bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximum‐power‐point tracking method of photovoltaic power system using a single transducer
Authors: Noguchi Toshihiko , Matsumoto Hiroyuki
Published: April 2007

This paper describes a novel strategy of maximum‐power‐point tracking for photovoltaic power generation systems. A unique feature of this method is the capacity to see the maximum power point using only a single transducer, that is, a Hall‐effect CT or an isolation amplifier. Output power of the photovoltaic can be estimated with an average value and ripple amplitude of the detected reactor current or the capacitor voltage. A conventional hill‐climbing method is employed to seek the maximum power point, using the output power estimated with only the current or voltage transducer. In this paper, not only a theoretical aspect of the proposed method is discussed, but also experimental results are presented to prove the feasibility of the method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(1): 79– 86, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20275
Ten Years of a Biomimetic Approach to the Copper(II) Radical Site of Galactose Oxidase
Authors: Thomas Fabrice
Published: April 2007

An overview of recent progress in the modeling of the copper(II)‐phenoxyl entity of the metalloenzyme Galactose Oxidase (GO) is presented. GO is an enzyme that is extremely engineered by nature: its active site exhibits several unusual features, such as a coordinated tyrosyl radical, post‐translationally modified amino acids, and π‐stacked residues. Understanding each of these particularities has posed a challenge for chemists, who have consequently developed several biomimetic complexes during the last decade. The properties of representative complexes are described herein, with special emphasis given to copper(II) complexes involving tripodal ligands. All these biomimetic compounds have been developed with the aim of better understanding biologically relevant problems. I show here that the structural attributes, reactivity, electronic properties, self‐processing, and many other properties of GO can be addressed successfully using model complexes.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
An application of the patient rule‐induction method for evaluating the contribution of the Apolipoprotein E and Lipoprotein Lipase genes to predicting ischemic heart disease
Authors: Dyson Greg , Frikke‐Schmidt Ruth , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Tybjærg‐Hansen Anne , Sing Charles F.
Published: April 2007

Different combinations of genetic and environmental risk factors are known to contribute to the complex etiology of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in different subsets of individuals. We employed the Patient Rule‐Induction Method (PRIM) to select the combination of risk factors and risk factor values that identified each of 16 mutually exclusive partitions of individuals having significantly different levels of risk of IHD. PRIM balances two competing objectives: (1) finding partitions where the risk of IHD is high and (2) maximizing the number of IHD cases explained by the partitions. A sequential PRIM analysis was applied to data on the incidence of IHD collected over 8 years for a sample of 5,455 unrelated individuals from the Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS) to assess the added value of variation in two candidate susceptibility genes beyond the traditional, lipid and body mass index risk factors for IHD. An independent sample of 362 unrelated individuals also from the city of Copenhagen was used to test the model obtained for each of the hypothesized partitions. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heterogeneity in patterns of sexual risk behaviors among african‐american youth: Associations with general and race‐specific factors
Authors: Burrow Anthony L. , Tubman Jonathan G. , Gil Andrés G.
Published: April 2007

This descriptive study employed a within‐groups analytic approach to examine patterns of sexual risk behavior and co‐occurring general and race/ethnicity‐specific risk and protective factors in a community sample of African‐American youth (n = 436). Cluster analysis was used to classify young adults by levels of self‐reported past year sexual risk behaviors. MANOVA, ANOVA, and chi‐square analyses indicated significant associations between cluster membership and (a) lifetime psychiatric diagnoses, (b) peer substance use behaviors, and (c) self‐reported past year alcohol and marijuana use. Cluster membership was not associated with several race/ethnicity‐specific variables: racial/ethnic orientation, cultural mistrust, and perceived discrimination. The results of the current study can inform the development of HIV/STI prevention strategies for vulnerable African‐American youth. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 35: 447–462, 2007.
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix: Report of 2 cases
Authors: İpek Ali , Kurt Aydın , Tosun Özgür , Gümüş Mehmet , Yazıcıoğlu Kemal Rıdvan , Aşık Elif , Taş İsmet
Published: April 2007

Fetal intra‐abdominal umbilical vein varix (FIUVV) is a focal aneurysmal dilatation of the umbilical vein. Its clinical importance has not yet been clearly established, but it has been reported to be associated with increased fetal death rate (in nearly 44% of cases) and chromosomal abnormalities (in 12% of cases). We report 2 cases of FIUVV diagnosed via sonography in the third trimester. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008
A multi‐ontology framework to guide agriculture and food towards diet and health
Authors: Lange Matthew C , Lemay Danielle G , German J Bruce
Published: April 2007

