bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Conflict- Generating Techniques on Student Reactions and Decision Quality
Authors: Macy Granger , Neal Joan C.
Published: March 2007

This study examined the effectiveness of conflict-generating decision-making techniques in the college classroom. Utiliz ing constructive conflict in classroom exercises may affect decision-making quality and student reactions. This study of undergraduate and graduate business students found significant difference in both the quality of the decisions and in student reactions to the techniques. The findings and discussion indicate the potential for appropriate use of structured decision-making techniques in the classroom.
Multimedia as a Teaching Tool in Business Communication Course Delivery
Authors: Liu David , Beamer Linda
Published: March 2007

The two authors created a multimedia intercultural business communication program. Multimedia is an effective instructional tool because of its ability to capture the attention of the learner and offer interactivity so the learner con trols the learning process. An appeal is made to the learner's imagination. Two constraints are the computer requirements to operate it and the length of time required to learn a multimedia software design program. The course content is described and the seven steps in developing the multimedia hypertext are detailed. The authors recommend the process with advice about what charac teristics the authors of multimedia programs need to develop.
Learning from Business at the 1996 Western Regional Conference
Authors: Hassett Michael , Pompian Richard
Published: March 2007

This article encourages regional conference organizers to include business practices panels-in keeping with the call of theABC Committee on Business Practices-by describing the Business Practices Panel of the 1996 ABC West ern Regional Conference. Four representatives of Boise area businesses partic ipated on the panel. After describing the process for organizing the panel, the article summarizes the panelists' comments on such topics as cross-cultural communication, the Internet, diversity, channels of communication, messages to employees, messages to the media and other external publics, communica tions training and evaluation, and interviewing.
Teaching Business Communication in an Accelerated Program
Authors: Lynott Patricia A.
Published: March 2007

In 1995, Elmhurst College began developing a new major in Human Services Administration to serve the needs of a burgeoning adult student population. It is an accelerated, interdisciplinary program in which a small cohort of stu dents matriculates as an interdependent group throughout their college work. Students begin the program with a five-week communication module that pre pares them to communicate information, coordinate activities, and make deci sions. The module includes five components: intercultural communication, the process and contexts of communication, relationship development and self- disclosure, group communication and team building, and oral communica tion. These components were selected as the most important topics to be covered in a short time frame. Teachers serve largely as coaches or guides, lead ing students through exercises in active and cooperative learning, especially those exercises that build listening skills, the fundamental skills for all commu nication.
Introduction: Are We Requiring What Our Students Most Need?
Authors: Netzley Michael A.
Published: March 2007

Why devote a special issue to the topic of writing requirements for business stu dents? The answer, I believe, is relatively simple: any such requirement must reflect what business professionals should know and do in a knowledge economy. Because communication practices are changing radically, our requirements, too, must be reexamined. This issue provides a forum for such reexamination.
Using Total Quality Principles in Business Courses: the Effect on Student Evaluations
Authors: Barnard Janet
Published: March 2007

Total Quality Management (TQM) is an approach that encourages employees at all levels of an organization to make suggestions about how work should be done and to take an active role in improving processes. Although business organizations have applied TQM principles with considerable success, its use in higher education has been largely limited to administrative processes. Many teaching faculty in schools of business are uncomfortable with applying TQM principles to the class room, often because the idea of empowering students requires thinking differently about their potential for participation in planning processes for the learning envi ronment. Yet a survey of students and faculty suggests that a TQM approach can increase students' learning in a class, help students support one another in a coop erative learning environment, and foster positive feelings toward the instructor, even one who maintains the necessary high standards.
Exploring How Instruction in Style Affects Writing Quality
Authors: Campbell Kim Sydow , Brammer Charlotte , Ervin Nicole
Published: March 2007

Business communication instructors regularly teach word- and sentence-level style concepts to help students improve the quality of their writing. To support such teaching, all the textbooks we've seen discuss style at this level, usually in a chap ter on the topic, with additional discussion within other chapters dedicated to spe cific types of messages. We are hopeful but not certain about the impact of this instruction on the quality of our students' future writing. To measure that impact in at least a small way, we gathered empirical data in a single classroom of busi ness communication students. A panel of three writing specialists and three non- specialists rated holistically the quality of informative memos written by undergrad uate business students before and after instruction. In addition, three panelists analyzed the style of the memos. The memos written after instruction were of higher quality than those written before instruction. The students' styles changed for the better after instruction; higher quality memos had more appropriate style than lower quality ones.
Computer-Aided Peer Review of Writing
Authors: MacLeod Laura
Published: March 2007

