bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Participation and Health-Related Quality of Life in 85 Year Olds in Sweden
Authors: Lantz Kristina , Marcusson Jan , Wressle Ewa
Published: April 2012

This study explores how 85 year olds in Sweden perceive participation and autonomy in their life situations in relation to health-related quality of life and gender. A postal questionnaire included questions on sociodemographics, social network, assistive technology, community assistance, and the EQ-5D. During a home visit, an occupational therapist evaluated perceived participation and autonomy using the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire. Most perceived their participation as sufficient. Women had greater limitations than men in indoor and outdoor autonomy. Only a few individuals reported many or severe problems with participation, mainly in mobility and leisure. Not having friends nearby, no close contact with neighbors, and living in community housing increased the risk of perceived problems. Sufficient participation was positively associated with higher health-related quality of life, and facilitating participation is an area of interest for occupational therapists.
Sobre la identidad de un canino superior masculino de hominoideo de la Cuenca del Vallès-Penedès figurado por Pickford (2012)
Authors: Alba D. M. , Moyà-Solà S.
Published: April 2012

Pickford (2012) involuntariamente figuró—con un número de catálogo erróneo—un canino superior masculino inédito de un primate hominoideo del la Cuenca del Vallès-Penedès (sin especificar su localidad de procedencia), y lo atribuyó al gran antropomorfo fósil del Mioceno Superior Hispanopithecus laietanus. En realidad, este canino procede de la serie estratigráfica local del Abocador de Can Mata (ACM), y muestra mayores similitudes com los hominoideos del Mioceno Medio que con Hispanopithecus. Damos a conocer aquí el número de catálogo correcto de este espécimen (IPS41714) y proporcionamos detalles de su localidad de procedencia (ACM/C4-Ap) así como de su edad estimada (11,9 ma). En base a consideraciones morfológicas, justificamos además la atribución de este espécimen a Dryopithecus fontani, previamente registrado mediante restos craneodentales en otra localidad del ACM con la misma edad, y corregimos también algunos otros pequeños errores.
Evaluation of the biological activity of sunflower hull extracts
Authors: Taha F. S. , Wagdy S. M. , Hassanein M. M.M. , Hamed S. F.
Published: April 2012

This work was planned with the aim of adding value to sunflower seed hulls, a waste product of the oil industry by preparing a sunflower hull phenolic extract rich in chlorogenic acid (CGA). In order to fulfill this goal, the optimization for the extraction of a phenolic extract from the hulls was investigated. The parameters studied were: type of solvent, solvent to water ratio and hull to solvent ratio. In addition, the solvent mixtures were also studied. The resulting phenolic extracts were evaluated for their biological activities. This included phenolic content determination, evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Chlorogenic acid was determined in two chosen hull extracts using the UV spectrophotometric method and HPLC analysis. The anticarcinogenic activity of the two chosen extracts was tested on seven different cell line carcinomas. The results revealed that all the phenolic extracts of sunflower hull studied contain between 190-312.5 mg phenolics/ 100 g hulls. The highest phenolic extraction was achieved with 80% methanol (1:30, hull to solvent, w/v ratio) and methanol to ethanol to water (7:7:6 v/v/v) mixture with values of 312.5 and 306.5 mg phenolics/100 g hulls, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant activity of all the samples ranged from 33.6-72.6%. The highest antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging activity were achieved by the same extracts that possessed the highest phenolic content, namely methanol to ethanol to water extract and 80% methanol with values 71.8 and 72.6%, 68.2 and 70.9% respectively, compared to 77.9 and 76.9% respectively for TBHQ. All the phenolic extracts possessed antimicrobial activity but to different levels against different pathogenic bacteria. The two chosen extracts also possessed anticarcinogenic activity, which differed among varying cell line carcinomas. The HPLC analysis indicated that chlorogenic acid was the main phenolic acid in the extract. Thus it can be concluded that sunflower hull is a potential source of nutraceuticals.
Effect of drying, chemical and natural processing methods on black Biancolilla olives
Authors: Romeo F. V. , Piscopo A. , Poiana M.
Published: April 2012

In the present work, the effects of different drying and brining treatments on pigmented Biancolilla olives were evaluated. The olive cultivar considered is typical of Sicily and was harvested at pigmented state. The carpological data revealed its good quality as table olives. A preliminary fermentation in brine was applied to the samples. Half of the samples were dried whereas the remaining olives were subjected to three different lye treatments and oxidation steps. After washing, the olives were stored according to a natural fermentation or drying process with or without a pretreatment of iron gluconate. The fermentation and oxidation steps conditioned the hygienic characteristics of the final product affecting the pH value of the brine. The use of iron salt for improving the darkening rate of processed olives influenced the color parameters as expected. The oxidation and the addition of iron salt affected the texture of dried olives making them softer than those directly dried. The results suggest that the Biancolilla cultivar is suitable for fermentation in brine without any previous treatment such as oxidation.
Service Science, Quo Vadis?
Authors: Géczy Peter , Izumi Noriaki , Hasida Kôiti
Published: April 2012

