bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiments in Learning by Imitation - Grounding and Use of Communication in Robotic Agents
Authors: Billard Aude , Dautenhahn Kerstin
Published: March 2007

Social behaviour and in particular social learning are key mechanisms for the cohesion and evolu tion of primate societies. Similarly, social skills might be desirable for artificial agents who are expected to interact with other natural or artificial agents. We view learning, communication and imitation as important capabilities to possess by social artificial agents and study how these skills can be designed and used by physically embodied autonomous robots. We study grounding and use of communication among heterogeneous agents. In particular, we investigate the role of social interactions for sharing of context and building of joint attention among communicative agents. Grounding and use of communication is investigated through simulations within a group of autonomous agents. Results show that social behaviour benefit the agents in two circumstances: (1) agents capable of following one another, and in this way imitating each other's movements, develop faster and better a common understanding of the language; (2) furthermore, the agents' capability of communicating with one another via a common vocabulary benefits to the group and to each agent individually as it speeds up the transmission of information. We use a connection ist model, based on Hebbian associative learning, for the learning of the word-signal pairs. This work follows robotic experiments [6, 5, 7] in which a physical autonomous robot was taught a vocabulary to describe its perceptions of objects, movement, inclination and orientation. The robot was taught either by a human instructor or by another robot. The teacher-learner robot experiments were based on an imitative strategy whereby the learner robot followed the teacher robot. The work of this paper demonstrates scaling up of this movement imitative strategy for transmitting a vocabulary across a group of robotic agents, i.e. from a teacher agent to several learner agents. In particular, it shows that imitative behaviour is necessary for the grounding of the agents' proprioceptions and speeds up the grounding of exteroceptions. These studies stress the importance of behavioural social mechanisms in addition to general cognitive abilities of associa tivity for grounding communication in embodied agents. In particular, it shows that a simple movement imitation strategy is an interesting scenario for the transmission of a language, as it is an easy means of getting the agents to share a common context of perceptions, which is a prereq uisite for a common understanding of the language to develop. It is thus suggested that a behav iour-oriented approach might be more appropriate than a pure cognitivist one which is dominat ing in related studies of the mechanisms involved in grounding communication.
Project Estimation from Feasibility Study until Completion: A Quantitative Methodology
Authors: Bashir Hamdi A. , Thomson Vince
Published: March 2007

In today's competitive environment, it is necessary to deliver products on time and within budget. The first step towards achieving this is to have estimation tools that are effective in producing realistic project estimates that become the basis of a project plan. This paper describes a complete quantitative, estimation methodology that can provide initial as well as updated project estimates from feasibility study until completion. Demonstrative examples are presented.
Process Integration and Improvement Using Systemic Diagrams and a Human-Centred Approach
Authors: Clegg Ben T. , Boardman John T.
Published: March 2007

If product cycle time reduction is the mission, and the multifunctional team is the means of achieving the mission, what then is the modus operandi by which this means is to accomplish its mission? This paper asserts that a preferred modus operandi for the multifunctional team is to adopt a process-oriented view of the manufacturing enterprise, and for this it needs the medium of a process map [16] The substance of this paper is a methodology which enables the creation of such maps Specific examples of process models drawn from the product develop ment life cycle are presented and described in order to support the methodology's integrity and value The specific deliverables we have so far obtained are a methodology for process capture and analysis, a collection of process models spanning the product development cycle, and, an engineering handbook which hosts these models and presents a computer-based means of navigating through these processes in order to allow users a better understanding of the nature of the business, their role in it, and why the job that they do benefits the work of the company We assert that this kind of thinking is the essence of concurrent engineering implementation, and further that the systemigram process models uniquely stim ulate and organise such thinking
Quality Function Deployment—The Technique: State of the Art and Future Directions
Authors: Sivaloganathan S. , Evbuomwan N.F.O.
Published: March 2007

Quality Function Deployment (QFD), a technique which was developed in Japan, has often been claimed to be the fundamental tool which helped the Japanese industry to achieve supremacy over the industries in the West QFD was introduced in the West in the mid 1980's and a decade has passed since its introduction Since its inception, varying degrees of success have been reported on its use This paper describes the technique, looks at the published material on the applications of QFD and analyses them From the analysis, ensuing discussions focus on ways to enhance this already powerful tool in the future, in order to extend its capabilities
Synergy Effects of Sharing Knowledge During Cooperative Product Design
Authors: Yoshimura Masataka , Yoshikawa Keisuke
Published: March 2007