Classes that require writing assignments commonly engage students in some form of peer review. Such reviews can profit from two computer applications: news groups and specialized communication client software. In a recent survey, a majority of the students who conducted peer reviews in a business writing class found the activities useful and worthy of repeating in future semesters. But they suggested that faculty provide more guidelines and topics to enhance the substance of the review, train students more directly in the computer applications, and allot more time to conduct the reviews at a comfortable pace.
Determination of the moisture content of paprika (Capsicum annuum) powders: a comparative study/ Determinación de la humedad del pimentón (Capsicum annuum): estudio comparativo
Authors: Forgács E. , Kiss V. , Cserháti T. , Holló J.
Published: March 2007

The moisture content of 25 different paprika powders was determined by an electronic moisture analyzer at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 and 105°C by near infrared spectroscopy, using both peak area and peak height for the water; and by the traditional drying method, using an electric oven at 100°C for 1, 2 and 3 h. The data matrix was evaluated by principal component analysis. It was established that the moisture content of paprika powders can be equally determined by each method. The use of the NIR method has been proposed because it is both rapid and accurate, and the presence of other volatile compounds does not influence the reliability of the determination of the moisture content.
Influencia de la subespecie, estacionalidad y procedimientos de estabilización en la aptitud gelificante del músculo de sardina (Sardina pilchardus) congelado/Influence of subspecies, season and stabilization procedures in gel-forming ability of frozen minced muscle of sardine (Sardina pilchardus)
Authors: Montero P. , Gómez-Guillén M.C. , Borderías J.
Published: March 2007

This paper examines the gel-forming ability of minced muscle of sardine - caught from the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean at different seasons - kept in frozen storage for 150 days. The influence of atmospheric and vacuum packaging on the gel-forming capacity of minced muscle, and the addition of tocopherol as antyoxidant were also studied. From the outset of frozen storage, Mediterranean sardine muscle exhibited greater gel strength than that from the Bay of Biscay. Sardines from the Bay of Biscay caught in November produced the best gels from any area. Generally, when frozen muscle was vacuum-packed, rancidity was less and gel strength improved. Activity of tocopherol does not seem sufficiently clear. In nearly all cases, gel strength was greater the longer the muscle was kept in frozen storage, although in Bay of Biscay sardine muscle there was progressive myofibrillar protein aggregation throughout the storage.
The effects of cooking on extractable tannin, phytate, sugars and mineral solubility in some improved Nigerian legume seeds/Efectos de la cocción sobre los taninos, fitato, azúcares y solubilidad mineral de algunas legumbres nigerianas
Authors: Adewusi S.R.A. , Falade O.S.
Published: March 2007

The effect of heat treatment on nutritional and antinutritional parameters in some improved Nigerian legume seeds is reported. The tannin (0.9-3.9 mg/g catechin equivalent) and phytate (0.5-3.0mg/g) contents were reduced by 11-84% and 13-32% respectively on cooking. Tannin content of Kersting's groundnut was reduced by 120%. Total sugar content was 8.7-16.7% in the raw samples but was also reduced by 8-30% on cooking. Stachyose was the predominant oligosac charide. Cooking reduced the sucrose content by 50-60% and the oligosaccharides by 36-59%. Total and available iron contents were 51-117 mg/kg and 7.2-16.2% respectively, total and ioniz able zinc content was low while total calcium and magnesium contents were high with adequate solubility during simulated digestion. Cooking improved iron availability and the ionization of zinc, calcium and magnesium by 19-100%, 22-104%, 18-83% and 11-61% respectively. There were significantly negative correlations between phytate tannin and mineral availability.
Antistaling additive effects on fresh wheat bread quality / Efectos de los aditivos antienvejecimiento sobre la calidad del pan fresco
Authors: Armero E. , Collar C.
Published: March 2007

Straight and soured wheat breads formulated with antistaling additives (emulsifiers, hydrocol loids and fungal α-amylase) from white and whole flours were investigated for physico-chemical and sensory characteristics according to a fractionated factorial design, L32 . Quality of formulated fresh breads was related with chemical and physical properties. Additive effects were highly dependent on both the flour type and the breadmaking process used. Most of them performed as initial crumb softeners, effects being more pronounced in whole breads. Hydrocolloids showed similar softening effects to emulsifiers. Chemical parameters of doughs and breads were mainly influenced by the addition of emulsifiers. Antistaling additives also showed some secondary effects on other sensory properties (e.g., flavour and eatability), resulting in different crumb firmness- bread quality relationships. Synergistic and antagonistic interactions between additives were summarized (DATEM*SSL, α-amylase*SSL, α-amylase*HPMC).
Note: A rapid method for the determination of lipids an fatty acids in bread by gas chromatography / Nota: Método rápido para la determinación de lípidos y ácidos grasos en pan mediante cromatografía de gases
Authors: Sultanovitch Y.A. , Philipp O. , Schmelewa M. , Isengard H.D.
Published: March 2007

