bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Soft Drink Consumption to Global Overweight, Obesity, and Diabetes: A Cross-National Analysis of 75 Countries
Authors: Basu Sanjay , McKee Martin , Galea Gauden , Stuckler David
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We estimated the relationship between soft drink consumption and obesity and diabetes worldwide.

Methods. We used multivariate linear regression to estimate the association between soft drink consumption and overweight, obesity, and diabetes prevalence in 75 countries, controlling for other foods (cereals, meats, fruits and vegetables, oils, and total calories), income, urbanization, and aging. Data were obtained from the Euromonitor Global Market Information Database, the World Health Organization, and the International Diabetes Federation. Bottled water consumption, which increased with per-capita income in parallel to soft drink consumption, served as a natural control group.

Results. Soft drink consumption increased globally from 9.5 gallons per person per year in 1997 to 11.4 gallons in 2010. A 1% rise in soft drink consumption was associated with an additional 4.8 overweight adults per 100 (adjusted B; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.1, 6.5), 2.3 obese adults per 100 (95% CI = 1.1, 3.5), and 0.3 adults with diabetes per 100 (95% CI = 0.1, 0.8). These findings remained robust in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusions. Soft drink consumption is significantly linked to overweight, obesity, and diabetes worldwide, including in low- and middle-income countries.
Impact of Alcohol Use and Bar Attendance on Smoking and Quit Attempts Among Young Adult Bar Patrons
Authors: Jiang Nan , Ling Pamela M.
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We examined cigarette smoking and quit attempts in the context of alcohol use and bar attendance among young adult bar patrons with different smoking patterns.

Methods. We used randomized time location sampling to collect data among adult bar patrons aged 21 to 26 years in San Diego, California (n = 1235; response rate = 73%). We used multinomial and multivariate logistic regression models to analyze the association between smoking and quit attempts and both drinking and binge drinking among occasional, regular, very light, and heavier smokers, controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education.

Results. Young adult bar patrons reported high rates of smoking and co-use of cigarettes and alcohol. Binge drinking predicted smoking status, especially occasional and very light smoking. All types of smokers reported alcohol use, and bar attendance made it harder to quit. Alcohol use was negatively associated with quit attempts for very light smokers, but positively associated with quitting among heavier smokers.

Conclusions. Smoking and co-use of cigarettes and alcohol are common among young adult bar patrons, but there are important differences by smoking patterns. Tobacco interventions for young adults should prioritize bars and address alcohol use.
Opioid Agonist Treatments and Heroin Overdose Deaths in Baltimore, Maryland, 1995–2009
Authors: Schwartz Robert P. , Gryczynski Jan , O’Grady Kevin E. , Sharfstein Joshua M. , Warren Gregory , Olsen Yngvild , Mitchell Shannon G. , Jaffe Jerome H.
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We examined the association between the expansion of methadone and buprenorphine treatment and the prevalence of heroin overdose deaths in Baltimore, Maryland from 1995 to 2009.

Methods. We conducted a longitudinal time series analysis of archival data using linear regression with the Newey–West method to correct SEs for heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation, adjusting for average heroin purity.

Results. Overdose deaths attributed to heroin ranged from a high of 312 in 1999 to a low of 106 in 2008. While mean heroin purity rose sharply (1995–1999), the increasing number of patients treated with methadone was not associated with a change in the number of overdose deaths, but starting in 2000 expansion of opioid agonist treatment was associated with a decline in overdose deaths. Adjusting for heroin purity and the number of methadone patients, there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between heroin overdose deaths and patients treated with buprenorphine (P = .002).

Conclusions. Increased access to opioid agonist treatment was associated with a reduction in heroin overdose deaths. Implementing policies that support evidence-based medication treatment of opiate dependence may decrease heroin overdose deaths.
Experiences of Discrimination and Their Impact on the Mental Health Among African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Choi Kyung-Hee , Paul Jay , Ayala George , Boylan Ross , Gregorich Steven E.
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We examined the associations between specific types and sources of discrimination and mental health outcomes among US racial/ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM) and how these associations varied by race/ethnicity.

Methods. A chain-referral sample of 403 African American, 393 Asian and Pacific Islander (API), and 400 Latino MSM recruited in Los Angeles County, California completed a standardized questionnaire. Data were obtained from the Ethnic Minority Men’s Health Study from May 2008 to October 2009.

Results. Past-year experiences of racism within the general community and perceived homophobia among heterosexual friends were positively associated with depression and anxiety. Past-year homophobia experienced within the general community was also positively associated with anxiety. These statistically significant associations did not vary across racial/ethnic groups. The positive association of perceived racism within the gay community with anxiety differed by race/ethnicity, and was statistically significant only for APIs. Perceived homophobia within the family was not associated with either depression or anxiety.