Individual designers have a limited range of knowledge, but the scope of such knowledge can be enlarged by sharing informa tion, either among separate groups of designers or among individual designers within one group The possibilities for generating new design solutions which cannot be obtained by an isolated designer, or by the simple addition of knowledge from other independent designers, are first discussed with reference to knowledge sharing in cooperative projects. Possibilities for creating new knowledge come into existence when designers in different fields share what they know. But cooperative work is feasible only when each partner can mutually benefit from sharing their knowledge. Second, a numerical measure for determining the viability of such cooperative work is proposed and practical pro cedures for determining the viability of cooperative work with designers are constructed. In the proposed decision-making method, synergy effects can be quantitatively evaluated by viewing changes in the Pareto optimum solution sets before and after knowledge sharing. Finally, applied examples of a project to design industrial robots are given to illustrate these synergy effects
Salvador Minuchin: Practitioner and Theoretician
Authors: West John D. , Bubenzer Donald L.
Published: March 2007

Salvador Minuchin, MD, has been afoundingparent in the family therapy movement since the 1 950s. In this interview, Minuchin rejfects on his attraction to the field of family therapy, his views on affecting societal issues, as well as his work as a practitioner and trainer.
Anger in Marriage and the Family
Authors: Giblin Paul
Published: March 2007

Various dimensions of anger in health and illness, clinical training and practice, marriage and the family are reviewed.
Women and Men Interested in Gender: Can We Talk?
Authors: Arnold Mary Smith , Carlson Jon , Collins Barbara G. , Collins Thomas M. , Gonzalez Teresa , Hayes Stuart , Hoffmann F. James , Hutchins Michael , Kjos Diane , Lee Courtland , Lewis Judith A. , Vernon Ann
Published: March 2007

In a joint venture between The Family Journal and the Human Rights Committee of the Ameriuan Counseling Associatlon, a group of counseling professioIls joined together, using a roundtable format to discuss gender -related issues. The followinzg material is based on a transcription of their discus.si(m, zwhch took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on April 25, 1994, at the annual convention of the Ameriwan Cumnselin<g Associati(m.
Maritalan and Family Therapy Research: Outcomes and Implications for Practice
Authors: Baldwin Cynthia , Huggins Don
Published: March 2007

Marriage andfamily therapy outcome research has repeatedly supported the use offamily-contextual interventionsfor a variety ofpresenting problems, including those traditionally treated with intrapsychic individualpsychotherapy. The outcome results indicate success over a broad scope ofpracticefor marriage andfamily therapy, especially when used in collaboration with other treatment modalities. A review of marriage and family outcome studies from the past 10 years is discussed. Implications for thefield of marriage and family therapy are presented.
Afnrcan American Scholars and Parents Cannot Blame Current Harsh Physical Punishment of Black Males on Slavery: A Response to "Cultural Interpretations of Child Discipline: Voices of African American Scholars"
Authors: Raymond Henry J. , Jones Fred , Cooke Vanessa
Published: March 2007

This article responds to assertions that nonspanking parenting methods do not work well with African American children. Claims that African American parents must hit, spank, or beat their children for the purpose of preparing them for America's racist society are unsubstantiated by research findings. Current research strongly refutes these assertions. Data is presented to expose this myth and the failed autocratic method of child rearing. Parents and educators must realize thatpunishment and coercive treatment of children only belong in an autocratic society and "slavery" behaviors are physically and psychologically damaging to children; these methods are no longer effective. Hitting does not instill confidence or courage in children; rather, itprovokes and supports poorself-concepts, builds desiresfor revenge, fosters the idea that it is okay to hit the ones you love, tends to make childrenfeel worthless, and trains children to use violence.
Creating a Dynamic Simulation to Teach Systemic Concepts and Theories of Family Counseling in an Introductory Course
Authors: Magnuson Sandy , Norem Ken
Published: March 2007

The authors describe a teaching strategy for an introductory family counseling course. An evolving vignette features afamily in various developmental stages. Intergenerational transmission possibilities are introduced when trainees work with client issues in culminating role-plays.
Challenges for Higher Education Couples in Commuter Marriages: Insights for Couples and Counselors Who Work with Them
Authors: Magnuson Sandy , Norem Ken
Published: March 2007

This inquiry focused on the experiences of dual-career couples who maintain two homes to attain career satisfaction. Data were collected during conjoint interviews with five commuting couples. Findings included support for the potential strength and satisfaction of commuting relationships. Trust, commitment, regular communication, and quality shared time were endorsed as factors contributing to successful distance marriages. Cited challenges and disadvantages included loneliness, financial costs, and adverse reactions from others.
Custodial Grandparents and their Grandchildren
Authors: Heywood Elizabeth McConnell
Published: March 2007