A new simple and fast analytical method was developed to characterize the content of lipids and fatty acids in bread. First, fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography and then the content of lipids was calculated by using a conversion factor. This method gave very accurate results; it was three times faster than the conventional solvent extraction method and its consumption of solvent was much lower. The high sensitivity allowed the distribution of lipids in bread to be determined.
Lipase-catalyzed esterification of glycerol with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from winterized fish oil Esterificación catalítica de glicerol con ácidos grasos 3-n poliinsaturados de aceite de pescado
Authors: Robles V.J. , García H.S. , Monroy J.A. , Angulo O.
Published: March 2007

Menhaden oil was hydrolyzed using a lipase from Pseudomonas sp. The hydrolysate was cold frac tionated at-72°C. Glyceride synthesis was performed using the same lipase under different reaction environments. The best conditions for the esterification reaction were 39 °C for 18 h in a reaction mixture containing anhydrous glycerol, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) enriched solution (2% lipids in hexane), hexane, and phosphate buffer-lipase solution (1% w/v). Product composition was 81.33% triacylglycerides and 18.67% of free fatty acids (w/w). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accounted for 36.18% of the esterified fatty acids, of which 58% was EPA and 42% was DHA. This method offers an alternative to produce glycerides rich in n-3 PUFA.
Minimally processed papaya by vacuum osmotic dehydration (VOD) techniques / Papaya mínimamente procesada mediante técnicas de deshidratación osmótica al vacío (VOD)
Authors: Tapia M.S. , López-Malo A. , Consuegra R. , Corte P. , Welti-Chanes J.
Published: March 2007

The application of vacuum osmotic impregnation at constant temperature (25 °C) to obtain high moisture minimally processed papaya was evaluated. The fruit effective porosity was determined employing vacuum impregnation in isotonic sucrose solutions, obtaining values of around 3.4%. The fruit was submitted to vacuum osmotic dehydration (VOD) processes (60 mbar) in 60 °Brix sucrose syrups to depress a w from 0.99 to 0.98 (or less), always having a greater effectiveness than in the case of osmotic dehydration (OD) processes at atmospheric pressure. The use of a VOD initial process for different times, followed by the application of OD (called pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration, PVOD, processes) had a greater effectiveness in depressing the aw than when only OD was applied in pro cesses up to 240 min. The pH reduction due to the addition of citric acid (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5%) to the sucrose syrup was more effective when applying VOD or PVOD processes. Minimally processed papaya ( aw 0.98, pH 3.5) could be obtained by applying VOD for only 10 min if the sucrose syrup had a citric acid concentration of 7.5%, or PVOD processes (VOD < 15 min and then OD < 45 min), em ploying concentrations of 2.5 and 5.0% of acid in the syrup.
Textura de geles de huevo obtenidos por alta presión / Texture of egg gels induced by high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Ibarz A. , Sangronis E. , Barbosa-Cánovas G.V. , Swanson B.G.
Published: March 2007

Egg yolk, egg white and whole egg samples were placed under high hydrostatic pressure in the range 410 to 690 MPa for several processing times between 1 and 30 min. Egg yolk samples gelled completely over 410 MPa, while egg white and whole egg formed hard gels over 620 MPa. Heat- induced gels showed greater gel strength and hardness than did pressure-induced gels. In general, increasing the pressure and treatment times resulted in higher gel strength and hardness values. In the case of egg yolk it was observed that at the highest pressures (650-690 MPa) and processing times exceeding 15 min the gels collapsed in many cases. The pressure-induced egg yolk and whole egg gels showed lower luminosity than heat-induced gels, but were more reddish. The egg white gel luminosity did not show significant differences for different pressures and processing times.
Emulsifying ability of soy protein isolates obtained at pilot plant under simultaneous heat and reducing treatments / Capacidad emulsionante de aislados proteicos de soja obtenidos en planta piloto con tratamientos térmicos y reductores simultáneos
Authors: Santiago L.G. , Bonaldo A.G. , González R.J.
Published: March 2007

The emulsifying abilities of 12 soy protein isolate samples were studied in relation to their solubilities (Sol) in different solvents and their sulfhydryl contents (SHL). Samples were obtained at pilot plant under different heat and reducing treatments, according to a central composite design 22 + star with a triplicate central point, resulting in 11 samples. An untreated sample (standard) was also included. The independent variables were heat treatment temperature ( T) and sulfite concentration ( CNa2SO3) while the responses were Sol in water (Solw), Sol in phosphate buffer (Sol buf), Sol in 2-mercaptoethanol (Sol2-Mer), Sol in SDS (Sol SDS) and SHI. The results indicated a good fit to a second order polynomial equation for Solw, Solbuf' Sol 2-Mer and SHL, while in the case of SolSDS the only significant term was the linear one for T. The dependence of emulsion ability ( A500 as a measure of interfacial area) with time (t) and protein dispersion concentration ( C) was evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). The A500 showed a very good fit to a second order polynomial equation with R2 higher than 89%. The structural differences among samples caused by different treatments were well explained by the A500. Simultaneous heat and reducing treatment under mild conditions ( T = 60-65 °C and CNa2SO3 = 0.2- 0.4%) were able to open the protein structure, increasing SHL. Samples highly soluble in every sol vent (without aggregation effects) showed the highest emulsion ability.
Lipids of pork meat as affected by various cooking techniques / Modificaciones de los lípidos de carne de cerdo en función de su guiso
Authors: Hernández P. , Navarro J.L. , Toldrá F.
Published: March 2007

