Logical

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Terms modified by Logical

  • logical analysis
  • logical approach
  • logical connection
  • logical consequence
  • logical expression
  • logical form
  • logical problem
  • logical structure

  • Selected Abstracts


    Review of Photorejuvenation: Devices, Cosmeceuticals, or Both?

    DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2005
    Cameron K. Rokhsar MD
    Background:. Both the public and the medical profession have placed a lot of attention on reversal of signs of aging and photodamage, resulting in numerous cosmeceutical products and nonablative laser techniques designed to achieve these results. Objective:. The purpose of this report is to briefly review both the cosmeceutical products and nonablative laser techniques that appear to be most promising based on published studies. After this review, recommendations for potential enhancement of benefits by combining cosmeceuticals and laser treatments will be explored. Results. Pulsed dye lasers targeting microvessels, intense pulsed light targeting both melanin and microvessels, and midinfrared lasers targeting dermal water and collagen all appear to have some ability to improve skin texture, color, and wrinkling. Retinoids, vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids, and topical growth factors may also stimulate repair mechanisms that result in similar improvements in photodamaged skin. Conclusion:. Although supported only by theoretic considerations and anecdotal reports, it seems logical that the concurrent use of appropriate cosmeceuticals with nonablative laser photorejuvenation should result in enhanced benefits. [source]


    The Logic of African Neopatrimonialism: What Role for Donors?

    DEVELOPMENT POLICY REVIEW, Issue 5 2007
    Diana Cammack
    Today a number of sub-Saharan African countries display the outward signs of modern, democratic states. International aid agencies often treat them as though power and decision-making reside within government institutions and that they function as designed. When they do not they are labelled dysfunctional though their action is actually quite logical when viewed through a ,neopatrimonial lens'. This article outlines a number of neopatrimonial practices observed in Africa in the past two decades and attempts to explain the ,logic' that underpins them. It provides several recommendations about the way donors should assist states where deeply rooted anti-democratic and non-developmental behaviour dominates. [source]


    Activity-based restorative therapies: Concepts and applications in spinal cord injury-related neurorehabilitation

    DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 2 2009
    Cristina L. Sadowsky
    Abstract Physical rehabilitation following spinal cord injury-related paralysis has traditionally focused on teaching compensatory techniques, thus enabling the individual to achieve day-to-day function despite significant neurological deficits. But the concept of an irreparable central nervous system (CNS) is slowly being replaced with evidence related to CNS plasticity, repair, and regeneration, all related to persistently maintaining appropriate levels of neurological activity both below and above the area where the damage occurred. It is now possible to envision functional repair of the nervous system by implementing rehabilitative interventions. Making the transition from "bench to bedside" requires careful analysis of existing basic science evidence, strategic focus of clinical research, and pragmatic implementation of new therapeutic tools. Activity, defined as both function specific motor task and exercise appears to be a necessity for optimization of functional, metabolic, and neurological status in chronic paralysis. Crafting a comprehensive rehabilitative intervention focused on functional improvement through neurological gains seems logical. The terms activity-based restorative therapies, activity-based therapies, and activity-based rehabilitation have been coined in the last 10 years to describe a new fundamental approach to deficits induced by neurological paralysis. The goal of this approach is to achieve activation of the neurological levels located both above and below the injury level using rehabilitation therapies. This article reviews basic and clinical science evidence pertaining to implementation of physical activity and exercise as a therapeutic tool in the management of chronic spinal cord-related neurological paralysis. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:112,116. [source]


    Think about the Consequences!

