bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Attitudes to Mental Illness: The Influence of the Hungerford Massacre
Authors: Appleby Louis , Wessely Simon
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: In the first prospective study of public attitudes towards mental illness and violence, two representative population samples (n = 1963) were questioned before and after the murders at Hungerford. There was a significant increase in the number believing that those who commit horrific crimes are likely to be mentally ill. There was no change in the proportion believing the mentally ill are likely to be violent, nor in those agreeing that the mentally ill should be encouraged to live in the community. When the attitudes were tested after a further six months this significant increase was no longer found.

As the true mental state of Michael Ryan is unknown, arguments are presented suggesting that speculation by the press and psychiatrists may have resulted in this change, but without influencing the public view of mental illness in general.
Psychological After-Effects of Transportation Disaster
Authors: Hodgkinson Peter E.
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: Natural and technological disasters are compared, and studies of Transportation Mass Disaster, i.e. catastrophies of road, rail, air and sea, are reviewed with respect to the psychological aftereffects on victims, including survivors, bereaved and helpers.

Transportation Mass Disasters are noted to have a number of features in common, including complicating factors which may contribute to the high incidence of post-disaster psychological morbidity.

‘To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive …’

R. L. Stevenson
Black Stuff and Babies. Accidental Ingestion of Cannabis Resin
Authors: Pettinger G. , Duggan M. B. , Forrest A. R. W.
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: Accidental ingestion of cannabis resin by a 2 1/2-year-old girl was followed by 6 to 8 hours of stupor, accompanied by hypothermia and slowing of respiration. She recovered spontaneously with no after-effects. The clinical presentation, sequelae and legal implications of cannabis ingestion by children are discussed.
Impairment of Autopsy Histology by Organ Washinga Myth
Authors: Cotton D. W. K. , Stephenson T. J.
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: Histological sections of post-mortem tissues are often poorly preserved and many pathologists feel that washing tissues during the autopsy may contribute to this. This proposition was tested by immersing blocks of fresh tissue in tap water for 10 minutes and assessing the histological preservation of subsequent tissue sections. Blocks of liver were also kept in tap water for periods of up to 34 hours and the amount of tissue damage was assessed using routine histology. All slides were coded and interpreted by an observer who had not previously seen the tissues. Photographs of the various tissues stained with a variety of techniques were also offered to a group of pathologists, at a Pathological Society meeting, who also attempted to classify them as ‘washed’ or ‘unwashed’. The results were statistically random and showed that washing tissues in the manner described had no deleterious effect on subsequent histological preparations. We conclude that there is no reason to avoid washing tissues during the routine autopsy.
Ethnic Group and Compulsory Detention
Authors: Moodley Parimala , Thornicroft Graham
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: One hundred consecutive patients detained under the Mental Health Act (1983) were investigated in terms of ethnicity, socio-demographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnosis, reasons for compulsory detention and immediate management. Of the total group, 26 were of West Indian origin and 65 were white. West Indian patients were more likely to be young, referred by the police, and detained because of violence. Schizophrenia was diagnosed much less frequently among the West Indian male patients.
A Comparative Perspective on Forensic Psychiatry in Canada and England
Authors: Christopher M. Green , Naismith Laurence J.
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: An outline is presented of the development and practice of forensic psychiatry, including relevant legal aspects, in Canada, in comparison to the English system. It is written by two English-trained psychiatrists, who have provided forensic services in both Canada and England.

Canadian forensic psychiatry is portrayed as having a greater medico-legal emphasis than at present in England, with a continuing dependence on the insanity verdict for seriously mentally disordered offenders. Canadian forensic psychiatric institutions are often attached to the correctional system, whereas in England they are under the Department of Health. Within this framework, the article elaborates upon clinical and medico-legal differences.
A Study on the Correlation of Blood and Vitreous Humour Alcohol Levels in the Late Absorption and Elimination Phases
Authors: Yip David C.P. , Shum Bobby S.F.
Published: July 2017

By using the urine:blood alcohol level ratio as the indicator, the correlation of blood alcohol level (B) and vitreous humour alcohol level (V) in the late absorption and elimination phases was studied. It was found to be good (r = 0.98) and B = 0.76V + 4.7. It is suggested that this equation can safely be used to estimate the minimum blood alcohol level where cadaveric blood is unsuitable or unavailable for analysis and that the B/V ratio can be used to infer the phase in which death occurred where urine is not available.
Homicide by Electrocution
Authors: Al-Alousi L M.
Published: July 2017