The effects of different cooking techniques on the lipids of pork meat were evaluated. The assayed cooking techniques were deep-frying (DF), shallow-frying (SF), roasting (RO) and boiling (BO). Modi fication of the roasting meat due to reheating in a microwave oven after 24 h at 4 °C (MW), was also studied. In DF and SF significant increases were found in the lipid content (13.7 and 16.7 g/100 g of dry basis, respectively) and in the nun-polar lipids (11.2 and 14.2 g/100 g of dry basis, respectively) due to the absorption of the oil used in these cooking treatments. The main variations in the fatty acid composition of phospholipids and non-polar lipids were observed in the polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction. There was an increase in the content of free fatty acids (SFA, MUFA, PUFA) after MW, BO and RO. By contrast, free fatty acid content in DF and SF was similar to the content of initial raw meat. MW showed the greatest degradation of the phospholipid fraction, with a significant decline in phosphatidyl ethanolamine. All cooking treatments produced an increase in lipid oxidation, this be ing higher in RO and MW treatments.
Spirituality among American Indians in Health and Disease: Culturally Appropriate Recommendations for Health Care Providers
Authors: Randall Leslie L. , Muneta Ben
Published: March 2007

There are close to 560 different tribes in the United States of America and to be able to understand the complexity of the different tribes and cultures, there is a need to understand that while most tribes have differences they share certain values. These differences do not, for the most part, conflict with some of the values we will discuss later in this article. They are mostly of language and cultural practices, but the basic values remain the same. Even though many of the American Indian tribes have been viewed as having become acculturated, many American Indians have retained ties to their culture through language, spiritual practices, and family. These spiritual values will be discussed in relation to infant care practice.
Search and Seizure: A Nonprofit Health Care Agency Stands Up to Government Agents
Authors: Withrow Beverly , Herget Barlow
Published: March 2007

A government search and seizure can be devastating to a home health care business, but do not assume that government agents always follow the law. Government agents make mistakes too. This article describes an actual search and seizure, its flaws, and the fight by the target company to win vindication. The article details how the company remained in business after losing an estimated 5 million documents including records and charts. The article also offers advice about actions one can take in the event of such a search and seizure.
Discharge planning and home management for the ventilator-assisted infant
Authors: Anas Nancy
Published: March 2007

This article is actually a model for a discharge plan for a ventilator-dependent infant. The author gives helpful suggestions to the home care team on how to foster a "normalization" process that includes revitalization of the patient.
The role of the mental health nurse in home health care
Authors: Trimbath Melissa , Brestensky Judith
Published: March 2007

Traditional home health care agencies across the country have provided emotional support in conjunction with medical-surgical follow-up services. It has only been in recent years that agencies have focused on specialized mental health programs. This article discusses the development of a mental health program and describes a case history that exemplifies how effective a home care mental health program can be. Home care services must not be overlooked as an effective part of the treatment of mental disorders. The home and community provide the most realistic environment for the patient as he or she reaches for recovery.
A 1990 approach to pain management: Adjustment to central line catheter delivery
Authors: Nicolosi Nancy L. , Stafford Judith A.
Published: March 2007

This article discusses the conversion from oral to IV infusion of analgesics, routes of venous access, and methods of infusion. A thorough case study, including a patient care plan, is presented, as is a table converting the oral dose to the IV dose.
Hospice home care case study: A difficult patient—family situation
Authors: Cornecelli Judith , Lucas Karen , Welch Noreen
Published: March 2007

We in home care often deal with difficult patient-family situations. They are most difficult, however, in the hospice setting. How do we allow the patient and family to have choices and not impose an unrealistic standard upon them? This moving case study describes one team's efforts toward that end. The efforts of the care providers— professional and family—reflect the empowerment theory discussed in the previous article.
Spiritual care: The soul of hospice
Authors: Pierce Jim L.
Published: March 2007

The provider of spiritual care may be a nurse, social worker, volunteer minister, or chaplain. All the many issues and aspects of life must be dealt with during a terminal illness. Whatever one's belief, attention must be directed toward spiritual care. This article contains case examples and an assessment tool.
Providing hospice bereavement follow-up services: Practicing the art of doing more with less
Authors: Gianino Paula M.
Published: March 2007