    DIALECTICA, Issue 2 2006
    Nominalism, the Argument from the Philosophy of Logic
    Nominalism (the thesis that there are no abstract objects) faces the task of explaining away the ontological commitments of applied mathematical statements. This paper reviews an argument from the philosophy of logic that focuses on this task and which has been used as an objection to certain specific formulations of nominalism. The argument as it is developed in this paper aims to show that nominalism in general does not have the epistemological advantages its defendants claim it has. I distinguish between two strategies that are available to the nominalist: The Evaluation Programme, which tries to preserve the common truth-values of mathematical statements even if there are no mathematical objects, and Fictionalism, which denies that mathematical sentences have significant truth-values. It is argued that the tenability of both strategies depends on the nominalist's ability to account for the notion of consequence. This is a problem because the usual meta-logical explications of consequence do themselves quantify over mathematical entities. While nominalists of both varieties may try to appeal to a primitive notion of consequence, or, alternatively, to primitive notions of logical or structural possibilities, such measures are objectionable. Even if we are equipped with a notion of either consequence or possibility that is primitive in the relevant sense, it will not be strong enough to account for the consequence relation required in classical mathematics. These examinations are also useful in assessing the possible counter-intuitive appeal of the argument from the philosophy of logic. [source]


    Synthesis of pattern and process in biodiversity conservation assessment: a flexible whole-landscape modelling framework

    DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 3 2010
    Simon Ferrier
    Abstract Aim, To describe a general modelling framework for integrating multiple pattern- and process-related factors into biodiversity conservation assessments across whole landscapes. Location, New South Wales (Australia), and world-wide. Methods, The framework allows for a rich array of alternatives to the target-based model traditionally underpinning systematic conservation planning and consists of three broad modelling components. The first component models the future state (condition) of habitat across a landscape as a function of present state, current and projected pressures acting on this state, and any proposed, or implemented, management interventions. The second component uses this spatially explicit prediction of future habitat state to model the level of persistence expected for each of a set of surrogate biodiversity entities. The third component then integrates these individual expectations to estimate the overall level of persistence expected for biodiversity as a whole. Results, Options are explored for tailoring implementation of the framework to suit planning processes varying markedly in purpose, and in availability of data, time, funding and expertise. The framework allows considerable flexibility in the nature of employed biodiversity surrogates (species-level, discrete or continuous community-level) and spatial data structures (polygonal planning units, or fine-scaled raster), the level of sophistication with which each of the three modelling components is implemented (from simple target-based assessment to complex process-based modelling approaches), and the forms of higher-level analysis supported (e.g. optimal plan development, priority mapping, interactive scenario evaluation). Main conclusions, The described framework provides a logical, and highly flexible, foundation for integrating disparate pattern- and process-related factors into conservation assessments in dynamic, multiple-use landscapes. [source]


    Adapting to changes in molecular biosciences and technologies

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 2008
    P. Ford (nci)
    Abstract Dental education, like any other educational programme in a research-intensive university environment, must be research led or at least research informed. In this context, as the research and knowledge base of dentistry lies in the biological and physical sciences, dental education must be led by advances in research in both these areas. There is no doubt that biotechnology and nanotechnology have, over the past 25 years, led research in both these areas. It is therefore logical to assume that this has also impacted on dental education. The aim of this paper is twofold; on one hand to examine the effects of biotechnology and nanotechnology and their implications for dental education and on the other to make recommendations for future developments in dental education led by research in biotechnology and nanotechnology. It is now generally accepted that dental education should be socially and culturally relevant and directed to the community it serves. In other words, there can be no universal approach and each dental school or indeed curriculum must apply the outcomes in their own social, cultural and community settings. [source]


    Gender differences in self-estimated intelligence and their relation to gender-role orientation

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 5 2002
    Beatrice Rammstedt
    Previous research has demonstrated that gender differences in self-estimated intelligence are domain specific: Males estimate their mathematical, logical and spatial abilities significantly higher than females. It has been frequently hypothesized that these differences are moderated by the individual's degree of gender-role orientation. However, studies investigating the effect of gender-role orientation on self-estimated intelligence revealed highly inconsistent results. In the present study, 267 participants estimated their own abilities in 11 intelligence domains and completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI). Factor analysis of the 11 intelligence domains yielded four interpretable factors. Gender differences were identified for the mathematical,logical and the artistic intelligence factor. Additional analyses revealed a moderating effect of gender-role orientation on gender differences in factor scores. Thus, the present study provided direct evidence for the notion that in male, but not in female individuals, self-estimates of specific aspects of intelligence are markedly influenced by gender-role orientation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    CHINESE PUBLIC FINANCE FRAMEWORK: A CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

    FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY & MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2010
    ChunLei Yang
    This paper explores the complexities of government financial management in China and examines the nature of the recent Public Finance Framework (PFF) reform in that country. We argue that this reform is not just the latest instalment in a centrally dominated reform agenda (and a logical and strategic development in the process of social, political and economic transformation), but that it reflects the Central Government's struggle to fine-tune central-local financial relationships and to grapple with the consequences of the previously misplaced delegation of government budgets. In so doing, the paper challenges the prescriptive research which often pervades policy studies in China. Instead, it analyses the historical and contemporary contexts which are shaping government administration in China, and sheds new light on the background, implementation and future prospects of Chinese public sector financial reform. Overall, our contextual analysis provides a starting point for more critical research into the changes in government financial administration at both policy and organisational levels in China. [source]


    Global constraints on rural fishing communities: whose resilience is it anyway?

    FISH AND FISHERIES, Issue 1 2007
    Martin D Robards
    Abstract Sustaining natural resources is regarded as an important component of ecological resilience and commonly assumed to be of similar importance to social and economic vitality for resource-dependent communities. However, communities may be prevented from benefiting from healthy local resources due to constrained economic or political opportunities. In the case of Alaskan wild salmon, the fisheries are in crisis due to declining economic revenues driven by the proliferation of reliable and increasingly high-quality products from fish farms around the world. This stands in contrast with many of the world's wild-capture fisheries where diminished biological abundance has led to fishery collapse. Furthermore, increasing efficiency of salmon farm production, globalization, and dynamic consumer preferences, suggests that the wild salmon industry will continue to be challenged by the adaptability, price and quality of farmed salmon. Conventional responses to reduced revenues by the wild-capture industry have been to increase economic efficiency through implementing a range of entry entitlement and quota allocation schemes. However, while these mechanisms may improve economic efficiency at a broad scale, they may not benefit local community interests, and in Alaska have precipitated declines in local ownership of the fishery. To be viable, economic efficiency remains a relevant consideration, but in a directionally changing environment (biological, social or economic), communities unable to procure livelihoods from their local resources (through access or value) are likely to seek alternative economic opportunities. The adopted strategies, although logical for communities seeking viability through transformation in a changing world, may not be conducive to resilience of a ,fishing community' or the sustainability of their wild fish resources. We use a theoretically grounded systems approach and data from Alaska's Bristol Bay salmon fishery to demonstrate feedbacks between global preferences towards salmon and the trade-offs inherent when managing for the resilience of wild salmon populations and human communities at different scales. [source]


    Germans as Venutians: The Culture of German Foreign Policy Behavior

    FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS, Issue 1 2006
    AKAN MALICI
    The end of the Cold War eliminated many of the external constraints that had straitjacketed German policy during the Cold War era. At the same time, unification augmented Germany's already substantial power base. In light of these changed geopolitical circumstances, it was only logical for the dominant theory of security studies, namely realism, to expect a reorientation in German foreign policy behavior toward unilateralism and increased levels of power politics. Yet these expectations proved wrong. This article argues that German foreign policy behavior in the post-Cold War era can be ascribed to a foreign policy culture of reticence,a culture of restraint and accommodation that can be traced to well-defined sets of fundamental beliefs of the German decision-making elite. This article systematically examines these beliefs in the post-Cold War era, relates them to foreign policy choices, and concludes with a plea for increased attention to ideational variables. [source]


    Developing an approach to defining the potential distributions of invasive plant species: a case study of Hakea species in South Africa

    GLOBAL ECOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
    David C. Le Maitre
    ABSTRACT Aim, Models of the potential distributions of invading species have to deal with a number of issues. The key one is the high likelihood that the absence of an invading species in an area is a false absence because it may not have invaded that area yet, or that it may not have been detected. This paper develops an approach for screening pseudo-absences in a way that is logical and defensible. Innovation, The step-wise approach involves: (1) screening environmental variables to identify those most likely to indicate conditions where the species cannot invade; (2) identifying and selecting the most likely limiting variables; (3) using these to define the limits of its invasion potential; and (4) selecting points outside these limits as true absence records for input into species distribution models. This approach was adopted and used for the study of three prominent Hakea species in South Africa. Models with and without the false absence records were compared. Two rainfall variables and the mean minimum temperature of the coldest month were the strongest predictors of potential distributions. Models which excluded false absences predicted that more of the potential distribution would have a high invasion potential than those which included them. Main conclusions, The approach of applying a priori knowledge can be useful in refining the potential distribution of a species by excluding pseudo-absence records which are likely to be due to the species not having invaded an area yet or being undetected. The differences between the potential distributions predicted by the different models convey more information than making a single prediction, albeit a consensus model. The robustness of this approach depends strongly on an adequate knowledge of the ecology, invasion history and current distribution of that species. [source]