Conclusions. Higher levels of experiences of discrimination were associated with psychological distress among MSM of color. However, specific types and sources of discrimination were differentially linked to negative mental health outcomes among African American, API, and Latino MSM.
California’s Historic Effort to Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness: The Mental Health Services Act
Authors: Clark Wayne , Welch Stephanie N. , Berry Sandra H. , Collentine Ann M. , Collins Rebecca , Lebron Dorthy , Shearer Amy L.
Published: March 2013

In a historic effort to reduce the stigma of mental illness, California voters approved the Mental Health Services Act in 2004. The law funds a comprehensive statewide prevention initiative that places stigma and discrimination reduction at its center, with 25 projects providing interventions at the institutional, societal, and individual levels.

Stakeholders selected specific strategies from the research-based California Strategic Plan on Reducing Stigma and Discrimination. Strategies range from social marketing to increase public knowledge to capacity building at the local level, including training that emphasizes participation by consumers of mental health services and cultural competence. Collectively, these strategies aim to foster permanent change in the public perception of mental illness and in the individual experience of stigma.

We examined the context, planning, programming, and evaluation of this effort.
How the US Food and Drug Administration Can Solve the Prescription Drug Shortage Problem
Authors: Schweitzer Stuart O.
Published: March 2013

Drug shortages are threatening care quality and cost-containment efforts. I describe the pharmaceutical marketplace changes that have caused the problem, and propose new policies to solve it, through changing incentives for producers and purchasers. I propose a grading scheme for the Food and Drug Administration when it inspects manufacturing facilities in the United States and abroad. The inspections’ focus would change from closing unsafe plants to improving production process quality, reducing the likelihood that plants will be closed—the most frequent cause of drug shortages.
Stigma, Mental Health, and Resilience in an Online Sample of the US Transgender Population
Authors: Bockting Walter O. , Miner Michael H. , Swinburne Romine Rebecca E. , Hamilton Autumn , Coleman Eli
Published: March 2013

Objectives. We assessed the association between minority stress, mental health, and potential ameliorating factors in a large, community-based, geographically diverse sample of the US transgender population.

Methods. In 2003, we recruited through the Internet a sample of 1093 male-to-female and female-to-male transgender persons, stratified by gender. Participants completed an online survey that included standardized measures of mental health. Guided by the minority stress model, we evaluated associations between stigma and mental health and tested whether indicators of resilience (family support, peer support, identity pride) moderated these associations.

Results. Respondents had a high prevalence of clinical depression (44.1%), anxiety (33.2%), and somatization (27.5%). Social stigma was positively associated with psychological distress. Peer support (from other transgender people) moderated this relationship. We found few differences by gender identity.

Conclusions. Our findings support the minority stress model. Prevention needs to confront social structures, norms, and attitudes that produce minority stress for gender-variant people; enhance peer support; and improve access to mental health and social services that affirm transgender identity and promote resilience.
A Historical Review of R. J. Reynolds’ Strategies for Marketing Tobacco to Hispanics in the United States
Authors: Iglesias-Rios Lisbeth , Parascandola Mark
Published: March 2013

Hispanics are the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States, and smoking is the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality among this population. We analyzed tobacco industry documents on R. J. Reynolds’ marketing strategies toward the Hispanic population using tobacco industry document archives from the Legacy Tobacco Documents Library ( http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu ) between February–July 2011 and April–August 2012. Our analysis revealed that by 1980 the company had developed a sophisticated surveillance system to track the market behavior of Hispanic smokers and understand their psychographics, cultural values, and attitudes. This information was translated into targeted marketing campaigns for the Winston and Camel brands. Marketing targeted toward Hispanics appealed to values and sponsored activities that could be perceived as legitimating. Greater understanding of tobacco industry marketing strategies has substantial relevance for addressing tobacco-related health disparities.
In-home performance and variability of biosand filters treating turbid surface and rain water in rural Kenya
Authors: McKenzie Erica R. , Jenkins Marion W. , Tiwari Sangya-Sangam K. , Darby Jeanie , Saenyi Wycliffe , Gichaba Charles Maina
Published: March 2013

