bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a Late Fort Ancient Fall/Winter Occupation in Southwestern Ohio
Authors: Purtill Matthew P.
Published: May 2005

The Driving Range Site (33Ha586) represents a multicomponent occupation located in southwestern Ohio on a low terrace overlooking the Little Miami River floodplain. This article focuses on the Late Fort Ancient occupation (post-AD 1400) and has three purposes: 1) to provide a detailed descriptive account of the artifact assemblage and site structure; 2) to present evidence that the site represents the remains of a late fall through early winter occupation; and 3) to discuss the significance of the site in relation to Fort Ancient settlement dynamics in the Middle Ohio Valley.
Computer Games: Environments for Developing Spatial Cognition?
Authors: McClurg Patricia A. , Chaillé Christine
Published: May 2005

This experimental study investigated whether fifth, seventh, and ninth grade students participating in selected computer games utilizing spatial skills would improve their scores on a spatial ability measure. A significant treatment effect in favor of the experimental conditions was found in the analyses of covariance. No significant interaction or main effects were found for grade level or sex, indicating that males and females at all three grade levels seemed to benefit from this experience. These results suggest that certain computer games may enhance the development of spatial ability as measured by the Mental Rotation Test. Identified spatial components of the two games included visual perception and discrimination, differentiation of opposite obliques, visualization of transformations in series, the use of referent systems, and the development and updating of cognitive maps.
The Perceived Aversiveness of Death Related Events in Depressed and Non-Depressed Individuals
Authors: Tursky Stuart P. , Lewinsohn Peter M.
Published: May 2005

It was hypothesized that depressives would rate death related events as more aversive than appropriate control groups. Ratings of aversiveness (3-point scale) were obtained from depressed patients (N=61), from “MMPI-Hi” (N=66), “normal” (N=75) control groups for six death related events (e.g., attending a funeral) and for six control events (e.g., having someone I love leave me). Results were analyzed with analysis of covariance with age and sex as covariates. Death related events occurred with low frequency in all groups. There was a significant tendency for the depressives to rate all events as more aversive than the control groups (p < .01). The differences between the aversiveness ratings of the death related and control items for the depressed was small and not significant. The results indicate that death related events do not have a special valence for depressed individuals. Rather, depressives manifest a general tendency towards evaluating, and perhaps experiencing, potential unpleasant events as more aversive.
Nuclear Fallout, Low Birthweight, and Immune Deficiency
Authors: Gould Jay M. , Sternglass Ernest J.
Published: May 2005

An investigation of the mortality rates of young adults born in the postwar period of large-scale atmospheric nuclear testing (1945–1965) in the United States and other western industrial nations reveals an increasingly anomalous rise in mortality from its previous secular decline. Beginning in the late 1970s and particularly since 1983, the deterioration in the health of the 25–44 age group is related to in utero exposure to fission products in the milk and diet, associated with an unprecedented rise in underweight births and neonatal mortality known to be accompanied by loss of immune resistance. The 1945–1965 rise in the percentage of live births below 2500 grams is highly correlated with the amount of strontium-90 in human bone, both peaking in the mid-1960s. In the 1980s, for the baby boom generation (those born between 1945 and 1965), cancer incidence and mortality due to infectious diseases associated with a rising degree of immune deficiency, such as pneumonia, septicemia, and AIDS, increased sharply. This process of increasing immune deficiency appears to have been exacerbated by continuing secondary exposures to accidental reactor releases and by an acceleration of radiation-induced mutation of pathogenic microorganisms increasingly resistant to drugs.
The Influence of Caffeine Arousal on the Frequency of Task-Unrelated Image and Thought Intrusions
Authors: Giambra Leonard M. , Wise Kenneth , Rosenberg Edwin H. , Jung Rex E.
Published: May 2005

Based upon earlier studies relating task-unrelated image and thought (TUIT) frequency to circadian activity levels and to decreases with increased age in adulthood it was hypothesized that increased cortical arousal would result in greater TUIT frequency. In a double-blind study, six young men had arousal induced at two dosages of caffeine, 100 mg and 300 mg. When unintentional and deliberate TUIT frequency at the 100 mg and 300 mg dosages was contrasted with the placebo no significant effects were noted. Change in TUIT frequency between placebo and the 300 mg dosage was significantly correlated with the personality trait of Agreeableness. Lack of compliance, caffeine withdrawal influences, and insufficiently high arousal are discussed as possible sources of the lack of relationship obtained between caffeine dosage and TUIT frequency.
Drug Involvement among Potential Dropouts and “Typical” Youth
Authors: Eggert Leona L. , Herting Jerald R.
Published: May 2005

