bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le projet éducatif spécialisé : les enjeux du risque méthodologique
Authors: Rullac Stéphane
Published: October 2011

Résumé L’éducation spécialisée s’est construite identitairement à partir du rejet de la méthodologie. La réforme du dees de 2007 contraint ces professionnels, et les formateurs en tête, à formaliser de manière inédite une méthode du projet éducatif spécialisé. Cette révolution suscite de nombreuses oppositions qui permettent de saisir une véritable théorie du « risque méthodologique ». À défaut de relever ce défi de formalisation collective, ce métier risque de se laisser définir de manière extérieure et passerait à côté d’une opportunité historique de réduire son hétéronomie professionnelle.
Utilité et liberté de choix dans les classements d'ensembles d'opportunités
Authors: Baujard Antoinette
Published: October 2011

Résumé L'article vise à étudier la possibilité et la structure du pluralisme moral en se concentrant sur un cas particulier, la valorisation conjointe de l'utilité et de la liberté de choix. L'étude est menée à partir de la « littérature sur la liberté de choix », dont l'objet est de caractériser des classements d'ensembles d'opportunités selon la méthode axiomatique standard en théorie du choix social. Les raffinements du classement cardinal des ensembles ont permis de prendre en compte la valeur des contraintes, la valeur du choix, la diversité des options et la valeur des options pour traduire plus fidèlement les jugements de liberté. L'article discute du rôle de l'utilité ou des préférences dans ces classements d'ensembles et distingue ainsi entre le statut des préférences raisonnables et celui des préférences effectives. Les classements qui prennent simultanément en compte l'utilité effective ou potentielle et la liberté de choix s'interprètent comme des classements de bien-être globaux pluralistes. Il est alors possible de décrire les structures de relation entre l'utilité et la liberté selon différents modes de commensurabilité : la valeur instrumentale de la liberté pour l'utilité, la pondération des valeurs, la considération égalitaire des valeurs, l'ordre lexical des valeurs et la discontinuité. Cette analyse permet de conclure à la possibilité du pluralisme fondamental des valeurs dans le cas de classements qui reposent sur une valorisation discontinue de la liberté et de l'utilité.
Cure de jouvence pour les retraites : les grandes orientations
Authors: de Callataÿ Étienne
Published: October 2011

Résumé Tant la population que les arrangements institutionnels ont vieilli, ce qui a démultiplié les défis des finances publiques et de la cohésion sociale. La contribution cherche à identifier les principes directeurs d’une réforme des retraites en Belgique avec pour objectif d’élever le taux de participation des travailleurs âgés. Trois jeux de recommandations sont présentés. Le premier vise à corriger le manque de neutralité actuarielle des régimes actuels. Cela pourrait se faire par un système de comptes notionnels ou au travers d’une formule de calcul individuel des retraites basée sur le ratio entre la durée des cotisations et l’espérance de vie au moment du départ à la retraite. Le deuxième concerne le marché du travail, avec l’identification des facteurs qui découragent les entreprises d’employer des travailleurs âgés et les travailleurs d’allonger leur carrière. Le troisième a trait à l’harmonisation des régimes de retraite et à la réforme des retraites complémentaires. L’article conclut par un commentaire sur l’interaction entre une réforme structurelle des retraites et la réforme institutionnelle actuellement débattue en Belgique. JEL : H55, I38, J18
De la mujer infecunda a la madre del héroe. El motivo de la dificultad en la concepción en algunas historias caballerescas breves
Authors: Luna Mariscal Karla Xiomara
Published: October 2011

Ce travail constitue une approche de la figure de la mère du héros à travers le motif de la difficulté à concevoir un enfant dans les versions castillanes de quelques histoires chevaleresques brèves (Robert le Diable, Flore et Blanchefleur, Paris et Vienne, Olivier de Castille et Partonopeus de Blois).
Pour une amélioration de l'utilisation commerciale de la carte sur le web : proposition pour le site de l'office français des forêts
Authors: Godard Vincent
Published: October 2011

L'année 1999 a vu l'arrivée d’Internet dans le mode de commercialisation des ventes de bois des forêts publiques, domaniales et communales, par l'Office National des Forêts (ONF). Basé sur l’utilisation d’un moteur de recherche, ce site permet aux visiteurs de localiser les articles répondant à sa requête (essence, volume disponible, ...). L’unique carte présentée par l’ONF est un document localisant grossièrement l’emplacement des coupes. Il nous a paru pertinent de proposer l’adjonction d’un atlas de cartes pour permettre au vendeur d’augmenter la visibilité des produits qu’il met en vente et au visiteur de rationaliser ses achats. Le résultat est-il efficace ? Un questionnaire est soumis aux lecteurs de Cybergeo.
The TLR3/TICAM-1 Pathway Is Mandatory for Innate Immune Responses to Poliovirus Infection
Authors: Oshiumi Hiroyuki , Okamoto Masaaki , Fujii Ken , Kawanishi Takashi , Matsumoto Misako , Koike Satoshi , Seya Tsukasa
Published: October 2011

