bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Alternatives in Criminal Justice
Authors: Musheno Michael , Palumbo Dennis , Levine James 
Published: March 2007

A normative policy-impact model that provides criteria for evaluating specific programs as well as for determining which goals should be given priority in criminal justice is presented. With "decision structure," "self-interest goals," and "public-interest goals" the main elements of the model, the article stresses the impact of criminal justice on various groups related to this policy area. Although a policy may be aimed primarily at groups out side government (e.g., criminals), it also will have an impact on those asked to carry it out (e.g., police). When the effects benefit the nongovernment groups (sometimes called the clientele), the policy achieves "public-interest goals. " When the beneficiaries are government officials, "self-interest goals" are being attained. One of the main themes of this paper is that the extent to which public-interest goals can be reached depends entirely on how well they serve the self-interests of those who are responsible for executing the policies in question. Thus, while the article proposes that the ultimate goal of the criminal justice system should be the "equalization of the burden of crime," it emphasizes that the means of accomplishing this goal are uncertain because traditional crime-control strategies (e.g., deterrence) have major fallacies. Moreover, even if promising strategies are discovered, the self- interests of personnel in the criminal justice system motivate them to subvert such policies. Only through conscious mani pulation of work incentives can the vested interests of many criminal justice personnel in the status quo be altered and the equalization of the costs of crime be obtained.
In Favor of "Presumptive Sentences" Set by a Sentencing Commission
Authors: Singer Richard 
Published: March 2007

The debate over "just deserts" as a sentencing principle continues in this country. A common criticism of that principle is that legislatures will set unreasonably high sentences. This problem might be avoided if the re sponsibility for setting sentence guidelines were confined to a separate body-that is, a sentencing commission. Removed from the immediate po litical furor and composed of various representatives of the criminal jus tice community, as well as lay members, the sentencing commission would both establish and revise sentencing guidelines for judges on the basis of continuing collection of data. The criticism that just deserts means unflexible, fixed sentences for ev ery offender is also misguided. The concept of the "presumptive sen tence," which will allow some flexibility for increasing or decreasing the sentence, would still permit the sentencing judge to retain a reasonable amount of (reviewable) discretion; "sentencing by computer" would not occur. In establishing the presumptive sentence as well as sentencing guidelines, the sentencing commission would consider, but would not be bound by, information and data on what judges in the jurisdiction are currently doing. Indeed, one of the dangers is that the legislature, or some other body, might simply adopt what is being done as what should be done, a tactic that is both philosophically unjustified and pragmatically dangerous. The second part of the article rehearses the arguments for sentencing reform and, in particular, for presumptive sentences. The fear that propo nents of commensurate deserts would remove the word rehabilitation from the prison or even the dictionary is inaccurate. They simply seek, for various reasons, to remove it from the purposes of sentencing.
Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet
Authors: McGahey Richard M. 
Published: March 2007

During the past decade, there have been renewed calls for the use of capi tal punishment to deter murder. Economists and other social scientists have conducted statistical analyses which have generally failed to locate these alleged deterrent effects. A few economists, notably Isaac Ehrlich, have claimed to locate such effects, but little confidence can be placed in these findings. This article reviews these studies, with particular attention paid to a plain-English review of statistical methods used and technical problems found in the analyses. However, this review of technical questions should not obscure broader issues about socioeconomic influences on homicide, crime, and deterrence. Such issues cannot be resolved through debates over econometric techniques.
Public service broadcasting and the challenge of new technology: A case study of Japan's NHK
Authors: Akhavan-Majid Roya 
Published: March 2007

The decade of 1980's was characterized by multiplying challenges to public service broadcasting in many countries. The threat to the financial viability of public broadcasting, which had originated with the stagnation of receiver fee revenue in the face of rapidly escalating production costs, was compounded by the economic-ideological chal lenges posed by the advent of new media technologies. By the end of the 1980s, public broadcasting systems everywhere appeared to be either crumbling or managing a slow decline. As a system operating in a uniquely different, and little-studied, policy environment, Japan's public service broadcasting system, NHK, presents a sharp contrast to this grim picture of decline. In contrast to many of its Western counterparts, such as the BBC, for example, NHK has succeeded in adapting new technologies to its own advantage and has grown tremendously in power and prominence as a broadcasting institution since the early 1980s. Based on extensive personal interviews conducted with Japanese media scholars, commercial broadcasters, and NHK representatives in the course of a four-month field study in Japan (January 1991-April 1991), as well as library research, this study analyzes the reasons behind this contrast in terms of 1) the elements in the Japanese policy environment which have given NHK an advantage over its counterparts and 2) the management strategies pursued by NHK itself in response to new technologies.
Bringing order from chaos: The challenge of training lay responders to use automated external defibrillators and provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Woollard Malcolm 
Published: March 2007