Two cases of homicidal electrocutions are reported. A woman and her young son were killed in 1980 by her ex-husband. The criminal used electrical force as a method of killing. He wound flexible conducting wires around the limbs of the victims and switched on the current. He deliberately deceived his ex-wife by telling her that the circuits were incomplete and hence harmless. Thus, he persuaded her to be part of the circuits, so that a bulb could be lit when placed on her bare skin. The circumstances associated with these cases are given and the scene of the crime is described. Some important pathological aspects of electrical injuries are reviewed. The significance of pathological findings in the forensic investigations of electrocution is discussed.
Mental Abnormality and Criminality—An Uncertain Relationship
Authors: Prins Herschel
Published: July 2017

Some aspects of the uncertain relationship between mental abnormality and criminality are considered. Comments are offered on the contextual framework for such a relationship, studies of penal and other populations and the relationship between some specific mental abnormalities and criminal behaviour. Some implications for management are identified.
Patients May Not Recall Disclosure of Risk of Death: Implications for Informed Consent
Authors: Wade Terence C.
Published: July 2017

This study examined the issue of rational decisionmaking involved in the ‘patient need’ standard of informed consent. A majority of elective cholecystectomy patients (90% of 144) correctly identified their risk of death on a multiple choice questionnaire after preoperative counselling, but before surgery. However, many of those patients who answered correctly (54%) reported that they were not informed about the risk of death when questioned again after discharge. An attempt to discriminate patients who reported being informed from those who did not using measures of preoperative pain, emotional distress and medication was not successful. Faced with an inability to obtain informed consent from some patients, coupled with legal liability for failing to do so, surgeons are advised to obtain consent in writing, to provide comprehensive, multi-media counselling, and to be particularly conscientious with confused patients and those with complications.
Drug Use, Crime and the Attitudes of Magistrates
Authors: Johns Andrew , Gossop Michael
Published: July 2017

In a study concerned with the views of magistrates' on crime related to drug use, a 27-item attitudinal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 154 subjects drawn from all magistrates in the London area. The response rate was 72%. There was broad agreement on the seriousness of crime related to drug use but there were also interesting differences of opinion. A principal components analysis revealed three factors which accounted for 67% of the variance. Factor 1, labelled ‘seriousness’; relates to the attitude that the extent of drug use and drug-related crimes such as possession, are serious offences. Factor 2, labelled ‘intervention’, reflects the view that sentencing and treatment are valuable in dealing with drug-related crime. Factor 3, labelled ‘responsibility’ describes the attitude that drug users are responsible for their offences and for the contents of statements made when withdrawing from drugs. There were differences between the magistrates on items concerning cannabis, personal responsibility for drug-related crime and the value of sentencing options. Magistrates tended to value psychiatric court-reports but some found them unclearly worded and partial to the defendant. Implications for the legal and medical response to drug use and crime are discussed.
A Follow-up of Remanded Mentally III Offenders Given Court Hospital Orders
Authors: Robertson G , Grounds A , Dell S , James K
Published: July 2017

A follow up study of 101 men who were remanded to Brixton prison and who were given hospital orders by courts is reported. In 93% of cases the hospitals who responded to our enquiries reported that the admission had been appropriate. Only 5 (11%) of the 46 men who had been discharged from hospital had absconded or discharged themselves without medical approval. The process of referral and admission to hospital resulted in these men having to spend, on average, between two and three times longer in custody when compared to men charged with similar offences. It is generally recognized that the acutely ill should not be imprisoned, and encouragement has been given to the diversion of such people from the Criminal Justice System. However, London presents particular problems in this respect and it is argued that, since such problems will always be present, there is a need for special psychiatric facilities to be opened in order to serve the needs of the Capital.
Assault and Injury in Clinical Forensic Medical Practice
Authors: Payne-James J Jason , Dean Peter J
Published: July 2017

A prospective study was undertaken of 150 individuals in police custody, seen by a Forensic Medical Examiner (FME) for documentation of alleged assault and associated injuries. Ninety-six per cent consented to participate in the study of whom 86% were male. The mean age was 29.8 years. Most assaults (35%) were said to be unprovoked, 26% of injuries were alleged to have occurred at the time of arrest, 17% as a result of domestic incidents and 8% due to driving incidents. Twenty-nine per cent of examinees were victims of assault, 21% complained of alleged police assault and 20% were police officers injured during arrests. There was no significant difference between the mean ages of victims and assailants, and no significant difference in the proportions of each group under the influence of alcohol. Those individuals alleging police assault were all male, and significantly more likely to be unemployed and single. Victims of assault were significantly more likely to be female. Weapons were used in only 15% of cases. The head was the most common site of injury. Twenty-three per cent of the study population required hospital assessment. The study has characterized the different groups of individuals requiring medical assessment for assault and injury in police custody. The findings in this study population differ from similar studies undertaken in alternative settings.
Identification of War Victims in Croatia
Authors: Strinovic D , Skavic J , Kostovic I , Henigsberg N , Judas M , Clark D
Published: July 2017