Grandparents raising grandchildren in the absence of the grand-children’s biological parents are responsible for the emotional, social, and financial wellbeing of 1.35 million children in the United States (Woodworth, 1996). These custodial grandparents, while providing their grandchildren with a sense of continuity, stability, and security (O’Reilly & Morrison, 1993), often do so at serious emotional, physical, and financial cost to themselves (Pinson-Millburn, Fabian, Schlossberg, & Pyle, 1996). The prevalence and population of grandparents raising grandchildren and identified problem- and treatment-focus areas for them are described through a review of the literature. Research into specific treatment modalities for these family constellations is significantly lacking. Narrative family therapy is suggested as a viable clinical intervention for this group.
The Assessment of Dysfunctional Career Thoughts and Interest Structure Among Female Inmates and Probationers
Authors: Railey Michael G. , Peterson Gary W.
Published: March 2007

Dysfunctional career thoughts and the lack of development of career interests may be considered as key factors related to the inability of individuals to formulate educational and career goals and to make appropriate career decisions. Three criterion groups, First-time Offender ( n = 31), Probationer ( n = 30), and Repeat Offender ( n = 31) were compared in terms of dysfunctional career thoughts and career interest structure, using the Career Thoughts Inventory and Self-Directed Search, respectively. Participants were female felons within a corrections system of a southeastern state. There were significant differences among the groups in Commitment Anxiety with the Repeat Offender group demonstrating significantly less anxiety than First-time Offender or Probationer groups. The groups were also significantly different in coherence, an indicator of focus of career aspirations, with the Probationer group demonstrating higher levels than the comparison groups, even though only 13% of the total group indicated high coherence. Implications for the use of the Career Thoughts Inventory and Self-Directed Search for career assessment and interventions are discussed.
Optimal Theory and Career Assessment: Towards an Inclusive, Global Perspective
Authors: Myers Linda James , Haggins Kristee L. , Speight Suzette L.
Published: March 2007

This article explores the impact of limiting the analysis of human experience to one cultural mindset using career development and assessment as a field of inquiry to illustrate the point. The aim is to reveal considerations for the enhancement of the applicability of psychological theory to broader segments of the world's population, particularly African and other so-called third world populations. Specific attention is given the role of worldview in social context and the shaping of inquiry and research; the natural limits of a fragmented, yet hegemonic mindset; the value of an alternate perspective in expanding scope and insight for future reference; and, recommendations for implementing these insights in career assessment with implications for career counselor training.
Career Assessment and the Adult Career Concerns Inventory
Authors: Cairo Peter C. , Kritis Kara J. , Myers Roger M.
Published: March 2007

This article describes the Adult Career Concerns Inventory (ACCI; Super, Thompson, & Lindeman, 1988), an instrument developed by Donald Super and his colleagues for use by counselors in facilitating adult career planning and exploration. The evolution of the instrument is reviewed from the early version that attempted to measure career development to the current form that assesses adults' awareness of the tasks associated with career adaptability. Also included is a discussion of relevant studies of the instrument's psychometric properties, practical applications, and possibilities for future research.
Person-Environment Fit in Small Army Units
Authors: Meir Elchanan I. , Hadas Carmit , Noyfeld Mor
Published: March 2007

This study examined the relationship between person- environment fit, or environmental congruence (Holland, 1985), and satisfaction and supervisors' evaluations. The unique characteristics of the present study include (a) the fact that 24 tank crews of four members each constituted 24 environments, (b) the military conditions, (c) the method for assigning personal environmental congruence scores by comparing the personality type of each crew member with the types of his crew mates, and (d) examination of environmental homogeneity. Findings show positive correlations around .40 (p < .05) between (a) person-environment congruence and (b) environmental homogeneity (the mean of the personal environmental scores), and (a) satisfaction and (b) commanders' personal and crew evaluations. The findings enlighten the potential impact of environmental congruence and of group homogeneity on satisfaction and performance.
Using a Vocational Card Sort as an Assessment of Occupational Knowledge
Authors: Peterson Gary W.
Published: March 2007

A seven-step, 36-card, vocational card sort mapping task with concurrent verbalizations is presented which may be used in the initial stages of career exploration to assist counselors in assessing a client's development and integration of occupational knowledge. Based on cognitive theory, each step in the assessment procedure is designed to elicit certain kinds of information pertaining to the manner in which occupational knowledge is represented in long-term memory. A formal cognitive mapping task procedure with concurrent verbalizations, employing a novice and an expert under standardized conditions, is used to demonstrate how the task elicits individual differences in cognitive structure. The article also demonstrates how the technique may be used for the diagnosis of a career problem and for the prescription of career interventions to enhance the development of occupational knowledge. The potential use of the technique for research in the development of occupational knowledge is also discussed.
The Association Between Self-Defeating Personality Characteristics, Career Indecision, and Vocational Identity
Authors: Sweeney Marie L. , Schill Thomas R.
Published: March 2007