    Corruption and Anti-Money-Laundering Systems: Putting a Luxury Good to Work

    GOVERNANCE, Issue 1 2009
    J.C. SHARMAN
    Systems of laws, regulations, and institutions developed to counter money laundering provide powerful tools for fighting corruption. Currently, however, the potential benefits anti-money-laundering (AML) systems can provide in fighting corruption go largely unrealized, especially in developing countries. This mismatch poses a puzzle: Why are developing countries failing to best capitalize on their expensive AML systems by using them to fight corruption? The article is built on three core claims. The first claim is that it is logical to use AML systems for anti-corruption purposes because of a pronounced overlap in the standards required for each and the rising costs of the former. The second section demonstrates specifically how AML systems could significantly augment anti-corruption efforts, focusing on the importance of financial intelligence, asset confiscation, and international cooperation. Finally, although powerful outsiders have successfully diffused AML systems among developing countries, a lack of "ownership" in the latter explains why these systems are often established only as tokens to enhance international legitimacy and reputations. [source]


    Health state values for the HUI 2 descriptive system: results from a UK survey

    HEALTH ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2005
    Christopher McCabe
    Abstract This paper reports the results of a study to estimate a statistical health state valuation model for a revised version of the Health Utilities Index Mark 2, using Standard Gamble health state preference data. A sample of 51 health states were valued by a sample of the 198 members of the UK general population. Models are estimated for predicting health state valuations for all 8000 states defined by the revised HUI2. The recommended model produces logical and significant coefficients for all levels of all dimensions in the HUI2. These coefficients appear to be robust across model specifications. This model performs well in predicting the observed health state values within the valuation sample and for a separate validation sample of health states. However, there are concerns over large prediction errors for two health states in the valuation sample. These problems must be balanced against concerns over the validity of using the VAS based health state valuation data of the original HUI2 valuation model. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Fair Trade Community Café

    ACCOUNTING PERSPECTIVES, Issue 2 2010
    KAREN LIGHTSTONE
    capitaux propres; erreurs comptables; petite entreprise; rentabilité Abstract This case concerns the real operations of a café in a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a second location of a theme restaurant, with the first location successfully operating for a number of years. The owner of the first location, and senior partner of the second café, is available for advice but does not participate in the day-to-day operations of the second location; there are two junior partners who run the business. The focus is on the financial statements generated by an external bookkeeping service. The income statement reports a significant loss, and some of the accounts on the balance sheet and income statement do not make sense for this type of business. Simple ratio and variance analysis provides information for students to determine where problems lie. The case presents a good opportunity for students who have a basic understanding of financial statements to read a set of real statements generated by a bookkeeping service. Not all transactions are logical for a small café, although the financial information is from a real café in operation. The case also contains industry information on the operations of small food and drinking businesses located in Nova Scotia. Fair Trade Community Café Résumé Le cas exposé par l'auteure a trait à l'exploitation d'un véritable café situé dans une petite ville de Nouvelle-Écosse, au Canada. Il s'agit du second établissement d'un restaurant à thème dont le premier établissement exerce ses activités avec succès depuis plusieurs années. Le propriétaire du premier établissement, et associé majoritaire du second, est disposéà prodiguer des conseils mais ne participe pas à l'exploitation quotidienne du second café, que dirigent deux associés minoritaires. Le cas porte sur les états financiers produits par un service externe de tenue des comptes. Le compte de résultat fait état d'une perte importante, et certains des comptes du bilan et des postes du compte de résultat ne conviennent pas à ce type d'entreprise. Une simple analyse des ratios et des écarts fournit de l'information permettant aux étudiants de diagnostiquer les problèmes qui se posent. Le cas offre aux étudiants possédant une connaissance de base de la façon dont les états financiers sont établis une excellente occasion de lire un jeu d'états financiers véritables, produits par un service de tenue des comptes. Toutes les opérations ne sont pas logiquement celles d'un petit café, bien que les données financières proviennent d'un établissement authentique. Le cas contient également des informations sectorielles sur les activités de petites entreprises du secteur de l'alimentation établies en Nouvelle-Écosse. [source]


