Addressing group dynamics in a brief motivational intervention for college student drinkers

Previous research indicates that brief motivational interventions for college student drinkers may be less effective in group settings than individual settings. Social psychological theories about counterproductive group dynamics may partially explain this finding. The present study examined potential problems with group motivational interventions by comparing outcomes from a standard group motivational intervention (SGMI; n = 25), an enhanced group motivational intervention (EGMI; n = 27) designed to suppress counterproductive processes, and a no intervention control (n = 23). SGMI and EGMI participants reported disruptive group dynamics as evidenced by low elaboration likelihood, production blocking, and social loafing, though the level of disturbance was significantly lower for EGMI individuals (p = .001). Despite counteracting group dynamics in the EGMI condition, participants in the two interventions were statistically similar in post-intervention problem recognition and future drinking intentions. The results raise concerns over implementing individually-based interventions in group settings without making necessary adjustments.     

Strategic assessment—A rational response to university cutbacks

Effective strategic assessment and planning is required if public higher education is to cope with the problems of the next two decades. This article suggests an approach that can be easily adapted to most public post-secondary institutions, based on a strategic plan devised to combat decline in enrolment and fiscal reduction in a State educational institution.     

A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Assessment of Tetrachloroethylene in Groundwater for a Bathing and Showering Determination

A two-step methodology is described to make a health-based determination for the bathing and showering use of the water from a private well contaminated with volatile organic chemicals. The chemical perchloroethylene (PERC) is utilized to illustrate the approach. First, a chemical-specific exposure model is used to predict the concentration of PERC in the shower air, shower water, and in the air above the bathtub. Second, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model is used to predict the concentration of PERC delivered to the target tissue, the brain, since the focus is on neurological endpoints. The simulation exercise includes concurrent dermal and inhalation routes of exposure. A reference target tissue level (RTTL) in the brain is estimated using the PBPK model. A hazard index based on this benchmark guideline is used to make a regulatory determination for bathing and showering use of the contaminated water.     

A dose-response analysis of skin cancer from inorganic arsenic in drinking water

A study of the prevalence of skin cancer among 40,421 persons consuming arsenic-contaminated drinking water in Taiwan was used for a cancer dose-response assessment of ingested arsenic. The numbers of persons at risk over three dose intervals and four exposure durations were estimated from the data in order to apply the method of maximum likelihood to a multistage-Weibull time/dose-response model. A constant exposure level since birth for each of the exposure categories was assumed. It was found that the cumulative hazard increases as a power of three in age, and is linear or quadratic (with a linear coefficient) in dose. Observations from a smaller epidemiologic survey in Mexico were similar to what would be predicted from the model of the Taiwan data. Assuming that the skin cancer risk from ingested arsenic in the American population would also be similar to the Taiwan population, an American male would have a lifetime risk of developing skin cancer of 1.3 x 10(-3) (3.0 x 10(-3] if exposed to 1 microgram/kg/day for a 76-year lifespan (median lifespan in the U.S.).     

The medical device payment controversy rages on

Who will pay for investigational research? This seemingly endless debate assumes different guises as different aspects of the health care industry come under scrutiny. The latest wrinkle in the debate involves reimbursement for devices that are not FDA approved. My September column discussed the issue of funding investigational cancer therapies, specifically high-dose therapy and bone marrow transplant, as treatments for various malignancies. That controversy was centered on the use of FDA-approved drugs in settings beyond the labeled indications. However, the issue with medical devices is different. It involves implantable devices that the FDA says have not proven to be safe and effective.     

Appraising financial performance for financial institutions

The author is an investment analyst whose area of specialization is financial shares, especially in banking. The prime responsibility of the investment analyst is to the investment institutions. However, the information available to the analyst is no more than that available to shareholders in the institution being monitored. The expertise of the analyst is in seeking out the information and interpreting it for the client. There has been a considerable improvement in investor relations in the U.K. in the past few years. The author suggests that more information could be provided by the U.K. Clearing Banks—information which is readily available within the banks—which would enable the investment analyst to make important comparisons from data which is not at present available to him.     

HIV among people with mental illness: contributing factors, prevention needs, barriers, and strategies

1. Findings suggest that PWMI, including those with serious mental illness, are sexually active although some individuals, including mental health professionals, perceive them to be asexual or not sexually active. 2. PWMI may be particularly susceptible to HIV risk-related behaviors due to poor judgment, limited impulse control, deficits in problem-solving skills, and suicidal intent and self-destructive behavior. 3. Nurses, due to their close interaction with PWMI, are in key positions to document HIV risk-related behaviors and to advocate for integrating HIV risk reduction strategies into the therapeutic milieu.     

No foot in the door: an experimental study of employment discrimination against older workers

Pairs of testers, one aged 57 and one aged 32, applied for 102 entry-level sales or management jobs in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Although their credentials described them as equally qualified, the older applicants received less favorable responses from employers 41.2% of the time. Three quarters of these differences occurred before older applicants could fully present their qualifications. The negative employer assumptions about older workers implied by these differences in outcome were seldom explicitly stated.