Recommendations For Future Research Efforts Research Articles

Vitamin A, Mastitis, and Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV-1 through Breast-feeding: Current Information and Gaps in Knowledge

Mastitis has been implicated as a risk factor for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1 through breast-feeding. Maternal vitamin A deficiency is also associated with increased MTCT, as well as with episodes of mastitis in lactating animals. This review describes the complex interrelationship between vitamin A, mastitis, and MTCT of HIV-1 via mothers' milk. Current gaps in knowledge, as well as recommendations for future research efforts, are also discussed.

Advancing the Science of Perceptual Accuracy in Pediatric Asthma and Diabetes

To review research on perceptual accuracy in pediatric asthma and diabetes and to provide recommendations for future research efforts and clinical applications of the construct in these populations. A literature search was conducted using Medline and PsychInfo databases as well as the bibliographies of relevant articles. Children and adolescents with asthma or diabetes evidence considerable variability in perceptual accuracy and frequently make clinically relevant errors that have the potential to affect self-management behavior. Recommendations for future research include studying distinct types of perceptual errors, empirically supporting the relationship between perceptual accuracy and relevant outcomes, identifying factors related to perceptual inaccuracy, and conducting longitudinal research and intervention studies. Recommendations for applying the construct in clinical practice include adopting an individualized approach to symptoms to guide patient education and management, identifying patients prone to making clinically relevant errors, and developing and implementing interventions to improve accuracy.

Treatment integrity: Implications for training.

Perepletchikova and Kazdin (this issue) reviewed the extant literature on the relationship between treatment integrity and therapy outcomes. The empirical literature on this relationship is inconsistent, and the authors note existing limitations in current research strategies and provide recommendations for future research efforts. This commentary explores the implications that a focus on treatment integrity has for training. As such, comments are offered on a number of conceptual, methodological, and practical issues relating to treatment integrity, instruction in empirically supported treatments, competence, and the training of future clinical psychologists.

Snow chemistry across Antarctica

AbstractAn updated compilation of published and new data of major-ion (Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Na, NO3, SO4) and methylsulfonate (MS) concentrations in snow from 520 Antarctic sites is provided by the national ITASE (International Trans-Antarctic Scientific Expedition) programmes of Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States and the national Antarctic programme of Finland. The comparison shows that snow chemistry concentrations vary by up to four orders of magnitude across Antarctica and exhibit distinct geographical patterns. The Antarctic-wide comparison of glaciochemical records provides a unique opportunity to improve our understanding of the fundamental factors that ultimately control the chemistry of snow or ice samples. This paper aims to initiate data compilation and administration in order to provide a framework for facilitation of Antarctic-wide snow chemistry discussions across all ITASE nations and other contributing groups. The data are made available through the ITASE web page (http://www2.umaine.edu/itase/content/syngroups/snowchem.html) and will be updated with new data as they are provided. In addition, recommendations for future research efforts are summarized.

Validating School Social Work: An Evaluation of a Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Reduce School Violence

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of anger control training with conduct-disordered male adolescents at a day treatment program. Method: A multiple baseline single-subject design across subjects was used to assess matched pairs of students (8 experimental and 8 control students). Combined visual analyses and group comparison methods were used in the assessment. Results: The experimental students significantly improved in their weekly self-reports of using better anger control and experiencing more positive management and expression of anger. The experimental students also significantly improved in their use of self-control as shown by a pretest through 6-month follow-up assessment. Conclusion: This research effort provides some evidence that a cognitive-behavioral approach is one method of effectively reducing school violence when compared with a nonspecific counseling approach alone. Recommendations for future research efforts are offered given some of the limitations of the study.

HIV Sexual Risk Reduction Interventions With Heterosexual Men: The Forgotten Group

This paper reviews published evaluations (through fall 1998) of HIV sexual risk reduction programs conducted in the United States that have targeted adult heterosexual men. The review was limited to studies that provided a male-specific analysis of intervention effects on sexual risk behavior. Fifteen of 20 peer-reviewed studies meeting inclusion criteria demonstrated that HIV sexual risk reduction programs can be effective in reducing men's heterosexual risk behavior, although effect sizes were usually modest. Outcomes varied and included biological markers and self-reported behavior. No clear pattern distinguished effective from ineffective interventions. All intervention types (information-only; condom skills/distribution; behavioral skills–focused; HIV counseling and testing; individual risk counseling; street outreach) showed some efficacy, and there were no discernable differences by targeted population. Both group and individual delivery formats were effective. The review includes a methodologic critique, identifies research gaps, and provides recommendations for future research efforts with heterosexually active men.

International Strategy Research: Cross-Cultural Methodology Implications

This methodological assessment of international strategic management (ISM) research is based on a review of key scholarly journals. The objectives of the analyses that follow are to offer an overview of research methodologies used in ISM studies, to assess the extent to which cross-cultural research issues and techniques are observed in the ISM literature, and to make recommendations for future research efforts. It is evident from this review that greater attention to cross-cultural/national methodology considerations is necessary even in single-nation studies of ISM. Key areas to which close attention in ISM studies is needed are explored and discussed in this study, and guidelines for improving future studies are offered.

Accountability for All Students: Kentucky's Alternate Portfolio Assessment for Students with Moderate and Severe Cognitive Disabilities

One of the keys to ensuring high expectations for all students is the requirement for inclusive measures of educational accountability. Recognizing this need, Congress enacted Title II, National Education Reform Leadership, Standards, and Assessments, calling for the development of state assessment systems that fully include all students, as a major component of the 1994 Goals 2000: Educate America Act. At present, Kentucky is the only state in the nation that fully includes all students within a statewide educational assessment and accountability system. Students with moderate and severe cognitive disabilities participate in Kentucky's assessment system via the Alternate Portfolio. This article describes the development of Kentucky's alternate assessment, including the content and scoring standards for the Alternate Portfolio. Specific examples of entries at each grade level (4th, 8th, and 12th) are given as well. Initial implementation data, including reliability, validity, and instructional impact measures, are presented. Finally, critical issues in the development of alternate statewide assessments are discussed, with recommendations for future research efforts in this area.

Introduction: the role of exercise in the diagnosis and management of chronic disease in children and youth.

This symposium addresses the role of exercise testing and training in the diagnosis and/or management of chronic disease in children and youth. Four different diseases or disorders will be addressed including cardiovascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular disease, and obesity. The purpose of this symposium is to enable the exercise professional to recognize the importance of the use of exercise in the diagnosis and/or management of these chronic diseases. The papers give a brief description of the pathophysiology of the disease, and the resultant effects upon the child's response to acute exercise and to training. Each author has summarized as well as contributed original research specific to the understanding and improved care of children with these conditions. Also included are practical suggestions for the implementation of exercise testing and exercise training to enhance the care and well-being of these children. Where applicable, the authors have indicated research questions and similar recommendations for future research efforts. The purpose of this symposium, therefore, is to educate medical and exercise professionals concerning the importance of exercise testing and training in the overall care of children with chronic disease.

Suicides in Jails and Prisons

Suicide is the leading cause of death in jails and prisons and the rate is at least 3 times higher than the national average. Nonetheless, suicides in jails and prisons have received little professional psychiatric attention. A review of the relevant literature reveals a limited number of studies, many of which contain serious methodological flaws. The current literature does suggest that the psychiatric morbidity in jails and prisons is increasing and that administrative and environmental variables appear to be at least equal to personal characteristics in contributing to inmate suicides. Recommendations for future research efforts and practical applications are made.