bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Information on Consumers' Willingness to Pay for GM-Corn-Fed Beef
Authors: Li Quan , McCluskey Jill J , Wahl Thomas I.
Published: December 2005

There has been growing public opposition against genetically modified (GM) foods. Using a dichotomous choice contingent valuation methodology, we analyze the factors that affect the willingness to pay for GM-corn-fed beef by consumers in Spokane, Washington. The mean discount required to choose the GM-fed beef is small at 8% compared to other studies in Europe and Japan. Further, half the sample was provided information about biotechnology, and the effect of this information is analyzed.
Europe's Regulation of Agricultural Biotechnology: Precaution or Trade Distortion?
Authors: Sheldon Ian
Published: December 2005

In July 2003, the European Parliament voted on amendments to the European Unions (EU) system of regulation for agricultural biotechnology, most notably the rules for mandatory labeling of food products that contain traces of genetically modified (GM) ingredients. The expectation is that approval of these changes in EU regulations will result in the moratorium on approval of new GM crops, formalized by the Council of the European Union in 1999, being lifted. Despite the approval of these amendments, in August, the US, along with Canada and Argentina, requested the formation of a WTO dispute panel to make a ruling on the EUs failure to approve marketing of a number of GM crops.This paper addresses the issue of whether there is any legitimacy in the EUs precautionary approach to biotechnology regulation, or whether their regulatory approach is trade distorting, and, hence, likely to be found in violation of WTO agreements. First, the background to the debate in the EU and US over biotechnology is reviewed, paying particular attention to recent public discussion in the UK where the government has undertaken an extensive public consultation process over regulation of GM crops. Second, the EUs approach to biotechnology regulation is outlined and compared to that in the US, and the analytical foundations of the precautionary principle are reviewed. Third, how GM regulations fit into the rules of the WTO is outlined, along with a discussion of the nature of the USs WTO filing.
Genetically Modified Food Standards as Trade Barriers: Harmonization, Compromise, and Sub-Global Agreements
Authors: Tothova Monika , Oehmke James F.
Published: December 2005

GMOs have brought new concerns into an already challenged world trading system. This paper considers the jointly enodogenous formation of GMO-related standards and sub-global trading agreements. Standards are understood as tolerance levels for GMOs. Sub-global trading agreements may be either formal agreements between countries sanctioned by the WTO, or they may be implicit agreements, e.g. a developing country accepting the U.S. standards.We develop a theoretical model of standard formation and agreement formation. In autarky, national standards reflect the preferences of domestic consumers. The possibility of gains from trade encourages countries to modify their standards to facilitate trade with other countries having similar standards. Whether or not a country engages in trade depends on the magnitude and nature of the gains from trade--e.g. economies of scale, greater variety for consumers, etc.--and the degree of standard modification required for trade. If the gains from trade are sufficient, countries will compromise or harmonize standards to achieve these gains. In the case of countries of similar size (bargaining power), compromise may be feasible. In the case of countries of different size, harmonization of the smaller country's standard to that of the larger country may be more likely. The case of the European Union's de facto prohibition on trade in GMOs is represented as a case in which the gains from trade are insufficient to catalyze a compromise position. Analogously, the North American refusal to restrict or prohibit GMOs indicates that the gains from trade with Europe are insufficient to compensate for this change in standard. In the absence of a common global standard, countries with similar preferences cluster into smaller clubs to capture at least some gains from trade.
Consumer's Resistance to Genetically Modified Foods: The Role of Information in an Uncertain Environment
Authors: Huffman Wallace E. , Rousu Matthew , Shogren Jason F , Tegene Abebayehu
Published: December 2005

Genetically modified (GM) foods have been engulfed in considerable controversy, and the early optimism has been dampened. Information issueslabeling and asymmetric informationare central to the GM-food debate. Furthermore, it is important to understand the reaction in developed countries to GM-foods because they set the tone of the world market in grains, oilseeds, and animal products. New results are reported from a statistical analysis of the market characteristics that push consumers in a high-income country to resist GM foods, with an emphasis on negative information from environmental groups and third-party, verifiable information, which could neutralize private information distributed by interested parties. A unique sample of adult consumers participated in laboratory auctions of three food products with randomized labeling and information treatments. A key finding is that GM information supplied by environmental groups increases the probability that consumers are out of the market for GM-foods. Third-party verifiable information, however, dissipates most of the negative effect of the environmental group perspective. Selective adoption of GM crops seems likely to raise world welfare but Western Europes banning of GM imports and technology will largely affect them negatively.
Demand Screening with Slotting Allowances and Failure Fees
Authors: DeVuyst Cheryl S
Published: December 2005

