Facilitating Public Participation in Toxic Waste Management Through Engaging ‘The <Emphasis Type="Italic">Object</Emphasis> of Politics’

This paper uses the experience of local community involvement in the disposal of the world’s largest stockpile of toxic hexachlorobenzene waste, at Botany in Sydney, to refine insights regarding strategies for facilitating public participation in such challenging scientific and technological problems. Recent research focussed upon the politics of such issues is used to clarify a critical epistemological role for non-expert community stakeholders building upon an earlier analysis of this case study. This public input can help resolve issues that escape traditional political and/or technical control by enhancing the participatory process and facilitating further attention to the contextual dimensions of planned outcomes. These are then couched in terms of a collectively agreed set of objectives whose integrative character is more conducive to effective outcomes than the traditional, narrower focus upon technical options.     

Bayesian emulation of complex multi-output and dynamic computer models

Computer models are widely used in scientific research to study and predict the behaviour of complex systems. The run times of computer-intensive simulators are often such that it is impractical to make the thousands of model runs that are conventionally required for sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis or calibration. In response to this problem, highly efficient techniques have recently been developed based on a statistical meta-model (the emulator) that is built to approximate the computer model. The approach, however, is less straightforward for dynamic simulators, designed to represent time-evolving systems. Generalisations of the established methodology to allow for dynamic emulation are here proposed and contrasted. Advantages and difficulties are discussed and illustrated with an application to the Sheffield Dynamic Global Vegetation Model, developed within the UK Centre for Terrestrial Carbon Dynamics.     

Comparison of older adult performance during the functional-reach and limits-of-stability tests

Despite widespread use of the functional-reach (FR) and limits-of-stability (LOS) tests, comparisons of postural strategies and postural limits for these tests have not been previously reported. The purpose of this study was to compare postural strategies as determined by cross-correlation analyses of trunk and lower leg angular displacements and postural limits as assessed by maximum center-of-gravity (COG) excursions as older adults at low fall risk completed the FR and LOS tests. Fourteen older adults completed three FR and LOS trials while standing on a Balance Master force platform. Results indicated that despite relatively similar instructions to reach or lean as far as possible without losing balance or altering the base of support, their performance differed with regard to postural strategies employed and maximum COG excursions produced. These findings suggest that because of differences in task constraints, FR and LOS tests should not be used interchangeably.     

Development of a lateral mobility task to identify individuals at risk for mobility disability and functional decline

Lateral mobility is integral to many activities of daily living involving transfer from one position to another. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the validity and test-retest reliability of a lateral-mobility (LATMOB) task for older adults. Measurements of lateral mobility, balance, and strength and self-reported and performance-based physical functioning were obtained in 63 women and 77 men > or = 50 years of age. The LATMOB task was significantly correlated with age, knee-extensor strength, grip strength, functional reach, and one-leg-stance time. Test-retest reliability of the task was excellent. The LATMOB task was highly correlated with the car task. Balance was significantly correlated with time to get into and out of a car and performance on the LATMOB task. The LATMOB task was significantly correlated with the Short Physical Performance Battery score. The LATMOB task is valid and reliable, but additional work is needed to assess its sensitivity to change and predictive validity.     

Response distortion in adolescents who smoke: a pilot study

A wide range of data are obtained with self-report. Information obtained from persons using substances is generally reliable and valid, however, many studies show that some proportion of self-reports regarding substance use are inaccurate. This study examines self-reported response distortion in adolescents who received a brief intervention to reduce their smoking. Findings indicate that age and ethnicity of respondent may influence reported response distortion. Factors that appear to influence under- and over-reporting include social desirability and fear of repercussion. Response distortion does not appear to affect rated usefulness of the intervention, nor does intervention type appear to influence whether respondents thought the researcher wanted them to report less use. Results point to the need for further research regarding adolescents and response distortion.     

Ethnic Group and Social Class Differences in College Students' Career Development

The purpose of this investigation was to examine ethnic group and social class differences in 401 college students' career development. Assessments of career development included career decision-making attitudes, vocational congruence, and career decision-making skills. Statistical analyses did not reveal any social class differences in career development. Ethnic group differences, however, were observed, including significant differences in career decision-making attitudes and vocational congruence. Findings suggest that current theories of career development are lacking in their application to today's ethnically diverse college population. Future directions for cross-cultural career development research and implications for career counselors are discussed.     

Factor structure of quality of life: The Lehman interview

This study of 67 chronically mentally ill outpatients with psychotic disorders examined subjective quality of life scores from Lehman's Quality of Life (QOL) interview. Factor analyses identified ‘Affiliative’ and ‘Instrumental’ dimensions which accounted for 67% of the variance in subjective satisfaction ratings. The results suggest a model in which instrumental and affiliative needs comprise significant portions of subjective life satisfaction and that global QOL satisfaction is related more to instrumental than affiliative needs. These findings further clarify the concept of life satisfaction in this population of severely mentally ill individuals and suggest modifications in how quality of life information is evaluated.     

The Iowa Gambling Treatment Program: Treatment Outcomes for a Follow-up Sample

The Iowa Gambling Treatment Program (IGTP) amassed participant data for gamblers and concerned others of gamblers over 4 years (1997–2001). Data collection opportunities included: (1) crisis contacts, (2) placement screening, (3) admission, (4) treatment services, (5) discharge, and (6) follow-up. Among followed gamblers, 74% of treatment completers, 49% of substantial treatment completers, and 36% of dropouts and referrals were abstaining from gambling at 6-month follow-up. The reduction in dollars lost to gambling was similar; 85% of treatment completers, 88% of substantial treatment completers, and 65% of others reduced their dollars lost per week. Although more extensive follow-up efforts are needed to properly evaluate the effectiveness of the IGTP, these results suggest that the IGTP shows promise.