bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Display for Telepresence Based on Neural Identification and Heat Flux Control
Authors: Guiatni Mohamed , Benallegue Abdelaziz , Kheddar Abderrahmane
Published: April 2009

We present a new approach for thermal rendering in telepresence which improves transparency; it aims at reaching, as closely as possible, what is experienced in similar direct touch conditions. Our method is based on a neural networks learning classifier that allows generating appropriate thermal values (i.e., time trajectories) used as desired inputs of two independent controllers: the one controlling a bio-inspired remote thermal sensing device (i.e., an artificial finger), and the other one controlling the user's thermal display. To do so, two databases are built from real measurements recorded during direct contact between the operator's finger and different materials. One database is used for training a classifier to be used in online identification of the material being remotely explored; the other is used to generate desired thermal trajectories for the previously evoked control loops. The learning bloc is based on principal component analysis and a feed-forward neural network. Experimental tests validating our method in different scenarios have been carried out; the obtained results are discussed.
The Atmospheric Boundary Layer during Swell: A Field Study and Interpretation of the Turbulent Kinetic Energy Budget for High Wave Ages
Authors: Högström U. , Smedman A. , Sahleé E. , Drennan W. M. , Kahma K. K. , Pettersson H. , Zhang F.
Published: April 2009

Analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budget for five slightly unstable cases with swell has been performed based on measurements of mechanical production, buoyancy production, turbulent transport, and dissipation at five levels over the sea, from 2.5 to 26 m. The time rate of change and advection of TKE were found to be small, so the TKE residual is interpreted as an estimate of the pressure transport term (Tp). In two cases with high wave age, the Tp term is a gain at all heights. For three cases with smaller wave age, Tp is a loss in the TKE budget below 5–10 m and a gain for greater heights, where the decrease is exponential, thus showing the combined effects of swell waves and a range of waves traveling slower than the wind. The TKE budget for a case with growing sea but similar wind speed and stability as some of the swell cases has Tp close to zero at all heights. It is shown that the observed characteristic wind profile with either a low-level maximum in the 5–10-m range or a distinct “knee” at that height is an effect of the Tp term.
A Comparison of the Hybrid and EnSRF Analysis Schemes in the Presence of Model Errors due to Unresolved Scales
Authors: Wang Xuguang , Hamill Thomas M. , Whitaker Jeffrey S. , Bishop Craig H.
Published: April 2009

A hybrid analysis scheme is compared with an ensemble square root filter (EnSRF) analysis scheme in the presence of model errors as a follow-up to a previous perfect-model comparison. In the hybrid scheme, the ensemble perturbations are updated by the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF) and the ensemble mean is updated with a hybrid ensemble and static background-error covariance. The experiments were conducted with a two-layer primitive equation model. The true state was a T127 simulation. Data assimilation experiments were conducted at T31 resolution (3168 complex spectral coefficients), assimilating imperfect observations drawn from the T127 nature run. By design, the magnitude of the truncation error was large, which provided a test on the ability of both schemes to deal with model error. Additive noise was used to parameterize model errors in the background ensemble for both schemes. In the first set of experiments, additive noise was drawn from a large inventory of historical forecast errors; in the second set of experiments, additive noise was drawn from a large inventory of differences between forecasts and analyses. The static covariance was computed correspondingly from the two inventories. The hybrid analysis was statistically significantly more accurate than the EnSRF analysis. The improvement of the hybrid over the EnSRF was smaller when differences of forecasts and analyses were used to form the random noise and the static covariance. The EnSRF analysis was more sensitive to the size of the ensemble than the hybrid. A series of tests was conducted to understand why the EnSRF performed worse than the hybrid. It was shown that the inferior performance of the EnSRF was likely due to the sampling error in the estimation of the model-error covariance in the mean update and the less-balanced EnSRF initial conditions resulting from the extra localizations used in the EnSRF.
A Conceptual Model for the Influence of TUTT Cells on Tropical Cyclone Motion in the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Patla Jason E. , Stevens Duane , Barnes Gary M.
Published: April 2009

Eleven (10 Pacific, 1 Atlantic) tropical cyclones (TCs), which include typhoons/hurricanes and tropical storms, are examined using the latest 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) dataset and Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) best-track data to determine if and how tropical upper-tropospheric trough (TUTT) cells influence TC tracks. This type of interaction has led to rather large TC track forecast errors at 72 h (2000+ km) in the northwest Pacific and is often ignored or poorly forecast due to inadequate numerical model TUTT cell predictions. Ten selected cases out of the initial 25 potential Pacific cases exhibited a “nonstandard” TC track; a TUTT cell was the sole large-scale transient feature within 2000 km of the TC’s center, and the TC intensity was >17 m s−1. The circulations’ separation distance, orientation, intensity, and TUTT cell’s closed circulation size are critical characteristics in determining the likelihood of a TUTT cell influencing a TC track. Interactions occur at distances greater than 1700 km, continue for periods from 24 to 48 h, and occur 2–3 times per year in the NW Pacific.