Thirty low-income Kenyan households using turbid river and relatively cleaner rain water participated in a 6 month in-home Biosand filter (BSF) performance study comprised of surveys and monthly monitoring of BSF influent and effluent water for turbidity and fecal coliforms (FC). River–river (influent–effluent) sample pairs (n = 155; 90% of observations) resulted in average BSF instantaneous FC and turbidity removals of 1.41 log10 (96.1%) and 32.5%, respectively. Cumulative distributions of influent and effluent quality demonstrated unambiguous improvement of river water but rain water improvement was limited and less reliable. Filter performance varied considerably within and across units. A hierarchical set of hypothesized factors affecting filter bacterial performance variability was assessed. BSF effluent FCs were positively correlated with influent (flush water) FCs and influent and effluent turbidity, and negatively correlated with turbidity applied to-date and days since maintenance. Interrupted use and moving the BSF negatively impacted effluent quality. Households with children age 6–10 collecting BSF filtered drinking water, or with more members, had higher effluent FCs. BSFs fed only river water performed better, on average, than mixed-source filters. Implications for BSF implementation in developing countries are discussed, including aqueous chemistry aspects of performance.
Assessing reported use and microbiological performance of a point-of-use household water filter in rural Fiji
Authors: Kohlitz Jeremy , Hasan Tasleem , Khatri Kamal , Sokota Arieta , Iddings Steven , Bera Una , Psutka Rebecca
Published: March 2013

A non-governmental organisation has distributed point-of-use water filtering units in the Western Division of Fiji. We sought to understand filter utilisation and water quality: both water flowing directly out of filters and stored water. We surveyed 270 households and 6 schools on filter use and performed hydrogen sulphide bacterial indicator testing on 24 water samples directly from filters and 37 stored water samples. Our response rate was 95%. Of these, only half (52%) reported consistently filtering their drinking water. Very few (8%) reported consistent use when preparing kava, a traditional drink. Factors associated with limited filter use included lost or broken filter parts (22%) (p < 0.05) and perception of source water quality as 44% of respondents who believed their source water was safe to drink reported consistent filter use compared to 68% of respondents who did not (p < 0.01). Bacterial indicator testing using hydrogen sulphide paper-strips showed that most water samples directly from the filter (71%) and from storage vessels (76%) were contaminated. Limited levels of use and high levels of contamination in both water directly from the filter and stored water raise serious questions as to the benefit of the filter even as an interim water quality solution in this setting.
Use of volcanic ash and its impact on algae proliferation in drinking water filtration
Authors: Mpagi Kalibbala Herbert , Rose Kaggwa , Elzbieta Plaza
Published: March 2013

With increasing pollution of the available water resources, development of safe drinking water supplies is increasingly becoming a challenge, both for developing and developed countries. To alleviate the prevailing difficulties, approaches should focus on sustainable water supply and treatment systems that require minimal maintenance and operator skills. In this study, a pre-treatment of water containing algae using a combination of volcanic ash (VA) and sand in a filtration system was assessed. The results indicated that a combination of VA and sand performed better in the removal of algae than sand alone. However, it was noted that different algae genera were removed at different rates within the two types of media arrangement. In addition, there was an increase in the filtration run length of the ash-sand columns with VA on top of sand of about two and half times compared with the sand columns. It is therefore anticipated that pre-treatment of raw water laden with algae using ash-sand would probably improve on the performance of the subsequent conventional processes in removing intact cells of algae and thus reduce the threat of releasing toxins into the water that may not be removed by the subsequent conventional treatment processes.
Slow sand filtration pre-treatment with alum is efficient, but is it effective?
Authors: Dorea C. C.
Published: March 2013

Enhancing the performance of slow sand filter pre-treatment with alum (i.e. direct or contact filtration) has been proposed as an alternative to overcome limitations of conventional gravel (roughing) pre-filtration. Experimental results revealed high turbidity reduction efficiencies in alum-dosed pre-filtration. However, due to the alum coagulation, the nature of the particulates in the pre-treatment effluent changed and had a potential to shorten the downstream slow sand filter run lengths by approximately 50% under the conditions tested. Hence, depending on the effluent turbidity levels the effectiveness of the alum-dosed pre-treatment could be compromised, despite its high efficiency. Relatively low turbidity levels (<2 NTU) were needed to minimise excessive headloss development in alum-dosed filters. However, the necessary resources to achieve such process control may not be available in developing country contexts. Furthermore, full-scale field experiences indicated the limited effectiveness of alum dosing prior to slow sand filters and the difficulties in maintaining an adequate chemical dosing in under-resourced settings.
The number of idempotents in abelian group rings
Authors: Danchev Peter
Published: March 2013

Suppose that R is a commutative unitary ring of arbitrary characteristic and
G is a multiplicative abelian group. Our main theorem completely determines
the cardinality of the set id(RG), consisting of all idempotent elements in
the group ring RG. It is explicitly calculated only in terms associated with
R, G and their divisions. This result strengthens previous estimates
obtained in the literature recently.
On atom-bond connectivity index
Authors: Das Kinkar , Gutman Ivan , Furtula Boris
Published: March 2013