Drug involvement, conceptualized as drug use frequency, drug access, drug use control, and adverse use consequences, is described and compared among two randomly selected groups of students aged fourteen to nineteen years: 203 low-risk typical high-school students and 160 youths at high-risk of school problems and dropout. High-risk youth, compared to low-risk youth and national statistics, endorsed a much greater breadth and depth of drug use, greater access to drugs, less drug use control, and greater adverse consequences due to use. A secondary analysis showed low-risk users (experimenters) were similar to high-risk youth in their access to drugs and eroding drug use control, but showed low frequencies of drug use and negligible adverse use consequences. Measuring and exploring these four facets of drug involvement provided a robust picture of the adolescents' drug milieu and revealed differences in patterns of drug involvement that would not have been evident by looking purely at drug use frequency. Implications for prevention programming are suggested.
The Development and Use of Graphically Presented Algorithms in Community-Based Family Planning Services
Authors: Labbok Miriam H. , Chassell Robert J.
Published: May 2005

Graphically presented algorithms are presently used in many settings worldwide for the diagnosis, management, and teaching of curative health services. There is potential as well for using such algorithms for teaching and counseling in the preventive services, especially in family planning services. The employment of paramedical or lesser trained workers in family planning or management requires careful attention to skill development in all phases of training. The use of graphically presented algorithms may simplify this process of skill development. In addition, the algorithms provide guidelines for use in the field by those providing family planning services, and for program management and supervision. Examples of algorithms used in paramedical services are presented. The development of two algorithms are discussed in detail, 1) an algorithm for introduction of contraceptives during lactation, and 2) an algorithm for supervision of data collection.
A Study on the Use of Interactive Multimedia Courseware in the Learning of Rat Dissection
Authors: Ngai Johnson Y. K. , Chan K. S.
Published: May 2005

Traditionally, students learned rat dissection through reading printed dissection guides, observing teacher demonstration, and hands-on dissection practice in a Biology laboratory. Teacher demonstration was always not very effective for a large class of students. Hands-on practice consumed a lot of rats before students could master the basic skills of rat dissection. Expenditure in terms of time and resources was high in the learning of rat dissection. To help students learn rat dissection in a more cost-effective manner, the authors designed and developed an interactive multimedia courseware. In addition, the authors had made an innovative use of multimedia technology to perform assessment in a manner which was not possible with traditional media. This article summarized the findings of an evaluation study of the interactive multimedia courseware. The evaluation study looked into students' attitude toward the interactive multimedia courseware, and the problems encountered during the use of the courseware. Lastly, the authors' reflection of the development process and product courseware also constituted part of the evaluation.
Psychological Reactions to Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Geiser Michael T. , Van Dyke Craig , East Robyn , Weiner Michael
Published: May 2005

The first twenty patients who entered our continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) program from March, 1979 to February, 1981 were interviewed to assess their psychological reactions to CAPD. Six patients were successfully maintained on CAPD for more than one year. CAPD provided patients with a greater sense of well-being, strength, and independence. This independence required adherence to a strict schedule of exchanges. Reactions to the loss of CAPD followed the pattern of a grief reaction. Those patients who were self-disciplined and comfortable assuming active control of their health care proved to be the best candidates for CAPD.
A Local Maternity Care System in South West England under Review
Authors: Ferster G. , Pethybridge R. J.
Published: May 2005

Since the Cranbrook Report in 1959 there has been a steady increase in the proportion of institutional confinements in England and Wales and a steady decrease in perinatal mortality. This association should not be regarded as evidence of cause and effect nor as justification for continuing the Cranbrook policies for the provision of maternity care throughout the 1970s. Due weight must be given to other factors, including improvements in the general health and education of the population and advances in standards of medical care affecting all parts of the maternity services. The present study examines current performance of a local maternity care system and analyzes some 3700 confinements which took place in a Health Care District (formerly a Hospital Management Committee area) in South West England during 1970. The local resources consisted of a consultant obstetric unit, a Special Care Baby Unit, five general practitioner units and the associated medical and nursing staff, and two Local Authority domiciliary midwife services. An expectant mother may call upon a variety of resources in pregnancy, during delivery, and in the puerperium. The concept is developed of the “stream” of care received by the mother and the case histories are analyzed in these terms. The deliveries are classified in terms of nonintervention and intervention at delivery. Perinatal mortality is not in itself an adequate measure of the overall performance of a local maternity care system so other performance indices are used. These are based upon the extent to which the resources available diverge between booking and actual usage. Results obtained indicate that existing policies may be less than optimal and alternatives ought to be considered.
Using New Technology to Assess the Academic Writing Styles of Male and Female Pairs and Individuals
Authors: Hartley James , Pennebaker James W. , Fox Claire
Published: May 2005

Background:

Previous research suggests that there are advantages to writing in groups or in pairs compared with writing individually, and that men write differently from women. However, as far as we know, no one has yet used new technology to assess published academic articles written in these different modes.

