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Results for “Utility Theory”

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PubMed2006

Collective complexes--total perspectives.

A much greater part of our identity than we generally believe is collectively determined. Awareness of the causal link between identity, its connected values and the influence exerted by these values on perception is therefore crucial. In the implicit personality model of Peabody and Goldberg (1989), the apparent wide variety of human characteristics is broken down into three broad dimensions: general evaluation, impulse control and assertiveness. My hypothesis is that the regulation of impulses can be equated with the Jungian concept of the mother and father complexes, and assertiveness with the relation between individualism and collectivism. I have utilized Montgomery's perspective theory and Jung's concepts of the union of opposites, the complex and the shadow in order to provide an alternative interpretation of the implicit personality model. According to my interpretation, the traditional values of any culture can be read against these three dimensions. These values can be seen as the greatest treasure of a culture but, at the same time, they can also be devastating if they become complex-like.

Assertiveness↗

PubMed1973

Lithium kinetics in man: effect of variation in dosage pattern.

1. Utilizing a general stochastic theory of drug kinetics we have demonstrated that from the serum concentration curve derived from a single dose of lithium, it is possible to predict the steady state concentration, the time required to reach steady state, the dependency of these quantities on the time interval between drug administrations and the fluctuations in plasma level under steady state conditions.2. It has been shown in general that the more frequently the drug is administered the higher is the steady state level, the shorter is the time required to reach steady state, and the smaller are the fluctuations.

Biopharmaceutics↗

PubMed1984

Socioeconomic demand model for dental visits.

The purpose of the present study was to develop structural socioeconomic demand models for dental visits. The explanatory variables were chosen selectively from the various theories concerning health services utilization. The models were constructed on data from a sociodental survey carried out among workers and staff members at a Danish shipyard. A sample of 988 employees was drawn by stratified random sampling and 841 persons were interviewed regarding dental visits and attitudes towards teeth and dental health services. The structural equations were estimated by means of multiple regression analysis using the two-stage least-squares method. Dental visits were influenced by dental health status, expectations about value of dental care, income, and price of dental care. Dental health was affected by the number of dental visits and age. Residence in rural areas during childhood and age had a negative effect on dental care early in life while years of schooling had a positive effect. Years of schooling had also a positive effect on expectations about value of dental care. The present study has shown that it is possible to construct structural models for the demand for dental care.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed2006

An integrative research review: effective school-based childhood overweight interventions.

PURPOSE: To describe theoretical and methodological characteristics of effective school-based interventions that used healthy lifestyle education, dietary habits, and/or physical activity in children ages 4 to 14. DESIGN: Integrative research review. METHODS: Stetler's model of research utilization. RESULTS: Social Cognitive Theory was the stated or implied theory in eight of the 10 studies. Healthy lifestyle education was initiated in nine studies, dietary habits in four, and physical activity in eight. Four of the 10 studies used a combination of all three interventions; three used a combination of two interventions; and three used only one intervention. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Social Cognitive Theory and the role of social learning are useful when designing interventions for preventing and treating childhood overweight.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

25+ and going strong: nurse practitioners and nursing practice.

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between role attitudes and values of nurse practitioners and their level of confidence about practice knowledge and skills. The stratified random sample comprised 482 nurse practitioners representing the specialty areas of certified nurse practitioners. Findings indicate a relationship between level of confidence and role orientation. The sample also rated themselves as more confident about hands-on skills than about indirect role components such as utilization of research, change theory, and evaluation of practice outcomes.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed1993

Delay lines and amplitude selectivity are created in subthalamic auditory nuclei: the brachium of the inferior colliculus of the mustached bat.