Research on Schill's Self-Defeating Personality Scale (SDPS; Schill, 1990) has focused primarily on interpersonal relationships and less on self-defeating behavior in other contexts. The SDPS was correlated with the Career Decision Scale (CDS; Osipow, Carney, Winer, Yanico, & Koschier, 1976), My Vocational Situation (MVS; Holland, Daiger, & Power, 1980), and the Career Factors Inventory (CFI; Chartrand, Robbins, Morrill, & Boggs, 1990). Participants with more self-defeating characteristics were more career indecisive, had less vocational identity, and were more indecisive in general. Women with higher scores on the Self-Defeating Personality Scale had significantly greater career choice anxiety and less need for self-knowledge, although men with higher scores did not. The effect of depression contributed substantially to the higher scores for career indecision and vocational identity among men with more self-defeating characteristics, and it accounted entirely for lack of desire for self-knowledge among women with more self-defeating characteristics. However, a general characteristic of indecisiveness in persons with more self-defeating characteristics was present and was independent of depressive affect. The differential effects among the CFI subscales support claims that the scale is factorally pure.
Municipal Governments and Forest Management in Lowland Bolivia
Authors: Kaimovitz David , Vallejos Cristian , Pacheco Pablo B. , Lopez Raul
Published: March 2007

Recent decentralization and forestry laws in Bolivia give municipal governments a strong role in forest management. This article analyzes the impact of those laws on local government activities related to logging, protected areas, indigenous territories, and land-use planning. It concludes that the laws have created new opportunities for indigenous people, small farmers, and small-scale timber producers to gain access to forest resources and influence forest policy, although they are not always able to take advantage of those opportunities. The article identifies both positive and negative trends with regard to the laws' impact on resource management, although it is premature to draw firm conclusions.
Constraints to the Sustainability of Cage Aquaculture for Resettlement From Hydropower Dams in Asia: An Indonesian Case Study
Authors: Costa-Pierce Barry A.
Published: March 2007

From 1985 to 1988, the Saguling and Cirata hydropower reservoirs in the highlands of West Java, Indonesia, displaced more than 40,000 families. As part of a comprehensive resettlement plan, an attempt to resettle 3,000 families in water-based f loating fish cage aquaculture and land-based aquaculture sup port was initiated. Although the reservoir cage aquaculture developments were successful from a fish-production viewpoint, since 1944 cage aquaculture has not been socially or environmentally sustainable. Fish cage aquaculture in reservoirs can be an important new means ofpopulation resettlement from hy dropower dam construction and protein production in tropical developing countries only with adequate government planning for fisheries; adequate fi nancial compensation for lost assets; rigid enforcement of institutional regula tions guaranteeing the long-term benefits of the new lakes for the exclusive use of the displaced people; enforcement of regulations on cage numbers to prevent environmental degradation; and adequate government subsidies for aquacul ture job creation, training, long-term extension support, and active monitoring.
Concurrent and Discriminant Validity between the Hand Test Pathology Score and the MMPI-2
Authors: Hilsenroth Mark J. , Fowler Christopher , Sivec Harry J. , Waehler Charles A.
Published: March 2007

Using an outpatient sample (N = 43), this study assessed the concurrent validity of the Hand Test pathology summary score (PATH) with an objective measure of psychopathology, the MMPI-2 clinical scales. The PATH score did exhibit several significant relations to the MMPI-2 clinical scales. In addition, there is support for divergent validity as none of the MMPI-2 validity scales (L, F, and K) were significantly related with PATH.
Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) Scores of Lower-Socioeconomic African American and Latino Methadone Maintenance Patients
Authors: Alterman Arthur I. , Zaballero Arturo R. , Lin Melissa M. , Siddiqui Nadeem , Brown Lawrence S. , Rutherford Megan J. , McDermott Paul A.
Published: March 2007

The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) was administered to 229 lower-socioeconomic, methadone maintenance (MM) patients. Valid profiles were obtained from 160 subjects (70%). These indicated that the psychometric characteristics of the PAI were similar to those for the original standardization samples, except that internal consistency for the drug scale and three of seven nonclinical scales were only marginal. Comparisons of the PAI data with data obtained from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and the Addiction Severity Index generally provided support for concurrent validity. The group's scores were found to differ significantly from those of a normative standardization sample on all scales, from those of a clinical standardization sample on a number of scales, and from a sample of drug dependent patients on just several scales. Few differences were found between the men and women MM subjects. On the other hand, Latino subjects, particularly the men, reported more symptomatology than African Americans.
Psychosocial Dimensions of Learning Disability Subtypes
Authors: Rourke Byron P. , Fuerst Darren E.
Published: March 2007

Evidence bearing upon the relationships between profiles of neuropsychological assets and deficits, subtypes of learning disabilities, and patterns and degrees of psychosocial functioning is reviewed. The dimensions of incidence and type of psychosocial disturbance and the differential manifestations of these in two subtypes of learning disabilities are examined. Conclusions relating to the neurodevelopmental bases of the pattern of psychosocial functioning most often seen in children and adolescents with the syndrome of nonverbal learning disabilities are emphasized.
■ Review : Cell Volume in the CNS: Regulation and Implications for Nervous System Function and Pathology
Authors: Kimelberg Harold K.
Published: March 2007