Method:

We assembled 80 papers from recent issues of the Journal of Educational Psychology as follows: 21 authored by individual men, 21 by individual women, 19 by pairs of men, and 19 by pairs of women. We then used two computer-based measures to assess various textual features of the Abstracts, the Introductions, and the Discussion sections of these 80 papers.

Results:

Several differences were found between these various parts of the journal articles (e.g., the Discussions were more readable than the Introductions and these in turn were more readable than the Abstracts). However, there were few differences between the writing of pairs or individuals, or between that of men and women.

Conclusions:

There was no real evidence to support the notion that writing in pairs would lead to better quality articles or that there would be differences between the readability of papers produced by men and women. Such differences may occur, however, before peer review.
Dream Recall: State or Trait Variable? Part II: State Factors, Investigations and Final Conclusions
Authors: Schredl Michael , Montasser Alyaa
Published: May 2005

The first part of a two article series presented the hypotheses explaining the variation in dream recall, a model of the dream recall process and the empirical data concerning trait factors. The present article includes earlier data concerning state factors, new empirical data on how these influence dream recall, and some final conclusions. State factors such as nocturnal awakenings and focusing on dreams in the morning along with trait factors of fantasy life, creativity and visual memory all play an important part in explaining the variability in dream recall. Additionally, some suggestions for future research in explaining why there is such variability in our ability to recollect what we dreamt in a given night are presented.
Prosperity as a Cause of Death
Authors: Eyer Joseph
Published: May 2005

The general death rate rises during business booms and falls during depressions. The causes of death involved in this variation range from infectious diseases through accidents to heart disease, cancer, and cirrhosis of the liver, and include the great majority of all causes of death. Less than 2 percent of the death rate-that for suicide and homicide-varies directly with unemployment. In the older historical data, deterioration of housing and rise of alcohol consumption on the boom may account for part of this variation. In twentieth-century cycles, the role of social stress is probably predominant. Overwork and fragmentation of community through migration are two important sources of stress which rise with the boom, and they are demonstrably related to the causes of death which show this variation.
Teaching and Learning via Videoconference: The Benefits of Cooperative Learning
Authors: Lawrence Betty Hurley
Published: May 2005

For the past two years, the Center for Distance Learning of SUNY Empire State College has been offering courses to NYNEX employees using the company's videoconferencing equipment. Students were located at four sites and two-hour seminars were held every other week throughout the term. This article discusses my incorporating problem-based learning and cooperative learning into the teaching of Business Mathematics and Introduction to Issues in Telecommunications for the Center for Distance Learning using this equipment. Students at each site were placed in teams of four and these groups engaged in cooperative learning activities at their sites in addition to participating over the network. Benefits of this approach have included: more variety of participation; increased insight in contributions made over the network because of time given to articulating ideas less formally at each site; and an atmosphere of sharing and teamwork.
The Relevance of AI Research to CAI
Authors: Kearsley Greg P.
Published: May 2005

This article provides a tutorial introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) research for those involved in Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI). The general theme espoused is that much of the current work in AI, particularly in the areas of natural language understanding systems, rule induction, programming languages, and socratic systems, has important applications to CAI. It is hoped that this tutorial will stimulate or catalyze more intensive interaction between AI and CAI.
Ethnoarchaeology as a Merging of Historical Archaeology and Oral History
Authors: Adams William Hampton
Published: May 2005

Within the past decade, historical archaeology and oral history often have been merged into a unified field of study. Increasingly, historical archaeologists include oral historians as integral members of a research team. The history of this movement is examined in relation to research objectives and theoretical issues. Several case studies present different applications of the two approaches and how they have merged synergistically to produce a better understanding of the past.
A Multivariate Study of Hypnotic Susceptibility
Authors: Spanos Nicholas P. , D'Eon Joyce L. , Pawlak Anne E. , Mah Christopher D. , Ritchie Gary
Published: May 2005

Twelve variables previously shown to predict hypnotic susceptibility were factor, analyzed. Six of them loaded on a common factor labeled “a positive set toward, imagining.” The items from two hypnotic susceptibility scales were also factor, analyzed, and fell into three factors (one “cognitive” and two motor factors)., Multiple regression analyses using the susceptibility scales and also the three, susceptibility factors as criterion variables indicated that most of the predicted, variance was accounted for by the predictor variables that loaded on the, “imaginative set” factor. Many of the predictor variables did not contribute, significantly to the prediction of the susceptibility measures. Moreover, a number of, predictors, that purportedly assess similar processes, failed to intercorrelate, significantly. Methodological and theoretical implications of these findings are, discussed.
Application of an Ecology-Based Methodology for Paleopopulation Studies
Authors: Nickels Bryan , Sappington Robert Lee
Published: May 2005