1. The biosonar pulse of the mustached bat, Pteronotus parnellii parnellii, consists of four harmonics of a constant-frequency component (CF1-4) followed by a frequency-modulated component (FM1-4). FM-FM combination-sensitive neurons in the auditory cortex and the medical geniculate body (MGB) show facilitative responses to certain combinations of FM components in a pulse-echo pair. They are tuned to particular delays of echo FMn (EFMn) (n = 2, 3, or 4) from pulse FM1 (PFM1). The neural mechanisms for creating their response properties involve delay lines, coincidence detection, and multiplication. Coincidence detection and multiplication take place in the MGB. It is not yet known where and how delay lines are created. The first aim of the present studies is to examine whether delay lines are created by subthalamic nuclei. FM-FM neurons are tuned to not only echo delays but also echo amplitudes. Therefore, the second aim of the present studies is to examine the extent to which amplitude selectivity is created by subthalamic nuclei. Responses of single nerve fibers to acoustic stimuli were recorded from the brachium of the inferior colliculus (BIC) using tungsten wire microelectrodes, and their response latencies and best amplitudes were measured. 2. All BIC fibers responded strongly to single tone bursts. No FM-FM combination-sensitive neurons were found in the BIC. The best frequencies of BIC fibers were predominantly within the frequency ranges of four harmonics of the species-specific biosonar pulse. 3. The response latencies of BIC fibers tuned to FM1 were more diverse (3.5-15.0 ms) than those of BIC fibers tuned to FMn (3.8-6.5 ms). This difference in latency distribution was independent of stimulus amplitude. These data are consistent with the theory that delay lines utilized by FM-FM neurons are created by neurons tuned to the "FM1 frequency," and indicate that the delay lines are mostly, if not all, created in a subthalamic nucleus or nuclei. 4. The best amplitudes of BIC fibers tuned to FM1 or CF1 were 63.2 +/- 4.5 (SE) dB SPL, and those of BIC fibers tuned to FMn or CFn were 48.2 +/- 10.7 dB SPL. The distribution of the best amplitudes of BIC fibers were very similar to those of FM-FM and CF/CF neurons in the MGB. These data indicate that the amplitude selectivity of thalamic FM-FM and CF/CF neurons is mainly a product of a subthalamic nucleus or nuclei.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Moving toward a nursing model in advanced practice.

The nurse practitioner focus has been evolving from a medical to a nursing orientation since the inception of the role in 1965. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between role attitudes and values, confidence about practice knowledge and skills, and orientation to a medical or nursing model to guide practice. A national random sample of 482 nurse practitioners completed the Attitudes and Values Scale, the Confidence in Skills Scale, and a demographic survey. Findings indicate that nurse practitioners are very confident about their practice skills and knowledge and have a very strong nursing orientation. There is a direct positive correlation between level of confidence and degree of nursing orientation. Nurses in the sample also rated themselves as more confident about hands-on skills than indirect role components such as utilization of research, change theory, and evaluation of practice outcomes. The discussion interweaves this study's findings with role theory and offers a comparison and contrast to the existing body of knowledge.

Clinical Competence↗

PubMed2005

Hi5+: systematic development of a family intervention to increase fruit and vegetable intake.

This article describes the development of a peer-led home-based intervention to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and family interaction among fourth graders and their families. Hi5+ intervention content and delivery strategies were developed using two complementary processes: cognitive mapping (CM), a consumer-based approach to identifying salient issues, and intervention mapping (IM), a comprehensive planning model. Step 1 involved creating plans to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of Hi5+. We delineated our performance objectives and then prioritized those determinants we felt were most salient and changeable. Step 2 involved selecting and utilizing cognitive and behavioral theory constructs to develop intervention methods and strategies. Step 3 involved designing and pilot testing the instructional materials and other intervention components. Step 4 entailed developing plans for program adoption and implementation, while the final step (Step 5) involved creating a comprehensive evaluation plan. Implications of this multistep approach to intervention development are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Exploring the demand for a voluntary Medicare prescription drug benefit.