The world is dominated by service-based economies. The service sector in developed economies accounts for over 75% of economic activities. The industrial and agrarian economic activities amount to around 20% and 5%, respectively. Despite their dominant position, services are the least studied part of the economy. This is partly attributed to the complexity and diversity of services, and inherent difficulties in providing a comprehensive theoretical foundation with well-defined concepts, tools, methods, and practical implications. Service science is an emerging discipline that fills in the gap. It is an interdisciplinary endeavor bringing together economics, management, engineering, and information and system sciences. The authors present a concise historical account of the development of economic activities leading to the present body of services. Aspects of service diversity and evolution are addressed. Scientific approaches to elucidation of services are overviewed. They are organized into four logical categories and examined from both macro and micro-level viewpoints. The emerging service science requires effort in synthesizing partial knowledge from individual disciplines and encompassing both micro and macro characteristics of services. A future perspective on service science is also offered.
Considering the Influence of Visual Saliency during Interface Searches
Authors: Still Jeremiah D. , Masciocchi Christopher M.
Published: April 2012

In this chapter, the authors highlight the influence of visual saliency, or local contrast, on users’ searches of interfaces, particularly web pages. Designers have traditionally focused on the importance of goals and expectations (top-down processes) for the navigation of interfaces (Diaper & Stanton, 2004), with little consideration for the influence of saliency (bottom-up processes). The Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction (Sears & Jacko, 2008), for example, does not discuss the influence of bottom-up processing, potentially neglecting an important aspect of interface-based searches. The authors review studies that demonstrate how a user’s attention is rapidly drawn to visually salient locations in a variety of tasks and scenes, including web pages. They then describe an inexpensive, rapid technique that designers can use to identify visually salient locations in web pages, and discuss its advantages over similar methods.
Application and Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for StarCraft
Authors: Deshotels Luke
Published: April 2012

This chapter will discuss several algorithms and techniques used in artificial intelligence that can be applied to StarCraft (Blizzard, 2009) and other similar real-time strategy (RTS) games. A significant section of the chapter is devoted to teaching the reader how to use the Brood War API (Heinermann, 2011), BWAPI. This API allows developers to create agents that can play StarCraft with or without human interaction. Each section after the tutorial introduces an algorithm or technique, explains the relevant concepts, shows an example of its implementation in StarCraft, and evaluates its performance and applications. The algorithms and techniques covered include swarm intelligence, gathering algorithms, expert systems, and hill climbing. The example implementations are kept simple to allow readers to follow along and implement them as practice.
Collision Detection Using the GJK Algorithm
Authors: Bittle William N.
Published: April 2012

GJK is a fast and elegant collision detection algorithm. Originally designed to determine the distance between two convex shapes, it has been adapted to collision detection, continuous collision detection, and ray casting. Its versatility, speed, and compactness have allowed GJK to be one of the top choices of collision detection algorithms in a number of fields.
Breaking the Ice
Authors: Stuart Lindsay H. , Remus Ulrich , Mills Annette M.
Published: April 2012

This case explores the challenges of implementing an enterprise system (ES) across a university with a diverse organizational culture. This teaching case describes the process through which Southern University sought to implement the Delta student management system (SMS) and the challenges encountered due to the university’s organizational culture. The project team ran into a change resistant culture with organizational units that enjoyed autonomy in their business processes. Rather than attend to various needs by customizing the system, the project team implemented a plain version of the system. Although this approach ensured the project team was able to complete the implementation on time and within budget, it left behind many dissatisfied users and organizational members, and created resistance within the organization toward the system. Therefore, this case provides opportunities for students to discuss the impact of organizational culture and user resistance on IS implementations as well as the merits and limitations of the strategies employed by the project team to ensure the new system was implemented on time and within budget.
Comprehensive Structure of Novel Voice Priority Queue Scheduling System Model for VoIP Over WLANs
Authors: Nisar Kashif , Amphawan Angela , Hassan Suhaidi B.
Published: April 2012