Each minute's delay to treatment for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with ventricular fibrillation (VF) reduces the likelihood of survival by ten per cent. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were developed to make rapid definitive treatment more widely available.AEDs use a computer algorithm to diagnose the collapsed patient's heart rhythm and determine the need for a defibrillatory electric shock. This requires no intellectual input from the operator, whose actions are directed by simple written and recorded vocal prompts. Increasing the number of members of the public with the ability to access and use AEDs and provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a cost-effective strategy for reducing deaths from OHCA. However, conventional training often results in inadequate skill acquisition and fails to ensure skill retention beyond three to six months. Classes without instructors and which use computer-assisted learning or automated voice-advisory manikins have resulted in competence similar to that achieved with traditional training, and may be more cost-effective and convenient. Simplified staged CPR classes offer improved skill acquisition and have a moderate benefit for skill retention. Short self-instructional video training classes or frequently repeated brief practice sessions with feedback from a voice-advisory manikin (both in the absence of an instructor) offer the greatest benefit for CPR skill acquisition and retention, but have not been used for AED instruction. Further research is required to determine the optimal method for training lay members of the public to use AEDs. It seems, however, that the ideal teaching strategy is unlikely to utilise a conventional instructor-led model.
Cervical cancer risk perception and Pap-smear screening
Authors: Merrill Ray M. , Madanat Hala N. 
Published: March 2007

Objective This study assesses whether cervical cancer screening is influenced by self-perceived risk of developing the disease. Design Analyses are based on 3221 women respondents, aged 18 years and older, to the 1996 Utah Health Status Survey, a cross-sectional random telephone survey. Religion and church activity are used as surrogate markers for cervical cancer risk. Setting Interviews were carried out across 12 local health districts in Utah. Methods Religion was classified as member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (LDS), non-LDS, and no religious preference. Church activity was divided into attends church weekly and attends church less than weekly. Data were assessed using cross-tabulations and multiple logistic regression. Results The relation between religious preference, church activity, and Pap smear screening was dependent on marital status. Among married women, religious preference and church activity was not significantly related to Pap smear screening. On the other hand, for unmarried women the odds of having a Pap smear in the last two years, compared with religiously active LDS, was 2.39 (95 per cent confidence interval: 1.30- 4.09) for less religiously active LDS, 2.30 (1.10-4.82) for religiously active non-LDS, 1.65 (0.91-2.99) for less religiously active non-LDS, and 5.35 (2.50-11.43) for women with no religious preference. For unmarried religiously active LDS, 39.2 per cent had a Pap smear in the last two years. In contrast, for unmarried women with no religious preference, 78.7 per cent had a Pap smear within the last two years. Conclusion These findings suggest that self-perceived risk for cervical cancer influences Pap smear screening behaviour. Cervical cancer screening programmes in certain areas, such as Utah, may benefit by considering religious preference and church activity when developing and targeting screening programmes.
A systematic approach to the development and evaluation of an intervention promoting stair use
Authors: Adams Jean , White Martin 
Published: March 2007

Background and context Regular activity is recognised to have powerful health maintaining and promoting effects but two thirds of adults in developed countries remain unhealthily sedentary. This research was undertaken as part of the Newcastle Healthy Medical School Project (NHMSP), a multi-dimensional health promotion initiative based in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Objective To use a theoretically based, systematic approach to design and evaluate a stair promotion intervention in conjunction with the target group. Design and methods A series of five small scale studies, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, was conducted to: choose an outcome measure, gather an evidence base, and design and evaluate a stair promotion intervention. Setting One stair-lift complex in the medical school of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Target group All users of the stairs and lifts in the target setting, including students, staff and visitors. Results A stair promotion intervention comprising four posters was designed and evaluated in conjunction with the target group. Stair use comprised 20.1 per cent of all upward journeys pre-intervention, 20.6 per cent at week one and 19.5 per cent at week four (p>0.05). Conclusion No increase in stair use was measured in response to the intervention. This may be due to an inadequate measure of stair use, the possibility of stair distance thresholds, the targeting of a relatively active group or the unauthorised removal of many of the posters.
Student attendance at dental checkups: An application of the Transtheoretical Model
Authors: Coulson N.S. , Buchanan H. 
Published: March 2007