The intention of this paper is to describe the organizational principles and indicate the results already achieved in the identification of war victims in Croatia. By 25 February 1993, 6, 493 victims had been identified. A model is proposed that could be used in the course of identification processes, examining the methods and principles of identification which have been complicated by the time interval of more than a year from the time of death, for a presumed number of several thousand (up to 14, 000) unidentified victims, possibly in mass graves. Identification is further complicated by the lack of ante-mortem medical and dental records and the incapacity to utilize more expensive methods of identification. Attention is drawn to a group of more complex cases examined at the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Criminology.
Schizophrenics Remanded to the Forensic Psychiatric Institute of British Columbia, 1975–1990
Authors: Smith Jeanette , Grant Faye , Brinded Phil
Published: July 2017

Clinical and legal data were collected on 1265 schizophrenic patients remanded to a maximum security hospital, for psychiatric evaluation of fitness to stand trial. Schizophrenics accounted for over half of the remand population. When compared to the non-schizophrenic group, they had more previous admissions to the Forensic Psychiatric Institute and the Provincial Mental Hospital. They were also more likely to be found unfit to stand trial or to have their charges stayed by the Crown. However, approximately half of the schizophrenics in this study returned to Court, fit to stand trial and with no further psychiatric treatment provided. This study raises major questions about the purpose and value of remanding schizophrenics to a maximum security hospital for in-patient fitness evaluations.
Interim Hospital Order — A Regional Secure Unit experience
Authors: Kaul A
Published: July 2017

The Mental Health Act, 1983, provides certain new provisions for the disposal of mentally disordered offenders, including the Interim Hospital Order. This Order allows the appropriateness of an eventual Hospital Order to be assessed. However, there is a wide variation in the use of the Interim Hospital Order.

This paper examines the use of this Order in the Trent Regional Secure Unit, where it seems to have been used principally to assess the treatability of patients under the category of psychopathic disorder.
4. Are a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 256mg/dl and Minimal Signs of Impairment Reliable Indications of Alcohol Dependence?
Authors: Jones A W
Published: July 2017

This article describes a drink-driving scenario where a woman was apprehended for driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 256mg/dl1 The correctness of this result was vigorously challenged by a medical expert witness for the defence, who was actually a specialist in alcohol diseases. Despite reanalysis to confirm the BAC as well as a DNA profile to prove the identity of the blood specimen, the woman was acquitted of the charge of drunk driving by the lower court. However, she was subsequently found guilty in the High Court of Appeals with a unanimous decision and sentenced to four weeks imprisonment.

This case report illustrates some of the problems surrounding the use of expert medical evidence by the defence to challenge the validity of the prosecution evidence based solely on a suspect's BAC. In situations such as these, an expert witness should be called by the prosecution to clarify and, if necessary, rebut medical and/or scientific opinions that might mislead the court and influence the outcome of the trial.
Physical Restraint of Patients in a Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Smith A D , Humphreys Martin
Published: July 2017

Use of physical restraint occurs within British psychiatric hospitals yet there has been little evaluative research on current practice. The present study aims to describe a group of disturbed in-patients who had required physical restraint at some point during the course of their stay in hospital and to classify the reasons for its use. Cases were identified using Case Register data and information obtained from patients' records. In the 48 episodes of physical restraint identified, patients were predominantly schizophrenic (60%), male (67%) and had been restrained because of physical violence to others (44%) or because they were attempting to abscond (31%). Although the majority of patients were compulsorily detained prior to the use of physical restraint, three remained informal. The findings are discussed in the context of the legal justifications for use of restraint. Further research on current practice is required to enable formulation of clear guidelines.
Assessment of the Perceived Need for a Psychiatric Service to a Magistrates' Court
Authors: Evans Jonathan , Tomison Arden
Published: July 2017

One approach to diversion from custody of mentally disordered offenders is to provide a psychiatric liaison service to local magistrates' courts. We aimed to establish whether such a scheme was needed locally. Questionnaires for the bench, defence solicitors and bail information officers, enquiring as to the perceived need for a psychiatric assessment, social service care and specialist bail provision, were distributed for all those appearing in a magistrates' court who had been held overnight in police custody. Responses were received for 223 individuals. An immediate psychiatric report was considered necessary for 4.9% of cases. In 2.2% of cases it was thought that remand in custody could have been avoided if such an opinion had been available. In 8% of cases it was thought that remand in custody could have been avoided if specialist bail provision were available. We conclude that availability of a specialist bail provision would lead to a greater number of diversions from custody than providing a psychiatric service to this magistrates' court.
Teaching data handling in foundation phase: Teachers’ experiences
Authors: Naidoo Jayaluxmi , Mkhabela Nokuphiwa
Published: July 2017