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has grown quickly in the world of telecommunication. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) are the most performance assuring technology for wireless networks, and WLANs have facilitated high-rate voice services at low cost and good flexibility. In a voice conversation, each client works as a sender or a receiver depending on the direction of traffic flow over the network. A VoIP application requires high throughput, low packet loss, and a high fairness index over the network. The packets of VoIP streaming may experience drops because of the competition among the different kinds of traffic flow over the network. A VoIP application is also sensitive to delay and requires the voice packets to arrive on time from the sender to the receiver side without any delay over WLAN. The scheduling system model for VoIP traffic is an unresolved problem. The objectives of this paper are to identify scheduler issues. This comprehensive structure of Novel Voice Priority Queue (VPQ) scheduling system model for VoIP over WLAN discusses the essential background of the VPQ schedulers and algorithms. This paper also identifies the importance of the scheduling techniques over WLANs.
Quantales of open groupoids
Authors: Protin M. Clarence , Resende Pedro
Published: April 2012

It is well known that étale groupoids are closely related to inverse semigroups. In particular, it has recently been shown that there is a non-functorial equivalence between localic étale groupoids, on the one hand, and complete and infinitely distributive inverse semigroups (abstract complete pseudogroups), on the other, which is mediated by a class of quantales, known as inverse quantal frames, that are obtained from the inverse semigroups by a simple join completion that yields an equivalence of categories. Hence, we can regard abstract complete pseudogroups as being essentially “the same” as inverse quantal frames, and in this paper we exploit this fact in order to find a suitable replacement for inverse semigroups in the context of open groupoids that are not necessarily étale. The interest of such a generalization lies in the importance and ubiquity of open groupoids in noncommutative geometry, operator algebras, differential geometry, topos theory, etc., and we achieve it by means of a class of quantales, called open quantal frames, which generalize inverse quantal frames and whose properties we study in detail. The resulting correspondence between quantales and open groupoids is not a straightforward generalization of the previous results concerning étale groupoids, and it depends heavily on the existence of inverse semigroups of local bisections of the quantales involved.
Empathy Levels of Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Wise Bethany L. , Page Marilyn S.
Published: April 2012

For occupational therapy educators to determine success at developing and/or maintaining among students empathy levels that are conducive to understanding and helping patients, educators must be able to measure changes in affective sensitivity. This paper briefly discusses methods of altering empathy levels and describes the use of Kagan’s Affective Sensitivity Scale to measure changes in empathy levels of occupational therapy students. Students were evaluated before and after completing a clinical practicum and a group process course and again one year later. The first Level I clinical practicum did not have the anticipated impact upon empathy scores, but the group process approach might have positively affected empathy levels. The significance of permanent changes in empathy scores might correlate with the intensity of the group process course. Kagan’s Affective Sensitivity Scale is useful for measuring changes in empathy levels.
Developmental Age Trends in Crossing the Body Midline in Normal Children
Authors: Cermak Sharon A. , Quintero Elizabeth Joy , Cohen Patricia Marie
Published: April 2012

The ability to cross the body midline was assessed in 150 normal children, ages 4 through 8, by observing hand usage during the Space Visualization Test of the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests. A Space Visualization Contralateral Use score (SVCU) was computed for each subject and was regarded as a measure of the tendency to spontaneously cross the body midline. This score is based on a ratio of ipsilateral (uncrossed) to contralateral (crossed) responses. The percentage of time a child use the preferred hand to pick up a block was also recorded. Results indicated that spontaneous midline crossing increased with age. Although the percent of preferred hand responses increased with age, there was enough variability at each age that there were no significant differences among age groups. Perceptual, motor, and psychosocial factors that could influence midline behavior were discussed. Based on the data from this study, a preliminary reinterpretation of the SVCU score is offered.
The Measurement of Vestibular-based Functions in Pre-School Children
Authors: DeGangi Georgia A. , Berk Ronald A. , Larsen Lawrence A.
Published: April 2012

A 21-item test entitled Assessment of Sensorimotor Integration in Pre-School Children (1) was developed to measure vestibular-based functions in pre-school children. It focuses on postural control, reflex integration, and bilateral motor integration. Data were gathered on 113 normal and 23 developmentally delayed children from three to five years of age. The psychometric quality of the test was investigated in terms of domain validity, discriminant validity, and interobserver reliability. It was found that 1. the items validly measure the domain of vestibular-based functions, 2. the six component subtests provide strong discriminative power and a high degree of accuracy for classifying children as normal and delayed, and 3. the test could be administered with a high degree of objectivity by therapists with little or no experience in sensory integrative testing. These findings should be regarded as tentative until cross-validation studies and research on construct validity and decision-making reliability have been conducted.
The Remediation of Role Disorders through Focused Group Work
Authors: Versluys Hilda P.
Published: April 2012

Normally, a person performs a variety of roles in the family, at work, and in the community. Maintaining these roles intact is of critical importance for the well being and personal identity of the individual. Persons with a physical illness or disability may face a reduction or termination in the number of roles they can sustain. The use of role-focused groups as a treatment method is based on role acquisition and transformation concepts derived from theories of sociology, psychology, and occupational therapy.