Examination of the TC’s tropospheric winds’ deep layer mean (100–1000 hPa), and upper (100–500 hPa), middle (300–850 hPa), and lower (500–1000 hPa) layers, along with various quadrants of the upper layer, demonstrate a link between the TUTT cell’s wind field and the nonstandard TC tracks. A conceptual model of how a TUTT cell can influence TC track is presented. The model provides decision-grade operational guidance for TC forecasters using pattern recognition scenarios. Application of the conceptual model at the JTWC is currently under way.
Deterministic Ensemble Forecasts Using Gene-Expression Programming*
Authors: Bakhshaii Atoossa , Stull Roland
Published: April 2009

A method called gene-expression programming (GEP), which uses symbolic regression to form a nonlinear combination of ensemble NWP forecasts, is introduced. From a population of competing and evolving algorithms (each of which can create a different combination of NWP ensemble members), GEP uses computational natural selection to find the algorithm that maximizes a weather verification fitness function. The resulting best algorithm yields a deterministic ensemble forecast (DEF) that could serve as an alternative to the traditional ensemble average.

Motivated by the difficulty in forecasting montane precipitation, the ability of GEP to produce bias-corrected short-range 24-h-accumulated precipitation DEFs is tested at 24 weather stations in mountainous southwestern Canada. As input to GEP are 11 limited-area ensemble members from three different NWP models at four horizontal grid spacings. The data consist of 198 quality controlled observation–forecast date pairs during the two fall–spring rainy seasons of October 2003–March 2005.

Comparing the verification scores of GEP DEF versus an equally weighted ensemble-average DEF, the GEP DEFs were found to be better for about half of the mountain weather stations tested, while ensemble-average DEFs were better for the remaining stations. Regarding the multimodel multigrid-size “ensemble space” spanned by the ensemble members, a sparse sampling of this space with several carefully chosen ensemble members is found to create a DEF that is almost as good as a DEF using the full 11-member ensemble. The best GEP algorithms are nonunique and irreproducible, yet give consistent results that can be used to good advantage at selected weather stations.
Dimensionality and Typology of Perfectionism: The Use of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale With Chinese Gifted Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan David W.
Published: April 2009

This study investigated the dimensionality and typology of perfectionism based on the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale with a sample of 380 Chinese gifted students in Hong Kong. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a five-dimensional model that includes constructs of personal standards, parental expectations, parental criticism, concern over mistakes and doubts, and organization. Clustering procedures yielded three clusters of students interpreted as unhealthy perfectionists, healthy perfectionists, and nonperfectionists. Unhealthy perfectionists had pervasively high scores on all five dimensions, healthy perfectionists scored high on standards and organization and low on parental criticism and concern over mistakes and doubts, and nonperfectionists had pervasively low scores on all five dimensions. Implications of the findings for future research on perfectionism and the promotion of positive perfectionism are discussed.

Putting the Research to Use: The study promotes a better appreciation of the distinction between positive and negative perfectionism and the reality of the different types of perfectionists. With this view, educators, teachers, and parents should be careful to avoid assuming that all perfectionistic tendencies are dysfunctional or all perfectionists are maladaptive or unhealthy. More important, education practitioners should encourage students to strive for excellence with mastery goals of learning. In addition, students should not only be helped to set high standards and meet challenging goals with good planning and organization, they should also learn to recognize their own limitations and to appreciate that mistakes and failures are normal, informative, and situation specific. To promote positive perfectionism among students, this study suggests that one effective means might lie in efforts to enhance emotional intelligence through, for example, promoting emotional literacy or emotion-focused interventions.
Mental Health Social Work and Nursing in the USA and the UK: Divergent Paths Coming Together?
Authors: Beinecke Richard H. , Huxley Peter J.
Published: April 2009

Background: When the mental health systems of the UK and the USA are compared, one of the most striking differences is that social workers are the largest professional group in the USA and community nurses the largest in the UK.

Aim and Method: This paper examines the history of the development of both professional groups in both countries, and their education and training.

Results: Demand, supply and economic factors are important influences and reasons for these differences.