Global increases in metabolic diseases that can be influenced by diet have re‐emphasized the importance of considering how different foods can improve human health. The entire agricultural enterprise has an unprecedented opportunity to increase its value by producing foods that improve the health of consumers. Research efforts in agriculture/food science/nutrition are endeavoring to do so, although little tangible success has been achieved. At the core of the problem is a failure to define the goal itself: health. Health, as a scientifically measurable concept, is poorly defined relative to disease, and yet consensus‐based, curated vocabularies that describe the multiple variations in human health in useful terms are critical to unifying the scientific fields related to agriculture and nutrition. Each of the life‐science disciplines relating to health has developed databases, thesauri, and/or ontologies to capture such knowledge. High‐throughput and ‐omic technologies are expanding both the amount and heterogeneity of available information. Unfortunately, the language used to describe substantially similar (even logically equivalent) concepts is often different between information systems. Increasing the future value of agriculture, therefore, will depend on creating a process for generating common ontologies of the concept of health, and guiding the development of a common language. This paper illustrates a framework for integrating heterogeneous ontologies into interdisciplinary, foods‐for‐health knowledge systems. A common system of language that describes health and is shared by all the life‐science disciplines will provide immediate benefits in terms of increased health‐claim regulatory efficiencies and predictive functions for individualized diets. Ultimately, these vocabularies will guide agriculture to its next goal of producing health‐enhancing foods. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Vying for a Winning Position: Management Style of the Chronically Ill
Authors: Forsyth Garyfallia L. , Delaney Kathleen D. , Gresham Mary L.
Published: April 2007

The process used by hospitalized chronically ill persons to defend themselves against the demands of an unpredictable and progressive disease was explored. Intensive, unstructured interviews, constant comparative analysis, and theoretical sampling were the methods used. Vying for a winning position was conceptualized as an organizing principle to describe how patients framed the challenge their disease presented and the attitudes developed to meet that challenge. The major categories of the conceptualization included (a) how patients defined and explained their illness; (b) attitudes and behaviors developed in response to, and as a result of, the uncertainty of the disease process; and (c) the manner in which hospitalization expressed patient efforts to foster control and keep ahead of the disease.
A Reply to Collins and Fielder: The Concept of Theory
Authors: Beckstrand Jan
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this article is to show that Collins and Fielder (1981) misinterpreted Beckstrand's (1978a, 1978b, 1980) thesis, and to criticize their argument against the idea that theory in nursing can be borrowed from the existing body of scientific and ethical knowledge. Collins and Fielder employed a question‐begging definition of theory and distorted Beckstrand's claim in a way that made it easier to attack. In addition, emotional language and appeals to authority were frequently substituted for careful analysis of the issues. I agree that much of the theory needed in nursing cannot be borrowed even though it is likely to be scientific and ethical in form. As a result, I have tried to give some better reasons for believing that theory needed in nursing cannot be borrowed. In addition, many issues concerning the conception of theory in nursing are addressed in this article.
Evaluation of a Presurgical Group Program Given at Two Different Times
Authors: Lévesque Louise , Grenier Raymond , Kérouac Suzanne , Reidy Mary
Published: April 2007

This study was designed to test the outcomes of a preoperative teaching program for cholecystectomy patients and to determine the appropriate time to offer the program. The hypotheses were: (a) Patients in a preadmission program will recover better than those in a program given the eve of surgery, and (b) patients in the control group will have a poorer recovery than those in the two experimental groups. The outcomes measured were state‐anxiety, ventilatory function, well‐being, pain, functional ability, analgesics, and length of hospitalization. There were no significant differences between the three groups except in state‐anxiety the eve of surgery which was higher in the control than in the two experimental groups. State‐anxiety the eve of surgery and trait‐anxiety were the most important variables affecting outcomes. There was a positive and significant linear relationship between pre‐ and postoperative state‐anxiety.
Personal Characteristics and Back Injury Among Hospital Nursing Personnel
Authors: Owen Bernice D. , Frazier Damron C.
Published: April 2007

Since back injury is the largest workman's compensation claim in most industries, the relationship between selected personal characteristics and back injury in hospital nursing personnel were studied. The sample included 64 female nursing personnel, half back injured and half not. Demographic: Workers were more likely to be back injured if they were older, worked longer on nursing units requiring frequent lifting, had family members with back problems, and had family members whose back problems began at an early age. Physical: The back injured had less muscle flexibility, less keen proprioception, and greater unequal leg length. Life style: Back injured were more vulnerable to frustration and stress overload (overstimulation), smoked more cigarettes, spent fewer hours exercising, and rated their physical condition lower. The variables with the greatest discriminatory power to predict back injury were a sense of overload, muscle flexibility, proprioception, family history of back problems, difference in leg length, years of risk in nursing practice, and smoking.
Critical care nurses' intent to stay in their positions
Authors: Kosmoski Kerry Ann , Calkin Joy D.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to build upon earlier research into the relationships among locus of control, organizational unit structure, job satisfaction, and registered nurses' intentions to remain in their positions. The data were collected by a questionnaire from 214 registered nurses from adult critical care units within 12 hospitals in two Midwestern cities. The best predictor of intent to stay was satisfaction with work activities (R = .43, p $.05). Satisfaction with job remuneration, lower level of nursing education, and less intent to continue work toward a advanced degree or to do work‐related educational activities also contributed to intent to stay on the job (R = .52, p $.05).
Clinical and cost‐saving effects of psychoeducational interventions with surgical patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Devine Elizabeth C. , Cook Thomas D.
Published: April 2007