Data handling plays an important role within mathematics education since it encompasses real-world situations and assists in developing critical thinking skills in learners. However, globally international assessments disclose that learners are not performing well in data handling. This article explores foundation phase South African teachers’ experiences of teaching data handling. This exploration is based on the findings of a qualitative study framed within the ambit of social constructivism. Data were gathered via a teacher questionnaire, lesson observations and semi-structured interviews with eight participants from seven different primary schools. The findings indicate that participants used different pedagogic strategies when teaching data handling. These pedagogic strategies included group work, group discussions and demonstrations. The subsequent findings could benefit foundation phase curriculum developers as well as mathematics teachers and researchers in the foundation phase.
Neoliberalizing race? Diverse youths’ lived experiences of race in school choice
Authors: Yoon Ee-Seul
Published: July 2017

Critical racial studies of school choice elucidate the worsening effects of school choice policy on racial segregation in diversifying cities around the world. This paper contributes to this scholarship by illuminating how a neoliberal education policy of school choice has created racial divisions in new ways in a settler-colonial city. It focuses on how neoliberal education reform of school choice reconfigures and reifies race as a socially and spatially constructed category, fixing the racial identities of youths. I apply critical theories of race, space and youth to examine how diverse youths make sense of, and negotiate, race within and between schools in making “choices” in the local context of a historically racialized urban geography. This paper shows that neoliberal reforms of education do not erase, but rather reconstruct, racial identities and divisions by shedding light on 59 students’ (ages 11–19) accounts of racial exclusion and their constructions of new racial stereotypes in the processes and outcomes of school choice.
Knitted fabric properties influencing coolness to the touch and the relationship between subjective and objective coolness measurements
Authors: Park Junghyun , Yoo Hwa-Sook , Hong Kyong Ha , Kim Eunae
Published: July 2017

The aims of this study were to identify the optimal combination of knitted fabric properties that influence the sensation of coolness and to ascertain the relationship between subjective and objective coolness measurements. Test fabrics included eight cool-touch nylon knitted fabrics and four other knitted fabrics. The physical properties and surface characteristics of the fabrics were assessed. Coolness sensation was determined by the Thermolabo II instrument to provide an objective measurement, expressed as Qmax. A forearm test and palm-of-hand test were used as subjective measurements. Pore volume ratio and geometric roughness had a significant effect on coolness sensation expressed via Qmax. Stiffness and weight influenced the forearm test. Pore volume ratio and the coefficient of steel–fabric friction affected the coolness sensation measured by the palm-of-hand test. Nylon/spandex (78/22) tricot was the coolest of all samples, such that its characteristics were thought to represent the optimal combination of knitted fabric properties for a cooling fabric, that is, a high and balanced stitch density of 150 × 130, light in weight of 161.4 g/m2, a pore volume ratio of 69.4%, medium geometric roughness, and a thin pliable knitted fabric. The objective measurements were highly correlated with the palm-of-hand test, but not with the forearm test because only the palm-of-hand test had a test set-up that was similar to the objective test. Although the objective and forearm test set-ups were only slightly different, coolness assessed with the forearm test was not correlated with coolness assessed with objective measurements.
The Power of Reinsurance in Health Insurance Exchanges to Improve the Fit of the Payment System and Reduce Incentives for Adverse Selection
Authors: Zhu Jane M. , Layton Timothy , Sinaiko Anna D. , McGuire Thomas G.
Published: July 2017

Risk adjustment and reinsurance protect plans against risk of losses and contend with adverse selection in the new health insurance Exchanges. This article assesses the power of reinsurance in the context of other plan payment features, including prospective and concurrent risk adjustment. Using data from the Medicare Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) to draw an “Exchange population,” we simulate the contribution of reinsurance to improving the fit of the payment system to plan costs and to mitigating incentives for adverse selection for groups of enrollees with selected chronic illnesses. Modest reductions in attachment points equate the payment-system fit of retrospective to concurrent risk adjustment. Reinsurance is very powerful in fitting payments to costs and moderately effective in dealing with selection incentives.
Effect of chlorinated polyethylene on dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of SAN/EPDM blends in dependence of mixing conditions
Authors: Taheri Mona , Morshedian Jalil , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Noordermeer Jacques WM
Published: July 2017