Cytoplasmic and endosomal RNA sensors recognize RNA virus infection and signals to protect host cells by inducing type I IFN. The cytoplasmic RNA sensors, retinoic acid inducible gene I/melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5, actually play pivotal roles in sensing virus replication. IFN-β promoter stimulator-1 (IPS-1) is their common adaptor for IFN-inducing signaling. Toll/IL-1R homology domain-containing adaptor molecule 1 (TICAM-1), also known as TRIF, is the adaptor for TLR3 that recognizes viral dsRNA in the early endosome in dendritic cells and macrophages. Poliovirus (PV) belongs to the Picornaviridae, and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 reportedly detects replication of picornaviruses, leading to the induction of type I IFN. In this study, we present evidence that the TLR3/TICAM-1 pathway governs IFN induction and host protection against PV infection. Using human PVR transgenic (PVRtg) mice, as well as IPS-1−/− and TICAM-1−/− mice, we found that TICAM-1 is essential for antiviral responses that suppress PV infection. TICAM-1−/− mice in the PVRtg background became markedly susceptible to PV, and their survival rates were decreased compared with wild-type or IPS-1−/− mice. Similarly, serum and organ IFN levels were markedly reduced in TICAM-1−/−/PVRtg mice, particularly in the spleen and spinal cord. The sources of type I IFN were CD8α+/CD11c+ splenic dendritic cells and macrophages, where the TICAM-1 pathway was more crucial for PV-derived IFN induction than was the IPS-1 pathway in ex vivo and in vitro analyses. These data indicate that the TLR3/TICAM-1 pathway functions are dominant in host protection and innate immune responses against PV infection.
The Role of RNA Polymerase II Elongation Control in HIV-1 Gene Expression, Replication, and Latency
Authors: Nilson Kyle A. , Price David H.
Published: October 2011

HIV-1 usurps the RNA polymerase II elongation control machinery to regulate the expression of its genome during lytic and latent viral stages. After integration into the host genome, the HIV promoter within the long terminal repeat (LTR) is subject to potent downregulation in a postinitiation step of transcription. Once produced, the viral protein Tat commandeers the positive transcription elongation factor, P-TEFb, and brings it to the engaged RNA polymerase II (Pol II), leading to the production of viral proteins and genomic RNA. HIV can also enter a latent phase during which factors that regulate Pol II elongation may play a role in keeping the virus silent. HIV, the causative agent of AIDS, is a worldwide health concern. It is hoped that knowledge of the mechanisms regulating the expression of the HIV genome will lead to treatments and ultimately a cure.
A human capital predictive model for agent performance in contact centres
Authors: Jacobs Chris , Roodt Gert
Published: October 2011

Orientation: Currently no integrative model exists that can explain the phenomena contributing to agent performance in the South African contact centre industry.Research purpose: The primary focus of this article was to develop a theoretically derived human capital predictive model for agent performance in contact centres and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) based on a review of current empirical research literature.Motivation for the study: The study was motivated by the need for a human capital predictive model that can predict agent and overall business performance.Research design: A nonempirical (theoretical) research paradigm was adopted for this study and more specifically a theory or model-building approach was followed. A systematic review of published empirical research articles (for the period 2000–2009) in scholarly search portals was performed.Main findings: Eight building blocks of the human capital predictive model for agent performance in contact centres were identified. Forty-two of the human capital contact centre related articles are detailed in this study. Key empirical findings suggest that person– environment fit, job demands-resources, human resources management practices, engagement, agent well-being, agent competence; turnover intention; and agent performance are related to contact centre performance.Practical/managerial implications: The human capital predictive model serves as an operational management model that has performance implications for agents and ultimately influences the contact centre’s overall business performance.Contribution/value-add: This research can contribute to the fields of human resource management (HRM), human capital and performance management within the contact centre and BPO environment.
The Use of Environmental Control Units by Occupational Therapists in Spinal Cord Injury and Disease Services
Authors: Holme Susan Ames , Kanny Elizabeth M. , Guthrie Mark R. , Johnson Kurt L.
Published: October 2011

Objectives. This study investigated issues related to the use of environmental control units (ECUs) with persons who have spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) to ascertain what, if any, changes are needed to optimize occupational therapy service delivery in this area.

Method. A questionnaire was mailed to 120 occupational therapists employed by facilities nationwide that serve persons with SCI/D. The survey addressed the occupational therapist’s role in the recommendation and use of ECUs, funding sources, and training needs. The response rate was 89% (n = 107).