Current paleodemographic studies are insufficient for the examination of smaller, non-urban populations. An ecological methodology, based on research and methods in landscape ecology, may be used to analyze landscape resources availability, thereby allowing analysis of populations that are too small for examination using existing paleopopulation study methods. This new methodology, through its development of a Human Suitability Index (HSI), is applied to the Interior Salish populations of the northern Columbia Plateau of British Columbia, inclusive of the Okanogan, Lillooet, Thompson, and Shuswap tribes. The resulting application demonstrates the accuracy and inaccuracy of population counts variously applied to the area and suggests future uses in other non-urban areas in the context of maximum population size, percentage of population size achieved, location of settlement, and migration and growth factors.
Subject Matter as a Factor in Educational Computing by Teachers in International Settings
Authors: Yaghi Hussein M.
Published: May 2005

This study investigates the effects of subjects of teaching and teaching experience on confidence in computing among teachers when using common computer software applications. The participants were 236 teachers working in five Lebanese schools known to use computers in various educational tasks. The results showed that teachers had significantly different levels of confidence in using computer applications across the subjects of teaching. Also it was found that teachers with more years of teaching have significantly lower level of confidence. As other factors such as computer training, frequency of using computers outside the classroom, and teaching experience might interfere in building up educational computing confidence, these variables were controlled for in the analysis.
Retaining Black Students in Engineering: Do Minority Programs Have a Longitudinal Impact?
Authors: Good Jennifer , Halpin Glennelle , Halpin Gerald
Published: May 2005

In an effort to assist minority populations who are at risk of attrition in science, mathematics, and engineering programs, university administrators have launched and evaluated minority support programs. One such program implementation and evaluation was completed and reported, which noted trends in academic outcomes of program participants, such as grade point averages and standardized mathematics and science reasoning test scores, with participants' outcomes observably exceeding those of a similar sample of nonprogram participants (Good, Halpin, & Halpin, 1999). As is true with many program evaluations, however, this data only revealed information concerning achievement of the students in the freshman year and did not follow the students' success into subsequent years after program completion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine if an effect on academic achievement occurred throughout the participants' sophomore years of study and if participants in the program were more likely to remain within the College of Engineering as a result of program involvement. The data source for this study was 58 African-American students enrolled in a pre-engineering program at a large land-grant university (34 volunteer program participants and a comparison group of 24). Quarter grade point averages and retention status were collected for both groups throughout their sophomore years. In addition, 12 of these students (six per group) were interviewed concerning their freshman year pre-engineering experiences. Results of this study indicate that, although benefits to academic achievement due to academic support encountered during the freshman year may possibly diminish over time, the effects of engaging in such programs on actual retention remain of significant interest to program administrators and researchers.
When “Both Sides” are Not Enough: The Restricted Debate over Health Care Reform
Authors: Canham-Clyne John
Published: May 2005

In covering the health care reform debate, the major news outlets go out of their way to avoid mentioning a Canadian-style single-payer reform as a progressive alternative to the Clinton plan.
The University Student's Preference for Learning by Computer-Assisted Instruction
Authors: Inoue Yukiko
Published: May 2005

This study focused on the specific questions: Do significant differences exist in the preference for CAI between male and female students? Do significant differences exist in the preference for CAI between undergraduate and graduate students (academic status)? And does an interaction exist between gender and academic status? Seventy-six students ( N = 76) were randomly selected to answer the questionnaire. Analyses of variance (at the .05 level) showed graduate students favor CAI more than do undergraduate students, probably because they have jobs and need to study using CAI at a more convenient time and place. This result confirms the assumption that graduate students have more computer experiences. Since computer literacy increases as time passes, the chance of “give CAI a try” becomes higher. In technologically sophisticated societies of today, the option of mixing CAI and traditional lectures must be the key to the success of any institution of higher education.
The Relationship between Attitudinal and Behavioral Change in Pediatric Residents in a Psychiatric Liaison Teaching Program: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hickson Letitia , Mann Eberhard M.
Published: May 2005