Bereavement is one of the most difficult aspects of hospice work. This article provides information on theories of grief, a model for a bereavement team, and suggestions for training. Minimal resources exist for bereavement; therefore, the task must be accom plished in a creative, cost-effective manner.
Management of AIDS and infectious complications
Authors: McPherson Mary Lynn
Published: March 2007

The last 3 years have witnessed the introduction of a number of promising pharmaco logic agents for the treatment of HIV and AIDS. These drugs are used not only to treat related symptoms and conditions but also for prophylaxis in the asymptomatic patient. It is essential that every home health care professional be familiar with the approved and investigational drugs available, as increasing numbers of home care patients are treated with them. This article describes the major drugs available to treat the commonly seen conditions accompanying HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Side effects and suggested interventions are also discussed.
Community-based research offers new hope and therapy
Authors: Zurlinden Jeffrey K. , Kowalski Carolyn K. , Parham Barbara A.
Published: March 2007

This brief article provides valuable information on community-based research programs for the AIDS patient. The availability of these drug research programs has increased significantly via the network described herein. Home health care professionals must be aware of the availability of these programs and must use them as an information resource when caring for a patient who is participating in such a program.
Nursing loved ones with AIDS: Knowledge development for ethical practice
Authors: MacIntyre Richard
Published: March 2007

All clinical decisions are ethical decisions in that they are based on some notion of what is good or best in a given situation. Situation-specific knowledge is both essential for effective care and difficult to establish in the detached "professional" relationships between health care providers and their patients. Two exemplars in which the author functioned as a primary nurse for his significant others are used to show that intimate caring relationships can produce a type of clinical knowledge that enhances quality care and ethical nursing practice. "Quality care is nothing more than good care, and ethical care is that which seeks the highest good."
Psychiatric home health care for AIDS patients
Authors: Frey Dennee , Oman Karen , Robins Joan , Smith Ellen J.
Published: March 2007

The home health care team caring for the AIDS patient is in a unique position to identify early on the individual's biopsychosocial needs. This article discusses one agency's model for directly addressing these needs. The model can easily be applied to other home health agencies. The complexities involved in the diagnosis of AIDS-related neuropsychi atric disorders, as well as the need for early identification, cannot be overemphasized. Valuable, directly applicable information regarding assessment techniques, manage ment of care, and interventions by the interdisciplinary patient care team are clearly discussed, both theoretically and in case presentations.
Occupational and physical therapy for persons with HIV disease and their caregivers
Authors: Galantino Mary Lou , Pizzi Michael
Published: March 2007

Persons with HIV infection and AIDS and their caregivers in the home environment often encounter difficulties with daily life-task management. Physical and psychosocial challenges secondary to HIV disease include deficits in mobility, activities of daily living, work, and leisure performance. Chronic pain, fatigue, central and peripheral nervous system damage, cognitive impairments, and psychosocial difficulties that impair function require adaptive and physical strategies to prevent further dysfunction and to improve or restore function. This article presents a strategy for occupational and physical therapy for the HIV patient in home care, emphasizing strategies to improve function. The need for other health care team members to involve rehabilitation specialists in HIV disease management is stressed.
Adapting to the home health care experience for Alzheimer's families: A social work perspective
Authors: Moore Irene
Published: March 2007

The author presents a model case example for providing home health care services to Alzheimer's families. She provides assessment information, discusses the importance of the family and their history, reviews options and social work techniques for home health care intervention. The goal is to assist the family not only to cope but also to grow stronger and closer.
Nutritional considerations for the patient with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Levenstein Karen
Published: March 2007

The three stages of Alzheimer's disease present increased challenges in the area of nutrition and oral hygiene. The author presents invaluable information on basic food groups and feeding techniques. Suggestions on assisting with essential oral hygiene are also included.
Speech-language pathology and the cerebrovascular accident: A practical approach
Authors: Petro Gerry
Published: March 2007

This article gives a brief overview of communication and how it relates to the patient who has experienced a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The article provides checklists to aid in identifying communication and swallowing deficits. The need for an interdisciplinary approach to the care of the CVA patient is stressed.
The diseases of arthritis
Authors: Sands Judith K.
Published: March 2007

There are over 100 separate diseases included under the general umbrella of the term arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most important in general prac tice. The author presents valuable information on both, plus a table of other common diseases, and reviews a "normal joint."
Return to the real world
Authors: Theuerkauf Sis , Carpenter Phil
Published: March 2007

Thanks to today's technology, more spinal cord injury victims survive and are faced with the need to significantly adjust their attitudes and approaches to life. They are the "cap tains" of the team and must be encouraged to control their own destiny. This article provides significant information for clinicians to assist them in this process. Included is information on the home, transportation, wheelchairs, and, most importantly, the need to encourage the client to explore and succeed in the "real world."
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction causing urinary retention
Authors: Newman Diane Kaschak , Smith Diane A. , Goetz Gail
Published: March 2007