In the presence of scarce shelf space, retail grocers face the proliferation of new products and high failure rates. Accurately predicting the demand for a new product becomes increasingly difficult for retailers as the number of product offerings increases. This study explores slotting allowances and failure fees as mechanisms to screen new products' demand distributions. Mechanism design framework and two moments of the product demand distribution are utilized to eliminate mean-variance dominated products and separate non-dominated products by their demand distributions. Model results suggest that accurately designed menus of contracts including retail prices, slotting allowances, failure fees (or success rebates) and sales targets can separate products by their demand distributions and alleviate asymmetric information problems.
Private Label Expansion and Supermarket Milk Prices
Authors: Bonanno Alessandro , Lopez Rigoberto A.
Published: December 2005

This article investigates the impacts of private labels (PLs) on fluid milk prices and price differentials using 2,759 supermarket-level observations from 10 cities. Non-parametric results reveal that although PL milk prices decrease as PL milk shares expand, eventually the effect is to increase the prices of manufacturers brands as well as the price gap between private labels and manufacturers brands. Econometric results further reveal that supermarkets exert some degree of price discrimination through controlling the brands of milk sold.
Price Effects of Private Label Development
Authors: Bontemps Christophe , Orozco Valerie , Réquillart Vincent , Trevisiol Audrey
Published: December 2005

We study the price response of national brands to the development of private labels. Using monthly data from a consumer survey, we show that prices of national brands increase with the development of private labels. However, we also show that the price increase in national brand products is explained by a strategy of product differentiation. Finally, price reaction of national brands differs with the type of private labels they are facing.
Premium Private Labels, Supply Contracts, Market Segmentation, and Spot Prices
Authors: Bazoche Pascale , Giraud-Héraud Eric , Soler Louis-Georges
Published: December 2005

In recent years, European retailers have modified the market segmentation in the meat and the fresh produce sectors by implementing new private labels which aim to guarantee higher quality and food safety. As a result, retailers impose more demanding production requirements and rely on contractual relationships with upstream producers. Meat and vegetables shelve spaces are now composed of generic products supplied from competitive spot markets, and premium private labels based on long term supply contracts. In this paper we propose a model of vertical relationships between producers and retailers in order to analyze the consequences of such strategies. In particular, we analyze the interest of producers to commit to these new private labels, their effects on spot market prices, and the resulting market segmentation between the spot market and supply contracts.
Price Rigidity in the German Grocery-Retailing Sector: Scanner-Data Evidence on Magnitude and Causes
Authors: Herrmann Roland , Moeser Anke , Weber Sascha Alexander
Published: December 2005

The theoretical and empirical macroeconomic literature suggests that price rigidity in industrialized countries is substantial and its causes are manifold. This article provides empirical evidence on the importance of price rigidity in the grocery-retailing sector and on the role of some major determinants of food price rigidity. The analysis is based on a comprehensive weekly dataset of 20 branded foods in German food stores. The statistical analysis shows that food price rigidity is strong in spite of the widespread use of retail sales. Moreover, the importance of psychological pricing in grocery retailing is overwhelming. Econometric results indicate that food prices get more sticky as the number of price actions declines and as psychological pricing becomes more concentrated on a few important price barriers. Firms pricing strategies are crucial for food price rigidity, too.
Loss-Leaders Banning Laws as Vertical Restraints
Authors: Allain Marie-Laure , Chambolle Claire
Published: December 2005

This paper explores the indirect inflationary mechanism allowed by loss-leaders banning laws. In a model where a monopolist producer sells his product through vertically separated and differentiated retailers, we show that the ban of loss-leading can be used strategically by the producer to increase his wholesale price and pay the retailers through negotiated listing fees, thus raising his profit. The ban turns wholesale prices into floor prices, thus increasing resale price and lessening consumers welfare. These results are robust if the listing fees are two-part tariff.
Losing Under Contract: Transaction-Cost Externalities and Spot Market Disintegration
Authors: Roberts Michael J , Key Nigel
Published: December 2005

Standard economic intuition of revealed preference implies that when two parties freely enter into a contract then neither should be worse off. In this study, we develop a simple model showing that introducing the opportunity to contract can lower welfare for some, and perhaps all, contracting parties. We consider a situation where processors can obtain inputs from suppliers (farmers) using either a spot market or contractual arrangements, and where spot market transaction costs depends on the volume of trade in the spot market. We show that contracting parties may lose when more contracting results in higher transaction costs for spot market participants. At the margin, firms and input suppliers gain from signing contracts. However, contracting raises spot-market transaction costs for those who do not sign contracts, which provides a greater incentive for others to sign contracts, ultimately inducing more contracting than optimal. The model demonstrates why structural or organizational change may be rapid and why the private minimization of transaction costs may not lead to optimal institutional arrangements.
Proving Anti-Competitive Conduct in the U.S. Courtroom: The Plaintiff's Argument in Pickett v Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.
Authors: Domina David A.
Published: December 2005