Two behavioral measures—chart audits and requests for psychiatric consultations—and two attitudinal measures—case conference comments and a case management questionnaire—were used to assess changes in pediatric residents' approaches to psychosocial issues over the course of liaison training. Both attitudinal measures showed changes in the residents' approaches, including an increased attention to patients' and families' feelings and an expanded awareness of the options available in dealing with psychosocial problems. These changes in attitude, however, did not result in increases in the amount of psychosocial data recorded in the charts or increases in resident-initiated consultation requests. The authors use their observations on the wards and in case conferences and interviews with pediatric residents to explain why chart contents and psychiatric consultation practices are resistant to change. Their findings indicate a gap between attitudinal and behavioral change that requires further research on how pediatric residents identify psychosocial problems, and how liaison training is integrated with the needs and expectations of nonpsychiatric physicians.
A Strategy for Systematic Component Analysis of Instructional Programs
Authors: Sherman Thomas M.
Published: May 2005

A strategy for systematic analysis of the contribution of each component of an instructional program to a prescribed outcome is described. The strategy is based upon a multiple baseline experimental design; in this strategy instructional components are successively added to either students, content or situations. An example of the application of the strategy to analyze components of an instructional program is presented along with examples of how the process may be used in other situations.
Death and its Rituals in Novels on Aids
Authors: Lévy Joseph J. , Nouss Alexis
Published: May 2005

Several novels have been published recently, both in English and French, dealing with the AIDS epidemic. Their perspectives on death can be extracted through content analysis. Overall, these novels present a weak symbolization about death with rituals that are not highly elaborated. Complex images of the afterlife are not offered. By contrast, there is a strong theme expressing the impact of this epidemic on personal networks as well as the effect of repeated losses on the survivors. The desperate feeling that the entire homosexual community is on the verge of extinction is among the specific themes that are expressed.
Psychological Support and Psychiatric Management of Patients with Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: Tchou Patrick J. , Piasecki Elizabeth , Gutmann Mary , Jazayeri Mohammad , Axtell Kathi , Akhtar Masood
Published: May 2005

There are well over 6, 000 automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICD) that have been implanted in the United States since 1980. The device clearly reduces arrhythmic mortality in high risk patients. Many AICD patients have other cardiac diseases, most commonly, coronary artery disease with associated prior myocardial infarctions. These patients have special psychosocial stresses that may make them vulnerable to depression and other psychological disturbances. Psychological support together with psychiatric treatment, if needed, should be provided to these patients. Use of psychotropic medications should be closely monitored, especially in this population, as many of these drugs can exacerbate ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Special precautions should also be taken when administering electroconvulsive therapy in these patients.
Differences in Attitudes between Women and Men toward Computerization
Authors: Mitra Ananda , Lafrance Betty , McCullough Sandra
Published: May 2005

Using the principles of innovation of diffusions, this longitudinal study examines the gender differences in attitudes toward computerization at a liberal arts university. The data shows that women are more cautious in their interpretations of technological innovations. Indeed, women's and men's perceptions of compatibility and trialability differed the most over the longest time period. Specifically, men more than women perceived that the computerization effort, as an innovation, was more compatible and was able to be experimented with on a limited basis. Such findings elucidate the differences in attitudes found between men and women with respect to computer usage in general.
Training in Task-Related Behaviors and its Relationship to Microcomputer Mathematics Performance
Authors: Lieber Joan , Semmel Melvyn I.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare mathematics problem-solving performance of students trained in task-related behaviors with a control group of untrained students. Forty learning disabled and forty nonhandicapped upper elementary students were assigned to dyads such that each student worked with both a handicapped and a nonhandicapped partner. Dyads were then randomly assigned to either a trained or control group. Trained dyads received instruction in giving explanations and asking questions. All dyads worked for twelve ten-minute sessions at a microcomputer solving a mathematics task. Following each computer session, students individually solved a paper/pencil task with problems similar to the computer problems. Results indicated that the trained group exhibited significantly more task-related behaviors including: 1) asking how to solve a problem, 2) asking for an answer check, 3) giving an explanation, 4) giving feedback, and 5) asking if the partner needed help. However, there were no performance differences between the trained and untrained groups on the paper/pencil tasks. A further analysis, in which trained and control groups were combined, showed a significant relationship between giving a correct explanation and paper/pencil scores for both handicapped and nonhandicapped students. Additionally, handicapped students who asked their partner if they needed help also performed better on the paper/pencil task.
The Vase on the Mantelpiece: The Golden Section in Context
Authors: KonečNi Vladimir J.
Published: May 2005