The atom-bond connectivity index (ABC) is a vertex-degree based graph
invariant, put forward in the 1990s, having applications in chemistry. Let G
= (V,E) be a graph, di the degree of its vertex i, and ij the edge
connecting the vertices i and j. Then ABC = ?ij?E ?(di+dj?2)/(didj).
Upper bounds and Nordhaus-Gaddum type results for ABC are established.
Growth properties of the Fourier transform
Authors: Bray William , Pinsky Mark
Published: March 2013

In a recent paper by the authors, growth properties of the Fourier transform
on Euclidean space and the Helgason Fourier transform on rank one symmetric
spaces of non-compact type were proved and expressed in terms of a modulus of
continuity based on spherical means. The methodology employed first proved
the result on Euclidean space and then, via a comparison estimate for
spherical functions on rank one symmetric spaces to those on Euclidean space,
we obtained the results on symmetric spaces. In this note, an analytically
simple, yet overlooked refinement of our estimates for spherical Bessel
functions is presented which provides significant improvement in the growth
property estimates.
Cyclic contractions and fixed point theorems
Authors: Karapinar Erdal , Erhan Inci
Published: March 2013

In this manuscript, the existence and uniqueness of fixed points of a class
of cyclic operators defined on a closed subset of a Banach space is
discussed. Fixed point theorems for some contractions from this class are
introduced and illustrative examples are given.
On Carlsson type orthogonality and characterization of inner product spaces
Authors: Kikianty Eder , Dragomir Sever
Published: March 2013

In an inner product space, two vectors are orthogonal if their inner product
is zero. In a normed space, numerous notions of orthogonality have been
introduced via equivalent propositions to the usual orthogonality, e.g.
orthogonal vectors satisfy the Pythagorean law. In 2010, Kikianty and
Dragomir [9] introduced the p-HH-norms (1 ? p < ?) on the Cartesian square of
a normed space. Some notions of orthogonality have been introduced by
utilizing the 2-HH-norm [10]. These notions of orthogonality are closely
related to the classical Pythagorean orthogonality and Isosceles
orthogonality. In this paper, a Carlsson type orthogonality in terms of the
2-HH-norm is considered, which generalizes the previous definitions. The main
properties of this orthogonality are studied and some useful consequences are
obtained. These consequences include characterizations of inner product
space.
The use of a gold electrode for the determination of amphetamine derivatives and application to their analysis in human urine
Authors: Nevescanin Marina , Avramov-Ivic Milka , Petrovic Slobodan , Mijin Dusan , Banovic-Stevic Sonja , Jovanovic Vladislava
Published: March 2013

The catalytic abilities of gold electrode were tested for the quantitative
determination of amphetamine (A) and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine
(MDMA) standards by their oxidation using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The value
of the oxidative currents of A and MDMA standards at 0.80 V vs. SCE in 0.05 M
NaHCO3 at the scan rate of 50 mV/s is linear function of concentration in
range of 110.9-258.9 mM and 38.7-229.2 mM, respectively. Square wave
voltammetry (SWV) revealed linear increase of current with concentration of
MDMA (range 30.9-91.6 mM) and thus quantitative determination of amphetamine
derivates. SWV analysis is successfully performed in spiked urine samples as
well. A and MDMA in the presence of sucrose and as a content in illegally
produced tablets were also analyzed. The voltammetric determination of A and
MDMA derivatives using CV and SWV at gold electrode is a rapid, selective and
simple procedure and its accuracy was confirmed with reference method, high
performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The spiked urine samples analysis
offers additional possibility for the rapid detection of A and MDMA in human
urine.
Firm and Investor Responses to Uncertain Tax Benefit Disclosure Requirements
Authors: Robinson Leslie A. , Schmidt Andrew P.
Published: March 2013

We examine whether proprietary costs affect disclosure quality and how investors react to disclosure quality in a new proprietary cost setting. We apply Verrecchia's (1983) proprietary cost theory to the FIN 48 adoption setting and argue that proprietary costs result from beliefs that the new disclosures could weaken a firm's competitive position when negotiating with tax authorities. FIN 48 is an ideal setting to examine how proprietary costs affect disclosure given the proprietary nature of uncertain tax positions, and the ability to construct objective measures of both proprietary costs and disclosure quality. We construct disclosure quality scores for S&P 1500 firms and offer two empirical findings. First, we find a negative association between proprietary costs and disclosure quality. Second, investors reward firms for low disclosure quality, especially small firms and firms with high proprietary costs. Both findings are consistent with Verrecchia's (1983) theory, and suggest that proprietary costs moderate investor demand for full disclosure.