The effect of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) on the compatibilization and thermal properties of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN)/Ethylele-Propylene-Diene-polyMethylene rubber (EPDM) blends (80/20) was investigated. Two different mixing procedures were employed, that is, single- and two-step blending. In the single-step process, EPDM was melt blended with CPE and SAN simultaneously, which led to a droplet morphology. In the two-step process, first, a masterbatch of EPDM and CPE in SAN was prepared, and then mixed with further amounts of SAN and CPE in order to reach the same fixed blend ratio of 80/20 for SAN/EPDM. The morphology changed from EPDM droplets for the one-step mixing to co-continuous for the two-step blending process. This morphological change was reflected in a change of the complex modulus. The characteristics of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves (T1%, T5%, T30%, and T50%) were examined, as indicators for improved thermal stability of the blends. The intermolecular interaction characterized by the Kwei equation showed higher values for the blends prepared by the two-step mixing procedure. The dynamic mechanical analysis supported the occurrence of chain scission in the SAN phase at the beginning of aging and cross-linking of SAN at higher temperatures and longer times as a result of cyclization of CN groups in SAN.
Detection and control of a gyroscopically induced vibration to improve the balance of a single-wheel robot
Authors: Lee Sangdeok , Jung Seul
Published: July 2017

In this article, an experimental investigation of the detection of a gyroscopically induced vibration and the balancing control performance of a single-wheel robot is presented. The balance of the single-wheel robot was intended to be maintained by virtue of the gyroscopic effect induced from a highly rotating flywheel. Since the flywheel rotates at a high speed, an asymmetrical structure of a flywheel causes an irregular rotation and becomes one of the major vibration sources. A vibration was detected and suppressed a priori before applying control algorithms to the robot. Gyroscopically induced vibrations can empirically be detected with different rotational velocities. The detection of the balancing angle of the single-wheel robot was accomplished by using an attitude and heading reference system. After identifying the vibrating frequencies, a notch filter was designed to suppress the vibration at the typical frequencies identified through experiments. A digital filter was designed and implemented in a digital signal processor(DSP) along with the control scheme for the balance control performance. The performance of the proposed method was verified by the experimental studies on the balancing control of the single-wheel robot. Experimental results confirmed that the notch filter designed following the detection of the flywheel’s vibration actually improved the balancing control performance. A half of the vibration magnitude was reduced by the proposal.
Elite Business Networks and the Field of Power: A Matter of Class?
Authors: Maclean Mairi , Harvey Charles , Kling Gerhard
Published: July 2017

We explore the meaning and implications of Bourdieu’s construct of the field of power and integrate it into a wider conception of the formation and functioning of elites at the highest level in society. Corporate leaders active within the field of power hold prominent roles in numerous organizations, constituting an ‘elite of elites’, whose networks integrate powerful participants from different fields. As ‘bridging actors’, they form coalitions to determine institutional settlements and societal resource flows. We ask how some corporate actors (minority) become hyper-agents, those actors who ‘make things happen’, while others (majority) remain ‘ordinary’ members of the elite. Three hypotheses are developed and tested using extensive data on the French business elite. Social class emerges as persistently important, challenging the myth of meritocratic inclusion. Our primary contribution to Bourdieusian scholarship lies in our analysis of hyper-agents, revealing the debts these dominants owe to elite schools and privileged classes.
Library Software in Pakistan
Authors: Malik Khalid Mahmood
Published: July 2017

The use of computers in libraries in Pakistan is expected to increase as the government realizes the possibilities of new information technology. Outlines the basic elements of the computerization of library operations and discusses the problems of using and developing library software in Pakistan. Libraries have automated individually without exchanging experience; most libraries cannot afford library automation, and librarians are not trained in library automation. Although foreign software is not suitable for Pakistan's libraries, some foreign software is being used, including: dBase III+ and IV; Foxpro; INMAGIC; Mini-micro CDS/ISIS; MINISIS; and Sci-Mate. Attempts have been made to develop library applications software in Pakistan. The most successful has been the Library Automation and Management Program (LAMP), developed by the Netherlands Library Development Project-Pakistan using CDS/ISIS. Recommends that a National Centre for Library Software Development be established and a MARC format for Pakistan should be developed. Library software should be developed to deal with materials in local languages.
Prediction of venous wound healing with laser speckle imaging
Authors: van Vuuren Timme MAJ , Van Zandvoort Carina , Doganci Suat , Zwiers Ineke , tenCate-Hoek Arina J , Kurstjens Ralph LM , Wittens Cees HA
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Laser speckle imaging is used for noninvasive assessment of blood flow of cutaneous wounds. The aim of this study was to assess if laser speckle imaging can be used as a predictor of venous ulcer healing.

Methods

After generating the flux speckle images, three regions of interest (ROI) were identified to measure the flow. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value for ulcer healing were calculated.