Swelling of cells in the nervous system is frequently associated with pathological states such as cerebral ischemia. The major cell type that swells in gray matter appears to be the astrocyte, although swelling of neuronal dendrites also occurs. Such swelling probably affects function by reducing the volume of the extracellular space. In addition the properties of the swollen cells themselves are altered, such as the swelling-induced release of excitatory amino acids, which are likely to be deleterious. Recent work has shown that these effects, linked to astrocytic swelling, may be involved in pathological states such as cerebral ischemia and trauma. Increased understanding of such swelling in the CNS will thus be of great importance in understanding mechanisms of brain damage and may provide specific sites for therapeutic intervention. NEUROSCIENTIST 6:14-25, 2000
■REVIEW : The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Revolution in Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
Authors: Prichard James W.
Published: March 2007

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods for the noninvasive, chemically specific investigation of living tissue have proliferated in number and advanced greatly in power since the first NMR images of anatomy appeared in the 1970s. By 1994, about 50 different NMR measurements had become available for the study of normal and pathological brain. These include aspects of biochemistry, angiography, perfusion, activation- sensitive metabolic rates for glucose and oxygen, monitoring of function through activation-induced changes in blood flow and water diffusion, and normal and pathological anatomy with submillimeter resolution. At least as many more measurements of biomedical importance are under development. Neuroscience research and management of neurological illness will be profoundly affected by NMR methods as they mature and become routine. The Neuroscientist 1:84-94, 1995
Competition in the Synaptic Marketplace: Activity Is Important
Authors: Kocsis Jeffery D.
Published: March 2007

The developing nervous system is replete with excessive synaptic connections, many of which will be lost during development. This process of pruning leads to a more precise pattern of synaptic connectivity of the mature nervous system. To sculpt away inappro priate synaptic connections is considered a crucial determinant in establishing the pre cision of synaptic interactions in the nervous system. Much evidence suggests that the pattern of nerve impulse activity in the afferent fiber component of the synapse plays a primary role in loss of superfluous synaptic connections during development. Perhaps the best studied example of this developmental phenomenon is at the neuromuscular junction of the neonatal mouse where multiple motor neurons innervate a given muscle fiber; the multiple synapses are usually located on the same motor endplate. However, over a few weeks all but one motor neuron are eliminated so that a given muscle fiber receives its innervation from only one motor neuron (Fig. 1). The mechanisms for this retraction of inappropriate or redundant synaptic connections have broad implications for the under standing of the development of the synaptic organization of the nervous system as well as for other forms of neuronal plasticity, including those that may underlie learning and memory processes in the adult nervous system. A novel approach by Balice-Gordon and Lichtman (Nature 1994;519-524) to understanding the mechanisms of the loss and pres ervation of synapses in the developing and regenerating mammalian nervous system is reviewed in this Update. The Neuroscientist 1:185-187, 1995
Effects of Stress-Point Intervention With Families of Repeatedly Hospitalized Children
Authors: Burke Sharon Ogden , Harrison Margaret B. , Kauffmann Elizabeth , Wong Carol
Published: March 2007

Parents of repeatedly hospitalized children with chronic conditions are considered veterans of the health care system. Yet each hospitalization presents unique problems, can be more stressful, and has potential for lasting problems. A family-focused, supportive intervention, Stress-Point Intervention by Nurses (SPIN), was designed to reduce family problems. It was hypothesized that parents who participated in SPIN compared with those with usual care would have more satisfaction with family functioning and better parent coping after their children’s hospitalizations. A three-site clinical trial with random assignment of 23 ambulatory clinic nurses and their respective child-patients and families to experimental SPIN or usual care control groups was employed with 115 children aged 1 through 15. The Feetham Family Functioning Survey and Coping Health Inventory for Parents were completed before hospitalization and 3 months after discharge. SPIN parents were more satisfied with family functioning and had better parental coping after hospitalization than parents who received usual care.
Factors Influencing the Father-Infant Relationship
Authors: Anderson Arnette M.
Published: March 2007

Although studies offathering have become more prevalent in the last decade, there is a lack ofresearch describing thefactors that influence thefather-infant relationship from thefather's perspective. The goal of this article is to describe thefactors that influence the initial development of thefather-infant relationship during the infant'sfirst 2 months of life. Following interviews with 14 fathers, the data are analyzed using the constant comparative method. Fathers' adjustments in their work and social/personal time, in relationships with their wives, and within themselves influenced the development of their relationship with their infants. Other contextualfactors that influenced the development of thefather-infant relationship were the relationship that the men had with their ownfathers and the emotional and informational support that they receivedfrom their wives. Thefindings suggest that mothers have a powerful influence in assistingfathers to develop a relationship with their infants, through either inviting or excluding the fathers' involvement in infant care.
Nurse-Family Interactions in Adult Critical Care: A Bowen Family Systems Perspective
Authors: Goodell Teresa Tarnowski , Hanson Shirley May Harmon
Published: March 2007