Results. Most respondents (88%) indicated that occupational therapists were the predominant professionals in their facilities who evaluated and recommended ECUs. The majority of respondents (84%) reported using ECUs in hospital-based treatment with persons with SCI/D. However, respondents only recommended ECUs for home use for fewer than 25% of their clients. High cost and the lack of third-party reimbursement were the primary reasons that deterred respondents from recommending ECUs for home use. Fifty-five percent of the respondents reported a need for basic training and 86% for more in-depth education and training in environmental control technologies.

Conclusion. Outcomes data are needed to support the use of ECUs and to educate third-party payers about the benefits of ECUs for clients with quadriplegia in order to increase rates of reimbursement. In addition, occupational therapists themselves may need improved training in evaluating and training clients in the use of ECU technology.
Symbolic Play Language During Sensory Integration Treatment
Authors: Cross Laura A. , Coster Wendy J.
Published: October 2011

Objective. Clinical writings on sensory integration treatment and theory have long professed that play serves as an important means of implementing treatment goals. However, to date, there has been little research that examines this aspect of the intervention. With the use of play language as an indicator for the occurrence of play, this study examined the frequency and characteristics associated with symbolic play language that therapists and children use during sensory integration therapy. This study is part of an ongoing research program designed to examine therapist-child interactions.

Method. The frequency of symbolic play language observed in 41 videotaped treatment sessions of therapist-child dyads (21 children, 12 therapists) was recorded with the Challenge Coding System. The presence of symbolic play language was recorded if the child or therapist used language that incorporated the child, therapist, equipment, or activity into a symbolic or pretend play theme. The frequency of symbolic play language and percentage of time spent using play language were calculated. Associations among frequency of play language, child age, and behavior during the session (e.g., seeking assistance, cooperation) were also examined.

Results. Symbolic play language proved to be a major feature of sensory integration treatment sessions. It also correlated with child age and with some features associated with therapeutic interactions (i.e., child tries hard, child seeks assistance, therapist assists child, therapist modifies activity, therapist structures activity).

Conclusion. The results suggest that these therapists used play language frequently and that this usage may support children in sensory integrative therapy to successfully accomplish activities.
Educational Techniques Used in Occupational Therapy Treatment of Cumulative Trauma Disorders of the Elbow, Wrist, and Hand
Authors: Lawler Amy L. , James Anne B. , Tomlin George
Published: October 2011

Objective. This study examined patient education techniques used by occupational therapists when treating cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the elbow, wrist, and hand.

Method. A self-administered survey was sent to 232 registered occupational therapists whose primary area of practice was hand therapy. The questionnaire sought information about specific content areas and methods (i.e., media, format) used to educate patients about preventing the recurrence of CTDs in the elbow, wrist, and hand.

Results. One hundred twenty-eight therapists responded to the survey. A majority of respondent (n = 116) reported that patient education content areas consisted of anatomy of the joint, the CTD disease process, and job modification. Verbal instruction, illustrations, and pamphlets and handouts were the most frequently used forms of educational media. A majority of respondents (n = 111) also reported that individual interaction was the most common format of patient education.

Conclusion. The findings indicate that a majority of therapists use the same patient education techniques with regard to content areas, media, and format, regardless of the area being treated (i.e., elbow, wrist, hand). Furthermore, it appears that therapists with specialty training in CTDs more frequently include anatomy of the elbow, job modification, and proper body mechanics in the content of their patient education about the elbow.
Occupational Therapists’ Beliefs and Practices With Regard to Spirituality and Therapy
Authors: Engquist Douglas E. , Short-DeGraff Margaret , Gliner Jeffrey , Oltjenbruns Kevin
Published: October 2011

Objective. What is the role of occupational therapists with regard to clients’ spirituality? What activities address spirituality in occupational therapy? Whom do practitioners think should be responsible for helping clients with their spiritual needs? The objectives of this study were to address these and other related questions by validating a previously used questionnaire and establishing a baseline of occupational therapists’ opinions and practices about spirituality and therapy on which future research can be built.

Method. A previously piloted questionnaire was revised to investigate the opinions of 500 U.S. registered occupational therapists about spirituality and therapy. The 54% return rate yielded a sample of 270 respondents.

Results. Nearly 79% of the respondents agreed that the questionnaire accurately measured their opinions about therapy and spirituality. Spirituality is an important part of life for 89% of the respondents, helps 79% with daily job responsibilities, and is viewed as a very important dimension of health and rehabilitation by 84%. However, 63% were either undecided or disagreed that addressing spirituality was within the scope of occupational therapy practice.