    Gottlob Frege, One More Time

    HYPATIA, Issue 4 2000
    CLAUDE IMBERT
    Frege's philosophical writings, including the "logistic project," acquire a new insight by being confronted with Kant's criticism and Wittgenstein's logical and grammatical investigations. Between these two points a non-formalist history of logic is just taking shape, a history emphasizing the Greek and Kantian inheritance and its aftermath. It allows us to understand the radical change in rationality introduced by Gottlob Frege's syntax. This syntax put an end to Greek categorization and opened the way to the multiplicity of expressions producing their own intelligibility. This article is based on more technical analyses of Frege which Claude Imbert has previously offered in other writings (see references). [source]


    On boundary conditions of the characteristic based split (CBS) algorithm for fluid dynamics

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2002
    P. NithiarasuArticle first published online: 12 MAR 200
    Abstract This paper discusses alternative procedures which can be used in the application of boundary conditions for the CBS algorithm. Attention is focused on the problem of application of prescribed velocity and traction conditions. The paper is illustrated with some incompressible flow problems. Although previously logical and correct boundary condition specifications were introduced, the procedures outlined in this paper simplify calculations and generally make it more accurate. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    The attitudes to ageing questionnaire (AAQ): development and psychometric properties

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 4 2007
    K. Laidlaw
    Abstract Objective This paper describes the development of the Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ) which is a self-report measure with which older people themselves can express their attitudes to the process of ageing. Method The development of the AAQ followed a coherent, logical and empirical process taking full account of relevant gerontological knowledge and modern and classical psychometric analytical methods. Pilot testing with 1,356 participants from 15 centres worldwide refined the scale and provided the basis for a field test. A total of 5,566 participants from 20 centres worldwide contributed to the further development of this new scale with the derivation involving both classical and modern psychometric methods. Results The result is a 24-item cross-cultural attitudes to ageing questionnaire consisting of a three-factor model encompassing psychological growth, psychosocial loss, and physical change. The three-factor model suggests a way of conceptualizing and measuring successful ageing in individuals. Conclusions The AAQ provides researchers, clinicians and policy makers with a unique scale to measure the impact of successful ageing interventions. It also provides a vehicle for the measurement of how individuals age across cultures and under different economic, political and social circumstances. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    An introduction to bipolar representations of information and preference

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, Issue 8 2008
    Didier Dubois
    Bipolarity seems to pervade human understanding of information and preference, and bipolar representations look very useful in the development of intelligent technologies. Bipolarity refers to an explicit handling of positive and negative sides of information. Basic notions and background on bipolar representations are provided. Three forms of bipolarity are laid bare: symmetric univariate, dual bivariate, and asymmetric (or heterogeneous) bipolarity. They can be instrumental in the logical handling of incompleteness and inconsistency, rule representation and extraction, argumentation, learning, and decision analysis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


    A fuzzy logic approach to experience-based reasoning

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, Issue 8 2007
    Zhaohao Sun
    Experience-based reasoning (EBR) is a reasoning paradigm that has been used in almost every human activity such as business, military missions, and teaching activities since early human history. However, EBR has not been seriously studied from either a logical or mathematical viewpoint, although case-based reasoning (CBR) researchers have paid attention to EBR to some extent. This article will attempt to fill this gap by providing a unified fuzzy logic-based treatment of EBR. More specifically, this article first reviews the logical approach to EBR, in which eight different rules of inference for EBR are discussed. Then the article proposes fuzzy logic-based models to these eight different rules of inference that constitute the fundamentals for all EBR paradigms from a fuzzy logic viewpoint, and therefore will form a theoretical foundation for EBR. The proposed approach will facilitate research and development of EBR, fuzzy systems, intelligent systems, knowledge management, and experience management. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Int Syst 22: 867,889, 2007. [source]