Meta‐analysis of 102 studies was conducted to examine how psychoeducational interventions influence recovery, pain, psychological well‐being, and satisfaction with care among hospitalized adult surgery patients. Statistically reliable and positive effects were found on each of these four classes of outcome. Further analyses showed that the effects could not be attributed to biases associated with the decision to publish, low internal validity, measurement subjectivity, or a Hawthorne effect. Analyses of the subset of outcomes with most direct cost implications showed that positive, cost‐relevant effects were obtained across a wide range of patients, treatment providers, hospital settings, and historic periods.
The case study: A viable approach to clinical research
Authors: Meier Paula , Pugh Elizabeth J.
Published: April 2007

The case study, although associated with several misconceptions which compromise its effective utilization, is especially appropriate for investigation of clinical nursing problems. A literature review of the application of this reserach approach in other practice‐based disciplines was completed. Results indicate that the case study (a) permits focusing upon the individual in an intensive, longitudinal perspective, and (b) facilitates bridging of the research‐practice gap. Internal and external validity, considered especially problematic in case studies, can be maximized by a variety of techniques.
Response time and health care learning of elderly patients
Authors: Kim Katherine K.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine if elderly patients perform better in health care learning when provided slower or self‐paced response conditions. The sample consisted of 105 institutionalized elderly people randomly assigned to three response groups: fast‐paced, slow‐paced, and self‐paced. After nutrition instruction, learning performances of each of the three groups were measured. Learning performances under the fast‐ and slow‐paced conditions did not differ; learning performances under the self‐paced condition was superior to the two experimenter‐paced conditions. Findings of this study document that a self‐paced response condition is advantageous for elderly patients.
Expansion exercises: Modifying contracture of the augmented breast
Authors: Riddle Lana B.
Published: April 2007

Capsular contracture, the condition wherein fibrous tissue encapsulates the implanted silastic gel prosthesis used in breast augmentation, remains the most frequent complication in surgical enlargement of the small breast. Since the condition is a natural, woundhealing response to an implanted foreign body, management of the problem must be geared to the modification of this response. Expansion exercises, manual manipulation of the affected breast tissue for controlling capsule formation, was evaluated. Results showed that subjects who did not use expansion exercises had a higher incidence of capsular contracture than the subjects who did.
Choice and predictability in the preparation for barium enemas: A person‐by‐situation approach
Authors: Wallston Barbara Strudler , Smith Roberta Ann Pointer , Wallston Kenneth A. , King Joan E. , Rye Patricia D. , Heim Craig R.
Published: April 2007

The effects of choice and predictability information regarding preparation for a barium enema procedure was investigated for patients differing in desire for control (DFC) and in experience with the barium enema exam. One‐third of the patients, randomly assigned to the choice condition, were selected from three equally effective preparations. For these patients, choice and predictability information are confounded. Patients in the instruction only and information conditions were yoked to choice patients to control for type of preparation. Patients in the information condition were given the same sensation information about their specific preparation as those in choice. Instruction only was effective for low DFC patients, but contrary to prediction the choice was problematic for high DFC patients. It was suggested that the limited choice created reactance for these patients. The differential effectiveness of health care interventions in relation to patient predispositions was stressed.
Locus of control among alcoholics, recovering alcoholics, and non‐alcoholics
Authors: Huckstadt Alicia
Published: April 2007

An alcoholic's relapse to drinking is thought to be related to various interpersonal and intrapersonal factors. Drinking‐Related Locus of Control (DRIE) scores among alcoholics, recovering alcoholics, and non‐alcoholics were compared in this investigation. Each group consisted of 22 males similar in age and other socioeconomic factors. Results indicated significant differences among the three groups. The non‐alcoholic group scored more internally than the alcoholic or recovering alcoholic groups; the recovering alcoholic group scored more internally than the alcoholic group. The findings suggest that assessment of the alcoholic's DRIE scores may be useful in planning and monitoring the treatment of this disease.
The health of conjugally bereaved older widows: The role of appraisal, coping and resources
Authors: Gass Kathleen A.
Published: April 2007

