Using the integrative model of behavioral prediction to understand college students’ STI testing beliefs,intentions, and behaviors

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To identify salient behavioral determinants related to STI testing among college students by testing a model based on the integrative model of behavioral (IMBP) prediction. Participants: 265 undergraduate students from a large university in the Southeastern US. Methods:Formative and survey research to test an IMBP-based model that explores the relationships between determinants and STI testing intention and behavior. Results: of path analyses supported a model in which attitudinal beliefs predicted intention and intention predicted behavior. Normative beliefs and behavioral control beliefs were not significant in the model; however, select individual normative and control beliefs were significantly correlated with intention and behavior. Conclusions: Attitudinal beliefs are the strongest predictor of STI testing intention and behavior. Future efforts to increase STI testing rates should identify and target salient attitudinal beliefs.     

Man Up Monday: An integrated public health approach to increase sexually transmitted infection awareness and testing among male students at a midwest university

ABSTRACT

Objective: This campaign sought to (a) increase awareness of sexual health and chlamydia testing; (b) motivate students, particularly sexually active men who do not pursue regular sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, to get tested; and (c) improve the capacity of the student health center to provide free chlamydia testing and treatment for all students. Participants: Students enrolled at a 4-year public research university (N = 333). Methods: Collaborative partnerships formed the foundation of a campus marketing and testing campaign, with treatment for students testing positive for chlamydia. Results: A total of 333 students were tested over 5 consecutive Mondays, showing a chlamydia incidence of 9.6%. The incidence for females and males were 8.6% and 10.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The campaign was effective in reaching men, an at-risk population not traditionally emphasized in STI testing.     

未成年人刑事案件附条件不起诉制度的理论和实践

附条件不起诉作为我国近年来积极推行的司法改革制度,体现了宽严相济刑事政策、起诉便宜主义、和谐社会理念,具有良好的法律效果和社会效果。修订后的刑事诉讼法对该制度进行明文规定,完善了我国的不起诉制度体系,也必将导致附条件不起诉的全面实施。     

中国野生大豆遗传多样性研究

遗传多样性研究是保护生物学研究的重要内容之一,对种质资源的保存利用和研究有重要的理论价值及实践意义.野生大豆是栽培大豆的野生近缘种,在长期自然环境选择下形成了较为丰富的变异类型,是大豆的珍贵基因库,具有高蛋白含量、较强的抗逆性和较高的繁殖系数等优良特点,为栽培大豆的遗传育种和种质改良提供了重要的基因资源.从20世纪80年代初开始,中国科研工作者在对全国野生大豆（Glycine soja Sieb.et Zucc.）搜集考察基础上,分别从农艺性状、酶水平、基因水平和细胞质水平揭示了野生大豆的遗传多样性.近30年野生大豆遗传多样性的研究成果表明,野生大豆遗传多样性研究为野生大豆的种质保护与保存奠定了理论基础,同时,也为野生大豆作为栽培大豆的遗传资源提供了有效利用的理论依据.     

A Knowledge Based System for Assisting in Differential Diagnosis of Chemically Dependent/Mentally Ill Patients

Summary

This paper discusses the use of Knowledge Base 2.1, a computer program that administers a response dependent, structured interview to evaluate the presence of psychiatric disorders within the chemical dependency treatment setting. The writer reviews the problems commonly encountered when conducting clinical interviews, psychometric examinations and differentially diagnosing psychiatric disorders within this special population. Knowledge Base 2.1 utilizes combined computer techniques of rule driven logic, pattern matching, and an original algorithm that accomplishes a “real time retandardization” of the complete database. With each administration, standardization is implemented in an effort to adequately consider the effects of chemical dependency on psychological test performance and normative information regarding symptoms. Knowledge Base 2.1 also functions as a research tool inasmuch as all patient responses to this structured interview are permanently stored in computer files for ongoing analysis.     

The Current Role of Post-Conviction Sex Offender Polygraph Testing in Sex Offender Treatment

SUMMARY

Polygraph testing is becoming increasingly important in sex offender treatment. Polygraph advocates cite dramatic increases in historical disclosures that presumably allow more precise targeting of treatment interventions, earlier detection of risky behaviors that often lead to new offenses, and improved treatment and supervision compliance. Based on this, they believe the procedure supports desirable behavior that continues to various degrees after treatment and supervision end. Opponents cite ethical problems related to inaccurate results, unproven accuracy rates, and the risk that examinees may be coerced into making false admissions. To counter these criticisms, proponents have developed standards, best practices, and examiner training and certification programs intended to reduce error rates and address ethical issues. Opponents argue that these measures have not been tested and that empirically established error rates and best practices may not be possible for a variety of reasons. This article reviews the current situation, leaving readers to decide the wisdom and ethics of using polygraph testing in their own practices.     

News and Comment

Using personal narratives and research on teacher “communities of practice,” the authors outline a proactive response to high-stakes testing policies that places teacher learning at its center. Although research on the effects of these policies is mixed, the authors are troubled by the ways in which the policies have been used to strip teachers of their autonomy and the erosion of the value placed on their professional knowledge. The authors—who have both taught in urban schools where students had to pass high-stakes social studies tests to graduate—argue that teachers must work together to reclaim their role as leaders in response to the policies. They provide key questions that social studies teachers can use to guide an inquiry into the tests themselves and suggest ways to use the knowledge gained to better serve their students’ learning and raise test scores.     

Attitudes towards using animals in research and teaching: opinions from a selected group of female secondary school students

Abstract

This research provides details about a group of young New Zealand women's awareness of, interest in and attitudes towards the use of animals in scientific research and teaching. These findings were compared to a similar survey of the New Zealand public. An adapted, anonymous questionnaire was used to gather data from 90 young women (14–15 years) from an urban secondary school. While nearly half expressed concern about animal use in research (43%), their awareness was not consistent with the reality of animal research in New Zealand, either in terms of its impact on animals or animal species used. They were unconcerned about the use of animals in teaching and associated such use with enhanced learning. Justification for the use of animals in research and teaching was shown to be complex and contextualized, with an instrumental qualifier being used to justify their opinions. Even though many students were unaware of the regulations surrounding animal use in research and teaching, they were mistrustful that these regulations were being followed by scientists. Instead, their trust was placed in the SPCA and in veterinarians.     

国家综合配套改革试验区的改革与政策法制冲突问题研究

制度因素是区域经济发展的内生变量,政策法律制度是正式制度安排,对区域经济发展具有重要的作用.国家综合配套改革是在政策法律逐步完善基础上的改革,和早期区域经济发展缺少政策法律保障不同,更多的是两者之间的冲突,在行政管理体制领域、经济体制改革领域和社会体制改革领域都有明显表现.解决两者之间的冲突不仅需要国家层面进行解决,也需要试点区域进行推动.     

Inference of Signs of Interaction Effects in Simultaneous Games With Incomplete Information

This paper studies the inference of interaction effects in discrete simultaneous games with incomplete information. We propose a test for the signs of state‐dependent interaction effects that does not require parametric specifications of players' payoffs, the distributions of their private signals, or the equilibrium selection mechanism. The test relies on the commonly invoked assumption that players' private signals are independent conditional on observed states. The procedure is valid in (but does not rely on) the presence of multiple equilibria in the data‐generating process (DGP). As a by‐product, we propose a formal test for multiple equilibria in the DGP. We also implement the test using data on radio programming of commercial breaks in the United States, and infer stations' incentives to synchronize their commercial breaks. Our results support the earlier finding by Sweeting (2009) that stations have stronger incentives to coordinate and air commercials at the same time during rush hours and in smaller markets.