    Computational verb systems: The paradox of the liar

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, Issue 9 2001
    Tao Yang
    In this paper, the paradox of the liar is studied in the framework of (computational) verb logic. Unlike other research on liar's paradox, which were based on classical logical or fuzzy logic framework, the study of liar's paradox in verb logic emphasizes the contribution of verbs to the perception of TRUTH in verb statements or sentences. A new interpretation of the paradox of the liar under verb logic is presented. Then the conditions under which verb liar's paradoxes occur are presented based on BE-transformations. Based on different paradoxical functions, the concepts of strong and weak verb paradoxes are presented. The main conclusion is that liar's paradoxes in verb logic are dynamical processes with time-varying degrees of being paradox (paradoxical value) and are sensitive to different contexts; namely, different BE-transformations. Another conclusion is that in natural language systems, weak verb paradoxes can be used intuitively correctly due to the uncertainties in brain dynamics and can be useful for expressing human emotions. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source]


    Psychometric Correlates of FIRO-B Scores: Locating the FIRO-B scores in personality factor space

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SELECTION AND ASSESSMENT, Issue 1 2008
    Adrian Furnham
    This paper investigated the relationship between the six Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation (FIRO)-B scales, the Big Five Personality traits assessed by the NEO PI-R, the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) and two measures of cognitive ability (Watson Glaser; Graduate and Managerial Assessment). It examined the concurrent and construct validity of the measure in various adult groups attending assessment centres in order to locate the FIRO-B dimensions in established personality factor space. The FIRO-B was consistently correlated with Extraversion, though analysis at the primary factor (facet) level showed many traits from all five factors were strongly correlated with the six FIRO-B scores. Regressing the six FIRO-B facets onto each of the Big Five in turn showed all were significant particularly for Expressed Inclusion and Wanted Control. The second study also showed considerable and logical overlap between the six FIRO-B scales and the 11 dysfunctional personality strategies as measured by the HDS. There were also strong correlational patterns for the Cautious, Reserved, Colourful and Dutiful type disorders. The third study showed the FIRO-B was statistically associated with both cognitive ability tests though it only accounted for small percentages of the explained variance. Expressed Control was the most consistently correlated of the intelligence test scores. Despite the fact that many explicable associations were found between the FIRO-B and other measure the effect sizes were not large. Thus only 4% of the trait facet scores and 4.5% of the HDS showed medium effect sizes. Results are discussed in terms of the usefulness and possible discriminant validity of the instrument for use in selection and assessment. [source]


    The species,area relationship does not have an asymptote!

    JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 7 2001
    Mark Williamson
    Aim To attack a widespread myth. Location World-wide. Methods Simple mathematical logical and empirical examples. Results As both species and area are finite and non-negative, the species,area relationship is limited at both ends. The log species,log area relationship is normally effectively linear on scales from about 1 ha to 107 km2. There are no asymptotes. At the intercontinental scale it may get steeper; at small scales it may in different cases get steeper or shallower or maintain its slope. Main conclusion The species,area relationship does not have an asymptote. [source]


    Elders' perceptions of formal and informal care: aspects of getting and receiving help for their activities of daily living

    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 3 2001
    Brenda Roe PhD, FRSH
    ,,A purposive and convenience sample of 16 women and four men receiving informal and formal care for their activities of daily living either at home or institutions in Southeast Washington, USA was interviewed. ,,Qualitative findings related to asking for help, getting and receiving help, interpersonal aspects of receiving help, and met and unmet needs are reported. ,,Some seniors found it more difficult to ask for and accept help and there were gender differences, with men tending to adopt a more logical and pragmatic approach while women viewed receiving help as a loss of independence and an invasion of privacy. Intimacy and nudity were also threats for women. ,,Three styles of adjustment and acceptance were identified within the data and related to positive acceptance, resigned acceptance and passive acceptance. ,,There appeared to be a relationship between independence and control, with elders losing some independence but retaining control through choice, payment and involvement in decision making. ,,Reciprocity was found to bring added value to relationships between care providers and elders, with a rhythm and symmetry developing in relationships where needs were known, anticipated and met. ,,Seniors should be encouraged to plan for their future and to find out about local help and services available to them in advance of their requiring any assistance. [source]