Defining competition in a U.S. Courtroom involves the analytical and intellectual collision of the laws pragmatic aspects with the academic realities of economics. Both disciplines depend heavily upon competition, and employ a rich dosage of competition language. However, competition in law and competition in economics are dramatically different.Economists often study market efficiencies. In an academic setting, economics and econometrics evaluate efficiency, and assess its achievement or failure. As a social science, the study of markets by economists often involves the specific assessment of market efficiencies. Here, too, the laws social disciplines differ greatly from those of academic economics. Except for a few aberrant moments of brief duration, the process of making, enforcing, and litigating over legal principles in historys democracies has never involved pursuit of an efficient economy, or even an efficient legal system. To the contrary, the laws goal is to govern behavior to ensure fairness, justice, legal compliance, and not efficiency.Through analysis of a history-making U.S. cattle market trial, this paper considers legal proof and illustrates application of the rules of evidence and courtroom-level definitions of proof and evidence. Routinely, juries are instructed on what constitutes proof, and what does not. In the legal case that provides this papers illustrative focus, the United States District Courts definition of evidence for the jurors, the courts rulings on evidence issues, and the lawyers arguments of the evidence to the jury impacted an entire industry. The case provides a useful tool for studying and defining competition in a U.S. courtroom.
Ownership Structure and Endogenous Quality Choice: Cooperatives versus Investor-Owned Firms
Authors: Hoffmann Ruben
Published: December 2005

This paper examines how ownership structure affects endogenous quality choice and the subsequent equilibrium outcomes. Investor owned firms (IOFs) and producer cooperatives (COOPs) are analyzed within a duopoly framework including a primary and a secondary level. The firms play a two-stage game, first simultaneously choosing the level of quality to produce and then compete in prices. It is shown that if the cost of quality at primary level is fixed, and/or variable exhibiting non-constant returns to scale, firms can have a structural cost advantage due to ownership structure in addition to the high-quality advantage identified in the previous literature.In the case of a fixed cost of quality at primary level, it is shown that although IOFs charge higher prices they generate a larger consumer surplus than COOPs by marketing higher qualities. Cooperatives generate a larger producer surplus while the market share of the high-quality good is independent of ownership structure. In the case of a variable cost of quality at primary level, a cooperative firm possesses a structural cost advantage which is used to market larger quantities of higher levels of quality generating larger profits, larger consumer surplus and larger social welfare. Policy implications of the different structures are discussed.
Proving Anti-Competitive Conduct in the U.S. Courtroom: The Plaintiff's Argument in Pickett v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.: Comment
Authors: Green Thomas C.
Published: December 2005

David Dominas article: Proving Anti-Competitive Conduct in the U.S. Courtroom: The Plaintiffs Argument in Pickett v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization: Vol. 2: No. 1, Article 8, is littered with rank speculation and baseless opinion, most of which can be dismissed without further comment. However, Mr. Dominas characterization of the Courts post-trial rulingin which the Court entered judgment in favor of Tysonis a deliberate misstatement. This Journals readers are entitled to an accurate report of the Courts disposition of the Pickett case, which I have provided in this Comment, and which can be verified by a review of the relevant court orders.
Revisiting the Price Effects of Rising Concentration in U.S. Food Manufacturing
Authors: Dickson Vaughan A , Sun Yingfeng
Published: December 2005

This paper follows Lopez et al. (2002) by also focusing on the market power and efficiency consequences of increased concentration in U.S. food manufacturing industries. However, unlike these authors, who employed the techniques of the new empirical industrial organization to investigate increasing concentration, our approach is based on the older tradition of the structure-conduct-performance school. A consequence is our results turn out to be quite different. Unlike Lopez et al. (2002), efficiency effects dominate, meaning that the overall effect of rising concentration has been to lower prices. We suggest the difference is due to the inability of NEIO models, as presently constructed, to adequately deal with technological change, particularly technological change that applies to only a sub-set of firms. It is this kind of technological change that produces shifting advantages among firms and should be an important factor behind changes in concentration.
Proving Anti-Competitive Conduct in the U.S. Courtroom: The Plaintiffs' Argument in Pickett v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.: Response to Comment
Authors: Domina David A.
Published: December 2005