Relationships between bereavement, coping, resources, and health dysfunction were investigated in 100 older women (M age = 71.3 years) widowed from 1 to 12 months prior to the interview. Differences in coping for those who appraised their bereavement as either (a) harmful loss, but without major accompanying losses, (b) harmful loss with other anticipated threats, or (c) a challenge were hypothesized. Data collection included use of the Ways of Coping Checklist, Sickness Impact Profile, and appraisal of bereavement and resources. The appraisal groups differed significantly in overall problem‐focused coping, wishful thinking, help seeking/avoidance, self blame, and growth‐oriented coping. There was no difference in use of emotion‐focused coping and ways to minimize threat and seek social support. Social support, strong religious beliefs, practice of rituals, belief in control over bereavement, and good prior mental health were related to less psychosocial and/or physical dysfunction. Greater numbers of resources, but not greater numbers of coping strategies, also were related to less psychosocial and/or physical dysfunction.
Sensitivity to infant development and behavior: A comparison of adolescent and adult single mothers
Authors: Becker Patricia T.
Published: April 2007

The relationship of adolescent mothers' knowledge of infant development and perceptions of infant behavior to stress experienced during pregnancy were examined using a comparison group of adults of similar marital status. Relationships with maternal age across groups also were examined. Adolescents underestimated developmental rate and perceived some infant behaviors less optimally, but did not differ in levels of stress. Stress was related to several parenting subscores. Some support for a linear relationship with maternal age was found. Results suggest the need for further research to determine how level of maturity affects translation of knowledge into maternal action.
Patient participation in alternative perinatal care: Impact on satisfaction and health locus of control
Authors: Littlefield V. M. , Adams B. N.
Published: April 2007

Women's degree of participation, satisfaction, and change in health locus of control after giving birth in an alternative birthing unit was examined. A quasiexperimental two‐group design of convenience samples (N = 99) was used to compare differences and evaluate the care given. An alternative birthing experience increased women's sense of participation and related to women's satisfaction, but did not change internal scores on the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales. Women's reliance on powerful others increased post delivery. Complications were negatively related to selected aspects of women's satisfaction in labor and delivery, but positively related to satisfaction with antepartal care.
Power orientations and communication style of managers and nonmanagers
Authors: Farley Mary J.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare nurse managers and nonmanagers in their orientations to power and in their communication styles. A complementary purpose was to examine the relationship between six orientations to power and social style. Fortyseven hospitals were randomly selected with 43 used for analysis. The director of nursing and a staff nurse from each hospital were asked to complete the Power Orientation Scale and to obtain ratings from others on their social style. Nurse administrators held more positive orientations to three of the six power orientations, and were perceived to communicate more assertively than staff nurses. Negative correlations were found between four of the power orientations and two dimensions of social style.
Increasing the rate of identification of battered women in an emergency department: Use of a nursing protocol
Authors: Tilden Virginia Peterson , Shepherd Peg
Published: April 2007

In recognition of the increasing problem of family violence, the authors developed and tested an interview protocol focused on female victims of family violence. The purpose of the protocol was to increase nurses' identification of battered women receiving care in the emergency department. Using a time‐series design, data were collected from patient records during four months prior to introduction of the protocol. These data were compared to comparable post‐protocol data. There was a significant increase in nursing staff identification of female domestic violence victims following introduction of the protocol.
A comparison of fetal outcome in birth chair and delivery table births
Authors: Cottrell Barbara H. , Shannahan Mary K.
Published: April 2007

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the birth chair on fetal outcome in primigravid subjects with a normal pregnancy and labor. A quasi‐experimental design was used to compare 33 birth‐chair deliveries with 22 delivery‐table deliveries. No difference between groups was found in the mean pH and pO2 of arterial and venous cord blood samples. The mean arterial pCO2 was lower in the chair group (49.25 and 44.50, p = 0.023), but there was no difference in venous pCO2. In the chair group, the mean vein pO2 was higher when the angle of the chair was more than 45° upright (22.3 and 28.4, p = 0.007). Means for chair and table groups were similar for maternal hemoglobin, breathholding while pushing, duration of second stage, time of first cry, time of cord clamping, and Apgar scores. Incidence of cord around the neck was identical. The mean one‐minute Apgar scores were significantly higher when chair or table was more than 30° upright (8.0 and 8.59, p = 0.037). Results suggest that the birth chair is a safe alternative to the delivery table in terms of fetal outcome. The findings of lower arterial pCO2 with unchanged pO2 and pH in the chair group, support earlier findings of less transient cord compression in upright positions.
Perceptions and attitudes toward nursing impairment
Authors: Hendrix Melva Jo , Sabritt David , McDaniel Anna , Field Barbara
Published: April 2007