Conclusions: Both professions have critical future workforce roles, but further consideration needs to be given to the extent to which their skills and values overlap in order to inform future workforce planning, and to reduce the extent to which the workforce pattern in both countries risks being over-determined by supply issues.
Psychotic Symptoms and General Health in a Socially Disadvantaged Migrant Community in Bologna
Authors: Tarricone Ilaria , Atti Anna Rita , Salvatori Federica , Braca Mauro , Ferrari Silvia , Malmusi Davide , Berardi Domenico
Published: April 2009

Background and aims: Social exclusion and reduced access to community health services can lead to urgent health problems among immigrants; this may explain their increasing rate of admittance to psychiatric inpatient units. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the prevalence of psychotic symptoms among Romanian immigrants living in very poor conditions at an abandoned hotel in Bologna and to highlight the possible correlation with general health status, distress and socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods: The Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) were administered to all immigrants residing at the hotel during two index days with the help of a cultural mediator. Socio-demographic, migration and health characteristics were also collected.

Results: Sixty eight subjects were evaluated. More than 80% had left Romania for economic reasons. Of immigrants, 57% exceeded the four-point GHQ-12 threshold of potential mental disorder and 19% scored positively at the PSQ. Immigrants with positive PSQ showed higher mean GHQ-12 scores (5.9 ± 3.5 vs. 3.8 ± 2.75; p = 0.02). The development of post-migration health problems significantly predicts positive PSQ cases even after adjusting for age, sex and GHQ-12 dichotomized score ( OR = 21.2, CI = 1.1—169.4).

Conclusion: This community of immigrants living in deprived conditions showed a high prevalence of distress and psychotic symptoms, related to health problems. Preventing excess of psychosis among immigrants and ethnic minorities in critical socio-economic conditions should mean, first and foremost, facilitating social integration and access to primary care.
Mental Disability and Discriminatory Practices: Effects of Social Representations of the Mexican Population
Authors: Mariana Espinola-Nadurille , Guadalupe Delgado
Published: April 2009

Background: The prevalence of mental disorders in Mexico is 26.1%. This shows that an important percentage of the population suffers from mental disability. Despite this the country's healthcare system does not provide the least acceptable standard of care for the mentally disabled.

Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the general population's social representations of the disabled and analyze their relationship with the discriminatory practices from the state towards the mentally ill with respect to their right to health.

Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of the First National Survey on Discrimination in Mexico. In the survey 1,437 effective interviews that comprised a representative sample, were obtained from people aged 18 to 60 living in rural and urban settings. The response rate was 76.5%. The assessment tool was a self-administered questionnaire that yielded perceptions, attitudes, values and social representations about discrimination towards groups of people that supposedly were targets of discrimination by the general population. In the survey the mentally ill were included under disability. As a secondary analysis of the survey for the purpose of this study, we selected a subset of questions that provided important information about social representations of the general Mexican population towards persons with disabilities. The general population's social representations of the disabled were analyzed.

Results: The disabled are the second group after the elderly perceived as the most discriminated and neglected and bearing more suffering. A whole set of negative representations concerning the disabled, such as lack of acceptance and respect, low self-confidence, mistreatment, incomprehension, isolation, intolerance, indifference and bad attitudes from others, were elicited.

Conclusions: Social representations are social correspondents of the discriminatory practices that the state exerts toward the mentally ill with respect to their right to health. These representations serve to maintain, naturalize and legitimize these practices. All sectors of society should make an effort to change the negative social representations towards this vulnerable section of society.
Employment Status, Duration of Residence and Mental Health Among Skilled Migrants To New Zealand: Results of a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Pernice Regina , Trlin Andrew , Henderson Anne , North Nicola , Skinner Monica
Published: April 2009

Aims: To report findings on employment, duration of residence and mental health from a longitudinal study of 107 skilled immigrants to New Zealand from the People's Republic of China, India and South Africa.

Methods: Demographic and employment data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire that included (as the mental health instrument) the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12). The initial interview took place after the immigrants had been resident in New Zealand for an average of five months. Four subsequent interviews were conducted annually (1999—2002) on or about the anniversary of the first interview.

Results and Conclusion: Rather than an initial euphoric period followed by a mental health crisis, the results indicated poor mental health status in the first two years irrespective of employment status. Thereafter, mental health slightly improved as did employment rates. A surprising result was that although the South Africans had the highest employment rate, there were neither substantial mental health differences among the three groups nor was there a significant improvement during the course of the longitudinal study.
Satisfied Carers of Persons With Enduring Mental Illness: Who and Why?
Authors: Kartalova-O'Doherty Yulia , Tedstone Doherty Donna
Published: April 2009

Background: This secondary mixed-methods analysis was based on the interview data collected for an exploratory study of the experiences and needs of carers of persons with enduring mental illness. The aims were to identify and describe socio-demographic and contextual factors associated with the satisfaction of carers with family support.

Method: Content analysis and non-parametric tests were used for the exploration of qualitative and quantitative data collected from 38 carers.