Conclusion. In general, the respondents reported that spirituality is important and helpful in their personal lives and a very important dimension of the health and rehabilitation of their clients. However, less than 40% of the respondents indicated that addressing clients’ spiritual needs was within the scope of their professional practice, and the majority (82%) reported that their academic training did not prepare them to address the spiritual needs of clients. The questionnaire, now validated with a national sample, may be used for follow-up studies to further investigate the role of spirituality in health and rehabilitation.
A Copernican Revolution in Clinical Ethics: Engagement Versus Disengagement
Authors: Van Amburg Ross
Published: October 2011

Spiritual fulfillment in the professional role of occupational therapy practitioner is hindered by the ethical consideration of maintaining an objective client–therapist relationship. Objectivity is a disengaged perspective that depersonalizes human relationships. It operates on the tacitly performed, reductionistic assumption that all truth can be structurally represented and verified. However, to obtain meaning from truth is to adequately interpret experience through dialogue. Meaningful experiences are hermeneutical in nature and require engaged, sympathetic relationships to be spiritually manifested.
“And Teach Agony To Sing”: An Afternoon With Eleanor Clarke Slagle
Authors: Bing Robert K.
Published: October 2011

Using published works, archival correspondence, interviews with contemporaries, and historical commentary, an imagined conversation is presented between Eleanor Clarke Slagle (1871–1942) and three of her actual contemporaries. As a founder of the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy (later to become the American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA]) and a past-president and executive secretary of AOTA for 21 years, Slagle came in contact with a host of therapists as well as men and women who influenced her and the occupational therapy profession, most particularly Julia Lathrop, Adolf Meyer, William Rush Dunton, Jr., and Ida Sands. Emphasis is placed on some of her early life experiences; Hull House; and the evolution of the occupational therapy belief system, including occupations, curative work, and spiritual rehabilitation (i.e., self-respect, interests, ambition, happiness, economic usefulness, success). Special attention was taken to reflect Slagle’s typical use of language and the vernacular of the mid-1930s. Extensive study was undertaken, through reading Slagle’s published works, to remain true to her use of language.
Leadership Qualities of Occupational Therapy Department Program Directors and the Organizational Health of Their Departments
Authors: Dudek-Shriber Linda
Published: October 2011

Objective. This study investigated the leadership of occupational therapy program directors, the organizational health of their departments, and the relationships between them.

Method. The Organizational Health Assessment was used to determine how 65 directors of accredited occupational therapy programs and 185 members of occupational therapy faculties perceived their departments’ organizational health. Additionally, faculty members were surveyed for their perceptions of their program directors’ leadership via the Leader Behavior Questionnaire.

Results. Both director and faculty respondents rated their departments high in organizational health. Faculty respondents rated the overall leadership of directors as average. The overall relationship between leadership and organizational health was strong (r = .97).

Conclusion. Both leadership and organizational health are evident in academic occupational therapy programs. Their relationship suggests that the programs have the components that are needed for the achievement of organizational goals, which, in turn, should positively affect occupation therapy education.
A Description of Fieldwork in the Home Care Setting
Authors: Siebert Carol A.
Published: October 2011

There are few opportunities for fieldwork education in the home health setting and no available references or resources for establishing a home health fieldwork program. Home health practice involves issues that must be considered when establishing a fieldwork program. These issues include the focus or content of the fieldwork experience, supervision requirements and logistics, and how time is used and structured. This article describes a program that offers Level II fieldwork in home care. During the program refinements over the past 6 years, issues about content, supervision, and time use were addressed and resolved. Fieldwork in the home health setting prepares occupational therapy students for community practice and can increase their awareness of the issues clients face upon returning home after acute medical intervention. Fieldwork in home care also offers a partial solution to the shortage of fieldwork sites in which to train occupational therapy students.
Sensory Processing in the Postinstitutionalized Child
Authors: Cermak Sharon A. , Daunhauer Lisa A.
Published: October 2011

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine whether children adopted from Romanian orphanages have difficulty with sensory processing and related behaviors.

Method. Seventy-three children adopted from Romanian orphanages were compared with 72 peers who were typically developing. The subjects’ ages ranged from 3 to 6 years. The parent-report Developmental and Sensory Processing Questionnaire was used to assess sensory processing and related behaviors. The tool consists of questions in six sensory processing domains and five related behavioral domains.

Results. Multiple t tests indicated that the subjects adopted from Romanian orphanages demonstrated significantly greater problems than those in the control group on five of the six sensory processing domains: touch, movement-avoids, movement-seeks, vision, and audition. Additionally, the Romanian subjects exhibited significantly greater problems than the control subjects on four of the five behavioral domains: activity level, feeding, organization, and social-emotional.