Thomas C. Green's comment on the article "Proving Anti-Competitive Conduct in the U.S. Courtroom: The Plaintiffs' Argument in Pickett v. Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc." Vol. 2 [2004], Article 8, ignores hundreds of exhibits, thousands of data parts, extensive testimony, and resorts to name calling.Proof is not litter, and evidence is not rank speculation. Inferences from evidence may be characterized by opposing counsel as "baseless opinion," and this is the substance of advocacy.But the Court's first trial ruling was correctly described in the original article. Mr. Green refers not to the Court's Order entering judgment as a matter of law notwithstanding the jury's verdict, but, instead, to an Order concerning taxation of costs.
On Cyclical Industry Evolution in Agricultural Biotechnology R&D
Authors: Oehmke James F , Wolf Christopher A , Raper Kellie Curry
Published: December 2005

Over the past twenty years, the R&D-based agricultural biotechnology industry has exhibited cyclical behavior in consolidation. This paper provides a positive, theoretical model of endogenous R&D, in which the number of firms engaged in R&D exhibits cyclical behavior. Additional, empirically testable, behavioral characteristics of the model cycle include: the level of R&D activity is pro-cyclical, mergers and acquisitions activity and the time to discovery of the next innovation are counter-cyclical, and the duration of cyclic peaks (periods of high firm numbers) is short relative to periods of low firm numbers. The implication that the distribution of firm numbers over time is multi-modal is consistent with empirical evidence and is in contrast to studies of firm numbers in other industries. One policy implication is that anti-trust actions in agricultural biotechnology should be based on observed persistent, rather than cyclic, concentration.
Experiments and CFD Modelling of Fast Chemical Reaction in Turbulent Liquid Flows
Authors: Hjertager Osenbroch Lene K , Hjertager Bjørn H. , Solberg Tron
Published: December 2005

Fast chemical reactions in turbulent liquid flows are studied experimentally and computationally. Experiments are carried out for reactive mixing in order to obtain local mean and fluctuating concentrations. The experimental findings are used to test the performance of numerical models for turbulence, mixing and chemical reactions.The experiments are carried out in a mixing channel with two inlets separated by a block. A reactive Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) technique is used to obtain instantaneous concentration fields of product from an acid-base reaction. Two different flow cases are studied. For the first flow case, there are equal flow rates of acid and base, whereas the flow rate of acid is reduced to half the flow rate of base in the second flow case. The amount of product formed is found to be strongly dependent on how well the two inlet streams are mixed.The turbulent flow is modelled in two-dimensions by solving the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations in combination with a standard k-? turbulence model. Two different micro-mixing models are adopted, namely the multiple-time-scale turbulent mixer model (MTS) and the multi-peak presumed PDF-model.The simple reaction model, the eddy dissipation concept (EDC), developed for combustion reactions is found to be inadequate for liquid phase reactions. Modifying the model with a multiple-timescale turbulent mixer model (EDC-MTS) gives a substantial improvement.The multi-peak presumed PDF model and the two EDC-models are tested against reactive mixing experiments. The multi-peak presumed PDF model is found to give the best agreement between measured and predicted product concentration. The modified version of the EDC model, the EDC-MTS model, gives results which are close to the multi-peak presumed PDF model.
Light Intensity Distribution in a Dual-Lamp Photoreactor
Authors: Pareek Vishnu
Published: December 2005

Photochemical and photocatalytic reactors are being widely used in the wastewater treatment and water/air purification. One of the popular reactor configurations for water purification is the multiple lamp tubular reactor. The efficiency of purification in a photoreactor is determined by the distribution of UV radiation within the tubular space. In this study, the light intensity distribution in a two-lamp photoreactor has been evaluated using a finite volume scheme (which is essentially a variant of the discrete ordinate model). The irradiated space was divided into a number of finite volumes and angles (directional discretisation). Simulations were performed for both homogenous and heterogenous (with titania catalyst) reactors. Contours of incident radiation and local volumetric rate of energy absorption were plotted and analysed. Model predictions were used to assess the effect of catalyst loading on the light intensity distribution inside various reactor configurations. The optimum value of the distance between lamps in a 2-lamp photoreactor was found to be dependent on the optical properties of the photocatalyst used. Model predictions were found to match-well qualitatively with the published data from the literature.
Planning for Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes: A Process within Your Grasp
Authors: Connolly Kathleen , DeYoung Sandra
Published: December 2005