Results: The majority of the satisfied carers were male and from a higher socio-economic group than other carers. The ill relatives of all satisfied participants resided outside their family homes. Carer satisfaction was associated with such categories as: a caring service; supportive and unintrusive family relationships; being accepted as partners; supportive community; and suitable family services. All the identified categories were interrelated.

Conclusions: The identified categories and socio-demographic factors should be considered for inclusion in the planning and evaluation of family support services.
Parenting Support and PTSD in Children of a War Zone
Authors: Thabet A.A. , Ibraheem A.N. , Shivram R. , Winter E.A. , Vostanis P.
Published: April 2009

Background: The protective role of parenting factors on the mental well-being of children exposed to war trauma remains an under-researched area.

Aim: To establish the relationship between perceived positive parenting support and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children exposed to war trauma.

Methods: A random sample of 412 children aged 12—16 years was selected from the Gaza Strip and was assessed using the Gaza Traumatic Events Checklist (GTEC), the SCID (DSM-IV) and the Perceived Parenting Support Scale (PPSS).

Results: Palestinian children were exposed to different types of war-traumatic events. The number of exposed traumatic events was independently associated with the severity of post-traumatic symptoms scores or the diagnosis of PTSD, while perceived parenting support was found to act as a protective factor in this association.

Conclusions: Interventions in war zones need to ensure the minimal possible disruption to communities and family units, and to involve parents in preventive or treatment programmes for children exposed to trauma.
Primary and Secondary Socialization Impacts on Support for Same-Sex Marriage After Legalization in the Netherlands
Authors: Lubbers Marcel , Jaspers Eva , Ultee Wout
Published: April 2009

Two years after the legalization of same-sex marriages in the Netherlands, 65% of the Dutch population largely or completely disagrees with the statement “gay marriage should be abolished.” This article shows, by way of multinomial logistic regression analysis of survey data, which socializing agents influence one’s attitude toward same-sex marriage after its legalization (FNB2003; N = 2,124). Parents’ attitudes toward homosexuality during one’s youth strongly affect one’s attitude toward same-sex marriage. The strongest determinant is socialization within religious institutions. Religious practice provides an explanation of the differences between members of denominations opposing same-sex marriage. A lower educational level enhances one’s probability of being neutral on abolishing gay marriage. Finally, men and people from non-Western origin are especially likely to oppose same-sex marriage.
Perception of Adequacy of Resources With a Turkish Sample
Authors: Copur Zeynep , Safak Sükran , Terzioglu Günsel , Dodder Richard A.
Published: April 2009

This study examines the validity and reliability of the Perceptions of Adequacy of Resources inventory—developed for American society—in a sample from Turkey and determines the correlations between perceived adequacy of resources and selected socioeconomic and family composition characteristics in Turkey. Participants of this study consist of employees and students at the central campus of the Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey. The sample size is determined using a random sampling method ( n = 500). Analysis of variance tests show significant differences (.05) in perceptions of adequacy of resources according to income, education, marital status, number of children, and family life stage. On the other hand, gender, age, family type, and length of marriage are not found to be significant. In addition, regression analysis shows that the demographic variables of income, education, and marital status significantly predicted perceptions of adequacy of resources.
The Hippocratic Oath, Effect Size, and Utility Theory
Authors: Bordley Robert F.
Published: April 2009

To be consistent with the Hippocratic Oath, this article proposes that a physician choose that treatment that has the greatest chance of giving the patient an outcome no worse than the uncertain outcome an untreated patient would experience. As this article shows, this specifies the utility function that the physician should use in choosing among treatments. This utility function, although varying with the life circumstances of the patient, need not reflect the patient's utility function. This Hippocratic utility function can be estimated with an effect size measure similar to the stochastic superiority and common language effect size measures used in the statistical analysis of experiments.
Implementation of an Oral Care Protocol and Its Effects on Oral Mucositis
Authors: Hogan Rebecca
Published: April 2009

Oral complications are commonly seen in pediatric oncology patients. Induced by chemotherapy or radiation, oral mucositis is a debilitating side effect that has much clinical significance. Oral mucositis may decrease the effectiveness of treatment as well as decrease the quality of life in the pediatric oncology patient. Therefore, it is our responsibility as health care professionals to reduce the incidence and/or severity of mucositis as much as possible. One intervention that has been proven to be successful is basic oral hygiene implemented through an oral care protocol. It is important that nurses are educated on the significance of adequate dental hygiene and the process and need for institutional change of protocols. Nurses and other health care professionals can positively influence patient care by incorporating the evidence-based practice of an oral care protocol— improving consistency of care while promoting an intervention of proven benefit against oral mucositis.
Public Order in India
Authors: Vinod Kumar T.K.
Published: April 2009