Objective To examine the application of key constructs of the Transtheoretical Model (stages of change and decisional balance) to attendance at dental checkups with a student sample. Method A questionnaire was completed by 224 students from the University of Derby. They were asked to report their intention and behaviour in relation to dental checkups (reflecting the stage framework) as well as rating 31 statements representing the Pros and Cons of dental checkups. Results Thirty (13.7 per cent) participants were classified into precontemplation, 69 (31.5 per cent) contemplation, 18 (8.2 per cent) preparation, 86 (39.3 per cent) action and 16 (7.3 per cent) maintenance. Support for the application of the stages of change model to dental checkups was found. The decisional balance measure (Pros and Cons) reflected hypothesised differences across the stages of change. Conclusion The findings suggest that applying the stages of change construct to dental checkup attendance can assist us in designing interventions that are more appropriately targeted by stage of change. For the large proportion of students not attending, we suggest minimising the Cons and maximising the Pros of dental checkups.
Rethinking drugs prevention: Radical thoughts from social marketing
Authors: Hastings Gerard , Stead Martine , MacKintosh Anne Marie 
Published: March 2007

NE Choices was a major drugs prevention programme which targeted 13 to 16-year-olds in the north-east of England between 1996 and 1999. It had explicit drug use prevention, prevalence reduction and harm minimisation behaviour change objectives. The intervention had everything going for it: strong theoretical underpinnings; a multi-component design, combining a schools intervention with community, media and stakeholder activity; extensive, long term resources (the programme lasted three years plus a one-year pilot and an additional year of follow-up); a comprehensive bank of formative, process and impact evaluations to inform its development and implementation; and a quasi-experimental design to measure its effect on behaviour. But it did not work. Despite consistently and markedly positive formative, process and impact results, it did not change behaviour. This paper examines the lessons that emerge from NE Choices. It begins with a conventional analysis, which suggests a need for relatively straightforward alterations to the intervention, starting at an earlier age, for example, or making the evaluation more rigorous. The paper then looks at some of the intervention's strengths, before taking a more radical perspective, and using learning from social marketing to call for a fundamental rethink of the 'intervention mentality'.
Humour and health promotion
Authors: Snowden Ann 
Published: March 2007

Objective To inform those who wish to recommend or evaluate humour as a therapeutic intervention. Design Review of literature relating to the putative effects of humour on health. Method Evaluation, interpretation, and synthesis of existing literature relating to humour and health published in many disciplines including anthropology, communication, counselling, education, gender studies, linguistics, literature, medicine, neuroscience, philosophy, physiology, psychology, and sociology. Conclusion It would seem that the health-related benefits of humour are becoming a popular subject for postgraduate students, with a steady stream of articles appearing in healthcare journals over the last few years. Many of these articles have relied on anecdotal evidence or secondary sources rather than original data, whilst at the same time ignoring the lack of empirical work on the identification of exactly when humour is healthy or unhealthy. These healthcare articles have helped to support a burgeoning business in the beneficence of humour, which is further reported in books, workshops, newsletters, web sites, and the media. However, before recommending or evaluating the role of humour and laughter in health promotion, it is essential to (a) appreciate the multidimensional and multidisciplinary nature of the variables under investigation; and (b) examine original empirical data rather than rely on anecdotal evidence or secondary sources.
SPICED: Evaluation of a drug education project in Kirklees primary schools
Authors: Crosswaite C. , Tooby J. , Cyster R. 
Published: March 2007

Objective To investigate the process, implementation, and short-term outcomes of a drug education programme (SPICED) introduced in Kirklees schools, West Yorkshire. Design A retrospective evaluation using mixed methods. Setting Ten primary schools in West Yorkshire. Methods Interviews with professionals, survey of parents, focus groups with children, observation and literature review. Results The SPICED programme was viewed as a valuable means of delivering drug education. The partnership approach between classroom teachers, school nurses and police officers enhanced its delivery. Delivery had been less effective where full participation of partners had not taken place. More than 500 questionnaires were sent out to parents and a response rate of 39 per cent was obtained. Being involved in the drug education programme assisted parents in responding to their children at home and they were supportive of the programme. The pupils enjoyed SPICED and demonstrated increased knowledge levels and confidence. Conclusion The results support the multiprofessional approach of SPICED highlighting the importance of consistent drug education messages and multiple information sources for children. Informing and involving parents was important in gaining their support and ensuring that discussions at home concurred with the messages in school. Some areas for further development have been identified but SPICED provides a comprehensive model in line with existing evidence for effectiveness.
Barriers to healthier eating in a disadvantaged community
Authors: O'Neill Martin , Rebane Deanne , Lester Carolyn 
Published: March 2007