The golden section (GS) was investigated in three experiments ( N = 91, 87, and 73 psychology students, respectively), using both traditional methods (line bi-section, production of rectangles), and novel stimuli (contours and cutouts of vases constructed by the GS and non-GS principles) and tasks (the placement of “vases” on an imaginary and a laboratory, purpose-built, mantelpiece). In five different tasks, which varied considerably in technical details, there was absolutely no evidence for the significance of the GS, nor was there a general preference for the GS vases. Instead, the search for balance seemed to motivate the subjects' mantelpiece placement choices, guided by the area (“weight”), rather than the shape, of the vases. In addition, the results cast serious doubt on the generalizability of conclusions based on the research on rectangles to real-world aesthetic objects and choices. Other substantive and methodological issues, especially with regard to the future research on the GS, and to ecological validity, were discussed.
An Annotated Bibliography of The Journal of Technical Writing and Communication: 1981–1984
Authors: Reese Paul
Published: May 2005

This bibliography contains seventy-five articles published in the Journal of Technical Writing and Communication from 1981 through 1984 in the categories of The Profession, Education and Pedagogy, Preparation and Presentation of Technical Information, Applied Theory in Technical Communication, and Application of Technology to Technical Communication.
The Past and the Future of Scientific and Technical Writing
Authors: Whitburn Merrill D.
Published: May 2005

Excerpts from Thomas Sprat's History of the Royal Society, published in 1667, are used to explore the parallels existing between the rise of modern scientific and technical writing and the rise of seventeenth century science.

The author of this paper shows how the English teachers of today, like the scholastic critics of the past, are too often isolated from the realities of communication. He quotes Thomas Sprat to emphasize that communication techniques should not be studied at a distance. The practice of scientific and technical writing must be brought closer to the university. Doing consulting work is one possibility; another is conducting communication research for business and industry. Additional specialized courses should be introduced for students specializing in the professions. English majors planning to work full time in communication should have internships provided. Sprat recognized that a bridge must exist between science and the humanities. This applies as well to the present condition.
Ethical Argumentation
Authors: Possin Kevin
Published: May 2005

Ironically, just doing the right thing is often easier than organizing one's thoughts and arguments concerning an ethical issue. This article examines a legalistic model for ethical argumentation proposed in this journal by T. M. Sawyer and finds it to have serious problems and limitations. Also illustrated is how argument from analogy is better suited to the task of discovering and presenting well-defended ethical positions.
Correlates of Depression among Heavy Drinkers in Polish Primary Care Clinics
Authors: Manwell Linda Baier , Czabala Jan Czeslaw , Ignaczak Marek , Mundt Marlon P.
Published: May 2005

Objective:

Depression and co-morbid substance abuse disorders are a major public health problem. Information is limited for patients attending Polish primary care clinics. This article addresses 30-day and lifetime prevalence of major depression in a heavy drinking population from 12 Polish primary care clinics.

Method:

277 heavy drinkers were interviewed by a researcher in each clinic. Heavy drinking was defined as more than 20 drinks per week for males, or more than 13 drinks per week for females, or consumption of more than four drinks five or more times in the previous 30 days, or two or more positive replies to the CAGE questions. Criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual were used to assess lifetime and past 30-day depression.

Results:

35% of women and men met criteria for depression in the 30 days prior to the interview. Lifetime rates were 45% for women and 52% for men. Men and women with a CAGE score of 4 were at higher risk for both 30-day (67%, OR = 3.85 [1.47, 10.08]) and lifetime (78%, OR = 3.28 [1.12, 9.66]) depression. Recreational drug users and patients reporting symptoms of antisocial personality disorders were at increased risk for lifetime depression. Subjects reporting symptoms of a childhood conduct disorder were at higher risk for 30-day depression.

Conclusions:

Depression among patients with substance abuse problems is a common problem. The rates are higher than for other countries and highlight the need for Polish primary care clinicians to routinely screen for depression in patients with substance use disorders.
Revisioning Sixteenth Century Solutions to Twentieth Century Problems in Herbert Hoover's Translation of Agricola's De Re Metallica
Authors: Sauer Beverly A.
Published: May 2005

This article analyzes Herbert C. Hoover's translation of the De Re Metallica (1956) in the context of the 1922 Mine Strikes. The De Re Metallica combines practical instruction in mining techniques with a philosophical justification of the practice of mining. In Book I of the De Re Metallica, Agricola consciously constructs a rationalized science of metallurgy and mineralogy to enable expert miners to profit in a risky enterprise. Analysis of the text thus reveals that Hoover's interest in Agricola's “intellectual achievements” may have been more than technical. The economical and political assumptions that drive Agricola's arguments—justification of mining as a profit-making enterprise, his notions that accidents occur because workers are careless, and his rhetorical use of the notion of scientific expertise—framed many of the early twentieth century debates between mine operators and union organizers. In revisioning Agricola's arguments in the context of Hoover's own Principles of Mining and his statements in the 1922 Mine Crisis, this article demonstrates how technical documents reflect the political ideologies of their writers and how political arguments presented as purely technical debates shape the uses and construction of future technologies.
Grade and Knowledge Improvement as a Result of Computer-Assisted Instruction
Authors: Vogler Conrad , O'Quin Karen , Paterson Wendy
Published: May 2005