Nursing research has described the self-reported needs of families of critical care patients; however, very little has been written about specific intervention and assessment strategies for families experiencing critical illness. The purpose of this article is to illustrate a process for analyzing nurse-family interactions in critical care settings and to suggest methods of improving family nursing in critical care based on Bowen’s family systems theory. Bowen’s family systems theory is described and a case study is presented and discussed to illustrate the application of the major concepts of Bowen’s family systems theory in analyzing family dynamics in critical care. In this article, Bowen’s family systems theory is expanded to encompass an analysis of the family-like nurse-to-nurse relationships that occur on nursing units. Specific recommendations are made for critical care nurses who wish to implement family-focused nursing care with a basis in Bowen’s family systems theory.
Mapping Mainstream and Fringe Medicine on the Internet
Authors: EVANS WILLIAM
Published: March 2007

This report describes a system that monitors Internet discussion groups and Web sites for evidence that public interest in herbal remedies is outpacing the available scientific evidence regarding herbal remedies. Using content analysis and bibliometric techniques, this system can identify emerging unorthodox practices and beliefs related to health and medicine. In addition, this system can map the diffusion of health-related claims across Internet communities.
Toward a General Utilization Theory
Authors: Wingens Matthias
Published: March 2007

This article attempts to provide a proper basis for a general utilization theory. Despite a bulk of research in the field, the state of the art in utilization theory is poorly developed, being dominated by the two-communities approach. This approach, however, is more a metaphor than a true theory and hence, the article argues, all attempts to theorize in the two-communities perspective are bound to fail because of its basically culturalistic conception. The thesis proposed is that this culturalistic conception must be replaced by a system theory approach. The theoretical outline of this systems theory conception may well shed new light on several continuing problems in the field of utilization research.
Technology as Knowledge
Authors: Parayil Govindan
Published: March 2007

Using the Green Revolution in Indian agriculture as the empirical basis, this article argues for the epistemic significance of technology as a form of knowledge. The concept of technology as knowledge evolved out of the interactive model of the relationship between science and technology. The Green Revolution is generally referred to as the change in agricultural practice experienced in parts of the Third World in recent decades as a result of the introduction of mainly the high-yielding varieties of seeds (HYVs). Using this empirical example, the article proposes that technological change may be conceptualized within an epistemological framework of technological knowledge.
Knowledge Utilization and Foundations Supporting Health Research and Demonstrations
Authors: Backer Thomas E. , Shaperman Julie
Published: March 2007

Foundations are an increasingly significant source of funding for health research and demonstrations in the United States, providing opportunities to encourage wider dissemination and utilization of innovations emerging from foundation-supported activities. A literature review and informal interviews with the communications and program officers for ten foundations suggest that foundations are increasingly engaged in dissemination and communications activities but less involved to date in active utilization programs. Moreover, they appear to have few strategies for developing utilization programs. The survey does indicate that many foundations may be interested in developing such strategies and the article includes suggestions for expanding knowledge utilization activities of foundations.
The Heroic Mentorship
Authors: BROOME TAFT H.
Published: March 2007

Is mentoring toxic to scientific research? If so, does moral education transmit the toxin? By pursuing these questions, this article joins a host of scholarly inquiries into scientific misconduct. If moral education transmits the toxin, is character development its antidote? The pursuit of this question makes this article unique among such inquiries. The method of pursuit is interdisciplinary, of the type generally known as the science-technology-society (STS) approach. The author finds immaturity to be the toxin and a DuBoisian implementation of the mythological hero's journey in the university to be its antidote. The function of the mentor in this journey is modeled after Joseph Campbell's mythological hero helper, the hero being the mentor's protégé.
Report: World Wide Web Sites for the Dissemination of Science to the Public
Authors: JOHNSON CLARENCE C.
Published: March 2007

This report examines various World Wide Web sites that are intended to disseminate scientific information to the public, and classifies these sites into three general types: those sites that were originally intended specifically for an audience with a strong science background, but have evolved into sites that include the general public in their overall focus; those sites intended from the outset for a general audience; and those intended from the outset for children. Using descriptions of representative sites, this report discusses some of the characteristics of each category and how well such efforts meet the goal of communicating about science to a populace with increasing access to computers, but not always with the basic or in-depth scientific background to use these sites to their full potential.
Newspaper Coverage of the Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Report
Authors: ANKNEY RAYMOND N. , HEILMAN PATRICIA , KOLFF JACOB
Published: March 2007