Assessment in educational institutions is mandated by the public and by accrediting organizations. Faculty must plan for program assessment within the context of the college or university goals and assessment projects. Within the department or college of nursing, student learning outcomes must be assessed at the total program level and at the course and classroom levels. Faculty who are motivated to plan assessments and use outcome data should take leadership in the process. The process consists of determining the outcomes to be assessed, the measures to be used, and the standards to be reached. When data has been collected, it must be evaluated and used to make improvements. Finally, the assessment process itself should be assessed. This article gives examples of assessment methods for all levels of assessment at the institution, but especially at the program and course levels. A departmental assessment blueprint is included. The end result of implementation of an assessment plan is that at every level of the institution, excellence should be enhanced.
A Case Study: The Clinical Application of Quadrangular Dialogue-A Caring in Nursing Teaching Model
Authors: Sumner Jane F
Published: December 2005

Teaching caring in nursing is expected of nursing faculty, but the practical application is rarely explained. It has been regarded as the moral responsibility of faculty to teach in a caring way. This case study relates how one faculty applied the concepts to quadrangular dialogue a caring model of nursing education to the experience of baccalaureate student nurses in their first clinical rotation. The components of quadrangular dialogue will be described, and applied to a specific patient who was cared for by students in one semester. This model is developed from Habermas (1995) Theory of Communicative Action and Moral Consciousness, Bishop and Scudders (1990) Triadic Dialogue and a caring in nursing paradigm developed by this author. It explains how the patient, nursing student and nursing faculty are all first person in the interaction, while the illness is object. By acknowledging the humanness of participants, validation and fulfillment for each follow.
Cultural Competency Education in American Nursing Programs and the Approach of One School of Nursing
Authors: Sloand Elizabeth , Groves Sara , Brager Rosemarie
Published: December 2005

The importance of cultural competency in all areas of American society is well accepted. Indeed, the evolving demographics of the country make it imperative. A wide range of educational and work settings has addressed the concept, from business and government to education and health. Cultural competency is particularly critical in the realm of healthcare, as the potential impact on quality of health and life is at stake. Nursing is a leader in this field, with a long theoretical and practice history of attention to, and respect for, individual differences. This article reviews cultural competency education in nursing and its respective educational settings. Common threads and different models are discussed. The program components of cultural competency education in one School of Nursing are highlighted. Future directions towards refining cultural competency education are presented.
Reflections on Undergraduate Nursing Education: A Look to the Future
Authors: Oermann Marilyn H
Published: December 2005

The nursing shortage combined with a shortage of faculty have created new challenges for schools of nursing particularly at the undergraduate level. At a time when schools are attempting to increase student enrollment, there are fewer faculty available for teaching those students. Faculty are increasingly faced with more responsibilities and demands placed on them to prepare students with essential knowledge and skills for beginning practice. The purposes of this paper are to examine current challenges in undergraduate nursing education and some strategies for addressing them.
The Tyranny of Consensus: Implications for Nursing Education
Authors: Banister Elizabeth M , Schreiber Rita S
Published: December 2005

The egalitarian appeal of decision making based on consensus has been valued as a strong alternative to other decision making approaches such as voting. In this paper, we identify some of the challenges inherent in this view, and suggest consideration of alternative decision making approaches needed at times to help nurse educators in their work with students and colleagues. As nurse educators, we have a responsibility to educate students about the meanings of consensus, to encourage open discussion about implicit values underlying behaviors, and help them appreciate the importance of dissent in a democratic society. Our challenge is to ensure that we are using, and teaching, the best decision making process for the circumstance.
Beyond Student Ratings: Peer Observation of Classroom and Clinical Teaching
Authors: Berk Ronald A , Naumann Phyllis L , Appling Susan E
Published: December 2005

Peer observation of classroom and clinical teaching has received increased attention over the past decade in schools of nursing to augment student ratings of teaching effectiveness. One essential ingredient is the scale used to evaluate performance. A five-step systematic procedure for adapting, writing, and building any peer observation scale is described. The differences between the development of a classroom observation scale and an appraisal scale to observe clinical instructors are examined. Psychometric issues peculiar to observation scales are discussed in terms of content validity, eight types of response bias, and interobserver reliability. The applications of the scales in one school of nursing as part of the triangulation of methods with student ratings and the teaching portfolio are illustrated. Copies of the scales are also provided.
Finding the Way: A Model for Educational System Analysis
Authors: Clark Mary Jo
Published: December 2005

Administrators new to an academic setting experience a steep learning curve in finding their way around the organization. Leadership strategies that have proven effective in a previous setting or in another role may not be appropriate to or effective in the new setting. Disruptive effects of such leadership transitions can be minimized if newly employed administrators take a systematic approach to learning about the organization. The educational systems analysis model (ESAM) described here provides direction for new academic administrators in rapid analysis of a nursing education program.ESAM is comprised of both external and internal elements that influence system operation and the role of the administrator within the system. External elements include environmental factors that influence the program as well as the community of interest. Internal elements include the mission and goals, culture, relationships, structure, programs and services, resources, and outcomes of the program. Each of the internal elements is considered from both content and process perspectives. Relationships among the elements in the model are dynamic and reciprocal.
Building Communities of Scholars through a Hologogy for Online Graduate Nursing Education: Reconnecting with the Wisdom of Nursing
Authors: Cumbie Sharon Ann , Wolverton R. L.
Published: December 2005