To study the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction as a supplement to a Sociology 100 course, an experimental design using two sections of the same course taught by the same instructor was arranged. Though only one class worked with the computer software, “Student Showcase-Introducing Sociology through the Computer,” each class was pretested and posttested to examine attitudes toward computer assignments as an integral part of the course and to determine if the supplemental computer software would have a significant effect on students' knowledge of Sociology. Posttest analyses and comparisons with pretest scores indicated that the computer group's attitudes toward computers as effective teachers and toward their own ability to work with computer assisted instruction were indeed more positive after completing the course. The computer group was also significantly higher in general knowledge of Sociology and got higher grades than the non-computer group.
The Quality of Life of Palliative Care Staff: A Personal Construct Approach
Authors: Viney Linda L. , Walker Beverly M. , Lilley Betsy , Tooth Barbara , Bell Pam , Nagy Sue
Published: May 2005

Palliative care staff were compared with staff from burn and neonatal units, and with mature age general nursing trainees at the end of their training. Hypotheses, based on a personal construct model of their quality of life, sources of anxiety, and types of social interactions were tested. These tests were conducted by applying content analysis scales to their responses to an open-ended request in their interview schedule. The palliative care staff did express better quality of life, in terms of significantly less anxiety and depression, as well as more good feelings than the other staff groups. They showed, as predicted, significantly more anxiety about death, but less shame and diffuse anxiety. They also reported more helping and loving interactions but fewer influencing or vaguely defined, but shared interactions. The implications of these findings for the model and for the support of palliative care staff are considered.
Effects of Individual versus Paired/Cooperative Computer-Assisted Instruction on the Effectiveness and Efficiency of an In-Service Training Lesson
Authors: Makuch Joseph R. , Robillard Paul D. , Yoder Edgar P.
Published: May 2005

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has the potential of meeting the in-service training needs of various organizations. This study compared individual CAI with paired/cooperative CAI as a method of providing in-service training. Subjects were twenty-seven Pennsylvania extension agents who participated in an in-service training program. The main effect of CAI method and possible interactive effects of previous CAI experience and topic familiarity were analyzed. Differences in cognitive achievement and time spent on the lesson were compared.

No significant difference in cognitive achievement was found between agents using CAI individually and agents using CAI cooperatively in pairs. No interaction was found between the treatment and the moderating variables, previous CAI experience and topic familiarity, on cognitive achievement. Agents who used CAI cooperatively took significantly longer to complete the lesson than did agents who used CAI individually. No interaction was found between the treatment and moderating variables, previous CAI experience and topic familiarity, on time spent on the lesson.
Subliminal Activation of Intrapsychic Conflicts: Subconscious Realms of Mind vs Subconscious Processes of Mentation
Authors: Kunzendorf Robert G. , Jesses Michael , Dupille Leonard , Butler William
Published: May 2005

Cognitive-state monitoring theory asserts that people perceive subliminal stimulation without self-consciously monitoring its external innervation (as opposed to central innervation). Thus monitoring theory predicts that subconsciously perceived discord, in the absence of any ‘external location’ cues, should be misinterpreted as centrally generated discord and should disrupt self-generated behavior. Consistent with this prediction, mathematical problem-solving in the current experiment was disrupted after mathematically competitive males repeatedly heard the subliminal message IT'S WRONG TO CRUSH DADDY stereophonically localized in the middle of their heads—but not after they repeatedly heard this subliminal ‘Oedipal’ message binaurally localized on one side of their heads. A subliminal message binaurally localized on one side of the self should not interfere with problem-solving behavior because, even though the message's external innervation is not self-consciously ‘monitored,’ its external location is inferable from subconscious cues.
Developing a Rationale for Technology Integration
Authors: Hodes Carol L.
Published: May 2005

Technology enhanced distance education now pervades distance education. Many faculty are transforming existing print-based distance education courses into hybrid print-technology courses. This article offers faculty a systematic way to consider technology combinations relative to the learner's needs and background. To ensure meeting the full spectrum of learner's needs, the types of learner interactions are categorized and discussed. Another main factor with regard to course structure and delivery system is the entry-level knowledge of the learner including their knowledge of the course content and need for various types of interaction. Each type of technology offers a different level of interactivity to the learner. Faculty are encouraged to develop a rationale for technology inclusion that will benefit the learner.
Health and Housing: A Historical Examination of Alternative Perspectives
Authors: Jacobs Michael , Stevenson Gelvin
Published: May 2005

The deleterious effect of low-quality housing and related environmental factors on the physical and mental health of its residents is a widely accepted phenomenon. Yet low-quality housing continues to exist, partly because of the nature of housing as a commodity in a capitalist system.