Conclusions. These findings substantiate clinical observations and parent reports of sensory processing deficits in children adopted from Romanian orphanages and highlight the critical importance of the environment for sensory integration. The findings also enhance our understanding of how children who were previously institutionalized respond to the human and physical environment.
Educational Participation of Children With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Dudgeon Brian J. , Massagli Teresa L. , Ross Brian W.
Published: October 2011

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine educational participation and accommodations for children with spinal cord injury (SCI) or disease in primary, secondary, and postsecondary educational settings.

Method. Written surveys were developed for students with SCI and their teachers. Fifty-three participants had SCI onset before age 18 years, were at least 4 years old and enrolled in a school program, and had residual motor disability without cognitive–behavioral impairments.

Results. Nearly all participants were enrolled full time in regular education classrooms. Seventy-five percent of primary-level participants and 32% of secondary-level participants were qualified for special education and related services, receiving teacher aide assistance as well as occupational and physical therapy services. Most participants were graduating from high school and pursuing postsecondary education. Classroom performance and grades were reported as average or above average, but curriculum modifications were commonly made, and many participants required human assistance and assistive technology in functional and classroom tasks. Access barriers were often reported by participants using wheelchairs, and those using augmentative writing aids were not fluent with these devices.

Conclusion. Accommodations in schools for students with SCI appear to support completion and advancement to higher levels of education, but these accommodations appear to be geared toward participation rather than levels of performance and productivity that may be realistic for work and other community settings.
The Planning Process in Occupational Therapy: Perceptions of Adult Rehabilitation Patients
Authors: Nelson Craig E. , Payton Otto D.
Published: October 2011

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to learn about (a) adult physical rehabilitation patients’ perceptions of their involvement in the treatment planning process (goal setting, treatment planning, outcome evaluation), (b) their valuation of occupational therapy, and (c) how they would describe their interpersonal relationships with their occupational therapists.

Method. Fifteen subjects who had received occupational therapy were interviewed. The transcripts were independently and jointly reviewed by the authors to answer five research questions.

Results. Most of the subjects indicated that they had been involved in occupational therapy goal setting; treatment planning; and outcome evaluation, albeit this indication was weak. They also valued the occupational therapy services they received. Eight described positive interpersonal interactions with their therapists, and seven provided no information.

Conclusion. Patients receiving occupational therapy services are involved in goal setting, treatment planning, and outcome evaluation; however, their involvement varies and can be difficult for them to identify and describe. Because of increasing societal emphasis on patient rights and participation (e.g., consumerism, health professions standards, health care accreditation criteria, health care legislation) and the likelihood that health care funding will be used for services linked to patient goals, occupational therapy practitioners could become more overt and systematic in involving patients in the planning process. Increasing patient involvement in planning may result in more individualized treatment and more effective use of health care dollars.
A Model of the Nature of Family–Therapist Relationships: Implications for Education
Authors: Brown Sharon M. , Humphry Ruth , Taylor Eve
Published: October 2011

Objectives. The family plays an important role in rehabilitation of persons with chronic disabilities and in supporting their reintegration into the community. To be prepared for family-centered intervention, educators need to frame the content that occupational therapy students must master. The purpose of this study was to develop a hierarchy of occupational therapists’ attitudes about the family’s involvement in services for a family member with special needs.

Method. Participants were 302 occupational therapists who reported some contact with families of clients. Through an open-ended question, participants were asked to indicate the most important outcome of their interactions with their clients’ families.

Results. Analysis of participant responses led to the development of a seven-level hierarchy of family–therapist interactions. The levels are based on the participants’ views of the outcome of family involvement as suggested by their attitudes about a family’s role and abilities. Knowledge and skills needed to work at different levels of the hierarchy are identified.

Conclusion. Recommendations for preparation of entry-level practitioners to work at all levels of the model are discussed.
An Overview of Professional Liability in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Ranke Beth A. Ekelman , Moriarty Matthew P.
Published: October 2011

Occupational therapists occasionally are sued for professional malpractice; thus, they need to be aware of the law of malpractice, those areas of practice that present the greatest legal challenges, and strategies to reduce client injury and liability risks. This article provides an overview of the law of professional malpractice, explains the impact of various employment relationships on liability risks, reviews specific malpractice actions against occupational therapists, and provides suggestions on how to reduce the risk of injuring a client in therapy. By increasing one’s awareness of the legalities of professional malpractice and implementing certain strategies, therapists can improve quality of care and reduce their exposure to malpractice liability.
The Test of Sensory Functions in Infants: Test–Retest Reliability for Infants With Developmental Delays
Authors: Jirikowic Tracy L. , Engel Joyce M. , Deitz Jean C.
Published: October 2011

Objective. The Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI) is one tool that occupational therapists use to identify sensory processing disorders among infants. However, data on the reliability of TSFI scores with infants with developmental delays are lacking.