Nursing must respond to complex health care needs, but the response will be ineffective without cohesiveness within the nursing community. Advance practice nursing students exploration of the historical, philosophical, and theoretical structures of nursing can provide an anchor for study of the discipline, promote a feeling of connection with the community of nursing, and foster an understanding of the wisdom that exists within the body of nursing knowledge. The authors have developed and refined a structure and approach for teaching an online nursing theory course to promote students identification with nursing knowledge and facilitate building a sense of community among the class members and with the discipline, as a whole. The purposes of this article are to describe this model for community building within a masters-level online graduate nursing theory course and to demonstrate student responses to the course process.
Use of a Human Simulator for Undergraduate Nurse Education
Authors: McCausland Linda L , Curran Cynthia C. , Cataldi Penny
Published: December 2005

Use of a human patient simulator has been identified as an effective teaching strategy in many areas of the health care field. However, there is little information to help faculty learn the general principles of simulation. This article provides basic concepts to those anticipating simulator use. A guide for running a successful simulation is provided. A heart failure scenario is used as an example.
A Study Abroad Experience in Guatemala: Learning First-Hand about Health, Education, and Social Welfare in a Low-Resource Country
Authors: Harrison Lynda , Malone Kirsten
Published: December 2005

The demographic characteristics of the United States are rapidly changing as the nation becomes more culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse. In light of these changes, it is increasingly important that health care professionals develop cultural competence and understanding. Study abroad experiences can help students learn first-hand about other cultures and can promote the development of enhanced cultural sensitivity and competence. Although there are many advantages and benefits of study-abroad experiences, these experiences also present unique challenges for both students and faculty. This article presents a description of a 3-credit elective study abroad course that was offered for graduate or undergraduate credit in the summer of 2003 in Guatemala, including a description of course objectives, the process of planning and implementing the course from the facultys perspective, and one students perceptions of her study abroad experience.
Systematic Reviews of Health Care Interventions: An Essential Component of Health Sciences Graduate Programs
Authors: Peacock Shelley , Forbes Dorothy
Published: December 2005

Systematic reviews are an objective, rigorous assessment of both published and unpublished research that enable the reviewer to make recommendations to clinicians, policy-makers, consumers, and researchers. The steps in a systematic review include: (a) developing a research question, (b) developing relevance and validity tools, (c) conducting a thorough literature search of published and unpublished studies, (d) using relevance and validity tools to assess the studies, (e) completing data extraction for each study, (f) synthesizing the findings and, (g) writing the report. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value of providing health science graduate students with the opportunity to learn about the conduct of a systematic review. An example of a thesis utilizing the method of a systematic review is presented.
Using Standardized Patients to Teach and Evaluate Nurse Practitioner Students on Cultural Competency
Authors: Rutledge Carolyn M. , Garzon Laurel , Scott Micah , Karlowicz Karen
Published: December 2005

With the increasing diversity in the American population, it is imperative that nurse practitioners learn to manage patients with varying healthcare beliefs and needs. In order to develop culturally competent nurse practitioners, a number of methods have been developed. Many of the current methods focus on improving the awareness and knowledge of nurse practitioners regarding diverse populations. However, very few of the current programs focus on improving the skills and increasing the encounters the students have with diverse populations. This paper focuses on providing nurse practitioner students with diverse encounters using culturally enhanced standardized patient scenarios. The standardized patient programs provide nurse practitioner students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills related to cultural competency in a safe environment where the students can practice communication and physical assessment skills as they receive feedback from the patients they are seeing.
Outcomes of Master's Education in Nursing
Authors: Cragg C.E. 'Betty' , Andrusyszyn Mary-Anne
Published: December 2005

This qualitative, descriptive study examined changes in perspective experienced by 22 recent graduates of Masters in Nursing programs from three Ontario universities. Participants responded to semi-structured, taped interviews and recounted personal, practice, and attitudinal changes they could attribute to completing a Masters program in Nursing. Among outcomes were personal ones including greater self-confidence, credibility, and acuity of critical thinking. Deeper and broader world-views of the profession and health care were evident. All participants valued evidence-based practice, reporting greater use of multiple information sources. Participants communicated with other professionals on more equal terms and some described a multicultural function, translating knowledge between staff nurses and members of other disciplines. Pride in nursing and its potential for shaping health care was a recurring theme. More professional opportunities became available following Masters studies. The outcomes of this study contribute to understanding the effects of graduate education in nursing.
Philippine Academic Visit: Brief but Life-Changing
Authors: Penman Joy , Ellis Bronwyn J
Published: December 2005