Perceptions and attitudes toward nursing impairment held by 1,047 registered nurses were examined. Factor analysis of the 32 Likert‐type items in an original survey question‐naire revealed an underlying structure of nine dimensions characterizing attitudes toward impairment. Analyses of variance and covariance gave evidence that supervisors were more likely than staff nurses to perceive a need for disciplinary action in responding to cases of nursing impairment; staff nurses were more likely to view impairment as treatable. Significant differences were found among attitudes toward drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and emotional distress as forms of impairment.
The relationship of breast self‐examination to health belief model variables
Authors: Champion Victoria Lee
Published: April 2007

The relationship between frequency of breast self‐examination and Health Belief Model variables was assessed in a convenience sample of 588 women. Susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, health motivation, control, and knowledge of breast cancer and breast self‐examination were measured by scales previously tested for validity and reliability. Individual items measured the frequency of breast self‐examination and the method by which breast self‐examination was taught. Multiple regression and discriminant analysis demonstrated that barriers, knowledge, and susceptibility were correlated with frequency of breast self‐examination (R = 0.53, p = ≤ 0.001). In addition, persons taught by a doctor or nurse evidenced greater frequency of breast self‐examination than those taught in other ways.
The effect of intensity controlled aerobic dance exercise on aerobic capacity of middle‐aged, overweight women
Authors: Gillett Patricia A. , Eisenman Patricia A.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intensity controlled exercise on the aerobic capacity of overweight, middle‐aged women. Thirty‐eight moderately overweight women, ages 35–57, participated in a 16‐week dance‐exercise program. Random assignment was made to an experimental group (n = 20) in which intensity of exercise was controlled and prescribed, and a control group (n = 18) in which exercise was of an intensity typical to commercial aerobic classes. Prior to the onset of training, and at the completion of 16 weeks, the following fitness tests were administered: Aerobic capacity expressed as VO2 max, body composition analysis, blood chemistry, blood pressure, resting heart rate, muscular endurance, and flexibility. T‐tests, ANCOVA, and gain‐score analyses were utilized to evaluate data. Both groups showed small changes in weight, percent fat, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), muscular endurance, and flexibility, but these changes were statistically nonsignificant. The VO2 max for the experimental group increased 41%, while the VO2 max for the control group increased 22% (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the cardiovascular fitness changes for overweight, middle‐aged women are greater when exercise intensity and progression are tailored to their age and fitness level.
The convergence between in‐labor report and postpartum recall of parturition pain
Authors: Lowe Nancy K. , Roberts Joyce E.
Published: April 2007

This non‐experimental study was designed to investigate the congruence between in‐labor report and postpartum recall of labor pain as measured by the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Fifty married parturients, ages 19 to 39 at term with a normal pregnancy, served as subjects. Analysis of variance showed that postpartum report of labor pain on the Present Pain Intensity scale of the MPQ was not consistently congruent with pain reported during labor. In contrast, the Pain Rating Index of the MPQ provided postpartum data that was congruent with the in‐labor report. Significant interaction effects, however, suggested that postpartally the women tended to devaluate the pain of early labor and inflate the pain of transitional labor when compared to their in‐labor report. Theoretical and practical implications of the results for the measurement of labor pain are discussed.
Effectiveness of teaching breast self examination during office visits
Authors: Nettles‐Carlson Barbara , Field Mary Lyn , Friedman Bonnie J. , Smith Linda S.
Published: April 2007

In a randomized clinical trial a comparison was made of two BSE teaching interventions delivered by primary providers during office visits in a group nursing faculty practice. Patients who reported no regular BSE (n = 121) received either individualized teaching focused on reducing perceived barriers and reinforcing benefits of BSE, or routine teaching limited to usual instruction in BSE technique. Patients reporting frequent/monthly BSE during the past year were comparison subjects (n = 81). Self‐reported data on BSE behavior were obtained in questionnaires administered before the interventions and via telephone interviews three months after the visit. Analysis using chi square showed that, contrary to expectation, individualized and routine teaching were equally effective: 61.4% of the individually taught and 63.5% of the routinely taught reported frequent or monthly practice at followup. Both groups were significantly more confident in technique and ability to detect change in the breast. The previously non‐practicing women remained significantly less likely than comparison subjects to be performing BSE monthly at followup. The perceived benefit of BSE giving peace of mind predicted non‐practicers most likely to change.
Interest of Major Corporations in Expanded Practice of Occupational Health Nurses
Authors: Lusk Sally L. , Disch Joanne M. , Barkauskas Violet H.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the interest by executives of major corporations in having occupational health nurses engage in more advanced activities, and to ascertain the available support for advanced educational preparation for nurses. A questionnaire was sent to a systematic sample of 404 of the 808 executives of the Forbes 500 corporations with a 57% return rate. Over 90% of the corporations with health care departments employed registered nurses. Functions nurses currently performed varied by size of the corporation and by type of industry. Activities corporations would like nurses to perform were more advanced, such as conducting research, analyzing trends, and developing special health programs.
A model of organizational power: Analysis and significance to nursing
Authors: Maas Meridean L.
Published: April 2007