JEL Classifications: G14, L15, M41, M44, M45
TiO2/SiO2 multilayer as an antireflective and protective coating deposited by microwave assisted magnetron sputtering
Authors: Mazur M. , Wojcieszak D. , Domaradzki J. , Kaczmarek D. , Song S. , Placido F.
Published: March 2013

In this paper designing, preparation and characterization of multifunctional coatings based on TiO2/SiO2 has been described. TiO2 was used as a high index material, whereas SiO2 was used as a low index material. Multilayers were deposited on microscope slide substrates by microwave assisted reactive magnetron sputtering process. Multilayer design was optimized for residual reflection of about 3% in visible spectrum (450–800 nm). As a top layer, TiO2 with a fixed thickness of 10 nm as a protective film was deposited. Based on transmittance and reflectance spectra, refractive indexes of TiO2 and SiO2 single layers were calculated. Ultra high vacuum atomic force microscope was used to characterize the surface properties of TiO2/SiO2 multilayer. Surface morphology revealed densely packed structure with grains of about 30 nm in size. Prepared samples were also investigated by nanoindentation to evaluate their protective performance against external hazards. Therefore, the hardness of the thin films was measured and it was equal to 9.34 GPa. Additionally, contact angle of prepared coatings has been measured to assess the wetting properties of the multilayer surface.
Review of night vision technology
Authors: Chrzanowski K.
Published: March 2013

Night vision based on technology of image intensifier tubes is the oldest electro-optical surveillance technology. However, it receives much less attention from international scientific community than thermal imagers or visible/NIR imagers due to series of reasons. This paper presents a review of a modern night vision technology and can help readers to understand sophisticated situation on the international night vision market.
HOT infrared photodetectors
Authors: Martyniuk P. , Rogalski A.
Published: March 2013

At present, uncooled thermal detector focal plane arrays are successfully used in staring thermal imagers. However, the performance of thermal detectors is modest, they suffer from slow response and they are not very useful in applications requiring multispectral detection.

Infrared (IR) photon detectors are typically operated at cryogenic temperatures to decrease the noise of the detector arising from various mechanisms associated with the narrow band gap. There are considerable efforts to decrease system cost, size, weight, and power consumption to increase the operating temperature in so-called high-operating-temperature (HOT) detectors. Initial efforts were concentrated on photoconductors and photoelectromagnetic detectors. Next, several ways to achieve HOT detector operation have been elaborated including non-equilibrium detector design with Auger suppression and optical immersion. Recently, a new strategies used to achieve HOT detectors include barrier structures such as nBn, material improvement to lower generation-recombination leakage mechanisms, alternate materials such as superlattices and cascade infrared devices. Another method to reduce detector’s dark current is reducing volume of detector material via a concept of photon trapping detector.

In this paper, a number of concepts to improve performance of photon detectors operating at near room temperature are presented. Mostly three types of detector materials are considered — HgCdTe and InAsSb ternary alloys, and type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice. Recently, advanced heterojunction photovoltaic detectors have been developed. Novel HOT detector designs, so called interband cascade infrared detectors, have emerged as competitors of HgCdTe photodetectors.
Instructional Strategies for Learners with Dual Sensory Impairments in Integrated Settings
Authors: Downing June , Eichinger Joanne
Published: March 2013

This article presents information on instructional strategies and the effective use of personnel needed for educating students with dual sensory impairments in integrated learning environments. To counter the practice of educating students in separate environments according to their most apparent weaknesses and limitations, the authors contend that learners with dual sensory impairments can benefit from shared learning environments (cross-categorical) and from daily interactions with nondisabled peers. Specific examples and practical intervention strategies to accommodate for the sensory losses are provided.
The Relationship of Family Support to Family Outcomes: A Synthesis of Key Findings from Research on Severe Disability
Authors: Kyzar Kathleen B. , Turnbull Ann P. , Summers Jean Ann , Gómez Viviana Aya
Published: March 2013

There has been a gradual shift from a deficit to a support model for understanding disability over the last two decades. Although more attention is focused on supports at the individual level, policy has provided for the provision of family support. Despite this policy, families' needs for support are on the rise; and research suggests that families of children with severe and multiple disabilities may be at the highest risk for unmet need. This review synthesizes literature published between 1990 and 2010 that reported the relationship between family support and family outcomes (family functioning, family satisfaction, family quality of life, and family stress) for families of children with moderate to severe disabilities. We also report the conceptualization and measurement of family support in the research literature included in the review. Findings showed that (a) across studies, family support was significantly related to family outcomes; (b) there was wide variability in the types and sources of support assessed; and (c) operational definitions of family support were lacking. A discussion of the findings, including limitations of the review, themes, and implications are provided.
Including Students with Severe Disabilities in School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Perceptions of State Coordinators
Authors: Landers Eric , Courtade Ginevra , Ryndak Diane
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine how the needs of students with disabilities are addressed by state coordinators of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) during professional development activities on positive behavioral strategies, school-wide systems, and school-wide commitment to the PBIS approach. Particular attention was given to how the needs of students with severe disabilities were addressed throughout training opportunities. Although an overwhelming majority (93%) of the state coordinators believed that students with severe disabilities can participate at least partially in schoolwide PBIS programs, they indicated that this belief was not reflected in their state's PBIS initial professional development activities.
Asking Students about the Importance of Safety Skills Instruction: A Preliminary Analysis of What They Think is Important
Authors: Agran Martin , Krupp Michael , Spooner Fred , Zakas Tracie-Lynn
Published: March 2013