The nature of public order varies across societies and time. The analysis of public order and social control of disorder requires an understanding of the nature of public order in society. This article analyzes public events that occurred in a city in India in a year. After empirically examining each event, a classification system for public events and for quantifying disorder is proposed. Based on these aspects, the contours of public order in India are defined.
The Depiction of Corruption in English-Language Indian Fiction
Authors: Geis Gilbert
Published: April 2009

India stereotypically is regarded as a country riddled with corruption, although international surveys indicate that it ranks in about the middle of the world's nations in terms of corruption. The article surveys novels and short stories by more than two dozen writers, primarily native Indians, to discover how they depict episodes of corruption. It determines that they focus particularly on miscreant behavior in politics and the government, the police, petty officials, the postal service, transportation, and on smuggling. The writers flesh out and make more vivid information that is presented in criminological writing about corruption in India.
An Assessment of the Mental Health of Street-Based Sex Workers in Chennai, India
Authors: Suresh Geetha , Furr L. Allen , Aylur Kailasom Srikrishnan
Published: April 2009

Prostitution, which is considered a public-order crime in India, is a way of life and employment for a large number of Indian women. Most choose prostitution for a living, in the absence of other opportunities for employment. The psychological costs of prostitution, however, are high. Violence against sex workers is common and is believed to affect their psychological well-being in general and affective disorders in particular. To date, little empirical research on this subject exists. This cross-sectional study attempts to fill this gap in the literature by investigating the relationship between workplace violence and mental health among sex workers in Chennai (formerly Madras), India. The study analyzes the social pathways to depression and suicidal ideations and found that workplace violence was the key variable that predicted higher depression scores. The article concludes that this group of marginalized women has major mental health needs that are currently unidentified and unmet.
Police Handling of Domestic Violence Cases in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Kethineni Sesha , Srinivasan Murugesan
Published: April 2009

Police in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, use a two-tier system in domestic violence cases. More serious cases, such as dowry deaths and murders resulting from domestic disputes, are registered in the First Information Report for official police investigation and filing of charges. All other domestic violence cases are initially registered in a register called Community Service Register before further investigation. This article will compare the types of domestic violence cases officially registered by the police and the cases disposed of informally and will examine how recent domestic violence legislation affects the role of women police in dealing with domestic violence case.
Does Higher Education Affect Perceptions Among Police Personnel?
Authors: Scott Julia , Evans Doug , Verma Arvind
Published: April 2009

Police personnel in India are poorly educated and are notorious for extortion, misbehavior, and poor services to citizens. There is constant demand to improve their quality, but good training and performance requires better education to comprehend the demands of a democratic polity. But do better educated police personnel perceive their responsibilities differently? This research seeks to understand the impact of education on police personnel in terms of their perceptions of role, work values, stress, and management issues. Our research suggests that education makes only a marginal difference and provides evidence for a policy change in this direction.
Interview with Jill Freedman: A Conversation About Having Conversations
Authors: Schwarzbaum Sara
Published: April 2009

Jill Freedman is director of Evanston Family Therapy Center and a faculty member of the Chicago Center for Family Health. She has coauthored (with Gene Combs) more than 25 articles on narrative therapy and three books. The first two books are Symbol, Story, and Ceremony: Using Metaphor in Individual and Family Therapy and Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities. Both were chosen by Behavioral Science Book Service as Main Selections. Their latest book, Narrative Therapy With Couples . . . And a Whole Lot More! is a collection of selected papers. Jill is an internationally recognized teacher and conference presenter. She has led workshops on various aspects of narrative therapy all over the world. Jill and Gene are known and respected for their warm, relaxed, and inspiring style as well as for the way that they embody the ideas they teach. This interview took place in March 2007 at the Evanston Family Therapy Center in Evanston, Illinois.
Negotiating the Financial Concerns of Stepfamilies: Directions for Family Counselors
Authors: Gold Joshua M.
Published: April 2009

This article integrates developmental schema and the tenets of positive psychology toward addressing “money issues” for stepfamilies. As stepfamilies represent the fastest growing demographic in family configurations, family counselors must be knowledgeable regarding normative stepfamily issues and familiar with techniques to support family development and enhancement. This article offers attention to the initial three areas of family demographics, positive psychology, and stepfamily developmental schema as foundations for the suggested practices.
Using the Holt Relationship Intimacy Questionnaire (HRIQ): What Intimacy Means to You and Your Partner
Authors: Holt Mary Louise , Devlin James M. , Flamez Brandé , Eckstein Daniel
Published: April 2009

The purpose of the article is for couples to interview each other, to complete a questionnaire, and to discuss their respective opinions as to what intimacy means to each of them. The article includes an overview of the importance of intimacy in relationships. The authors introduce the Holt Relationship Intimacy Questionnaire (HRIQ) as a way of accessing what intimacy means to each partner.
Karl Tomm: His Changing Views on Family Therapy Over 35 Years
Authors: Collins Don , Tomm Karl
Published: April 2009