This article presents a review of the anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract, types of neurogenic bladders, assessment of the patient, and nursing management of the neurogenic bladder. Included are patient teaching instructions for related procedures and an example of a patient recording sheet for intermittent catheterization.
Taking an accurate medication history
Authors: McPherson Mary Lynn
Published: March 2007

One of the major responsibilities of the home health care nurse is obtaining and maintaining a medication history on each patient. The purpose of this article is to assess what information should be included in a medication history and how to best obtain the information. A sample of a preprinted medication history is included.
Discharge planning: An act of caring
Authors: Ondeck Deborah Anne , Gingerich Barbara Stover
Published: March 2007

This article describes a "blueprint" for any facility to create an effective discharge planning team. The authors present valuable information including "where to begin," regulatory issues, and the very important communication problems and solutions. This is one to share with hospital social workers and/or administrators.
Individual, Group, and Organizational Decision Making in Technological Emergencies: A Review of Research
Authors: Tuler Seth
Published: March 2007

Emergency-response systems for hazardous technological emergencies are gen erally comprised of a number of organizations with varying degrees of control over information and resources. The implementation of such systems and the need for coordination impose various conflicts on decision makers and re sponse personnel. Using the example of nuclear power plant accidents, four critical categories of performance-shaping factors that can enable decision fail ures are identified: structural, affective, informational, and task and resource characteristics. A review of individual, group, and organizational decision- making literature suggests that many such factors may have important negative influences on performance. The role of training and exercises is discussed as a means for improving emergency-response system effectiveness and reliability.
United Flight 232: Sioux City's response to an air disaster
Authors: Charles Michael T. , Settle Allen K.
Published: March 2007

A study of the Sioux City, Iowa, response to the crash of Flight 232 was under taken from July 30 to November 28, 1989. The goal of this research project was to identify those characteristics of the planning effort which contributed to Sioux City's successful response to a major airline disaster, and to draw fu ture policy implications. Among the findings, it was discovered that multi- agency planning was utilized; that the emergency committee served not only a planning function, but also allowed agency heads and planning personnel to become personally acquainted, which led to personal bonds conducive to co ordinated efforts; that fortuitous circumstances must be considered and prop erly administered; and that the county-wide planning effort followed the four basic characteristics of good emergency planning.
Trauma, crisis intervention and psychological debriefing
Authors: Hodgkinson Peter E. , Stewart Michael
Published: March 2007

Fifty percent of those involved in catastrophic events will be sufficiently affected to need professional help. The trauma experienced is not simply a set of symptoms (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), but a major change in the person's "assumptive world", the way the self and the world around it is understood.

Crisis intervention must focus on allowing victims to psychologically "process" the events and their reactions by assisting them to build frame works of understanding within which their shattered assumptions and new perceptions of themselves may be ordered.

Psychological debriefing is put forward as a model of crisis intervention which facilitates this process. A "Debriefing Continuum" is identified in which three types of debriefing; group, large group, and individual may be placed and contrasted. A sequence of intervention is proposed.
History of Japan's Industrial and Environmental Crises
Authors: Fuwa Keiichiro
Published: March 2007

The history of Japan is briefly described in order to understand its present problems in both industrial and environmental fields. Japan's rapid recovery from defeat in World War II, quick development of industries, and the result ing environmental crisis are explained by Japanese views of the relationship of society and nature. Even in the modern age, the basic social relations seem to stem from its feudal system. This system created crises in agriculture and mines in the middle ages. More recently it has caused industrial and envi ronmental crises in Minamata Bay and Yokkaichi complex.
The extent of drug therapy for ADHD among children in a large public school district
Authors: Goldstein S. , Turner D.
Published: March 2007

Objectives: To collect prevalence data on the percentage of elementary-school-aged youth in a large suburban school district in northern Utah receiving medication at school for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Method: A survey of medication prescribed and taken at school for ADHD was completed by collecting counts of children by grade and gender receiving medication at school.