In this article a causal model of the process of interorganizational power is presented with results of one test using survey data from 39 non‐nursing organizations. The model argues that interaction strategies of organizations are outcomes of the relative basis and use of resources in interorganizational transactions. Multiple regression and multiple‐partial correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. The findings partially support the model and indicate that it holds promise for development and refinement. Conclusions are that the model should be tested with nursing organizations and used to conceptualize additional aspects of the power process that nursing can foster.
Differences in the performances of baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma nurses: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Johnson Joyce H.
Published: April 2007

The findings of 139 studies of nurses educated in one of three basic nursing education programs (associate degree, diploma, and baccalaureate degree) were synthesized using meta‐analysis. The results indicated significant differences between professional (BSN) and technical (AD and diploma) nurses on measures of nurse performance. Measures resulting in larger effects for professional nurses included communication skills, knowledge, problem‐solving, and professional role. No differences resulted from studies of nurses from the two technical programs, AD and diploma. Further analyses indicated that the effects could not be solely attributed to substantive and methodological features of the studies. However, the hospital setting where a study was conducted and years of nursing experience decreased the size of the effect. The results of the meta‐analysis have implications for policy development about educational preparation and for service expectations of professional and technical nurses.
Effects of relaxation with guided imagery on surgical stress and wound healing
Authors: Holden‐lund Carole
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of an audiotape series employing Relaxation with Guided Imagery (RGI) on the psychophysiologic stress response and wound healing in surgical patients. Twenty‐four patients undergoing cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to either RGI or control (quiet period) conditions and measured against three indexes of recovery: state anxiety, urinary cortisol levels, and wound inflammatory responses. An analysis of variance for repeated measures revealed that the RGI group demonstrated significantly less state anxiety, lower cortisol levels one day following surgery, and less surgical wound erythema than the control group. Thus, the RGI tapes demonstrated stress‐relieving outcomes closely associated with healing.
Attitudinal variables related to intention, frequency and proficiency of breast self‐examination in women 35 and over
Authors: Champion Victoria L.
Published: April 2007

A correlational study was conducted to identify attitudinal variables specified by the Health Belief Model that were related to intent, frequency, and proficiency of breast self‐examination. The probability sample consisted of 380 women age 35 and over who were contacted via random digit dialing. Data were collected during in‐home interviews. Results supported the combined ability of susceptibility, seriousness, barriers, health motivation, and control to predict intent to practice breast self‐examination (R = .61, p..001). In addition, frequency and total proficiency for breast self‐examination were predicted by health motivations, susceptibility, and barriers using discriminant analysis. Results lend support to use of the Health Belief Model variables in predicting women's intention and actual behavior of breast self‐examination.
Success in old and new licensure examinations: Pre‐admission factors and academic performance
Authors: Friedemann Marie‐Luise , Valentine Susan
Published: April 2007

Relationships of student and academic variables with nursing licensure examination scores were examined. During the years 1978–1984, 164 graduates of an integrated baccalaureate program took the old State Board examination and 159 took the new examination. Among the pre‐admission variables, gradepoint average and student age were most useful in predicting exam scores. Nursing lecture courses were better predictors of success than clinical courses. Students who received A‐grades in lecture courses scored relatively higher and B‐students scored lower on the new licensure examination compared to the old examinations. Compared with their classmates, students entering the program as LPNs did markedly better on the new licensure examination than they did on the old examinations.
Blood pressure norms for healthy young adults: Relation to sex, age, and reported parental hypertension
Authors: Hahn William K. , Brooks Jo A. , Hite Richard
Published: April 2007

Blood pressure norms are presented for 1522 white, healthy, nonsmoking, normotensive 18 to 22‐year‐old men and women as a function of age and parental hypertension. Age effects were observed for diastolic blood pressure among males only. Parental hypertension was related to higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure among young women, and women with two hypertensive parents had higher systolic blood pressure than women with one hypertensive parent. The use of oral contraceptives is likely to have affected these results. Directions for future research are given.
Some ethical implications of qualitative research
Authors: Ramos Mary Carol
Published: April 2007