    Use of the Rasch IRT Model in Standard Setting: An Item-Mapping Method

    JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT, Issue 3 2003
    Ning Wang
    This article provides both logical and empirical evidence to justify the use of an item-mapping method for establishing passing scores for multiple-choice licensure and certification examinations. After describing the item-mapping standard-setting process, the rationale and theoretical basis for this method are discussed, and the similarities and differences between the item-mapping and the Bookmark methods are also provided. Empirical evidence supporting use of the item-mapping method is provided by comparing results from four standard-setting studies for diverse licensure and certification examinations. The four cut score studies were conducted using both the item-mapping and the Angoff methods. Rating data from the four standard-setting studies, using each of the two methods, were analyzed using item-by-rater random effects generalizability and dependability studies to examine which method yielded higher inter-judge consistency. Results indicated that the item-mapping method produced higher inter-judge consistency and achieved greater rater agreement than the Angoff method. [source]


    Mental health services for people with intellectual disability: a conceptual framework

    JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2000
    S. Moss
    Abstract The present paper discusses the application of the ,matrix model' to mental health services for people with intellectual disability. There is great variability between the service models in this area, which makes comparisons and conclusions difficult. The present model facilitates the breaking down of these complexities into understandable parts so that future directions for research, service planning and delivery can be logical, coherent and evidence-based. [source]


    Learning Styles of Interior Design Students as Assessed by the Gregorc Style Delineator

    JOURNAL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, Issue 1 2001
    Stephanie A. Watson Ed.D.
    The purpose of this study was to determine the preferred learning style of undergraduate students majoring in interior design. The Gregorc Style Delineator, a self-report instrument to determine learning style, was administered to 147 undergraduate interior design students enrolled in Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) accredited programs located within the Southwest Region of the United States. To determine the dominant learning style of undergraduate interior design students, frequency distributions were compiled. Overall, the most important finding in this study was the diversity of learning styles among interior design students. Not only were all learning styles represented in the sample, but 49% of students exhibited dominance in more than one style,unlike the results of previous studies with non interior design students. The most common learning styles found among interior design students are a logical and hands-on learning style, known as Concrete Sequential, and a combination of experimental, imaginative, and people-oriented learning styles, known as Concrete Random/Abstract Random. Diversity in student learning styles supports the argument for the need for instructors to have a repertoire of teaching methods. Instructors should be knowledgeable in learning style theory, should know their own learning style, and should be able to teach using a variety of styles. [source]


    The Hypothesis of Incommensurability and Multicultural Education

    JOURNAL OF PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION, Issue 2 2009
    TIM MCDONOUGH
    This article describes the logical and rhetorical grounds for a multicultural pedagogy that teaches students the knowledge and skills needed to interact creatively in the public realm betwixt and between cultures. I begin by discussing the notion of incommensurability. I contend that this hypothesis was intended to perform a particular rhetorical task and that the assumption that it is descriptive of a condition to which intercultural interactions are necessarily subjected is an unwarranted extension of the hypothesis as originally conceived. After discussing the hypothetical nature of the notion of incommensurability and its critical role within the discourse of the human sciences, the article examines the usefulness of utopian narratives as examples of incommensurable systems that can be put to pedagogical work. I argue that the comparative study of utopian narratives can provide insight into possible means of creating passageways that lead not from one bounded system to another, but rather to mutually generated and generative pluralistic public cultures in which new norms can be articulated, shared and potentially legitimised. What is crucial to the point I am trying to make is that ,incommensurability' was initially posed as a hypothesis that, while impossible to prove, still served a critical discursive or rhetorical function. This function is one that it can still serve and in an important educational manner, outside the discourse of the human sciences, within a larger, increasingly multicultural and global society. [source]