Method. Test–retest reliabilities for TSFI total test and subtest scores were determined with a sample of 26 infants with developmental delays. All infants were between 10 months and 18 months of age. The test–retest interval ranged from 5 days to 10 days. Magnitudes of difference between test and retest scores and percentages of agreement among the TSFI classification categories (i.e., normal, at-risk, deficient) also were determined to examine relationships between test scores.

Results. Reliability for the total test score was borderline, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of .78. Reliability coefficients for the five subtests ranged from .54 to .74. Percentage of agreement for the total test classification categories between test and retest was adequate (81 %). Percentages of agreement for subtest classification categories were low, ranging from 58% to 68%.

Conclusion. TSFI scores should be interpreted cautiously and used only in conjunction with findings from additional developmental assessments and clinical observations for infants with developmental delays.
Prediction of Academic and Clinical Performance of Occupational Therapy Students in an Entry-Level Master’s Program
Authors: Kirchner Grace L. , Holm Margo B.
Published: October 2011

Objective. The relationships between clinical outcomes and predictors used to screen applicants for entrance into a Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) program were examined.

Method. MOT student records from 1986 to 1992 were used to gather data for three dependent variables and six predictor (independent) variables. The dependent variables used to gauge student success were grade point average in occupational therapy courses (OT-GPA), client attendance at an on-site clinic, and therapy outcomes of clients at that clinic. The predictor variables were undergraduate GPA, scores on the three sections of the Graduate Record Examination, reference forms, and essays.

Results. The models used to predict OT-GPA and therapy outcomes were significant (p < .05), and the incremental validity of several predictors was established. The model used to predict client attendance was not significant.

Conclusion. The findings regarding OT-GPA support the continued use of all the predictors except the reference forms. Although it was possible to develop a model to predict client outcomes, the usefulness of the model is difficult to interpret.
Occupation and Well-Being in Dementia: The Experience of Day-Care Staff
Authors: Hasselkus Betty R.
Published: October 2011

Objective. The purpose of this study was to gain understanding of the staff experience of occupation in the context of day care for persons with dementia.

Method. Narratives of especially satisfying and dissatisfying experiences of care were elicited from a random state-wide sample of day-care staff members. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the phenomenological data.

Results. The core meaning of occupation derived from these data was Occupation as the Gateway to Relative Well-Being. A model of the experience of occupation for staff members is proposed that is composed of three phases: the meeting of minds, engagement in occupation, and relative well-being. The skills of the staff informants that bring about the meeting of minds, the many levels of client engagement in occupation, and the indicators of well-being for clients and for staff members are described. The three phases together constitute an occupational space—created by the staff person—and the engagement in occupation itself constitutes an occupational place within that space.

Conclusions. Bringing about indicators of well-being through occupation was a primary source of satisfaction for the day-care staff informants in this study. The model of the staff experience of occupation proposed in this study has application to all areas of occupational therapy practice.
Creating Opportunities for Occupation: An Intervention To Promote the Self-Care Independence of Young Children With Special Needs
Authors: Kellegrew Diane Hammon
Published: October 2011

Objective. The relationship between opportunities for occupation and the skill performance of young children with special needs was explored, using a multiple baseline across subjects design.

Method. Three caregivers self-monitored the frequency with which they were able to create opportunities for their child to practice emerging self-dressing or self-feeding skills.

Results. Two caregivers quickly promoted self-care independence in their child by restructuring daily routines to provide more opportunities for the child to independently engage in the targeted occupation. One caregiver was unable to use the intervention techniques effectively.

Conclusion. Opportunity for occupation can influence the child’s skill performance and can be used as a treatment modality by some families.
Grip Strengths and Required Forces in Accessing Everyday Containers in a Normal Population
Authors: Rice Martin S. , Leonard Cathy , Carter Mike
Published: October 2011

Objective. A commonly adhered to operating principle in occupational therapy clinics is that a person must exhibit 20 lb of grip strength before his or her hand is considered “functional” This study examined the relationship between hand and finger grip performances with the forces required to open common household containers.

Method. The grip and pinch strengths of 49 college students were obtained using dynamometry. The forces required to open six common household containers were measured using Force Sensing Resistors® attached to each container.

Results. Weak correlations were found (r = −.179 to r = .333) between grip and pinch strength performances and the forces used to operate the accessing mechanisms of the containers. Analyses of variances demonstrated significantly greater grip and pinch strength performances in men than in women (ps < .05) but no significant difference between the genders in the forces generated to open the containers (ps > .05).