Results

In total, 17 limbs were included. A sensitivity of 92.3%, specificity of 75.0%, PPV of 80.0%, and NPV 75.0% were found in predicting wound healing based on laser speckle images. Mean flux values were lowest in the center (ROI I) and showed an increase at the wound edge (ROI II, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Laser speckle imaging shows acceptable sensitivity and specificity rates in predicting venous ulcer healing. The wound edge proved to be the best probability for the prediction of wound healing.
Empirical characterization of modular variable stiffness inflatable structures for supernumerary grasp-assist devices
Authors: Tiziani Lucas , Hart Alexander , Cahoon Thomas , Wu Faye , Asada H. Harry , Hammond Frank L
Published: July 2017

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of modular, variable stiffness inflatable components for pneumatically actuated supernumerary robotic (SR) grasp-assist devices. The proposed SR grasp-assist devices are comprised of soft rigidizable finger phalanges and variable stiffness pneumatic bending actuators that are manufactured using soft lithography fabrication methods. The mechanical and kinematic properties of these modular, inflatable components are characterized experimentally under various loading conditions and over a range of geometric design parameters. The resulting data-driven properties are then used to predict the grasp strengths and motion patterns of SR grasp-assist device configurations designed to accommodate the manipulation of daily living objects. Experimental results demonstrate the ability to program grasp synergies into SR fingers by strategic inflation of the bending actuator antagonist chambers (varying mechanical stiffness), without the need for complicated, high-power mechanisms or precise, low-level motion control. The results also demonstrate the underactuated grasp adaptations enabled by modular inflatable components and the ability to predict mechanical grasping capabilities of wearable pneumatic SR grasp-assist devices using insights from empirical data.
Development of a Questionnaire to Measure Ego States with Some Applications to Social and Comparative Psychiatry
Authors: Heyer N. Robert
Published: July 2017

An objective questionnaire technique has been developed for measuring ego states using the Egogram model. Tests show the method has good reliability and validity characteristics. In a statewide survey of a sample of 1044 adults, significant differences were found in the amounts of Critical Parent, Nurturing Parent, Adult, Free Child and Adapted Child expressed by sex, age, education, and ethnic background. Studies of recovering alocholics and prison inmates also found significant ego state profile differences from the general population in directions consistent with TA theory. A study of the public's ego state perceptions of Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford prior to the 1976 election showed significant influences on voting intention of the candidates' degrees of projected Nurturing Parent, Adult, and Free Child ego states. The questionnaire is applicable to clinical and social survey research, and can be used for diagnosis and treatment in the same manner that Egograms are used.
The Pig Parent
Authors: Steiner Claude
Published: July 2017

History and definition of the Pig Parent is given. Strategies for recognizing, fighting, and defeating its influence are discussed.
The Racket System: A Model for Racket Analysis
Authors: Erskine Richard G. , Zalcman Marilyn J.
Published: July 2017

To resolve some discrepancies in rackets theory and its place within TA theory and treatment, this article proposes the addition of Racket Analysis and explains how the Racket System is a model for identifying and dealing with racket-related phenomena. The Racket System is self-reinforcing and distorted, based on script, and consists of Script Beliefs and Feelings, Rackety Displays, and Reinforcing Memories.
Hyperactivity as Passive Behavior
Authors: Edwards Sally Ann
Published: July 2017

Hyperactivity is presented as passive behavior indicative of a chronic unresolved problem. Whether the problem is physiological, neurological and/or social/emotional in origin, the child adopts passive behavior in the form of agitation. Such behavior becomes an integral part of the child's problem-solving structure throughout his development and is supported by the social system in which he lives. A case history illustrates how transactional analysis is used within an inter-disciplinary approach to deal with the passivity and solve the problem(s).
Making Marriage Grow
Authors: Bilelo Flo
Published: July 2017

This article presents basic premises on marital dysfunction developed from three well-known programs: general systems theory, the marriage enrichment program, and transactional analysis. 67 couples completed contracts for individual and conjoint treatment, followed by an 8-week group consisting of 4 to 6 couples. In addition, 2 follow-up group sessions were held in 3-month intervals. Fourteen groups completed this process in a 4-year period. Most of the relationships dramatically improved; 8 permanent divorces occurred.
Effects of TA Instruction on Empathy, Self-Esteem, Control
Authors: Payton Otto D. , Morriss Robert L. , Beale Andrew V.
Published: July 2017

Tests of empathie discrimination, self-concept and locus of control were given before and after a graduate course in supervision. The course was both didactic and experiential and was built on a TA theory base. Results from two separate studies demonstrated significant changes toward empathie discrimination skill and internal locus of control. A statistically non-significant trend toward a higher self-concept was also seen. Control groups demonstrated no significant changes.
Decision Scale
Authors: Woollams Stanley J.
Published: July 2017

A decision scale with a zero to ten range is proposed as a new tool for understanding and illustrating script information. It depicts the severity of decisions, the favored drivers, and the clients strengths on a single scale. It also provides an easy way to follow changes during treatment.
Re-Cycling Our Energies
Authors: Hillig Charles A.
Published: July 2017

Energies created in our Child need to be cycled through our Adult and our Parent ego states if they are to be fully completed and experienced. If this process does not occur, our energies become fixated and repetitive.
Therapy: A Process
Authors: Gellert Shepard
Published: July 2017

As an aid in teaching and training therapists to integrate theories and practices of psychotherapies, the author uses systems theory to describe a model of therapy as a process. The interventions of the various schools are then ordered to the model.
Olanzapine Use in the Elderly: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Solomons Kevin , Geiger Odie
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of olanzapine in a hospitalized geriatric population that had previously failed to respond to, or tolerate, numerous trials with other antipsychotic medications.