This paper presents relevant concepts of role acquisition, describes the relationship between the disability and its impact on personal role functions, and examines the factors contributing to erosion of specific adult, occupational, family, and avocational roles. It offers guidelines for evaluation and explores the use of role-focused, interactive, experiential groups both in role maintenance and as a treatment method for role disorders. Finally, a variety of role-focused group models and themes for treatment are described.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Types of Teaching Aids in an Occupational Therapy Research Class
Authors: Griffin Nancy L. , Schumm Robert W.
Published: April 2012

Students who have mastered statistical calculation problems often experience difficulty in choosing an appropriate procedure to apply to a given research problem. To assist them in this process, two teaching aids were assigned at random to a group of 29 beginning research students. Their performance in selecting appropriate statistical procedures for analyzing data indicated that, while both aids were helpful, the algorithm format was more effective than the prose form.
The International Year of Disabled Persons:
Authors: O’Flaherty Harold
Published: April 2012

We are pleased to present these remarks from the Keynote Address given by Harold O’Flaherty, Executive Director, Federal Interagency Committee for the International Year of Disabled Persons, at the AOTA Annual Conference, San Antonio, Texas, March 6, 1981.
Handedness and Hand Joint Changes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Hasselkus Betty Risteen , Kshepakaran K. K. , Safrit Margaret J.
Published: April 2012

This study investigates the relationship of hand use to the deforming hand joint changes of rheumatoid arthritis. Measurements of metacarpophalangeal lateral mobility, loss of metacarpophalangeal hyperextension, thumb metacarpophalangeal range of motion, and lateral pinch strength were statistically compared across dominant and nondominant hands of 51 adult subjects who had definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis. Incidence of boutonniere and swan neck deformities and distal radioulna laxity was also recorded. Results of a multivariate analysis of variance of the difference scores between dominant and nondominant measures were not significant. The authors concluded that the relationship of hand use to joint destruction is not yet clearly defined and further study is needed. Implications for treatment principles of joint protection are presented.
Behaviorial Assessment Scale of Oral Functions in Feeding
Authors: Stratton Margaret
Published: April 2012

When implementing therapeutic feeding programs for the multiply-handicapped developmentally disabled, it is imperative to establish a specific baseline of observable oral movement upon which management and change can be measured. The assessment reported provides an objective and graded method of documenting the major aspects of oral function in relation to feeding difficulties. It is designed to be used in conjunction with an assessment of overall muscle tone and body patterns and an evaluation of specific oral structures and deviations that might interfere with eating.
Effects of Vestibular Stimulation on Spontaneous Use of Verbal Language in Developmentally Delayed Children
Authors: Magrun W. Michael , Ottenbacher Kenneth , McCue Susan , Keefe Rosemary
Published: April 2012

The relationship between vestibular stimulation and language development in a group of five primary trainable mentally deficient and five developmentally retarded preschoolers was studied. Subjects received vestibular stimulation prior to a free play situation and were monitored for spontaneous recognizable language use. Results indicated an increase in spontaneous verbal language use for both groups immediately after the stimulation periods, and suggest vestibular stimulation as an effective nonverbal intervention method for the facilitation of spontaneous language.
Continuing Education: A Quality Assurance Approach
Authors: Robertson Susan C. , Martin E. Davis
Published: April 2012

In the arena of accountability measures in health care recertification mechanisms are being evaluated for their cost-effectiveness in occupational therapy. The use of continuing education as one recertification option raises concern about the efficacy of educational activities. One measure of program quality is the continuing education unit. Criteria for its award are delineated. Several methods for implementing the measurement of educational activities in occupational therapy are examined.
Criterion-Referenced Measurement in the College Classroom
Authors: Borg Barbara , Bruce Mary Ann
Published: April 2012

Beginning in the fall of 1979, at their respective institutions, each author used criterion-referenced measurement to assess student achievement in the junior- and senior-level occupational therapy course in psychosocial dysfunction. Based on their experience, the authors offer a guide for the construction of criterion-referenced test items and discuss the implementation of criterion-referenced measurement in a traditional college setting.
Occupational Therapy Revisited: A Paraphrastic Journey
Authors: Bing Robert K.
Published: April 2012

Occupational Therapy’s roots are in the subsoil of the moral movement developed in Europe during the Age of Enlightenment. Philippe Pinel, a French philosopher-physician, and William Tuke, an English merchant-philanthropist, developed the principles and applied them to the insane in institutions. Moral treatment came to the United States as part of the Quaker’s religious and intellectual luggage. It expanded rapidly in private, as well as in public, institutions for the insane. During the last quarter of the 19th century moral treatment disappeared. It re-emerged in the early decades of the 20th century as Occupational Therapy.