Results: Of the students surveyed, a total of 434 were receiving medication for ADHD at school, yielding a percentage of 1.39% for elementary school students taking medication for ADHD treatment

Conclusions: These data reinforce the increasing perception among clinicians and researchers that the diagnostic incidence and subsequent treatment for ADHD varies dramatically across geographic location. These findings are less than the recently reported very high incidence of medication use in Virginia and more moderately reported incidence in other parts of the country (e.g., LeFever, Dawson, Morrow, 1999; LeFever et al., 1997; Wolraich, Hannah, Pinnock, Baumgaertel, & Brown, 1996).
The Impact of Training on Consumer Participation in the Delivery of Health Services
Authors: Metsch Jonathan M. , Berson Ann , Weitzner Martin
Published: March 2007

A retrospective evaluation of training provided to six hospital consumer advisory groups is described The training program was designed to provide information and decision. making skills to consumers of services and community representatives serving on voluntary hospital advisory boards. The evaluation, initiated after the end of the training program, demonstrates different effects of training depending on the stage of development of the consumer board All but one of the six boards studied showed positive changes in the number and type of activities following training
Behavioral Science Applied to Cardiovascular Health: Progress and Research Needs in the Modification of Risk-Taking Habits in Adult Populations
Authors: McAlister Alfred L. , Farquhar John W. , Thoresen Carl E. , Maccoby Nathan
Published: March 2007

Epidemiological and experimental studies provide evidence that a complex of behavioral, biological and environmental factors interact in the etiology of many cardiovascular diseases. A survey of research and theory concerning training and counseling programs for adult populations is provided . Six basic behavioral recommendations are made for the maintenance of cardiovascular health Problems in the design of mass media and interpersonal campaigns to alter the health habits of large populations are considered
The Dentist and Preventive Dental Health Information
Authors: Hellman Sandra
Published: March 2007

Patients receive differing amounts of preventive dental health information from their dentist. What factors affect the amount of preventive information a patient receives? Many possible reasons which have been advanced for this difference are discussed in this paper. Using the clues presented in the literature, and results of a presurvey, some factors thought to influence the amount of preventive dental health information the patient receives were investigated. Specifically, the research problem was, "What is the relationship between the amount of preventive dental health information a patient receives from the dentist in his private office and the following factors: patient's appearance, interest-responsiveness, nervousness, need for dental care, request for service, orientation to dentistry, and dentist's liking for the patient?" The hypothesized relationships of amount of preventive dental information delivered to dentist's perception of patient's characteristics were not upheld The paper tentatively concludes that the characteristics of the dentist and his dental practice affect the preventive information delivered more significantly than patient characteristics.
Ethical Issues in Community Organization
Authors: Minkler Meredith
Published: March 2007

The health educator's role as a community organizer raises a number of ethical dilemmas for the practitioner. Such basic prescriptions given the health educator as "start where the people are"15 and "change by choice, not by coercion"22 must be carefully examined in light of the realities which sometimes make strict adherence to these theoretical goals difficult in practice and problematic from an ethical perspective. The importance of avoiding unintentional "victim-blaming" in the selection of targets for community organization and the necessity of acquainting communities with possible negative or unanticipated out comes of organizing efforts are underscored as critical ethical issues for the health educator engaged in community organization activities.
Diffusion of AIDS Curricula Among Dutch Secondary School Teachers
Authors: Paulussen Theo , Kok Gerjo , Schaalma Herman , Parcel Guy S.
Published: March 2007

This study reports data from a sample of 698 Dutch secondary school teachers intending to provide classroom AIDS education. The study addresses determinants of awareness knowledge about and adoption of four nationally disseminated AIDS curricula. The results indicated that knowledge acquisition was largely dependent on diffusion networks within schools. Transition from awareness knowledge to adoption appeared to be mediated by perceived instrumentality, subjective norms, perceived colleague behavior, and teachers' sexual morality. Preferences for using one curriculum rather than another were related to the same variables, although financial costs became slightly more important. It is concluded that effective dissemination strategies should combine (1) development of validated materials with clear instruction for implementation, (2) focused mass media communication. (3) close collaboration of curriculum designers, linking agents, and teachers, and (4) access to in-person assistance.
Status of Vectorized Monte Carlo for Particle Transport Analysis
Authors: Martin William R. , Brown Forrest B.
Published: March 2007

The conventional particle transport Monte Carlo algorithm is ill suited for modem vector supercomputers because the random nature of the particle transport process in the history based algorithm in hibits construction of vectors. An alterna tive, event-based algorithm is suitable for vectorization and has been used recently to achieve impressive gains in perfor mance on vector supercomputers. This re view describes the event-based algorithm and several variations of it Implementa tions of this algorithm for applications in particle transport are described, and their relative merits are discussed. The imple mentation of Monte Carlo methods on multiple vector parallel processors is con sidered, as is the potential of massively parallel processors for Monte Carlo par ticle transport simulations.
Implementation of a Distributed Interactive Graphics System
Authors: Choi Diana , Levit Creon , Follin Steven E.
Published: March 2007