Method:

A retrospective chart analysis was conducted on 58 elderly patients with psychotic symptoms who were given a trial on olanzapine. Data was collected regarding patients 'psychiatric diagnoses, duration of illness, duration of hospitalization, prior response to psychotropic therapies, concomitant psychotropic agents, side effects, and clinically determined changes over time.

Results:

Results indicated that 60.3% of this refractory group of patients improved on olanzapine. Side effects were reported for 38% of the patients, with delirium, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), and drowsiness or lethargy being the most common.

Conclusions:

The reported level of improvement in this group of refractory elderly psychotic patients indicates that olanzapine can make an important contribution to the mental health of elderly patients with similar characteristics.
Structure factorielle de la traduction française de l'échelle d'impulsivité de Barratt (BIS-10)
Authors: Baylé Franck J , Bourdel Marie Chantai , Caci Hervé , Gorwood Philip , Chignon Jean-Michel , Adés Jean , Lôo Henri
Published: July 2017

Même si le concept d'impulsivité demeure sujet à controverses, de nombreuses d'approches ont été tentées pour mesurer cette dimension. Seules les mesures psychométriques possèdent une bonne validité consensuelle et semblent aujourd'hui opérationnelles en routine. Barratt a élaboré la plus ancienne échelle mesurant spécifiquement l'impulsivité. De nombreuses révisions ont permis d'en améliorer la validité. Nous avons traduit en français sans difficultés majeures la dixième version validée de cette échelle (Barratt Impulsivity Scale [BIS-10]) et exploré sa structure factorielle. Nous l'avons assortie d'un autoquestionnaire évaluant l'anxiété. Nous avons recruté au sein de la population générale 280 sujets âgés en moyenne de 36,9 ans (18 à 79 ans). L'âge des sujets exerce une influence faible mais significative sur les scores d'impulsivité. L'analyse en composantes principales (ACP) montre que les 9 premiers facteurs expliquent 55,6% de la variance. Une nouvelle ACP sur ces facteurs de premier ordre permet d'extraire 3 facteurs de second ordre. Ceux-ci correspondent bien au regroupement proposé par Barratt. Nos résultats confortent ceux de l'analyse initiale de l'échelle qui n 'ont pu être reproduits par la suite. Il s'agit, à notre connaissance, de la première traduction française d'un instrument qui évalue spécifiquement l'impulsivité et dont la structure factorielle a été étudiée dans la population générale.
Tertiary Mental Health Services: IL Subpopulations and Best Practices for Service Delivery
Authors: Cochrane Jeanette , Goering Paula , Durbin Janet , Butterill Dale , Dumas John , Wasylenki Donald
Published: July 2017

Tertiary care subpopulations are characterized by having more than one significant condition, each of which has been traditionally dealt with by different systems of care. They experience severe and persistent mental illness and one or more of the following: age-related physical or medical conditions, substance use disorders, developmental handicaps, and acquired brain injury. This paper provides estimates of prevalence for each of these subgroups and discusses best practices which have developed in response to their special needs.
Diagnosis and Epidemiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Tidmarsh Lee , Volkmar Fred R
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we give an overview of the diagnostic categories of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) and discuss the changes in the DSM classification system over the past 20 years. We describe each subtype of PDD, along with comorbid psychiatric conditions, assessment guidelines, and tools for diagnosis. The epidemiology of autism has generated much discussion and research; we report the most recent data, as well as recent findings about controversial issues purporting to cause the increased prevalence rate observed in the past decade. Finally, we discuss the prognosis for individuals with autism, indicating the challenges faced by patients, families, and professionals aiming to optimize their outcome.
Understanding Immigrants' Reluctance to Use Mental Health Services: A Qualitative Study from Montreal
Authors: Whitley Rob , Kirmayer Laurence J , Groleau Danielle
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Studies suggest that non-European immigrants to Canada tend to under use mental health services, compared with Canadian-born people. Social, cultural, religious, linguistic, geographic, and economic variables may contribute to this underuse. This paper explores the reasons for underuse of conventional mental health services in a community sample of immigrants with identified emotional and somatic symptoms.

