Nonverbal relational control in family communication

A nonverbal component for an observational coding system of verbal relational control, the Family Relational Communication Control Coding System (FRCCCS; Friedlander & Heatherington, 1989) was developed and validated for research with families or other groups. In so doing, it was demonstrated that nonverbal relational control behaviors can be reliably identified and that these behaviors enhance communicative meaning in predictable ways. First, a pool of nonverbal behaviors with relational control meaning (e.g., head nod, raised eyebrow) was identified from consultation with family therapy researchers and from the literature. Second, the behaviors that were retained from the results of a content validity test were perceived by three independent samples as commonly understood, discrete attempts to either gain control (one-up) or relinquish control (one down) of a social relationship. Still other behaviors were eliminated based on results of a cluster analysis, the interpretation of which was the basis for composing operational definitions for four classes of nonverbal behaviors. Finally, assessments of the interjudge reliability and criterion validity of the nonverbal coding scheme supported its psychometric adequacy. Comparison of effect sizes showed that these discrete nonverbal behaviors accounted for over twice the variance in observers' perceptions as the verbal behaviors.     

THE IMPACT OF R&D INVESTMENT ON PRODUCTIVITY–NEW EVIDENCE USING LINKED R&D–LRD DATA

This paper uses confidential Census longitudinal microdata to examine the association between R&D and productivity for the period 1972–1985. These data allow for significant improvements in measurement and model specification, yielding more precise estimates of the returns to R&D. Our results confirm the findings of existing studies: 1) positive returns to R&D investment 2) higher returns to company-financed research 3) a productivity "premium" on basic research These results are robust to adjustments for "influential outliers." Also, our evidence suggests that the return to company-financed R&D is an increasing function of firm size.     

Active Commuting Patterns at a Large,Midwestern College Campus

Abstract

Objective: To understand patterns and influences on active commuting (AC) behavior. Participants: Students and faculty/staff at a university campus. Methods: In April–May 2008, respondents answered an online survey about mode of travel to campus and influences on commuting decisions. Hierarchical regression analyses predicted variance in walking and biking using sets of demographic, psychological, and environmental variables. Results: Of 898 respondents, 55.7% were female, 457 were students (50.4%). Students reported more AC than faculty/staff. For students, the models explained 36.2% and 29.1% of the variance in walking and biking, respectively. Among faculty/staff, the models explained 45% and 25.8% of the variance in walking and biking. For all models, the psychological set explained the greatest amount of variance. Conclusions: With current economic and ecological concerns, AC should be considered a behavior to target for campus health promotion.     

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk in Collegiate Football Players and Nonathletes

Abstract

Collegiate American football players may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. Objective: To compare cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiovascular structure and function parameters of football players, stratified by position, to a group of sedentary, nonathletes. Participants: Twenty-six collegiate football players and 13 nonathletes participated in this study. Methods: Blood pressures, anthropometrics, and blood chemistries were obtained and analyzed using standardized procedures. Resting echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac morphology and function. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation was assessed using high-resolution ultrasonography. Results: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was significantly higher amongst the linemen compared to the skill-position players (46% versus 0%, p < .05). Mildly abnormal wall thickness was noted in 20% of the football players. No significant differences in vascular function were observed between the groups. Conclusions: The increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components in the collegiate linemen may increase cardiovascular disease risk.     

Neuropsychological Correlates of Performance Based Functional Status in Elder Adult Protective Services Referrals for Capacity Assessments

We have previously described high rates of executive function impairment in clients referred by Adult Protective Services (APS) to geriatric psychiatry for decision-making capacity assessments. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent relationship between neuropsychological screening instruments, particularly instruments sensitive to executive function, and performance-based functional tasks in elder referrals. Our retrospective medical review (n = 75/157 referrals completed all neuropsychological and functional assessments) revealed that only the Executive Interview (EXIT25) contributed independent variance to money management performance (R² = 0.29, p < 0.001), telephone use ability (R² = 0.39, p < 0.001), and summed performance (R² = 0.45, p < 0.001). Executive instruments may specifically inform decision-making capacity assessments.     

Least Restrictive or Least Understood? Waist Restraints,Provider Practices,and Risk of Harm

Since implementation of The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, restraint use in American nursing homes has reduced dramatically. The reduction in vest restraints has resulted in an increase in “least restrictive” devices such as waist restraints. Although this analysis of U.S. Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting Data Files found that waist devices pose the same potential risk for asphyxial death as vest restraints, few health professionals and consumers are aware of this outcome. Post-marketing device reporting needs better data quality and surveillance, which can certainly benefit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in their efforts to regulate and enforce standards of care that reduce deaths and injuries to vulnerable nursing home residents.     

Birth Mothers' Perceptions of Their Parented Children's Knowledge of and Involvement in Adoption

An examination of birth mothers' perceptions of the relationship between the children she is parenting and the children she placed for adoption offers unique insight into the life course of openness. In the present study, 94 birth mothers from the United States participated in a semi-structured interview, discussing their oldest parented children's knowledge of and experience with their siblings placed for adoption. Results show that 59 birth mothers have an oldest parented child who is aware of their adopted sibling, although 4 of these do not know their true relationship with the adopted sibling. Of these, 27 had direct contact with the adopted sibling, 4 had indirect contact through the birth mother, and 1 had previous contact that has since ceased. A majority of birth mothers indicated that their oldest parented child would like more contact, direct contact, or more information about the adopted youth. Implications for research and practice with birth mothers and their children separated by adoption are discussed.