A diverse group of women and men developed principles and definitions and founded an organization to support the practice of the re-titled moral treatment and management. Susan Tracy, a nurse; George Barton, an architect; William Rush Dunton, Jr., a physician, Eleanor Clarke Slagle, a partially trained social worker also trained in invalid occupations; and Adolf Meyer, another physician, figure prominently in the development of this century’s Occupational Therapy.

A second generation of occupational therapists elaborated upon, codified, and applied the founders’ principles. Their efforts and successes are exemplified through one individual: Beatrice D. Wade, OTR, FAOTA. Lessons from 200 years of development of moral treatment and occupational therapy are cited.
Play in Evolution, Culture, and Individual Adaptation: Implications for Therapy
Authors: Vandenberg Brian , Kielhofner Gary
Published: April 2012

In this paper human play is examined from the perspective of its role in evolution. A model of social evolution is proposed to extend the model of biological evolution and to demonstrate the central role of play in the socialevolutionary process. Since in evolution play is a mechanism for its process, it demands species members who are playful. Thus, man is a player by virtue of species membership and the evolutionary pathway of the species. The implications of this deep-seated characteristic of playfulness are discussed in terms of human development. Finally, a set of principles is derived from the evolutionary-developmental characteristics of play. Application of these principles in clinical practice is demonstrated and discussed.
Self-Concept and Functional Independence in the Hospitalized Elderly
Authors: Aitken Marlene J.
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships of various kinds of hospitalization to self-concept and functional independence of 30 hospitalized and 10 nonhospitalized subjects older than 65. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale was used to measure self-concept, and the Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was used to measure functional independence. Self-concept scores differed among the hospitalized groups. Dependent older persons were found to have lower self-concept scores. Encouraging independence in the performance of self-care skills could diminish this problem of poor self-concept.
An Assessment of the Feeding Behaviors of the Institutionalized Elderly
Authors: Rogers Joan C. , Snow Teena (Teepa)
Published: April 2012

Data obtained from observing the residents of three long-term care facilities showed that the majority required some assistance in feeding. The facilities differed in the percentage of residents needing help and in the physical and attitudinal support given for self-feeding. Regardless of level of independence in feeding, most residents received adequate food intake. Physical problems, which posed a greater handicap to self-feeding than mental problems, were of four types: improper positioning, dysphagia, upper extremity dysfunctions, and blindness.
Agency Practices in Assigning Fieldwork Experiences to Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Chung Young-Iob , Spelbring Lyla M.
Published: April 2012

Practices by agencies in assigning Level II fieldwork experiences to occupational therapy students were examined. Time-specific logs were collected from students and from agency personnel during a 3-month period. The data generated were used to answer questions about how effectively student time was used in meeting the stated purposes of the assignment. The focus was on “average” student fieldwork activities. The study suggests that more careful and systematic development and design of Level II fieldwork programs are needed to meet the established educational goals and to maximize educational opportunities during the allotted time.
Clothing Fasteners for Women with Arthritis
Authors: Dallas Merry Jo , White Louise Wendt
Published: April 2012

To examine the ability of women with arthritis to manipulate fasteners, 97 women with various forms of arthritis were interviewed and tested using an adjustable bodice-front vest with assorted detachable fastener samples. Since evaluations were performed, in most cases, when the disease was in remission, nearly all of the women were able to manipulate the fasteners presented—sets of zippers, buttons, Velcro, and snaps. The conventional zipper with large teeth and ring pull tab exposed application, and a convex button with a shank used with a vertical buttonhole were manipulated most easily, while fasteners more difficult to manipulate included an invisible zipper, no-sew gripper snaps, and several Velcro samples. Subjects tended to prefer conventional fasteners and methods of application used in ready-to-wear apparel.
Programmatic Treatment
Authors: Bair Jeanette
Published: April 2012

Changes in the way our facilities are being organized are requiring us to look at different ways of delivering our services. This month’s column is written so that you, the member, are aware of a new trend in health care delivery systems. It also points out that there are opportunities for growth for those of our members who have management career goals.

This month’s column is authored by Jeanette Bair, M.B.A., OTR, Director of Practice, AOTA
Recovery Trends of Functional Skills in the Head-Injured Adult
Authors: Panikoff Linda B.
Published: April 2012

This study describes the course of the recovery of functional skills in adults with severe head injuries during a 2-year period. Eighty head-injured patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit were included in this study. Length of coma could be ascertained for 78 of the patients. These subjects were then divided into two groups by coma length (i.e., less than or equal to 14 days coma and greater than or equal to 15 days coma) as defined by the Glasgow Coma Scale. All 80 patients were rated at 2-, 4-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month intervals after reported date of injury in the following areas: Basic ADLs (feeding, grooming, bed mobility), Wheelchair Mobility, Dressing, Functional Transfers, Basic Hand Skills, Community Skills, Kitchen Skills, and Jebsen Hand Function.