Conclusions. In a normal population of college students, the premise that greater hand strength affords greater performance in accessing everyday household containers was not supported. Implications suggest that grip and pinch dynamometry are not conclusive evaluative tools for predicting hand function while opening a select group of containers. The relationship between traditional dynamometry and hand performance during a variety of functional tasks needs to be examined in clinical populations as well.
A Comparison of Two Computer Access Systems for Functional Text Entry
Authors: DeVries Rietta Campbell , Deitz Jean , Anson Denis
Published: October 2011

Objective. Functional written communication, an important goal in the rehabilitation of persons with tetraplegia, frequently is met through the use of personal computers and alternative computer access systems. To make informed decisions about alternative access systems, the therapist needs information on the efficacy of the available choices. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two commercially available systems for text entry, the traditional mouthstick and the Prentke Romich HeadMaster.

Method. Participants were a 25-year-old man and 76 year-old woman who both functioned at a C5 neurological level. Neither participant had previous experience with either system for text entry. A single-subject research design was used whereby Participant 1 experienced six phases of treatment (i.e., CBCBCB, where C= mouthstick and B = HeadMaster), and Participant 2 experienced four phases of treatment (i.e., BCBC).

Results. Participant 1 achieved a maximum rate of text entry of5.85 wpm with both the HeadMaster and the mouthstick, whereas Participant 2 achieved a maximum rate of7.15 wpm with the mouthstick and 4.85 wpm with the HeadMaster. Results from this study were similar to the results from previous comparison studies of persons with severe disabilities who had no experience with alternative computer access systems.

Conclusion. Both participants were able to use both systems successfully; however, their respective rates of text entry were too slow to be functional in most employment situations.
Praxis Skills in Young Children With Down Syndrome, Other Developmental Disabilities, and Typically Developing Children
Authors: Fidler Deborah J. , Hepburn Susan L. , Mankin Galit , Rogers Sally J.
Published: October 2011

This study explored whether young children with Down syndrome show praxis deficits that impact activities of daily living, and whether these deficits are specific to Down syndrome. We compared the performance of young children with Down syndrome, a mental age-matched group of children with developmental disabilities of mixed or unknown etiologies, and a group of typically developing infants and toddlers on praxis tasks and overall adaptive behavior (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales). Children with Down syndrome showed poorer overall motor functioning than the developmental disabilities comparison group as measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, F(2, 47) = 5.24, p < .01 (using one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]). A one-way multivariate analysis of variance also showed that children with Down syndrome performed significantly worse overall than the developmental disabilities comparison group on a battery of praxis tasks, F(7, 18) = 2.95, p < .05, and a series of object retrieval tasks, F(7, 18) = 2.95, p < .05, suggesting a deficit in praxis that is specific to Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome elicited significantly more help than both comparison groups during object retrieval trials, F(2, 48) = 4.94, p < .01 (using one-way ANOVA). When chronological age was partialled out, a strong relationship was observed between praxis and adaptive functioning in Down syndrome, r (8) = .69, p < .05. These findings suggest that young children with Down syndrome may need targeted interventions that focus on both praxis skills and motivational orientation.
The Relation Between Length of Institutionalization and Sensory Integration in Children Adopted From Eastern Europe
Authors: Lin Susan H. , Cermak Sharon , Coster Wendy J. , Miller Laurie
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE. To examine the relation between length of institutionalization and sensory integration in children adopted from Eastern Europe.

METHOD. The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and the Developmental and Sensory Processing Questionnaire were administered to 60 adopted children, 4 years to 8 years, 11 months of age. Thirty had longer institutionalization histories (mean: 34 months; LIH group) and the other 30 had shorter institutionalization histories (mean: 3 months; SIH group).

RESULTS. The LIH group demonstrated significantly lower scores than the SIH group on the SIPT in vestibular-proprioceptive, visual, and praxis areas, and effect sizes ranged from .09 to 1.13. The LIH group also had significantly more frequent behaviors suggestive of sensory modulation dysfunction compared to the SIH group, particularly in touch and movement seeking, vision, and audition. Effect sizes ranged from 0 to 1.39.

CONCLUSION. Longer lengths of institutionalization are associated with more atypical sensory discrimination, praxis, and sensory modulation scores in children adopted from Eastern European orphanages. The areas of sensory integration that appear to be more vulnerable to deprived conditions in early childhood are vestibular-proprioceptive, tactile, visual, auditory, and praxis. Adopted children with lengthy periods of institutionalization may benefit from occupational therapy for early sensory integrative and developmental screenings.
Typical Children’s Responsivity Patterns of the Tactile and Vestibular Systems
Authors: Bar-Shalita Tami , Goldstand Sarina , Hahn-Markowitz Jeri , Parush Shula
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVES. The purposes of this study were to investigate the responsivity patterns of typical 3- and 4year-old Israeli children to tactile or vestibular stimulation, or both, and to examine whether differences in these patterns exist between them with respect to age and gender.

METHOD. The study sample consisted of one hundred seventeen 3-year-old and one hundred forty-three 4year-old healthy Israeli children (N = 260). Mothers of these children completed a comprehensive tactile and vestibular responsivity questionnaire.