The accuracy of medical stories in newspapers is a controversial issue. This study evaluated the accuracy of newspaper reports on an annual consumer report that reports the expected number of deaths following bypass surgery conducted in Pennsylvania hospitals. Analysis of 42 articles published following the 1994 report identified 52 factual errors, 127 mistakes in technical terms, 29 misspellings of proper names, and 7 misquotations. Daily newspapers averaged 5.61 errors per article, weekly newspapers averaged 4.33 errors per article, and trade publications averaged 2.83 errors per article. The authors conclude that trade publications appear to have provided the most accurate coverage and recommend development of a voluntary certification program for science reporters and that scientists be encouraged to seek additional training in newspaper relations.
The Future of Law and Economics
Authors: ULEN THOMAS S.
Published: March 2007

Several developments are likely to have significant impact on scholarship in the field of law and economics in the future. These include, first, creation of a richer base of empirical work; second, development of theories in human decisionmaking which surpass the explanatory value of the rational choice model; and third, incorporation of equitable considerations into analyses of legal commands and institutions.
HIV/AIDS in the Rural United States: Epidemiology and Health Services Delivery
Authors: Graham Robin P , Forrester Maureen L. , Wysong Jere A. , Rosenthal Thomas C. , James Paul A.
Published: March 2007

This integrated research review addresses the epidemiology of rural human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and the organization, financing, and delivery of health services for rural persons living with HIV or AIDS (PLWHIVs, PLWAs). Several abstracting services, indexing services, and bibliographies were searched. An annotation form served as the guideline for data extraction. Several conclusions emerged from this review. Epidemiological evidence indicates that there has been a dramatic increase in the relative proportion of rural HIV/AIDS incident cases over the past 5 years. Explanations for the rural increase focus on injection drug use, heterosexual behavior, and sexually transmitted disease levels. Dramatically elevated rates of infection in rural Black women are indicated. Rural areas experience important levels of in-migration of HIV/AIDS-infected individuals. The health services literature suggests that rural providers and institutions have limited resources and little experience with PLWHIVs or PLWAs.
The Eyes have it: Cataract Surgery and Changing Patterns of Outpatient Surgery
Authors: Meddings David R. , McGrail Kimberlyn M. , Barer Morris L. , Hertzman Clyde , Sheps Samuel B. , Evans Robert G. , Kazanjian Arminee
Published: March 2007

Health care utilization by the elderly has increased during recent times. However, a number of investigators have indicated that this increase has had less to do with increasing numbers of elders than with increasing age-specific utilization rates for a variety of health services. 1985 and 1993 health data for British Columbia were used to examine changes in outpatient surgical utilization among the general population and changes in cataract surgical utilization among the elderly. Utilization increases in the older persons exceeded what would be expected on the basis of population increase. Furthermore, cataract surgery alone accounted for more than 29 percent of the entire utilization increase observed for outpatient surgery. Despite this increase, the average age at cataract surgery has not changed—seniors of all ages are much more likely to receive cataract surgery now than a decade ago. The authors' findings suggest that a part of this observed increase is due to operating on individuals at preoperative levels of better visual function.
Medicaid Enrollment Choice into Managed Care Health Plans
Authors: Morton Lois Wright
Published: March 2007

Rural Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Medicaid recipients were surveyed to identify factors that influenced their enrollment choice between two managed care health plans and the traditional Medicaid fee-for-service plan. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses provided evidence that the Medicaid institutional information structure directly influenced recipient decision to enroll in managed care plans. Current smokers were more likely to choose a managed care plan in this sample. There was no evidence that health status, health service use patterns, marital status, or ethnicity was related to the enrollment decision. Of those who chose the traditional Medicaid fee-for-service plan, 41 percent reported that they did not understand what managed care was.
The Regulation and Enforcement of Federal Nursing Home Standards, 1991-1997
Authors: Harrington Charlene , Carrillo Helen
Published: March 2007

This article reports historical trend data on resident characteristics and conditions, problems, and deficiency patterns for nursing facilities from 1991 through 1997 from Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) administrative records from the On-Line Survey, Certification, and Reporting System (OSCAR). Over this period, residents show some increases in dependency and conditions, although there was a decline in the use of restraints. The deficiencies reveal continued quality problems in some nursing homes, although the average number of deficiencies given to facilities declined by 44 percent between 1991 and 1997. The discussion considers possible explanations for the decline in deficiencies, including whether the quality of care in nursing homes has improved or whether the enforcement process has gradually been weakened.
Relationships between Different Types of Maltreatment during Childhood and Adjustment in Adulthood
Authors: Higgins Daryl J. , McCabe Marita P.
Published: March 2007