Karl Tomm has been the director of the Family Therapy Program in Calgary for more than 35 years. He has developed an international reputation not only as a family therapist, major innovator, theoretician, and trainer of family therapists but also as a leader in facilitating dialogues among many of the world's family therapists. He started his career applying the problem solving approach to family therapy, developed by Nathan Epstein (Part I). In the 1980s, Karl championed the work of the Milan Group (Part II). More recently, Karl has promoted the work of Michael White and David Epston in narrative therapy (Part III). Don Collins recently had the opportunity and pleasure to interview Karl about the evolution of his thinking and practice over the span of his career.
Addressing the Needs of Adult Children of Divorce in Premarital Counseling: Research-Based Guidelines for Practice
Authors: Murray Christine E. , Kardatzke Kerrie N.
Published: April 2009

Because of high divorce rates during the past several decades, a significant number of clients seeking premarital counseling are entering marriage in the context of having experienced parental divorce. Existing research indicates that adult children of divorce are at an elevated risk for divorce and marital distress. In this literature review article, the authors present recommendations for premarital counselors who work with couples in which one or both partners have experienced parental divorce. The authors base their recommendations on the existing literature that examines the attitudes and experiences of adult children of divorce.
Review of the Reflecting Team Process: Strengths, Challenges, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Brownlee Keith , Vis Jo-Ann , McKenna Aziel
Published: April 2009

This review article explores the development of reflecting teams and its significance in present-day family therapy. Beginning with an historical overview of the reflecting team model, as formulated by Tom Andersen, further discussion considers the advantages and the challenges of the model. The article outlines implications for clinical practice, which build on Andersen's vision of family therapy that is collaborative, inclusive, and client centered.
A Pilot Study of Working Memory and Academic Achievement in College Students With ADHD
Authors: Gropper Rachel J. , Tannock Rosemary
Published: April 2009

Objective: To investigate working memory (WM), academic achievement, and their relationship in university students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: Participants were university students with previously confirmed diagnoses of ADHD ( n = 16) and normal control (NC) students ( n = 30). Participants completed 3 auditory—verbal WM measures, 2 visual—spatial WM measures, and 1 control executive function task. Also, they self-reported grade point averages (GPAs) based on university courses. Results: The ADHD group displayed significant weaknesses on auditory—verbal WM tasks and 1 visual—spatial task. They also showed a nonsignificant trend for lower GPAs. Within the entire sample, there was a significant relationship between GPA and auditory—verbal WM. Conclusion: WM impairments are evident in a subgroup of the ADHD population attending university. WM abilities are linked with, and thus may compromise, academic attainment. Parents and physicians are advised to counsel university-bound students with ADHD to contact the university accessibility services to provide them with academic guidance. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 12(6) 574-581)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Erroneously Diagnosed and Treated as Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Atmaca Murad , Ozler Sinan , Topuz Mehtap , Goldstein Sam
Published: April 2009

Objective: There is a dearth of literature on patients erroneously diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder. Method: The authors report a case of an adult with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder erroneously diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder for 6 years. At that point, methylphenidate was initiated. The patient was judged to be a good treatment responder with improvements noted in the clinical global impressions severity scale. It was seen that the improvement was maintained at a 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: The present case reflects the importance of careful differential diagnosis when evaluating for bipolar disorder. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009;13(2) 197-198)
Examining the Effects of Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports on Student Outcomes
Authors: Bradshaw Catherine P. , Mitchell Mary M. , Leaf Philip J.
Published: April 2009

Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is a universal, schoolwide prevention strategy that is currently implemented in over 9,000 schools across the nation to reduce disruptive behavior problems through the application of behavioral, social learning, and organizational behavioral principles. SWPBIS aims to alter school environments by creating improved systems and procedures that promote positive change in student behavior by targeting staff behaviors. This study uses data from a 5-year longitudinal randomized controlled effectiveness trial of SWPBIS conducted in 37 elementary schools to examine the impact of training in SWPBIS on implementation fidelity as well as student suspensions, office discipline referrals, and academic achievement. School-level longitudinal analyses indicated that the schools trained in SWPBIS implemented the model with high fidelity and experienced significant reductions in student suspensions and office discipline referrals.
Development and Validation of Measures of Religious Involvement and the Cancer Experience among African Americans
Authors: Holt Cheryl L. , Caplan Lee , Schulz Emily , Blake Victor , Southward Vivian L. , Buckner Ayanna V.
Published: April 2009