Traditional values in nursing dictate a high level of concern for the welfare of research participants. Initial attempts at setting minimal ethical standards stemmed from the quantitative approaches. As qualitative modalities are more widely used, nurses must become acutely aware of possible problems in study design and planning, the dangers of coercion and deception, threats to confidentiality and trust, implications of the emergent design, and providing for a new concept of informed consent. The new character of the research relationship is examined in light of possible strategies for protection of research participants while preserving the integrity of qualitative investigation.
Artful design: Writing the proposal for research in the naturalist paradigm
Authors: Sandelowski Margarete , Davis Diane Holditch , Harris Betty Glenn
Published: April 2007

The preparation of the research proposal for a study that involves an emergent research design compels the investigator to negotiate the paradox of planning what should not be planned in advance. This paper is a guide to writing the proposal for research in the naturalist paradigm, and includes illustrative sections of a proposal recently funded by the National Center for Nursing Research.
Empathy and burnout in male and female helping professionals
Authors: Williams Carol A.
Published: April 2007

Relationships between empathy and burnout and possible confounding influences of sex and profession were explored in a sample of 492 male and female nurses, social workers, and teachers. Respondents completed Mehrabian's Emotional Empathy Scale, Stotland's Fantasy‐Empathy Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). There were no main effects of profession on empathy or burnout variables. There was, however, an interaction effect of sex and profession on depersonalization, which was accounted for by subjects in social work and teaching. Women had significantly higher empathy scores than men; however, men had higher scores than male normative groups. Age related negatively to depersonalization and emotional exhaustion for women, whereas percentage of work time spent in direct practice correlated with depersonalization for men. The possibility that empathy and burnout might represent opposite poles of the same underlying construct was examined but not found. Instead, emotional empathy was significantly positively correlated with both emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment, whereas emotional exhaustion was also positively related to depersonalization. It is hypothesized that high emotional empathy may predispose helping professionals to emotional exhaustion and that emotional exhaustion, if not mediated by personal accomplishment, may lead to the development of depersonalization. This more complex, interactive model of the empathy–burnout relationship needs longitudinal study.
Developing and testing the beliefs about caregiving scale
Authors: Phillips Linda R. , Rempusheski Veronica F. , Morrison Eileen
Published: April 2007

Four studies were conducted to refine and test a newly developed instrument designed to identify caregivers who are at high risk for providing poor‐quality care to a dependent elder in the home: the Beliefs About Caregiving Scale (BACS). The BACS was tested for internal consistency, stability, and construct validity. Results suggest strong evidence for internal consistency and for construct validity using the multitrait method as well as moderate evidence for construct validity using predictive modeling. Although further refinements are required, initial tests suggest that the BACS is potentially useful for both research and clinical applications.
Effects of continuous intrapartum professional support on childbirth outcomes
Authors: Hodnett Ellen D. , Osborn Richard W.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this stratified randomized trial was to determine the physical and psychological effects of continuous, one‐to‐one professional support on childbirth outcomes. Data were gathered during prenatal and postpartum interviews with, and from the medical records of, 103 low‐risk women. All subjects had attended one of two types of prenatal education programs, were accompanied by husbands or partners during labor, and had vaginal deliveries. Subjects in the experimental group were less likely to have medication for pain relief and less likely to have episiotomies. Three variables were found to predict perceived control during childbirth—expectations of control, the presence of a continuous professional care‐giver, and pain medication usage. The results demonstrate the importance of the traditional nursing support role during childbirth.
Medicaid maternal and child health care: Prepaid plans vs. private fee‐for‐service
Authors: Reis Janet
Published: April 2007

A randomly selected sample of 98 inner‐city new mothers was interviewed with regard to (a) their level of satisfaction with and perceived barriers to pediatric and maternal health care, and (b) the health status of their infants. The mothers were divided according to their Medicaid status: 39 (40%) were enrolled into a Medicaid prepaid plan (PPP) and 59 (60%) were enrolled as regular Medicaid fee‐for‐service (FFS) patients. Comparison of the two groups showed that infant health status was similar but that PPP mothers reported a higher incidence of untreated infant problems and perceived more barriers to pediatric care. Birth outcomes also were similar for the two groups but FFS mothers and infants were hospitalized for significantly longer periods postpartum. The implications of these findings for the delivery of maternal and child health services to low‐income populations through the Medicaid program are discussed.
The relationship between task complexity and decision‐making consistency
Authors: Hughes Katharine Kostbade , Young Wendy B.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between task complexity and decision‐making consistency using a normative decision model. The Decision Analytic Questionnaire (DAQ), an instrument designed to measure nurses' decision making under increasingly uncertain and complex conditions, was administered to a stratified random sample of 101 paid volunteer medical‐surgical nurses drawn from three public teaching hospitals. Probit analysis was used to construct a profile of the decision maker whose decisions coincided with those of the model. Results indicated that nurses made clinical decisions that coincided with those recommended by a normative decision model but that agreement diminished as task complexity increased (p ≤ .005). The results also indicated that consistency was task specific, that predictive variables were a function of decision task and that more predictor variables were needed to explain consistency as task complexity increased.
Effects of moderate and low intensity long‐term exercise by older adults
Authors: Stevenson Joanne Sabol , Topp Robert
Published: April 2007