Results illustrated improvement over time in mean scores for all areas evaluated up to 2 years post-injury for both coma groups. The shorter coma group appeared initially less disabled, improved more rapidly, and exhibited significantly less disability on these measures at 1-year post-injury than the longer coma group. Frequency distributions of all patients at the 2-month and 1-year time frame supported the recovery trends and also indicated that the majority of clients improved in functional areas over time despite extensive coma lengths. Chi-square analysis of all patients indicated that the amount of change in mean scores between 2 months and 12 months post-injury was statistically significant for all variables and that the amount of change in mean scores between 6 months and 12 months post-injury was also significant for seven variables. The implications for potential use of these findings for occupational therapy intervention are discussed.
Effect of Occupational Therapy Intervention on Bathing Independence of Disabled Persons
Authors: Shillam Laura L. , Beeman Clara , Loshin Peggy Mellman
Published: April 2012

This study was done to demonstrate whether or not occupational therapy intervention increases bathing independence for disabled persons. The bathing section of the Klein-Bell Activities of Daily Living Scale was administered to 19 physically disabled subjects before and after bathing training was completed by occupational therapists. All 19 subjects showed improvement in their ability to bathe themselves.
Occupational Therapy Manpower
Authors: Acquaviva Francis A. , Presseller Stephanie
Published: April 2012

This month’s column points out perhaps the most critical issue facing the profession of Occupational Therapy. It is, however, an issue that each of us can help to resolve as we carry out our daily work. The solutions the authors propose require creativity and concern; two commodities ever present in occupational therapists.
Computer-Assisted Instruction and Its Use in Occupational Therapy Education
Authors: Dengler Peggy E.
Published: April 2012

A computer-assisted instruction system is described in this paper, and the rationale for integrating this system into an occupational therapy course is discussed. Student performance in this course is apparently enhanced by using computer-assisted instruction. Attitudes of both students and faculty concerning the use of a computer for instruction are also discussed.
Quantitative Reviewing: The Literature Review as Scientific Inquiry
Authors: Ottenbacher Kenneth
Published: April 2012

The literature review process is conceptualized as a form of scientific inquiry that involves methodological requirements and inferences similar to those employed in primary research. Five stages of quantitative reviewing that parallel stages in primary investigation are identified and briefly described. They include problem formation, data collection, data evaluation, analysis and interpretation, and reporting the results. The first two stages provide information and guidelines relevant to reviewers’ employing traditional narrative procedures or conducting reviews of qualitative research literature. The final three stages relate specifically to the methodology of quantitative reviewing.

The argument is made that quantitative reviewing procedures represent a paradigm shift that can assist researchers and clinicians in occupational therapy to establish a scientific data base that will serve to guide theory development and validate clinical practice.
Exploring Sensory Integrative Dysfunction in Process Schizophrenia
Authors: Blakeney Anne B. , Strickland L. Randy , Wilkinson Jane H.
Published: April 2012

During a 6-week period, the effects of sensory integrative activities on a group of seven chronic nonparanoid schizophrenic adults were compared to the effects of sedentary activities in a control group of seven similar subjects. The effects of each therapeutic approach were evaluated by measuring the patients’ performance in several areas using the Nurses Observation Scale of Inpatient Evaluation30 (NOSIE-30), The Object Manipulation Speed Test, a gait analysis, and grip strength. The results indicated general improvement in the experimental group.

Behaviors measured by the NOSIE-30 showed the most significant improvements. The control group showed isolated improvements in grooming (measured by the NOSIE-30) and in right-hand use (measured by The Object Manipulation Speed Test). These findings suggest that 6 weeks of sensory integrative activities can improve the overall functioning of chronic nonparanoid schizophrenic patients, facilitate their adaptive responses, and enable them to participate more fully in other areas of therapeutic intervention.
Video as a Medium in Occupational Therapy
Authors: Holm Margo B.
Published: April 2012

This article suggests that occupational therapists use the medium of video as a visual record of baseline performance and or progress: as a means of analyzing performance problems: as a “dry run” for problem solving: and as a means for self-evaluation following role-play. Examples are given for using video as a “selected task” to restore, reinforce, and enhance patient performance.
Strategies for Evaluating Clinical Change: Implications for Practice and Research
Authors: Ottenbacher Kenneth , York Jennifer
Published: April 2012

The methods and procedures of evaluation research using single-system or small-N designs are defined and described. Various components of single-system evaluation research, including specifying the problem, measuring and recording the data, selecting an appropriate design, and analyzing the data, are presented and discussed. The argument is made that single-system evaluation research methods are ideally suited to document clinical change on an individual basis and can provide a mechanism for establishing therapeutic accountability. The relationship between single-system evaluation research and the more traditional experimental procedures is briefly explored, and the implications for establishing an empirically derived basis for clinical practice are discussed.
Understanding Theory: The First Step in Learning About Research
Authors: Reed Kathlyn L.
Published: April 2012