Method:

Fifteen West Indian immigrants in Montreal with somatic symptoms and (or) emotional distress, not currently using mental health services, participated in a face-to-face in-depth interview exploring health care use. Interviews were analyzed thematically to discern common factors explaining reluctance to use services.

Results:

Across participants' narratives, we identified 3 significant factors explaining their reluctance to use mental health services. First, there was a perceived overwillingness of doctors to rely on pharmaceutical medications as interventions. Second, participants perceived a dismissive attitude and lack of time from physicians in previous encounters that deterred their use of current health service. Third, many participants reported a belief in the curative power of nonmedical interventions, most notably God and to a lesser extent, traditional folk medicine.

Conclusion:

The above factors may highlight important areas for intervention to reduce disparities in immigrant use of mental health care. We present our framework as a model, grounded in empirical data, that further research can explore.
The Lay Concept of Conduct Disorder: Do Nonprofessionals Use Syndromal Symptoms or Internal Dysfunction to Distinguish Disorder from Delinquency?
Authors: Wakefield Jerome C , Kirk Stuart A , Pottick Kathleen J , Hsieh Derek K , Tian Xin
Published: July 2017

Background:

Conduct disorder (CD) must be distinguished from nondisordered delinquent behaviour to avoid false positives, especially when diagnosing youth from difficult environments. However, the nature of this distinction remains controversial. The DSM-IV observes that its own syndromal CD diagnostic criteria conflict with its definition of mental disorder, which requires that symptoms be considered a manifestation of internal dysfunction to warrant disorder diagnosis. Previous research indicates that professional judgments tend to be guided by the dysfunction requirement, not syndromal symptoms alone. However, there are almost no data on lay conceptualizations. Thus it remains unknown whether judgments about CD are anchored in a broadly shared understanding of mental disorder that provides a basis for professional–lay consensus.

Objective:

The present study tests which conception of CD, syndromal-symptoms or dysfunction-requirement, corresponds most closely to lay judgments of disorder or nondisorder and compares lay and professional judgments. We hypothesized that lay disorder judgments, like professional judgments, tend to presuppose the dysfunction requirement.

Method:

Three lay samples (nonclinical social workers, nonpsychiatric nurses, and undergraduates) rated their agreement that youths described in clinical vignettes have a mental disorder. All vignettes satisfied DSM-IV CD diagnostic criteria. Vignettes were varied to present syndromal symptoms only, symptoms suggesting internal dysfunction, and symptoms resulting from reactions to negative circumstances, without dysfunction.

Results:

All lay samples attributed disorder more often to youths whose symptoms suggested internal dysfunction than to youths with similar symptoms but without a likely dysfunction.

Conclusions:

The dysfunction requirement appears to reflect a widely shared lay and professional concept of disorder.
Factors Explaining Career Satisfaction among Psychiatrists and Surgeons in Canada
Authors: Lepnurm Rein , Dobson Roy , Backman Allen , Keegan David
Published: July 2017

Background:

The career satisfaction of specialists is affected by many variables ranging from family responsibilities, stress, the quality of services and facilities available to patients, professional rewards, and how the work is organized.

Objective:

To articulate models that explain a substantial portion of the variance associated with career satisfaction among surgeons and psychiatrists in Canada.

Methods:

Of 4958 eligible physicians across Canada, 2810 (56.7%) completed a 12-page survey between January and March 2004, following which the responding 148 surgeons and 231 psychiatrists were selected for this study. We checked response bias and found it was negligible. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to record cumulative R2, Standardized beta, and significance levels as each predictor was entered. We applied weighting factors to reflect the actual physician population in Canada.

Results:

The models explained 90.4% of the variance in career satisfaction for surgeons and 81.0% of the variance in career satisfaction for psychiatrists. The explanatory variables consisted of distress and coping, role in community activities, access to and quality of health care services, intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, workload, and organizational structure.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrated that variance associated with career satisfaction can be explained using various factors reported directly by physicians. The study also confirmed that relative differences in the importance of these factors do occur among specialties. Surgeons prefer to delegate more responsibility in the management of their practices on an informal basis, whereas psychiatrists prefer to be more involved in the management of their practices and use more formal structures.
Clinical Implications of Research on Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health
Authors: Baetz Marilyn , Toews John
Published: July 2017

The relation between religion and (or) spirituality (RS), and mental health has shown generally positive associations; however, it is a complex and often emotion-laden field of study. We attempt to examine potential mechanisms that have been proposed as mediators for the RS and mental health relation. We also examine more philosophical areas including patient and physician opinions about inclusion of RS in patient care, and ethical issues that may arise. We review suggested guidelines for sensitive patient inquiry, and opportunities and challenges for education of psychiatrists and trainees. We also study practical ways to incorporate psychospiritual interventions into patient treatment, with specific reference to more common spiritual issues such as forgiveness, gratitude, and altruism.