementia.
Confirmed Attorney Coaching Prior to Neuropsychological Evaluation
Authors: Youngjohn James R.
Published: March 2007

Even though it has been speculated that attorneys might educate or "coach" their clients prior to forensic neuropsychological examinations, there have been no documented instances of this to date. It might be particularly tempting for attorneys to coach their clients on symptom validity scales. A case in which it was strongly suspected that attorney coaching had occurred is presented. The attorney representing the patient actually admitted to an administrative law judge that he had educated his client prior to examination. Strategies for reducing the effectiveness of attorney coaching, thereby increasing the validity of neuropsychological test results, are suggested.
Health Related Quality of Life in HIV Disease
Authors: Hays Ron D. , Cunningham William E. , Ettl Margot K. , Beck C. Keith , Shapiro Martin F.
Published: March 2007

The structure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in HIV disease is examined in 205 symptomatic HIV+ individuals receiving care at two West Coast public hospitals. A 64-item HRQOL battery, tapping aspects of HRQOL of particular relevance to individuals with HIV disease, was administered and found to yield reliable self-report data. Confirmatory factor analysis provides support for a two-factor model of HRQOL: (a) a physical health dimension defined by physical function, role function, freedom from pain, disability days, and quality of sex life, and (b) a mental health dimension defined by overall quality of life, emotional well-being, hopefulness, lack of loneliness, will to function, quality of family life, quality of friendships, and cognitive function/distress. Correlations of HRQOL measures with social support, access to care, coping, and symptom measures are reported and discussed.
Psychological Factors and Pet Measured Glucose Metabolism in Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
Authors: Berent Stanley , Giordani Bruno , Gilman Sid , Junck Larry , Kluin Karen J. , Koeppe Robert A.
Published: March 2007

We compared 29 olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) patients on psychiatric rating scales, cognitive tests, and positron emission tomography to 12 normal volunteers with similar age and sex distributions. The patients were generally comparable to normals in cognitive function, but poorer on psychomotor tasks. They had significantly different scores on formal self-report scales than the normals, indicating a greater degree of self-complaint. Analyses of the components of self-complaint suggested that illness-related concerns accounted for most of the differences between the groups. The magnitude of self-complaint was significantly and specifically correlated with the level of glucose metabolism in the frontal cerebral cortex of OPCA patients. These results may be attributed to a combination of biological and experiential factors. The level of patient complaint may be influenced by organic brain dysfunction reflected in metabolism and emotional disturbance, whereas the content of complaint may be specific to the individual's situational experience.
NEO PI-R Profiles of Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder
Authors: Ranseen John D. , Campbell Derek A. , Baer Ruth A.
Published: March 2007

The personality functioning of adults diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) without comorbid psychiatric illness was examined. NEO PI-R profiles in a group of 25 adults referred for ADD evaluation meeting criteria for this diagnosis without any history of other psychiatric disturbance were compared to profiles from a control group of 23 nonpsychotic adult outpatients being treated with psychotherapy. All participants completed self-report measures of ADD symptoms as well as the NEO PI-R (Form S). The ADD adult group obtained significantly higher scores in the Neuroticism domain and significantly lower scores in the Conscientiousness domain than the outpatient comparison group. The NEO PI-R appears useful to the understanding of ADD in adulthood.
REVIEW ■ : Neuroprotection in Brain Ischemia: An Update (Part I
Authors: Ginsberg Myron D.
Published: March 2007

Ischemic brain injury produced by stroke or cardiac arrest is a major cause of human neurological disability. Steady advances in the neurosciences have elucidated pathophysiological mechanisms of brain ischemia and have suggested many therapeutic approaches directed at specific injury mechanisms to achieve neuroprotection of the acutely ischemic brain. The first portion of this two-part review highlights the differentiating features and pathological mechanisms of focal and global cerebral ischemic injury and summarizes a wealth of recent evidence as to how antagonism of excitatory amino acid neurotoxicity, mediated via NMDA as well as non-NMDA receptors, may offer a means of diminishing the extent of ischemic injury. The Neuroscientist 1:95-103, 1995
Glial Influences on Neuronal Signaling
Authors: Sontheimer Harald
Published: March 2007

Since their discovery in the late nineteenth century, glial cells have taken a backstage role to neurons in our investigations of the nervous system. Yet, in the mammalian brain, glial cells outnumber neurons and comprise 50% of the brain volume. A number of proteins, including important synthetic enzymes, are located almost exclusively in glia, suggesting that glial cells may serve functions beyond providing structural support. Speculations of more active roles for glial cells in brain function began at the turn of the century, at which time it had been suggested that they serve nutritive functions (Golgi, 1885), insulate nerve fibers (Ramon y Cajal, 1909), phagocytose dying neurons (Marinesco, 1896), secrete fac tors (Achucarro, 1915), and remove neurotransmitters (the substances by which one nerve cell excites another) from the synaptic cleft (Lugaro, 1907). Many of these early hypotheses have subsequently gained experimental support; however, our understanding of glial roles in brain function is still limited. The Neuroscientist 1:123-126, 1995