The purposes of this study were (1) to assess the utility of the economic theory of demand for insurance for modeling voluntary Medicare drug benefit enrollment decisions and (2) to explore the degree of adverse selection and crowd-out that might occur under a voluntary enrollment Medicare prescription benefit. Data were collected using a cross-sectional, mail survey of 2,100 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older in Wisconsin. Respondents were asked to evaluate their likelihood of enrollment in any of 4 hypothetical drug benefit plans under the assumption that they could enroll in one of the hypothetical plans or maintain their current coverage. Data analyses included bivariate comparisons across enrollment likelihood categories and logit analysis of enrollment likelihood as a function of respondent characteristics. 1041 usable survey forms were returned for an adjusted response rate of 51.5%. Older adults with 4 or more chronic conditions were most likely to report that they were "very likely" to enroll in one of the hypothetical drug plans, as were those with the highest out-of-pocket drug spending in the previous 30 days. Respondents with no or self-purchased drug benefits were more likely than those with employer-based plans to express a higher likelihood of enrollment in one of the hypothetical plans. Adverse selection may be problematic for a voluntary enrollment Medicare drug benefit. Given that high out-of-pocket drug spending (secondary to drug coverage source) was a consistent predictor of enrollment likelihood, demand-side factors affecting the crowding out of employer-based drug coverage sources by a voluntary enrollment drug benefit appear minimal. However, the availability of a Medicare prescription benefit may still lead to crowd-out through employer incentives.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Sources of coming out self-efficacy for lesbians.

The empirical literature on disclosing a lesbian sexual orientation has explored the circumstantial and demographic variables related to this act. This exploratory study utilized self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1986) to investigate the extent to which each of the four sources of efficacy information (e.g., performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, or emotional arousal) contributed to the coming out self-efficacy of lesbians, that is, the sense of confidence possessed by a lesbian to disclose her sexual orientation to others. Anonymous survey packets were completed by 134 lesbians. Results of regression analyses indicated that emotional arousal was the most potent predictor of coming out self-efficacy. Verbal persuasion and vicarious experience also were significant. The most theoretically salient source of self-efficacy information, performance accomplishments (Bandura, 1986), was not a significant predictor of coming out self-efficacy. Further, significant correlations were found between coming out self-efficacy and outness and life-style satisfaction, which were also significantly correlated to measures of psychological adjustment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Measured infrared optical cross sections for a variety of chemical and biological aerosol simulants.

We conducted a series of spectral extinction measurements on a variety of aerosolized chemical and biological simulants over the spectral range 3-13 microm using conventional Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) aerosol spectroscopy. Samples consist of both aerosolized particulates and atomized liquids. Materials considered include Bacillus subtilis endospores, lyophilized ovalbumin, polyethylene glycol, dimethicone (SF-96), and three common background materials: kaolin clay (hydrated aluminum silicate), Arizona road dust (primarily SiO2), and diesel soot. Aerosol size distributions and mass density were measured simultaneously with the FTIR spectra. As a result, all optical parameters presented here are mass normalized, i.e., in square meters per gram. In an effort to establish the utility of using Mie theory to predict such parameters, we conducted a series of calculations. For materials in which the complex indices of refraction are known, e.g., silicone oil (SF-96) and kaolin, measured size distributions were convolved with Mie theory and the resultant spectral extinction calculated. Where there was good agreement between measured and calculated extinction spectra, absorption, total scattering, and backscatter were also calculated.

Aerosols↗

PubMed1999

Listening, understanding and interpreting: reflections on complexity.

Beginning with the premise that a contemporary approach to analytic exchanges has become far more complex and multi-faceted than in earlier times, the author addresses listening, understanding and interpreting. The opening section presents the basis and utility of a proposed theory of five motivational systems and identifies the need for a shift from conceptualising 'structures' to systems. The nature of communication during analysis is considered from several standpoints including listening for needs and intentions, the place of theory as a background to listening, an optimal state for analysand and analyst, and the significance of the distinction between inner monologue and spoken discourse. Differing views of free association and narrative, especially questions arising from findings of the 'adult attachment interview', are discussed. The patient's sensitivity to the presence and influence of the analyst and the analyst's recognition of non-verbal as well as verbal communications completes this section. In the final section a brief clinical example is presented to introduce a differentiated depiction of the variety of interventions that analysts employ. Throughout the paper, the author presents his view of listening, understanding and interpreting in dialectic contrast with the many other perspectives held by analysts in this period of theoretical pluralism.

Communication↗

PubMed1993

The relationship between formal operations cognition and suitability for psychoanalytic treatment.