Research indicates that African Americans diagnosed with cancer tend to use religion in coping. However less is known about the specific role that religion plays in the coping process. Based on previous qualitative work, five instruments were developed to assess the role of religious involvement in cancer coping: God as helper, God as healer, Faith in healing, Control over cancer and New perspective. The instruments were administered to 100 African Americans with cancer. Each exhibited high internal reliability, and concurrent and discriminant validity. These instruments may have applied value for the development of church-based cancer support/survivorship interventions.
Stereotype Threat and the Exercise/ Dietary Health Intentions of Overweight Women
Authors: Seacat Jason D. , Mickelson Kristin D.
Published: April 2009

Overweight individuals face significant prejudice and discrimination in daily life yet it is not well understood how factors associated with prejudice and discrimination (i.e. negative social stereotypes) impact overweight individuals' exercise/dietary health intentions. It is proposed that the Model of Stereotype Threat may serve as a useful theoretical tool for interpreting the situational impact of negative stereotypes on the health intentions of overweight individuals. Analyses with a community sample of 100 clinically overweight women showed that priming overweight women to think about weight-related stereotypes led to significantly diminished exercise and dietary health intentions.
Self-rated Health and Allostatic Load in Women Working in Two Occupational Sectors
Authors: Hasson Dan , Von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Lindfors Petra
Published: April 2009

This study set out to investigate how biological dysregulation, in terms of allostatic load (AL), relates to self-rated health (SRH) in women. Data on SRH and 12 biomarkers used to assess AL were available for 241 employees from the health care sector and 98 employees from the IT/media sector. In line with the hypothesis, results showed that a poor SRH, along with occupational sector, age and education, were significantly associated with a high AL, particularly for those working within the health care sector. This association between a poor SRH and AL, suggests a link between SRH and biological dysregulation.
Providing Sex Education to Persons with Learning Disabilities in the Era of HIV/AIDS
Authors: Rohleder Poul , Swartz Leslie
Published: April 2009

Research suggests that disabled people may be at increased risk for HIV infection, yet are excluded from HIV prevention campaigns. Historically people with learning disabilities have been constructed as either being asexual or sexually uninhibited, and sex education considered to be unnecessary or potentially harmful. This article reports on findings of a qualitative study exploring the challenges expressed by participants who provide sex education for persons with learning disabilities, revealing a tension between a human rights discourse and a discourse of restriction of sexual behaviours. Sex education, in the context of HIV/AIDS, may potentially construct sex as dangerous, echoing past constructions of disabled people's sexuality as problematic.
The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales Young Adult Version
Authors: Varni James W. , Limbers Christine A.
Published: April 2009

This study determined the feasibility, reliability and validity of the 23-item PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales Young Adult Version as a multidimensional measure of health-related quality of life. The study population consisted of 1273 students ages 18—25. The PedsQL™ (Physical, Emotional, Social, Work/School Functioning) Young Adult Version and SF-8™ were self-administered. The PedsQL™ evidenced minimal missing responses, achieved excellent reliability for the Total Scale Score, acceptable reliability for subscale scores, distinguished between healthy young adults and young adults with chronic health conditions and was significantly correlated with the SF-8™. The results demonstrate the measurement properties of the PedsQL™ Young Adult Version.
Developing Alliances
Authors: Hansen-Turton Tine , Ritter Ann , Valdez Brian
Published: April 2009

The authors describe how advanced practice nurses in Pennsylvania were able to successfully advocate for nursing-related legislative reforms through Governor Edward G. Rendell's signature health care reform plan (the “Prescription for Pennsylvania”). In addition to discussing advocacy efforts related to a series of nursing-related bills considered by the Pennsylvania Assembly in 2007, the article also describes years of hard work and foundational advocacy conducted by a broad coalition of nurses, which paved the way for the Prescription for Pennsylvania's reforms. By examining the successful tactics of Pennsylvania's nurse advocates, the authors conclude that policy makers' current interest in solving the health care crisis presents a tremendous opportunity for nurses to reform legislation. To seize this opportunity, nurses must learn to speak with a unified voice and build strong relationships with a broad range of bipartisan policy makers, funders, civic leaders, business leaders, and legislative advocates.
Expanding the Knowledge Base of Resident and Facility Outcomes of Care Delivered by Advanced Practice Nurses in Long-Term Care
Authors: Bourbonniere Meg , Mezey Mathy , Mitty Ethel L. , Burger Sarah , Bonner Alice , Bowers Barbara , Burl Jeffrey B. , Carter Diane , Dimant Jacob , Jerro Sarah A. , Reinhard Susan C. , Ter Maat Marilyn , Nicholson Nicholas R.
Published: April 2009