As one way of inculcating international perspectives in its graduates, the University of South Australia includes in its programs various opportunities for students to study abroad. It also encourages incoming short-term exchange and full-program international students. In 2001, the Discipline of Nursing and Rural Health (Whyalla Campus) sent two graduating students to a developing country in Asia, the Philippines, for a twelve-week academic experience. Despite problems causing the visit to be curtailed, much was learned. Participant and organiser insights are described, sharing valuable lessons to inform future plans and ensure better results. What could be regarded as a failed academic visit, nevertheless offered a life-changing opportunity and significant learning outcomes, reinforcing the belief that international academic experiences are extremely worthwhile for students and participating institutions. These experiences provide an important path to cultural understandings, and to personal and professional development.
Meeting the At-Risk Challenge: Empowering Nursing Students Through Mentoring
Authors: Candela Lori L. , Kowalski Susan , Cyrkiel Dianne , Warner Deborah
Published: December 2005

Wanting to improve student retention, progression, and graduation, the nursing faculty of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas developed a program for undergraduate students. Designated faculty mentors are available for academically at-risk students, or any student wanting to improve learning skills. Through mentoring sessions, students are helped to assess their learning difficulties, develop individualized prescription plans for learning, gain support during implementation of learning strategies, and evaluate results. Implemented in 2002, the program reflects positive outcomes. Of the 29 students who were referred to the program, only 3 were unsuccessful in passing their nursing courses. Student evaluations of the program reflect the value of the mentoring experience. The program has subsequently developed in the areas of advertising, diagnostic student testing, and student access to support resources.
Teaching Nursing Students to Assess and Intervene for Domestic Violence
Authors: Davila Yolanda R
Published: December 2005

Domestic violence is recognized as a priority womens health issue. Despite its prevalence, the majority of accredited nursing schools in the United States has yet to adequately integrate violence assessment and intervention content and planned clinical experiences into their curriculum. Therefore, the author has developed a theoretically based one-day domestic violence immersion activity to enhance the teaching of domestic violence assessment and intervention skills to baccalaureate nursing students.
Developing Nursing Leaders Through Graduate Education in Pakistan
Authors: Upvall Michele J , Karmaliani Rozina , Pirani Farida , Gul Raisa , Khalid Farida
Published: December 2005

Advanced practice is the conceptual focus for the first Masters of Science in Nursing (MScN) program in Pakistan. Initiated at the Aga Khan University School of Nursing (AKUSON) in October 2001, this full time two-year program aims to prepare nurses who are leaders in nursing practice with advanced knowledge and skills for their roles in either urban, rural, tertiary-care or community settings. The significance of the progress must be emphasized in a country where most nursing education takes place at diploma level and relatively few opportunities exist for nurses seeking a baccalaureate degree. Other countries developing graduate nursing programs may benefit from the expereince in Pakistan.
Validation of the Clinical Learning Environment and Supervision Scale
Authors: Saarikoski Mikko , Isoaho Hannu , Leino-Kilpi Helena , Warne Tony
Published: December 2005

The aim of the study was to validate a new research instrument to evaluate the quality of the clinical learning environment and the supervision given to nursing students by qualified staff nurses. This paper describes the validation process of the research instrument. Dunn's and Burnett's (1995) CLE scale was chosen for the concurrent research instrument to test validity. The theoretical framework of this study draws on empirical research into clinical learning environments and supervision undertaken during the 1980's and 1990's. The sample consisted of nursing students who had undertaken a clinical placement in a hospital setting. The data (n=416) were collected from four Nursing Colleges in Finland. Students evaluated their clinical placements as being 'good' in both instruments. The supervisory relationship was the most important factor in students' supervisory system but this requires a positive atmosphere and a 'good' leadership in order to be effective. The congruence between the instruments in use was high so that it is impossible to note the possible impact of cultural differences in this instrument validation process.
Interim Leadership in an Era of Change
Authors: Boylston Mary T , Peters Mary Anne
Published: December 2005

