An algorithmic study of switch graphs

We derive a variety of results on the algorithmics of switch graphs. On the negative side we prove hardness of the following problems: Given a switch graph, does it possess a bipartite/planar/triangle-free/Eulerian configuration? On the positive side we design fast algorithms for several connectivity problems in undirected switch graphs, and for recognizing acyclic configurations in directed switch graphs.     

Turn-taking in mother–infant interaction: An examination of vocalizations and gaze.

Two laboratory studies are reported in which analyses were made of vocal coordination and gaze in mother–infant play. The first was a cross-sectional comparison of 12-, 18-, and 24-month-old children, 6 in each group; the second a longitudinal study in which 17 children were examined quarterly from 9 to 24 months and a subset of 9 continued quarterly to 36 months. Three questions were addressed: When do infants begin to play an active role in maintaining the coordination of interactions? When do they begin to use gaze to signal that they have completed their vocalization and to indicate attention when the other person is speaking? and Are there individual differences in vocal coordination and gaze that remain consistent over time? Active structuring of vocal interaction was found by the end of the second year, and gaze began to approximate the typical adult pattern of signaling as early as 18 months. There were marked and consistent individual differences. The implications for theory and research are discussed, particularly in conversational pragmatics. (47 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

What can we learn from patients with heart failure about exercise adherence? A systematic review of qualitative papers.

Objectives: Keeping physically active has been shown to bring positive outcomes for patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF). However, a number of individuals with this health problem do not undertake regular exercise. A review of extant qualitative research was conducted to explore what it can tell us about barriers and enablers to physical activity among people with HF. Methods: A systematic search, involving electronic databases and endeavors to locate gray literature, was carried out to identify relevant qualitative studies published from 1980 onward. Data from retrieved papers were combined using framework analysis. Papers read in full numbered 32, and 20 were included in the review. Results: Synthesis of results from the 20 studies resulted in 4 main themes: Changing soma, negative emotional response, adjusting to altered status, and interpersonal influences. How individuals responded to their diagnosis and their altered physical status related to their activity levels, as did the degree of encouragement to exercise coming from family, friends, and professionals. These findings can be connected to the theory of behavioral change developed by Bandura, known as social cognitive theory (SCT). Conclusions: SCT may be a useful framework for developing interventions to support patients with HF in undertaking and maintaining regular exercise patterns. Specific components of SCT that practitioners may wish to consider include self-efficacy and outcome expectancies. These were issues referred to in papers for the systematic review that appear to be particularly related to exercise adherence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)