In 2003, a panel of nationally recognized experts in geriatric practice, education, research, public policy, and long-term care convened to examine and make recommendations about care quality and safety issues related to advanced practice nurses (APNs) in nursing home practice. This article reports on the panel recommendation that addressed expanding the evidence base of resident and facility outcomes of APN nursing home practice. A review of the small but important body of research related to nursing home APN practice suggests a positive impact on resident care and facility outcomes. Recommendations are made for critically needed research in four key areas: (a) APN nursing home practice, (b) relative value unit coding, (c) outcomes related to geropsychiatric and mental health nursing services, and (d) outcomes related to geriatric specialization. The APN role could be significantly enhanced and executed if its specific contribution to resident and facility outcomes was more clearly delineated through the recommended rigorous research.
Delivery of Nursing Care in Alabama Public Schools
Authors: Terry Allison J.
Published: April 2009

Many states, including Alabama, allow registered nurses (RNs) in school settings to delegate procedures such as assistance with medication to unlicensed assistive personnel. In Alabama, the Board of Nursing(the Board) is accountable for enforcing the regulations that allow for this action. The Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code addresses delegation by school nurses and lists specific tasks that cannot be delegated because they require nursing judgment. As a result of this reporting requirement, Alabama's Center for Nursing, a division of the Board of Nursing, implemented an annual survey of school nurses to determine how nursing care is delivered to students in Alabama public schools. This study investigates the results of this survey and its implications for school nursing both in Alabama and in other states.
Mentoring Affirmations and Interventions
Authors: Luna Veronica , Prieto Linda
Published: April 2009

Using individual interviews, this study examined how a group of Latina/o undergraduate students in Texas considered graduate studies. Findings reveal that familial support, perceived community responsibility, and their participation in a mentoring program all played a considerable role in demystifying graduate studies. Implications support the notion that mentoring relationships can effectively create a bridge towards graduate education for underrepresented student populations.
Cultural Adaptation to a University Campus
Authors: Yang Raymond K. , Byers Steven R. , Salazar Guadalupe , Salas Richard A.
Published: April 2009

Latino university students' responses to two surveys revealed three types: one recalls valuable family lessons, relates them to university experiences, and envisions how these experiences will have long-range benefits; the second is lonely, confused, and insecure; the third values cultural origins, but feels anxious and self-conscious. These types reflect the emergence of a bicultural identity and the importance of Latino student-support offices.
Co-occurrence of Insomnia and Anxiety Disorders: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Marcks Brook A. , Weisberg Risa B.
Published: April 2009

Insomnia and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and are associated with significant impairment and disability. There is evidence that insomnia and anxiety disorders commonly co-occur, in addition to both being highly comorbid with major depressive disorder. Thus, it is important for health care providers to be familiar with the literature in this area. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to examine the empirical literature on the co-occurrence of insomnia and anxiety disorders, as well as discuss the clinical and research implications of the findings. Studies were identified through PubMed and PsycINFO searches (1975-2007) and a bibliographic review of published articles. The results from this literature review suggest that certain anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, are clearly associated with symptoms of insomnia (eg, delayed sleep onset, restless sleep). Although there are some discrepancies in the literature, the findings suggest that individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder also experience significant sleep problems (eg, middle-of-the-night insomnia, poor sleep quality, nightmares), and the presence of such problems during the early posttrauma period predicts later development of the disorder. Few empirical studies examine sleep in other anxiety disorders, and the majority of studies on insomnia and anxiety disorders in general have not examined the effects of comorbid major depressive disorder, indicating a need for additional research. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of screening for and treating anxiety symptoms when a patient presents with symptoms of insomnia and vice versa. Clearly, treatment development work on interventions that address co-occurring insomnia and anxiety disorders is greatly needed.
Water Exercise in Patients With and Without Cardiovascular Disease: Benefits, Rationale, Safety, and Prescriptive Guidelines
Authors: Brinks Jenna , Franklin Barry A. , Spring Tom
Published: April 2009

Research regarding the benefits of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is extensive and well documented. Water exercise, in the form of stretching, walking, jogging, aerobics, strength and balance training, and swimming, provides an attractive alternative from traditional land-based exercise for achieving improved health and fitness. Patients with orthopedic or musculoskeletal limitations, pulmonary disease, excess adiposity, and other medical conditions may significantly benefit from a water-based exercise program. Although water exercise is beneficial for varied patient populations, the safety and appropriateness of higher intensity activities such as swimming should be considered. Because coronary patients have a reduced ability to identify ischemic symptoms in water, water exercise should be prescribed with caution in high-risk patients, individuals with limited swimming skills, and those with significant left ventricular dysfunction. Furthermore, the acute physiological responses during water submersion and exercise may vary considerably from land-based activity and require attention when prescribing a water-based exercise program for patients with and without coronary artery disease.