RESULTS. The subjects’ tactile and vestibular responsivity scores were neither hyperresponsive nor hypo-responsive. In addition, neither age nor gender was found to significantly differentiate between respective participant groups for hypo- or hyperresponsive behaviors.

CONCLUSION. Typical Israeli children can be characterized by moderate responsivities to tactile and vestibular stimulation. Responsivity to tactile and vestibular input was similar for 3- and 4-year-olds, across genders.
A Holistic Approach To Teaching Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Stern Perri
Published: October 2011

Articles pertaining to evidence-based practice have become increasingly visible in occupational therapy literature. Authors have defined and described evidence-based practice for occupational therapy (Lloyd-Smith 1997; Taylor 1997), identified resources that therapists can draw upon to inform their practice (Hayes & McGrath, 1998; Lieberman & Scheer, 2002), and articulated strategies to gather research evidence in practice (Tickle-Degnen 2000a; Unsworth, 2000). As associate editor of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy Evidence-Based Practice Forum, Tickle-Degnen has also written a series of articles that explain how to engage clients in the research process, and communicate research evidence to clients and families (1998, 2002).
Genetics in Occupational Therapy Education: A Survey of Professional Entry-Level Programs
Authors: Kanny Elizabeth M. , Smith Rebecca , Dudgeon Brian J.
Published: October 2011

PURPOSE. Advances in genetics indicate a need for occupational therapists to develop literacy and skills in genetics as it relates to lifestyle and occupation. The purpose of this study is to identify genetics content areas taught, instructional methods used, and the importance of teaching genetics at the entry-level in occupational therapy curricula.

METHOD. A questionnaire was sent to all entry-level occupational therapy educational programs (N = 157). Structured mailing and follow-up were used.

RESULTS. The response rate was 63.9%. Most respondents (47%) rate teaching genetics as “moderately important.” Genetics content is predominately taught at the introductory or knowledge level rather than at the integration and application level. Respondents indicate a lack of time and space for genetics content and of faculty interest and expertise.

DISCUSSION. As occupational therapy practice evolves to include new genetics, curriculum change will need to be implemented. Development of teaching materials and methods addressing genetics is recommended.
Exploring Parents’ Use of Strategies To Promote Social Participation of School-Age Children With Acquired Brain Injuries
Authors: Bedell Gary M. , Cohn Ellen S. , Dumas Helene M.
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE. To understand parents’ perspectives about the strategies they use to promote social participation of their school-age children with acquired brain injuries (ABI) in home, school, and community life.

METHOD. A descriptive research design employing a semistructured interview format was used. Interviews were conducted in the homes of 16 families of school-age children with ABI discharged up to 7 years earlier from one inpatient rehabilitation program. Data were examined using content and constant-comparison analyses.

RESULTS. Parents needed time to allow the recovery process to unfold for themselves and their children and developed strategies that fit into or assisted with managing family routines. Over time parents developed insight into the activity demands and their child’s potential success to participate in desired activities. Based on these insights, parents used “anticipatory planning,” which involved previewing upcoming events and activities and using strategies to promote positive and prevent negative experiences for their children. Specific strategies that parents used to promote social participation were classified into three categories: Creating opportunities, teaching skills, and regulating cognitive and behavioral function.

CONCLUSIONS. Understanding how families use and integrate strategies within the context of their daily lives and what factors influence strategy use may provide practitioners with insights needed to support families in promoting their children’s social participation.
Acquisition and Integration of Low Vision Assistive Devices: Understanding the Decision-Making Process of Older Adults With Low Vision
Authors: Copolillo Al , Teitelman Jodi L.
Published: October 2011

The purpose of this study was to describe how older adults with low vision make decisions to use low vision assistive devices (LVADs). Analysis of participants’ narratives, from both group and individual interviews, revealed three topic areas affecting device use. Two are discussed in this paper: Experiences and Characteristics Leading to Successful LVAD Use Decision Making and Challenges to Successful LVAD Use Decision Making. The third, Adjustment to Low Vision Disability, is briefly discussed. Of particular importance to occupational therapy practitioners in the growing field of low vision rehabilitation was the value placed on low vision rehabilitation services to assist with acquiring devices and integrating them into daily routines. Occupational therapy services were highly regarded. Participants demonstrated the importance of becoming a part of a supportive network of people with low vision to gain access to information about resources. They emphasized the need for systems and policy changes to reduce barriers to making informed decisions about LVAD use. Results indicate that occupational therapists working in low vision can support clients by facilitating development of a support network, acting as liaisons between clients and other health practitioners, especially ophthalmologists, and encouraging policy development that supports barrier-free LVAD acquisition and use. These topics should be incorporated into continuing and entry-level education to prepare practitioners for leadership in the field of low vision rehabilitation.