Psychoanalytic practice can benefit from a coherent theory of cognition that is more comprehensive than, but which includes the related concepts of primary/secondary processes. For reasons not yet understood, cognition has not received the continuing attention it deserves in psychoanalytic theory. As demonstrated, Piaget's empirical studies of cognition can potentially help the practicing psychoanalyst to clinically differentiate those patients suitable for psychoanalytic treatment. It appears that Piaget's theory may hold greater utility for psychoanalysis than has been evidenced to date and analysts may be able to eventually describe defensive operations as well as other ego functions in terms of the cognitive functions delineated by Piaget.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Correlations among measures of bladder function and comfort.

There is a need for standard functional and psychosocial measurements of compromised urinary bladder syndrome (CUBS). Utilizing Kolcaba's Comfort Theory, the purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties and relationships among 8 measures of comfort, status of urinary frequency and incontinence, and quality of life. A convenience sample of 47 persons (45 women, 2 men) ages 25 to 92, who had UI for more than 6 months, was recruited. Data were collected twice with a 2-week interval. We examined (a) 1 measure of the immediate outcome of comfort related to CUBS, (b) 5 measures of UI status, and (c) 2 measures of quality of life. Reliabilities were adequate for all measures. Relationships among variables are presented and discussed. Recommendations are made for measures that detect improvement over time related to first line interventions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1992

Assessing perceived health among older adults: conceptual review and proposed measurement model.

This paper discusses two theories of health service utilization and their relationship to the construct of perceived health. A three dimensional model of perceived health is presented. This model is discussed in the context of the unique physiological and lifestyle changes experienced by the older adult that may correlate with their perceptions of health. A proposed measurement model is offered in an attempt to tap into the multidimensional aspects of the perceived health construct.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

[An experience in nursing an acute lymphocytic leukemia patient with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter].

The Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is still in its infancy in Taiwan. It has many advantages, including safety, simplicity, and few complications during the insertion process. It is suitable for patients who need long-term parenteral administration of medication or chemotherapy. However, the duration of PICC implantation is around six months, or even up to one year. As a result, it is very important to educate patients to take care of themselves throughout the implantation period in order to prevent complications. This report describes the experience of nursing a forty-four-year old male patient who suffered from acute lymphocytic leukemia and received a PICC implantation while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. As a PICC case manager, the author utilized self-efficacy theory and devoted herself to nursing care, interviews and phone calls to collect valuable information. During the process of PICC implantation, the author analyzed the characteristics of this case and assisted the patient and his primary care giver in choosing a suitable catheter and self-care techniques to achieve minimal complications during implantation. It is hoped that, by sharing in her experience, nursing staff may enhance their ability to assist patients with PICC and to help them to maintain their quality of life.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

[Methodological bases for prognosis in medicine].

Current status of prognosis in clinical, experimental and prophylactic medicine is delineated with formulation of the purposes and feasibility of therapeutic and preventive realization of the disease onset and run prediction. Literature and first-hand experience provided the basis for grounding medical prognosis theory. Basic points in the theory are the following: utilization in the prognosis of only a complex of the most significant clinical signs of the disease, the patient's record, social and household, ecological and occupational aspects of the patient's life; comparison of the latter with leading pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the emergence and progression of the pathology; consideration of the relationships between dysfunction and morphology of the organs and systems; simultaneous analysis of the aggression factors, systemic reactivity and resistance of tissue; scrutiny of predisposition to pathological reactions. An essential aspect of medical prediction is a valid choice of mathematical methods of analysis and processing of the clinical information.

Diagnosis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Influences on instructional planning.

This study investigated the influences on instructional planning decisions of nurse academics in 12 Colleges of Advanced Education in New South Wales. Questionnaires were completed by 195 respondents and 14 nurse academics in four colleges were interviewed. Questionnaire data were analysed for trends and transcripts of the interviews were analysed for significant themes. The major constraining influences were found to be funding, workload and lack of time. Strong facilitating influences were found to be the academics' backgrounds and their beliefs concerning teaching, nurse academics, student needs, and learning. Other facilitators were heads of nursing schools, interpersonal relationships with people in nursing departments, beliefs about knowledge, students, teaching resources and 'ideal' curricula. The implications of findings for nursing academia, the utility of facilitating factor theory and confirmation of frame theory are discussed.

Curriculum↗