Objective The research objective was to identify how healthy eating was understood in a disadvantaged community and how barriers to healthy eating might be overcome. Design Participatory action research. Setting Communities in Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil, one of the most deprived areas in the UK. Method Trainees on a participative methods course undertook hands- on research, directed by the course leader and local researchers. Respondents were from established local groups, including elderly, carer and toddler and residents' groups. Participants were asked to identify and rank healthy and unhealthy foods and to discuss barriers to healthy eating in their community. Results Participants demonstrated fairly good knowledge of what constituted a healthy diet, but many found that this was difficult to achieve. Barriers included conflicting advice from professionals, lack of time, advertising, community norms and poor quality food available in school. Conclusion In order to be successful, healthy eating initiatives need to embrace the multifaceted nature of this issue in poor communities, including food as an aspect of local culture.
GP exercise referral schemes: Improving the patient's experience
Authors: Wormald Helen , Ingle Lee 
Published: March 2007

Objective The main objective of this study was to explore patients' perceptions of general practitioner (GP) exercise referral (ER) schemes with a view to providing a better service for future patients. Design A qualitative focus group methodology. Setting Meeting rooms or communal areas in leisure centres across North Yorkshire. Method Thirty participants took part in six focus groups. Data were analysed using a content analysis technique based on the 'framework' approach. Results Participants were generally very positive about the ER schemes and reported numerous benefits including: improved self-confidence, wellbeing and quality of life; increased physical activity behaviour and awareness; and improved physical health and fitness. Access to the ER scheme appeared to be restricted due to a lack of awareness amongst primary health care staff. Participants were content with the activities provided by the leisure centres, but felt that there should be more group activities and opportunities to meet other people. Conclusion Findings from this study provide support for the use of ER schemes for promoting physical activity and improving health. Despite existing evidence supporting a move towards promoting informal, unstructured, unsupervised physical activity, ER schemes provide participants with support, supervision, structure and opportunities for social contact, which act as powerful motivators for some people. In terms of a population approach, however, the ER scheme must be considered as just one method for promoting physical activity, and must be part of a broader strategy encompassing a wide range of initiatives in a number of settings.
Coronary heart disease knowledge and risk factors among tri-ethnic college students
Authors: Koutoubi Samer , Huffman Fatma G. , Ciccazzo Michele W. , Himburg Susan P. , Johnson Paulette 
Published: March 2007

Objectives Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and Europe. This study identified and compared nutritional knowledge associated with CHD risk factors among tri-ethnic college students. Design A quantitative, cross-sectional, observational study using questionnaires. Setting University laboratory. Method Three hundred college students, 50 per cent male and 50 per cent female, completed self-administered surveys of demographics, CHD knowledge, and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment. Data were analysed by gender and ethnicity using one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and Chi-square test. Results The mean percentage of correctly answered CHD knowledge questions for all subjects was 70.7 ± 7.9 per cent. The CHD knowledge was significantly higher ( p=0.039) for White non-Hispanic males than Black non-Hispanic males. A large percentage of the subjects selected'do not know' in response to the family history of heart disease (27.2 per cent) and diabetes (15.6 per cent) questions. A significant inverse correlation ( p=0.032) was found between the CHD knowledge and CHD risk point standards in White non-Hispanic females. Overall, significant inverse correlations were found between CHD knowledge and intakes of calories ( p=0.010), carbohydrates ( p=0.016), total fat ( p=0.024), and cholesterol ( p=0.023). Conclusion Nutrition knowledge of CHD risk factors are key in changing nutrition behaviour, and future studies should investigate the effectiveness of nutrition education that specifically addresses ethnic differences needs and strengths of college students.
Cannabis use, beliefs about 'hard drugs' and 'soft drugs', and the ineffectiveness of anti-drug interventions in French high-schools
Authors: Peretti-Watel Patrick 
Published: March 2007

Objective To study drug-related beliefs among adolescents, and specifically their propensity to distinguish 'soft drugs' from 'hard drugs'; to investigate factors associated with such a propensity as well as its relationship with cannabis use. Design & setting A cross-sectional self-administered survey conducted among a random sample of 5,812 French high-school pupils. Method A score was designed for assessing respondents' propensity to distinguish 'soft' from 'hard' drugs. The correlates were studied, and then used to model various levels of cannabis use. Separate analyses were performed for boys and girls. Results The propensity to distinguish 'soft drugs' from 'hard drugs' was tightly associated with cannabis use. For both genders, exposure to preventive information during a course, or through posters or booklets had no impact on such a propensity, and indeed attending a conference on drugs reinforced this propensity among boys. For both genders, this propensity was also strongly associated with cannabis use, and exposure to anti-drug information through a specific lecture was positively associated with cannabis experimentation. Conclusion The effectiveness of preventive information in French high schools is highly questionable, especially when it endorses an unbalanced 'anti-drug' discourse that may even boomerang. As cannabis use and related beliefs are probably built together and reinforce each other, one should neither overestimate the impact of beliefs on behaviours, nor underestimate users' adherence to such beliefs.