Although the importance of safety skills instruction is well acknowledged and available data suggest individuals with varying disabilities sustain injuries from accidents at a rate that is comparable to or may exceed the normative population, many students do not receive systematic safety skills instruction. Findings on the extent to which students are provided such instruction have been based largely on teacher input and parent input, with little or no input provided by students. The purposes of this investigation were to ask students with intellectual and other disabilities across two states about the safety skills they learned in school and to assign value to each safety skills' content area. In addition, this investigation sought to identify differences in safety beliefs between students with mild disabilities and students with moderate to severe disabilities. Results indicated that both groups valued safety skills instruction, but students with moderate to severe disabilities assigned a higher level of importance to safety than their peers with mild disabilities. Implications for future research are discussed.
Reconciling an Ecological Curricular Framework Focusing on Quality of Life Outcomes with the Development and Instruction of Standards-Based Academic Goals
Authors: Hunt Pam , McDonnell John , Crockett Margret A.
Published: March 2013

The emergence of the standards-based reform movement has raised a number of issues related to the design of educational programs for students with severe disabilities, and a debate has arisen that presents an “either/or” choice between the general education curriculum and an ecological curricular framework that has traditionally guided curriculum development. In this paper, the authors propose that, to adequately meet the needs of students with moderate to severe disabilities, an ecological approach focusing on quality of life outcomes must be reconciled with the development and implementation of standards-based academic curricula. To accomplish this reconciliation, the authors recommend that individualized education plan teams engage in a process that allows them to work within an ecological curricular framework to develop standards-based goals that reflect meaningful knowledge and skills that are tailored to students' individual needs and applicable to their everyday lives. They propose that quality of life goals expand beyond home, friendships, community participation, and work to include academic goals that are life enriching and promote lifelong learning that can be linked to a broader range of subject area domains in the core curriculum. In addition, they suggest instructional approaches that promote effective instruction and generalized outcomes for both academic and functional skills. Finally, they outline a number of issues that require additional reflection, discussion, and research.
Hispanic Mothers' Perceptions of Self-Determination
Authors: Shogren Karrie
Published: March 2013

Limited research has explored the perceptions of self-determination held by diverse families. In this study, seven mothers of transition-age youth with severe disabilities who were Hispanic were interviewed. Each mother was actively engaged in advocacy related to diverse children with disabilities in their local schools and communities. Mothers were asked about the role that self-determined behavior played in their family, their perceptions of the influence of culture on self-determination, and how they perceived self-determined behavior being operationalized in schools. Themes emerged from the interviews and were grouped into five categories: Defining self-determination, creating opportunities for self-determination, goals for the future, cultural influences, and school–family conflicts. Mothers felt that self-determination was important for their children but described differences in the ways that they operationalized self-determined behavior in the home. These differences led to conflicts between activities at home and at school, and the mothers by and large felt their cultural values were disregarded or disrespected when working with professionals to set goals for the future. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Early Numeracy Instruction for Students with Moderate and Severe Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Browder Diane M. , Jimenez Bree A. , Spooner Fred , Saunders Alicia , Hudson Melissa , Bethune Keri S.
Published: March 2013

Competence in early numeracy skills highly correlate with success in mathematics in later years; however, many students, including students with moderate and severe disabilities, lack a sound foundation in early numeracy skills. For this population, the gaps in skills widen as students progress through academic years, making it more difficult for students to access the general curriculum, and consequently, students exit school without the skills needed for the 21st century. This article provides a conceptual model for teaching early numeracy skills to elementary students with moderate and severe developmental disabilities, as well as pilot research in both special and general education settings. Limitations and suggestions for future research are included.
Increasing Social Interaction Skills of Secondary School Students with Autism and/or Intellectual Disability: A Review of Interventions
Authors: Hughes Carolyn , Kaplan Lauren , Bernstein Rebekah , Boykin Michaela , Reilly Caitlin , Brigham Nicolette , Cosgriff Joseph , Heilingoetter Jamie , Harvey Michelle
Published: March 2013