There are very few research studies that have evaluated the relationships between multiple forms of childhood maltreatment and psychological adjustment in adulthood. This study evaluates the interrelationships between five different types of child maltreatment (sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological maltreatment, neglect, witnessing family violence) in a community sample of women and men (N = 175). The relationships between the reported experience of these forms of maltreatment in childhood, family characteristics during childhood, and current psychological adjustment (trauma symptomatology and self-depreciation) were assessed. As hypothesized, family characteristics predicted maltreatment scores and adjustment, and maltreatment scores predicted adjustment after controlling for family environment. There were high correlations between scores on the five maltreatment scales. Results highlight the need to assess all forms of maltreatment when looking at relationships of maltreatment to adjustment and the importance of childhood familial environment for the long-term adjustment of adults.
Child Sexual Behavior Inventory: Normative, Psychiatric, and Sexual Abuse Comparisons
Authors: Friedrich William N. , Fisher Jennifer L. , Dittner Carrie Anne , Acton Robert , Berliner Lucy , Butler Judy , Damon Linda , Davies W. Hobart , Gray Alison , Wright John
Published: March 2007

A normative sample of 1,114 children was contrasted with a sample of 620 sexually abused children and 577 psychiatric outpatients on the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI), a 38-item behavior checklist assessing sexual behavior in children 2 to 12 years old. The CSBI total score and each individual item differed significantly between the three groups after controlling for age, sex, maternal education, and family income. Sexually abused children exhibited a greater frequency of sexual behaviors than either the normative or psychiatric outpatient samples. Test-retest reliability and interitem correlation were satisfactory. Sexual behavior problems were related to other generic behavior problems. This contributed to the reduced discrimination between psychiatric outpatients and sexually abused children when compared to the normative/sexually abused discrimination.
Polygraph Testing and Sexual Abuse: The Lure of the Magic Lasso
Authors: Cross Theodore P. , Saxe Leonard
Published: March 2007

Polygraph tests to assess veracity are widely promoted for application in sexual abuse matters. The use of polygraph tests is advocated despite substantial differences in professional and scientific opinion about the validity of such techniques. Polygraph diagnoses of an individual's deception are inferences made by an examiner who compares physiological reactions to a set of questions. The test situation, however, is also used to induce examinees to admit crimes. In addition to their use in investigations, polygraph tests are used by defendants seeking exculpatory evidence and by treatment and probation programs to assess and monitor sexual offenders. Although there are dissenters, most knowledgeable scientists consider polygraph testing as unvalidated. Professionals need to access the literature on polygraph testing, evaluate the efficacy and ethics of polygraph tests in their community, and further develop standards for their use.
Predictors of Preventive Services Provision among Unsubstantiated Cases
Authors: Drake Brett
Published: March 2007

The role of child protective services in providing supportive and preventive services in unsubstantiated cases has received scant empirical attention. This article examines unsubstantiated child maltreatment reports where voluntary preventive services were provided by the state of Missouri. Logistic regression is used to isolate case characteristics that predict such services provision. Data are also presented on substantiated cases so that predictors of services provision can be contrasted to predictors of substantiation. Suggestions are provided for incorporating services provision into unsubstantiated cases as an additional dependent variable in future studies of substantiation rates.
Treatment Efficacy and Program Evaluation with Juvenile Sexual Abusers: A Critique with Directions for Service Delivery and Research
Authors: Brown Elissa J. , Kolko David J.
Published: March 2007

The actions of juveniles who sexually abuse other children and youth (JSAs) result in significant social and economic costs. Nevertheless, a brief empirical review of studies designed to evaluate the efficacy of treatment for JSAs reveals limited knowledge about this population. Similar conclusions are drawn from a review of effectiveness studies of service delivery in the community in which most of the treatment is conducted. Bringing together treatment-outcome and services research approaches, the authors discuss a number of issues warranting further discussion and investigation. Information is needed regarding the appropriate setting, components, and methods for evaluation of the treatment programs. We then describe a clinical research program initiated in Pittsburgh that will examine service delivery for JSAs and evaluate treatment outcome in a comparison study of treatment provided by the juvenile court with and without adjunct mental health, community-based services. Recommendations for practice, service delivery, and research are presented.
The Use of Charts and Models to Facilitate a Physician's Testimony in Court
Authors: Johnson Charles Felzen
Published: March 2007

The results of a survey of pediatricians who are members of the Sections on Child Abuse and Emergency Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics indicated that the most stressful task, relative to child maltreatment involvement, was appearance in court. Physicians may refrain from recognizing and reporting child abuse to avoid this perceived stress. If the physician approaches testimony as a teacher who is prepared to communicate with a lay audience, this familiar role may help to decrease stress and assure that the judge and jury comprehend complex medical findings. Increased understanding also should assure that justice is served. Charts and models that have been found useful in explaining medical aspects of physical and sexual abuse during court testimony are described. Meeting with attorneys prior to court appearance and review of feedback about the quality of testimony from attorneys can be used to improve testimony.