This article describes a teaching method used to explain to undergraduate students how a theory is organized and how a practice model is derived based on the theory. Kielhofner’s temporal adaptation of Neville’s application of temporal adaptation in practice are used as examples of a developing theory and practice model. The relevance of theory analysis to research design and methods is stressed.
Grasp and Pinch Strength in Children 5 to 12 Years Old
Authors: Ager Charlene L. , Olivett Bonnie L. , Johnson Connie L.
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study was to establish normative data concerning grasp and pinch strength for use by clinicians who are treating children with hand problems. A population of 474 children ages 5 to 12 were tested using the Jamar dynamometer and the Preston pinch guage. Means and standard deviations of all measurements for all subjects were determined. Results of the study indicate that there is a steady increase in both grasp and pinch strength that coincides with the increase in chronological age and development; males are consistently stronger than females across the age range in all tests, although the differences are not striking. Hand dominance was judged not to be an important factor in predicting strength in this population.
Occupational Therapy in Hospice Care
Authors: Pizzi Michael A.
Published: April 2012

As hospice care becomes more integrated in the overall health care delivery system, the profession of occupational therapy needs to analyze further its potential within this unique system. This article briefly discusses the goals and philosophy of the hospice concept from the perspective of the National Hospice Organization. Occupational therapy intervention in terminal care is examined, with emphasis on locus of control and occupation as determinants in enhancing quality of life for the terminally ill in a nontraditional rehabilitative environment. A brief case study illustrates some of the general principles discussed throughout the article.
Sequential versus Simultaneous Graphesthesia Tasks in 6- and 10-Year-Old Children
Authors: Smith Colleen M. , Cermak Sharon A. , Nelson David L.
Published: April 2012

Reported in the statistics of the Southern California Graphesthesia Test are significant sex differences for certain young age groups, with females scoring higher than males. In contrast, another study has reported that adult males scored higher than females on the same test.

The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between sex and age and to investigate a possible explanation for this interaction. Sixty-four normal children between the ages of 6.0 and 7.0 years, and 10.0 and 11.0 years were administered two graphesthesia tasks. One task was an adaptation of the Graphesthesia Test of the Southern California Sensory Integration Test (SCSIT). In this task, shapes were drawn sequentially on the palmar surface of the child’s hand. A second task was devised whereby each of the same shapes was presented in a simultaneous manner, that is, the entire outline of each shape was pressed onto the palmar surface of the child’s hand. Results indicated that for both tasks, younger boys performed relatively less ably than girls, but older boys equalled or surpassed the girls. At a level approaching significance, females scored relatively higher than males on the sequential task, and males scored relatively higher than females on the simultaneous task. However, this tendency toward an interaction between sex and the type of task does not fully explain the interaction between sex and age on graphesthesia tasks.
A Comparative Study on the Presence of the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex in Adult Hemiplegia
Authors: Warren Mary L.
Published: April 2012

In this study, the intensity of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) was measured in post-cerebrovascular accident (CVA) adults with hemiplegia and in neurologically intact adults to determine if the reflex exaggerated following CVA. Fourteen subjects with right and left hemiplegia were matched to neurologically intact subjects by age and sex and tested for the ATNR. Intensity of the reflex was measured using electromyography (EMG) biofeedback. The results indicate that no difference exists between the two groups in intensity of the reflex. The method of rotation used to elicit the reflex did significantly affect the strength of the muscle response. A possible explanation for observation of the reflex in the hemiplegic individual’s movement and its significance in neuromuscular re-education programs is discussed.
An Approach to Supervision of Students on Fieldwork
Authors: Schwartz Kathleen Barker
Published: April 2012

This paper describes a method for supervision of occupational therapy students on clinical affiliation. The approach is based on the assumption that students behave in ways that are consistent with Levels 3 through 4 of Jane Loevinger’s stages of personality development. The most effective supervisory approach for students at each level of behavior is described. The model assumes that the level of student can be matched with a supervisory approach to result in a more satisfying experience for both student and supervisor.
Reducing the Self-Stimulatory Behavior of a Profoundly Retarded Female Through Sensory Awareness Training
Authors: Storey Keith , Bates Paul , McGhee Nancy , Dycus Susan
Published: April 2012