The design, implementation, and performance of a distributed interactive graphics software system are described. The software is distributed between two machines with very different ca pabilities, a supercomputer (CRAY-2) and a graphics workstation (Silicon Graphics Iris). Both machines run the same operating system (UNIX) and are programmed by the user. Three-dimen sional graphical transformations, display updates, the user interface, and related operations are handled by the graphics workstation, while computationally intensive operations and some graphics are performed by the supercomputer. Three versions of this distributed graphics system are described; one builds display lists on the supercomputer, one builds them on the workstation, and one does not build them at all. Communication between the two machines con sists of a remote graphics protocol built on TCP/ IP. The performance of two distributed graphics programs—a test case and an application from computational fluid dynamics—is reported, and the timing results are analyzed.
Determination of Protein Structures in Solution Using Nmr Data and Impact
Authors: Bassolino Donna A. , Hirata Fumio , Kitchen Douglas B. , Kominos Dorothea , Pardi Arthur , Levy Ronald M.
Published: March 2007

A new procedure for generating and refining protein structures that satisfy constraints derived from two-di mensional data includes an internal coordinate Monte Carlo search algorithm for conformational sampling and a simple target function with terms for describing the structural information contained in 2-D NMR spectra. Solution structures of the peptide neutrophil defensin NP-5, generated with a metric matrix distance geometry algorithm, are refined with the Monte Carlo procedure, leading to structures with interproton distances that are closer to the bounds observed in the NMR data and have improved local geometry. In model studies, an α- helical peptide is rapidly folded from an extended chain when NMR distance constraints corresponding to an α- helix are used as input parameters. The ab initio folding of NP-5 from an extended chain and possible application to studying protein folding pathways are discussed. Cal culations were carried out with the program package IMPACT (Integrated Modeling Program Using Applied Chemical Theory), under development. An overview of IMPACT is presented.
Parallel and Serial Variational Inequality Decomposition Algorithms for Multicommodity Market Equilibrium Problems
Authors: Nagurney Anna , Kim Dae-Shik
Published: March 2007

We have applied parallel and serial variational inequality (VI) diagonal decomposition algorithms to large-scale, multicommodity market equilibrium problems. These decomposition algorithms resolve the VI problems into single commodity problems, which are then solved as quadratic programming problems. The algorithms are implemented on an IBM 3090-600E, and randomly gen erated linear and nonlinear problems with as many as 100 markets and 12 commodities are solved. The com putational results demonstrate that the parallel diagonal decomposition scheme is amenable to paralielization. This is the first time that multicommodity equilibrium problems of this scale and level of generality have been solved. Furthermore, this is the first study to compare the efficiencies of parallel and serial VI decomposition algorithms. Although we have selected as a prototype an equilibrium problem in economics, virtually any equilibrium problem can be formulated and studied as a variational inequality problem. Hence, our results are not limited to applications in economics and operations research.
Modeling the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Johnson Mark A. , O'Brien James J.
Published: March 2007

Two numerical models utilizing primitive equations (two momentum equations and a mass continuity equation) simulate the oceanography of the Pacific Ocean from 20°S to 50°N. Results show Kelvin waves thousands of kilometers long propagating from the equator to the northeast Pacific Ocean. Kelvin waves are very long waves that propagate along the equator and along solid boundaries with the boundary to their right. They are important to simulations of ocean circulation along the North American coast because they carry information at seasonal and longer periods from the equator poleward. Modeling an extensive region such as the Pacific Ocean with adequate two-dimensional resolution places heavy demands on computer memory and storage. We have found that the best way to examine the abundant model data is through visualization, by animating the appro priate model fields and viewing the time history of each model simulation as a color movie. The animations are used as research products to aid our understanding of ocean circulation. Several animations are reproduced in the accompanying video.
Computer-Aided Software Development Tools for the Supercomputer Environment
Authors: McNamara B. , Moriarty K.J.M.
Published: March 2007

The progress and future promise of computer-aided software development for science and engineering ap plications are reviewed. Current research and end-user tools are examined. New hardware technologies may produce the rapid improvements needed for a produc tive environment. The needed capabilities are set in the context of the various computers to be used, from workstations to parallel supercomputers. Recent changes in the computer marketplace are evaluated in this con text. Some of the leading software development efforts are discussed in more detail.
Stability, Electronic Structure, and Phase Diagrams of Novel Inter- Semiconductor Compounds
Authors: Ferreira L.G. , Wei S.-H. , Zunger Alex
Published: March 2007

High-technology electronic devices are based on highly specialized core materials that make their operation pos sible : semiconductors. Unfortunately, the range of mate rial properties that make high-technology devices work is extremely narrow, since the sheer number of useful semiconductors is small. Hence, a major challenge has been to predict and develop new, potentially useful semiconductors. We describe here how the use of state- of-the-art techniques in both quantum and statistical mechanics can lead to predictions of new, stable, and ordered semiconductor alloys. A number of laboratories have already grown experimentally these new materials; efforts to characterize their useful material properties are ongoing in the United States, Japan, and Europe. This work describes the theoretical methodologies of our ap proach, and shows how supercomputers make possible the quantum-mechanical architectural analysis of new materials.