We reviewed studies to identify strategies effective at increasing social interaction skills across a range of secondary school students with autism and/or intellectual disability who experienced limited peer interaction. We were particularly interested in identifying strategies that involved peers and were effective at increasing peer interaction beyond the instructional setting. We identified 13 intervention studies that we analyzed by (a) participant characteristics, settings, and outcomes measured; (b) effective instructional strategies, including role of peers and programming for generalization, related to generalized effects of social interaction interventions; (c) the relation of participant characteristics, type of intervention, and generalization effects; (d) social validation and treatment fidelity measures; and (e) methodological limitations. Findings allowed us to provide recommendations for future research and practice.
A Practical Strategy for Teaching a Child with Autism to Attend to and Imitate a Portable Video Model
Authors: Plavnick Joshua B.
Published: March 2013

Video modeling is an effective and efficient methodology for teaching new skills to individuals with autism. New technology may enhance video modeling as smartphones or tablet computers allow for portable video displays. However, the reduced screen size may decrease the likelihood of attending to the video model for some children. The present investigation used a changing criterion design to examine the effects of prompting and reinforcement on the attending to smartphone behavior of a 4-year-old child with autism. The participant demonstrated a rapid increase in the duration of attending to a portable video screen; video modeling was then used to teach the participant to request preferred events using picture exchange. Explicit instruction in attending to video can be an important skill to teach children with autism as it can lead to the acquisition of new skills via video modeling.
Teaching Employees with Intellectual Disabilities to Manage Changing Work Routines Using Varied Sight-Word Checklists
Authors: Minarovic Timothy J. , Bambara Linda M.
Published: March 2013

This study examined the effects of teaching employees with moderate intellectual disabilities to use sight-word checklists as antecedent prompts to self-initiate job tasks in varied and novel sequences. The intervention package consisted of (a) sight word reading and comprehension instruction, and (b) self-management training using first a consistently ordered sight-word checklist and then varied checklists in which the word order representing job sequences varied across sessions. A multiple probe design across participants was used to evaluate (a) the effects of sight word instruction and self-management training on the participants' self-initiations of job tasks, and b) the effects of a consistently ordered (i.e., single exemplar) versus varied (i.e., multiple exemplars) checklists on the participants' performance across novel job sequences. Results indicated that the training package was effective in teaching the employees to use sight-word checklists to initiate job tasks, but only when the employees were trained on varied checklists were they able to initiate job tasks across novel varied job sequences. The advantages of instructing across varied sight-word checklists for promoting independence in changing work environments are discussed.
Victims and Victors: Representation of Physical Disability on the Silver Screen
Authors: Black Rhonda S. , Pretes Lori
Published: March 2013

The portrayal of individuals with physical disabilities in feature films contributes to society's overall perception of disability (Nelson, 1994; Susman, 1994). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze 18 films, produced between 1975 and 2004, that had a main character with a physical disability. Our analysis included specific themes and stereotypes identified by the research literature. The themes examined were (a) overall personality, (b) community integration, and (c) interpersonal relationships. The stereotypes examined were (a) pitiable and pathetic; (b) supercrip; (c) sinister, evil, and criminal; (d) better-off dead; (e) maladjusted-own worst enemy; (f) burden to family/society; and (g) unable to live a successful life (Biklen & Bogdan, 1977; Nelson, 1994). Most of the films developed the personality of the character with a disability. Healthy interpersonal relationships were portrayed in some of the films; however, on-going intimate relationships were rarely portrayed. Many of the movies portrayed integrated community life, but integrated education and employment opportunities were noticeably lacking. The most common stereotype portrayed in the films was maladjusted–own worst enemy; the two least common stereotypes were pitiable and pathetic, and sinister, evil and criminal. In some areas, filmmakers have made progress in dispelling myths and stereotypes described in the literature (e.g., dangerous monster, pitiable victim). In other areas, filmmakers continue to perpetuate damaging images (e.g., asexual beings, incapable of competitive employment or postsecondary education, who as a result of their inability to cope with the disability engage in self-destructive behaviors).
Circumscribed Interests in Higher Functioning Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Klin Ami , Danovitch Judith H. , Merz Amanda B. , Volkmar Fred R.
Published: March 2013