The goal was to determine the existence of differential effects of long‐term moderate‐ or low‐intensity exercise on selected bio‐behavioral variables in 72 community‐dwelling persons over 60 years of age. After screening, subjects were randomly assigned to a moderate (n=39, 60–70% heart rate reserve [HRR]) or low (n=33, 30–40% HRR) intensity exercise protocol. Both groups exercised three times per week for 9 months and dependent measures were taken at baseline, 4.5 months and after 9 months. Repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparisons constituted the analysis approach. Moderate exercise showed no superiority over low‐intensity exercise; both groups improved about equally. Variables that significantly improved included: self‐reported sleep (sleep quantity and dream recall), mental status (attention/concentration, short‐term memory and higher cognitive functioning), health perceptions (health outlook, health worry, rejection of the sick role), and cardiovascular fitness indicators (submaximum stress test heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), maximum work capacity and maximum exercise time). Similarity of outcomes in both groups may mean that the moderate exercise protocol was too conservative. Conversely, the findings may indicate that lower levels of exercise, which may be safer and more feasible over time, do improve fitness levels, prolong independent functioning, and promote positive perceptions of well‐being in older adults.
Stress, locus of control, social support, and psychological symptoms among head nurses
Authors: Jennings Bonnie Mowinski
Published: April 2007

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationships among work stress, nonwork stress, locus of control, social support, and head nurses' psychological symptoms. Data were collected from head nurses (N = 300) representing all Army hospitals in the United States; 21% of the volunteer sample were men. The results supported the hypotheses that perceived stress from both work and nonwork sources was positively related to psychological symptoms. Direct effects for both internal locus of control and social support, while weak, were manifest as expected; these variables demonstrated a negative relationship with psychological symptoms. None of the hypothesized buffering effects were detected. The stress model derived from this study accounted for 35.9% of the variance in psychological symptoms. Regardless of gender, the head nurses' psychological symptoms were one standard deviation higher than nonpatient norms.
Altered level of consciousness: Validity of a nursing diagnosis
Authors: Grant Joan S. , Kinney Marguerite
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this three‐phase study was to examine the validity of the nursing diagnosis altered level of consciousness (ALC). The conceptual framework was diagnostic reasoning. In Phase I, 26 content experts certified in neuroscience nursing completed four rounds of a Delphi survey to identify defining characteristics and operational definitions for the nursing diagnosis. The diagnosis was divided into ALC: arousal and ALC: content. In Phase II, 30 staff nurses from two neuroscience intensive care units (NICUs) used the magnitude estimation scaling technique in judging the importance and frequency of occurrence of defining characteristics chosen in Phase I. In Phase III, 60 patients in two NICUs were assessed for frequency of occurrence of the defining characteristics for ALC: arousal and ALC: content. In Phase I, there was ≥70% agreement on the appropriateness and clarity of 28 and 24 defining characteristics and operational definitions for ALC: arousal and ALC: content, respectively. In Phase II, there were 7 major defining characteristics identified for ALC: arousal and 6 major defining characteristics identified for ALC: content. In Phase III, there were 13 defining characteristics that occurred with significantly greater frequency in patients with an ALC: arousal and 17 defining characteristics that occurred with significantly greater frequency in patients with an ALC: content.
Reference charts and equations of Korean fetal biometry
Authors: Jung Sung IL , Lee Young Ho , Moon Min Hoan , Song Mi Jin , Min Jee Yeon , Kim Jeong‐Ah , Park Ju Hyun , Yang Jae Hyug , Kim Moon Young , Chung Jin Hoon , Cho Jeong Yeon , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: April 2007

Objective

To construct new reference charts and equations for fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur diaphysis length (FDL) from Korean fetuses at 12–40 weeks.

Method

Prospective cross‐sectional data obtained in one center for 5 years from a population of pregnant women undergoing ultrasound examination between the 12th and 40th week of gestation. Exclusion criteria comprised all maternal and fetal conditions possibly affecting fetal biometry. No fetuses were excluded on the basis of abnormal biometry. For each measurement, regression models were fitted to estimate both the mean and the standard deviation at each menstrual age.

Results

Biometric measurements were obtained for 10 455 fetuses. New charts and reference equations are reported for BPD, HC, AC and FDL. Reference equations are cubic models.

Conclusion

We present new Korean reference charts and equations for fetal biometry. They can be easily used in obstetric ultrasound studies for the Korean population. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.