This paper defines three political-analytic perspectives within which the housing-health relationship can be seen: individualistic, reformist, and dialectical-materialist. These approaches incorporate perspectives on the nature of the relationship as well as strategic implications arising from them. In this context, the housing-health relationship is examined in fact and interpretation from the 1840s to the present. All three perspectives are illustrated by various popular analyses of changes in urban form and housing as well as the housing-health relationship. The dependence of housing quality on the mode of production is shown, demonstrating the weaknesses of the individualistic and reformist perspectives, which assume housing quality to be independent of the mode of production.

The different strategic implications of the three perspectives are illustrated in the conclusion in a discussion of the case of lead paint poisoning.
Health Care Markets in Australia: Ownership of the Private Hospital Sector
Authors: White Kevin , Collyer Fran
Published: May 2005

Over the past decade, the Australian hospital sector has undergone a massive economic and administrative reorganization with ramifications for both the private and the public sectors. Changes such as privatization, deregulation, and the entry of foreign capital into the hospital sector are occurring in the hospital systems of many countries, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These developments are radically transforming the hospital sector, altering established relationships between the state, the medical profession, the consumer, and the corporate investor, and raising important questions about the future of hospital services in regard to equity, accessibility, and quality.
Observations of Psychosocial Factors and Their Relationship to Organic Disease
Authors: Backus Frank I. , Dudley Donald L.
Published: May 2005

Psychosocial factors can be important to the development, modification and chronicity of a given organic disease. Such factors are not “all powerful” in the sense that dealing with them will cure disease, but they are factors which the wise clinician will include in his therapeutic armamentarium. Their recognition and control will increase the clinician's ability to practice scientific medicine and to care more adequately for his patients. Psychosocial events, psychophysiologic and physiologic change, emotions and disease are discussed in theoretical terms. Observations and specific examples taken from several organ systems are discussed to show the possible complex interactions between some of the above variables in specific disease entities.
Medical Illness and the Acceptance of Suffering
Authors: Bates Anthony , Burns David D. , Moorey Stirling
Published: May 2005

This article challenges the belief that depression and anxiety are the inevitable consequences of medical illness. The authors describe how cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals accept their disabilities and modify the distorted thinking patterns which may compound their suffering. Three case studies demonstrate the successful application of cognitive techniques to feelings of depression and anxiety in two patients with Stage III ovarian carcinoma and one patient with multiple sclerosis.
User Participation in an Interactive Software Design
Authors: Rushinek Sara F. , Rushinek Avi
Published: May 2005

In this study an attempt was made to clarify conflicting results in the learner control literature. The learner control concept was redefined in order to include both choice and self investment variables. The combined effects of choice and self investment variables were considered in this study to be motivational variables which affect the learner's attitudes and performance on a computer assisted instructional task.

The results of this investigation indicated overall differences in performance among treatment groups. An interaction effect between choice and self investment was found for the performance measure. The expected interaction and perceived control measures were not found.
The Consequences of Non-Cognitive Symptoms of Dementia in Medical Hospital Departments
Authors: Wancata Johannes , Windhaber Johann , Krautgartner Monika , Alexandrowicz Rainer
Published: May 2005

Objective:

To our knowledge, there are no studies investigating the non-cognitive symptoms of patients with dementia such as depression, agitation, or delusions among general hospital inpatients. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of such non-cognitive symptoms among medical inpatients and to analyze their impact on the length of hospital stay and on admission to nursing homes.

Method:

The sample consisted of 372 elderly inpatients admitted to four internal medical departments (i.e., not including psychiatric wards) in Austria. Patients were investigated by research psychiatrists using the Clinical Interview Schedule. For the analyses of the non-cognitive symptomatology, only marked and severe symptoms were included. To identify predictors for the length of hospital stay and for nursing home placement, multivariate regression procedures were used.

Results:

Of all inpatients, 27.4% met criteria for dementia according to DSM-III-R. Of those with dementia, 27.8% had marked or severe non-cognitive symptoms. A diagnosis of dementia markedly increased the risk for nursing home referral and prolonged the duration of inpatient treatment. Among the demented, both, cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms turned out to be significant predictors for nursing home placement and for prolonged duration of acute hospital stay, even when controlling for other independent variables.

Conclusions:

Non-cognitive symptoms occur frequently among medical inpatients with dementia and considerably increase both the duration of inpatient treatment and the risk of nursing home placement. Since such non-cognitive symptoms are treatable, they should receive attention from the hospital staff.