Sensory awareness training procedures were used to reduce the self-stimulatory behavior of a profoundly retarded female. Self-stimulatory behaviors were directly observed and recorded using a 15-second momentary time sample procedure for 10-minute recording periods. An alternating treatment design was used to compare the effects of treatment and nontreatment. Tactile, olfactory, and gustatory materials were used to stimulate the person’s senses. Generalization was assessed across noncompliant behaviors. The results indicate that sensory awareness training reduced self-stimulatory behaviors, but that these behaviors were still being emitted at a high rate. Suggestions for further research are made, and the use of “traditional” sensory awareness training procedures is questioned.
Effects of Selected Activities on Affective Meaning in Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Kremer Ellen R. H. , Nelson David L. , Duncombe Linda W.
Published: April 2012

Occupational therapists have used activity analysis to ensure the therapeutic use of activities. Recently, they have begun to explore the affective components of activities. This study explores the feelings (affective responses) that chronic psychiatric patients have toward selected activities commonly used in occupational therapy. Twenty-two participating chronic psychiatric patients were randomly assigned to one of three different activity groups: cooking, craft, or sensory awareness. Immediately following participation, each subject was asked to rate the activity by using Osgood’s semantic differential, which measures the evaluation, power, and action factors of affective meaning. Data analysis revealed significant differences between the cooking activity and the other two activities on the evaluation factor. The fact that the three activities were rated differently is evidence that different activities can elicit different responses in one of the target populations of occupational therapy. The implications of these findings to occupational therapists are discussed and areas of future research are indicated.
Play Techniques with Neurologically Impaired Preschoolers
Authors: Sparling Joyce W. , Walker Daryl F. , Singdahlsen Julie
Published: April 2012

A pilot project was undertaken to study the effect of educational play as an intervention approach. The study was conducted with 14 neurologically impaired, physically handicapped preschool children, parents, community teachers, and developmental center staff. Educational play consisted of art and drama group activities presented according to the normal sequence of play development, from sensorimotor, to symbolic, to sociodramatic play. After a 7-week course of intervention, the children’s performance, as measured by items in the Vulpe Assessment Battery, improved in six areas of development. Overall improvement was statistically significant. In addition, participating adults began to value the use of play as an essential component of child development. Results suggest the need for a systematic study of play in intervention with preschool, neurologically impaired, and physically handicapped children.
Fieldwork Experience, Part II: The Supervisor’s Dilemma
Authors: Christie Barbara A. , Joyce Peggy Corcoran , Moeller Patricia L.
Published: April 2012

This paper examines the distinguishing characteristics of the effective and the ineffective supervisor and the role, responsibilities, problems, and current needs of the occupational therapy student supervisor. Data were obtained through questionnaires received from 188 therapists and 127 students in 65 fieldwork centers nationwide. Responses indicate a perceived lack of adequate preparation of occupational therapists for the role of student supervisor and provide evidence that the profession needs to assume a more active role in providing formal, standardized training programs for the occupational therapy student supervisor. The results demonstrate a need for greater accountability for the quality of the fieldwork experience and the supervisory process guiding that experience.
Fieldwork Performance and Academic Grades
Authors: Mann William C. , Banasiak Nancy
Published: April 2012

The literature examining the relationship between occupational therapy academic course work and fieldwork performance was reviewed. Responding to a recent suggestion calling for a reexamination of this relationship with a sample of significantly larger size, we initiated the present study. The results are similar to earlier studies, with little or no correlation found in most analyses. Further investigation of the results provides strong evidence supporting the conclusion that correlation analysis is inappropriate for this investigation; thus, it would be incorrect to assume that there is little or no relationship between occupational therapy academic course work and fieldwork performance. Suggestions of ways to study the relationship between course work and fieldwork are presented.
The Concept of Work in Occupational Therapy: A Historical Review
Authors: Harvey-Krefting Laura
Published: April 2012

This historical review traces the concept of work throughout the development of occupational therapy. Paradigm shifting is used as a framework for describing the conceptual definitions and therapeutic uses of work in four developmental stages.
Work Hardening: Occupational Therapy in Industrial Rehabilitation
Authors: Matheson Leonard N. , Ogden Linda Dempster , Violette Kris , Schultz Karen
Published: April 2012

Work hardening, presented in this paper as a “new” service for the industrially injured, is actually well grounded in the traditional models and practices of occupational therapy. From the profession’s early roots in industrial therapy to the development of a variety of programs for the industrially injured through the 1950s and 1960s, the historical and philosophical bases of occupational therapy support the use of work as an evaluative and therapeutic medium. What is actually new is the adoption of terminology, technology, and a program format that fits in with the needs of consumers in the 1980s.

Recent developments that created the need for the specialized services that occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to provide include growth of private sector vocational rehabilitation, changes in workers’ compensation laws, and increasing costs of vocational rehabilitation. This paper describes work hardening in its present form. A case example is given that demonstrates how work hardening can be a cost-effective and time-saving bridge which spans the gap between curative medicine and the return to work.