As dean and chair positions in baccalaureate programs in nursing are vacated, the role of the interim leader can emerge as a confusing yet crucial role during the interregnum. This can occur even if the new administrator has had a faculty role at the institution. Without a comprehensive orientation or mentorship, the interim administrator may find the role perplexing and question which tactics they need to exercise to meet the expectations of the university, faculty, and stakeholders. The following article depicts a paradigm that the interim chair may employ to achieve the goals of the institution and department. An amalgamation of leadership theories and concepts create a framework for the interim leader to employ as the search for a permanent replacement ensues. The interim chair may be able to apply some of the relevant theories and discover that there are a plethora of resources within the nursing community to assist the individual in creating a positive impact within the academic setting.
"Surviving": Registered Nurses' Experiences in a Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Authors: Ritchie Linda A , Evans Marilyn , MacNeil Melanie , Micsinszki Sandra
Published: December 2005

In 2000, one Canadian university began offering a 12-month baccalaureate program to provide registered nurses (RNs) with a condensed program to expedite baccalaureate preparation. The paucity of current literature regarding returning RNs experiences emphasized the need to explore these students perceptions regarding their educational experiences. Twelve participants were interviewed for this descriptive/exploratory study. A major theme of "surviving" emerged from the qualitative analysis. Surviving embraced the themes of "the quest", "the struggle", and "the aftermath". Implications for nursing curriculum and program development and recommendations for research are discussed.
An Inventory of Nursing Education Research
Authors: Yonge Olive J , Anderson Marjorie , Profetto-McGrath Joanne , Olson Joanne K , Skillen D. Lynn , Boman Jeanette , Ranson Ratusz Ann , Anderson Arnette , Slater Linda , Day Rene
Published: December 2005

Purpose: To describe nursing education research literature in terms of quality, content areas under investigation, geographic location of the research, research designs utilized, sample sizes, instruments used to collect data, and funding sources.Design and Methods: Quantitative and qualitative research literature published between January 1991 and December 2000 were identified and classified using an author-generated Relevance Tool.Findings: 1286 articles were accepted and entered into the inventory, and an additional 22 were retained as references as they were either literature reviews or meta-analyses. Not surprisingly, 90% of nursing education research was generated in North America and Europe, the industrialised parts of the world. Of the total number of articles accepted into the inventory, 61% were quantitative research based. The bulk of the research was conducted within the confines of a course or within a program, with more than half based in educational settings. Sample sizes of the research conducted were diverse, with a bare majority using a sample between 50 and 99 participants. More than half of the studies used questionnaires to obtain data. Surprising, 80% of the research represented in these articles was not funded. The number of publications of nursing education research generated yearly stabilised at approximately 120 per year.Conclusion: Research programs on teaching and learning environments and practice in nursing education need to be developed. Lobbying is needed to increase funding for this type of research at national and international levels.
Is Plagiarism Creating an Opportunity for the Development of New Assessment Strategies?
Authors: Bassendowski Sandra L , Salgado Andrew J
Published: December 2005

Have traditional student assessment strategies such as the formal written paper outlived their usefulness? Given reports of plagiarism in post-secondary institutions and the ease with which students can cut and paste content from online sources, the relevance and applicability of traditional assessment strategies need to be examined in light of these technological advances. The introduction of technology and the Internet into classrooms has been the most important educational change to occur in the last one hundred years, yet assessment strategies reflect the characteristics of the printing press to a greater extent than the capabilities of technology and the Internet. The paper explores a connection to the visual arts in terms of creation, re-creation, the desire to conceal, and contemporary means of interpretation. A search of the literature reveals a need for teaching and learning environments to evolve along with a technologically-based society.
Recruitment and Retention of Minority Students: Diversity in Nursing Education
Authors: Etowa Josephine B. , Foster Suzanne , Vukic Adele R , Wittstock Lucille , Youden Susan
Published: December 2005

A culturally diverse nursing workforce is essential to meet the health needs of an increasingly diverse Canadian population. The recruitment and retention of nursing students representing diverse backgrounds are vital to the building of this diversified work force. Studies have shown that diversity within the student body benefits everyone. For example, students who study and work within a diverse environment are better able to understand and consider multiple perspectives and to appreciate the benefits inherent in diversity. This paper describes one school of nursings project on the Recruitment and Retention of Black students into their Bachelor of Science Nursing (BScN) Program. The project goals are to increase diversity, foster student learning, and ultimately improve health care for the Black community. Presented in this paper are the project background, implementation process, challenges and outcomes. This may provide learned lessons and future directions for similar initiatives in other institutions.
Enriching Clinical Learning Experiences in Community Health Nursing Through the Use of Discussion Boards
Authors: Moran Roxanne
Published: December 2005

The purpose of this article is to describe how a constructivist approach to learning, using an internet-based discussion board, can be used to support the reflection and dialogue of registered nurse students in a community health course in an accelerated RN-to-BS program. The constructivist structure of the course is described and insights from students shared, revealing learning in the areas of critical reflection, professional growth, and peer support. Suggestions for implementation of the educational strategy are provided.