    Thomas Reid and Philosophy with Children

    JOURNAL OF PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION, Issue 4 2005
    FIACHRA LONG
    This paper presents a rationale for doing philosophy with children. It suggests a rationale that differs from more usual arguments supporting philosophy with children,for such reasons as that it will enhance problem solving-skills or will help pupils' thinking to be more logical. These worthy objectives are not denied but only considered somewhat subordinate to the rationale proposed. This is presented in three steps. In the first step the issue of whether philosophy should be done with children is considered in the context of claims that children may be too young to do philosophy or too inexperienced in the ways of academic discipline to be able to discern proper philosophy. These objections are weighty enough, especially in view of general teacher reluctance to engage with philosophy itself in any form. In the second part, I invoke the common sense philosophy of Thomas Reid as a method of philosophy particularly significant for, and appropriate to, philosophy for children. Finally, I show how these aspects arising out of my understanding of Reid's philosophy can help resolve at least some of the misgivings people have about doing philosophy with children. It is hoped that these discussions will illuminate the question of how it may be appropriate for children to do philosophy in classrooms today. [source]


    Long-term illness and patterns of medicine taking: are people with schizophrenia a unique group?

    JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 3 2001
    G. R. Marland rmn dipn bed (hons) mn pgcrm rnt
    Patients with schizophrenia relapse because of inadequate levels of medicine taking. Therefore, it seems logical to learn about the factors underpinning their medicine-taking decisions. Further research is urgently needed to explore this area and thereby to refine models of practice, to promote therapeutic interactions with medicine. Existing research tends to share three common deficits. ,It is grounded in the worldview of the psychiatrist not the patient. ,It studies the influence of symptoms on compliance behaviour in isolation from other potential variables. ,It overlooks the potential influence of the chronicity experience in general by examining schizophrenia outwith the context of other enduring illnesses. Overall these deficits may combine to distort the influence of schizophrenic symptoms on medicine decision making and justify a coercive rather than an empowering approach. A pernicious self-fulfilling spiral may be contributing to the problem of relapse in schizophrenia. Potentially the mental health nurse has a role in addressing this problem. [source]


    The efficacy of ,0.05% Clobetasol + 2.5% zinc sulphate' cream vs. ,0.05% Clobetasol alone' cream in the treatment of the chronic hand eczema: a double-blind study

    JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 5 2008
    G Faghihi
    Abstract Background, Many therapeutic modalities have been suggested for treatment of the chronic hand eczema. Despite good immediate efficacy of some of these treatments, there is high recurrence of the dermatitis following cessation of the treatment. Aim, Regarding the beneficial effects of the zinc sulfate on the skin, we designed a double blind study to evaluate the efficacy of the ,0.05% Clobetasol + 2.5% zinc sulphate' cream versus ,0.05% Clobetasol alone' cream in the treatment of the chronic hand eczema. Subjects and Methods, This study was a double-blind, right to left, prospective, clinical trial. In total, 47 patients with chronic hand eczema admitted to dermatology center of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were selected and their right hand or left hand were selected at random to be treated with either the ,0.05% Clobetasol + 2.5% zinc sulphate' cream or ,0.05% Clobetasol alone' cream twice daily for 2 weeks. All of the patients were treated for 2 weeks and were followed up at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 after starting the treatment. For determining the severity of chronic hand eczema, we assessed and scored 4 different characteristics of the lesions including redness; scaling; lichenification and pruritus. The data were analyzed using SPSS program (release 13) and statistical tests including Mann-Whitney test. Results, Overall, 47 patients (94 samples) were evaluated. All of these patients had similar and symmetrical lesions on their right and left hands. Out of them, 35 patients were females and 12 patients were male. In all of the evaluated characterisitics, the ,0.05% Clobetasol + 2.5% zinc sulphate' cream was more effective than ,0.05% Clobetasol alone' cream (P < 0.05). The recurrence rate of eczema was significantly lower in the group treated with this combination treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion, With regard to the encouraging results of the combination treatment with Clobetasol + zinc sulphate, we suggest that in a more extensive clinical trial, the efficacy of this treatment against chronic hand dermatitis be evaluated. In addition, evaluation of this combination therapy against other inflammatory dermatosis seems to be logical. [source]