Circumscribed interests are a fascinating and an understudied phenomenon in some individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Research in this area is likely to contribute to our understanding of ASDs and to advancing developmental knowledge on learning processes used to adapt to the demands of everyday social life. This study reports on a survey of special interests in 96 children and adolescents with higher functioning ASD. The survey included listing of up to three special interests for each child, and the rating of level of interference of a given interest upon children's activities when by themselves and when in contact with family members, peers, and other adults. This information was collected for both preschool and elementary school years. Special interests were classified into eight categories in terms of their nature (rather than topic), which included the ways through which the interest was manifest and pursued. Results indicated that circumscribed interests (a) are the norm rather than the exception in this population (75% and 88% of the sample for the younger and the older age periods, respectively), (b) most frequently involve verbal learning and memorization of facts (65% and 81% for the younger and the older age periods, respectively), (c) often involve an element of interest in letters and numbers in the preschool years (35% of the sample), (d) greatly interfere with activities pursued by oneself or with others, and (e) level of interference is predictive of lower social and communicative adaptive behavior later in life. Given the ubiquity of circumscribed interests in this population, their verbal nature, and the passion that children with ASD invest in these pursuits, we suggest the need for studies that will trace the longitudinal course of learning profiles from early childhood and possible interventions that may address these areas.
The Importance of Attitudes toward and Understanding of Disability and Science in the Age of Genetics
Authors: Stowe Matthew J. , Turnbull H. Rutherford , Pence Ray , Rack Jennifer , Schrandt Suzanne , Laub Lesley
Published: March 2013

This article reports concerns among disability community members that the implications of genetic research will be driven by mistaken beliefs about genetics and negative attitudes toward disability as identified in a qualitative study funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute. In addition to reporting the nature and the context of disability community concerns related to perceptions of disability and of human genetics, the authors discuss the historic role of attitudes toward disability and science in popularizing eugenics in early 20th century America as evidence of the seriousness of these concerns.
Transitioning to and Sustaining District-Wide Inclusive Services: A 7-Year Study of a District's Ongoing Journey and its Accompanying Complexities
Authors: Ryndak Diane Lea , Reardon Ric , Benner Susan R. , Ward Theresa
Published: March 2013

This case study describes the journey of one school district as it focused for 5 years on affecting district-wide systemic change related to inclusive education for all students with disabilities, including those with severe disabilities. Information is provided about the district's efforts across 5 years, and data are provided across those 5 and 2 years of follow-up. Data indicate that the systemic change efforts at multiple levels (i.e., district, school, education team) and across constituencies (e.g., parents, district and school administrators, instructional and support personnel) have resulted in changes in placement for students with disabilities, emphasizing both placement in their neighborhood schools or schools of choice and access to general education settings. In addition, these changes occurred in a climate of high-stakes assessment, with the state department of education initiating a practice of publicly grading both schools and districts based on the performance of students on state assessments. Although the district is still engaged in change efforts, the study describes lessons learned and provides recommendations for other school districts attempting such change efforts. The data reflected in this analysis, however, convince the district that change is occurring, that change is spreading across the district, and that change is sustainable in spite of changes in district leadership and key personnel.
The Cumulative Cost-Effectiveness of Supported and Sheltered Employees with Mental Retardation
Authors: Cimera Robert Evert
Published: March 2013

This study investigated the cumulative costs generated by supported and sheltered employees with mental retardation throughout one “employment cycle,” that is, from the moment they entered their respective programs to when they exited or stopped receiving services. Data indicate that supported employees acquired services costing funding sources a total of $6,619 over 5.98 fiscal quarters or a per fiscal quarter cost of $1,107. In comparison, sheltered employees acquired services costing funding sources a total of $19,388 over 6.22 fiscal quarters or a per fiscal quarter cost of $3,117.
Communication Breakdown at Home and at School in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy and Severe Disabilities
Authors: Snell Martha E. , Chen Lih-Yuan , Allaire Janet H. , Park Eunhye
Published: March 2013

Data about communication breakdown were gathered through interviews of care providers and mailed surveys of special education teachers and speech and language pathologists of 17 children with cerebral palsy and significant language delay. Most care providers indicated that children used personalized communication systems and that these frequently met their communication needs. School staff reported that personalized systems were used less often, but that the same children made use of additional communication systems (e.g., pictures, devices) and that these systems sometimes met their needs. Care providers reported communication breakdown to be more frequent than did school staff, but both reported similar frequencies of problem behavior following breakdown. Qualitative results were reported for the strategies adults used during breakdown, the ways children reacted, and the types of problem behavior children displayed.
Teaching Elementary Students with Multiple Disabilities to Participate in Shared Stories
Authors: Browder Diane M. , Mims Pamela J. , Spooner Fred , Ahlgrim-Delzell Lynn , Lee Angel
Published: March 2013

Literacy may be one of the most important instructional areas for enhancing quality of life for all students. One way to promote literacy skills is through engaging students in the shared reading of a story. In this study, methods for planning and implementing shared stories for three students with multiple disabilities was evaluated via a multiple probe design across participants. Because the students had few consistent responses and complex physical challenges, a team planned the literacy participation using principles of universal design for learning (UDL). Outcomes indicate that all three students improved literacy skills and added to the literature base that shared stories can promote early literacy. Future research and implications for practical team implementation of the augmentative and alternative communication use and UDL components of representation, expression, and engagement are discussed.