Coping with indefinite and negative data in deductive databases: A survey

A problem with current database systems is the limitation placed on the type of data which may be represented and manipulated within such systems. In an attempt to broaden this to a wider class of data (i.e. rules as well as facts) and a more powerful set of manipulations, the concept of a deductive database was introduced. However, for the sake of efficiency the type of rule which is allowed in a deductive database is restricted in form. This paper surveys a number of attempts to move towards less restrictive forms of rules in deductive databases which allow indefinite and negative data to be handled.     

What's in a smile?

In positive social contexts, both adults and older infants show more Duchenne smiling (which involves high cheek raising) than non-Duchenne smiling (which does not). This study compared Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles in early infancy for clues to their emotional significance. Infants (N?=?13) from 1 to 6 months of age were videotaped weekly for 5 min in 208 face-to-face interactions with their mothers. Levels of Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiling were correlated within interactive sessions, and the 2 smiles had similar developmental trajectories. Duchenne smiles were typically preceded by non-Duchenne smiles. The results suggest these frequently contrasted types of smiles occur in similar situations and are often different temporal phases of a continuous emotional process. In contrast to adults, infant Duchenne smiles had longer durations than non-Duchenne smiles, suggesting infant smiling does not fit adult models of emotional functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sexual misunderstanding: A descriptive and pragmatic formulation.

Describes an empirically common pattern in intimate relationships in which men and women attach a different significance to the act of sexual intercourse (establishing vs acknowledging an already established closeness and affirmation). The consequences for relationships involve negative views of self and partner. Therapeutic recommendations are given for working with couples for whom this misunderstanding exists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prevalence of eating disorders among African American women.

This study was the first to establish Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM—IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) prevalence rates for eating disorders by targeting an entire sample of African American college women. Participants were 413 African American women enrolled at a large, predominantly Caucasian public university in the midwestern United States. Participants were given the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnoses (L. B. Mintz, M. S. O'Halloran, A. M. Mulholland, & P. A. Schneider, 1997). No respondents were classified as having anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and 2% were classified as having an eating disorder not otherwise specified. Twenty-three percent were classified as symptomatic. Although there is some evidence that these prevalence rates may be underestimated, they are nevertheless in the same range as those obtained for comparative Caucasian samples. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Spouse abuse recidivism in the U.S. Army by gender and military status.

Recidivism by spouse abusers was investigated using records of offenders in the U.S. Army Central Registry. Recidivism by gender and military status (active-duty or civilian spouse) was compared over a 70-month period. Between fiscal years 1989–1997, 48,330 offenders were identified in initial and recidivist incidents. Recidivism was analyzed by means of a Cox proportional hazard rate model, controlling for age, race, number of dependents, education, and substance abuse. Two different sets of survival curves were obtained: (a) Men were much more likely than women to have a recurrence and (b) within gender, civilians were more likely to have a recurrence than were active-duty military personnel. At 70 months, 30% of the male civilian offenders and 27% of the male active-duty offenders had committed a subsequent spouse abuse incident compared with 20% of the female civilian offenders and 18% of the female active-duty offenders, controlling for other variables. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Analyzing relational control in family therapy interviews.

Extends Ericson and Rogers's (1973) Relational Communication Control Coding System (RCCCS) to family contexts. The original system operationalized the constructs of symmetry and complementarity in dyadic communication by allowing a mapping of interpersonal control dynamics in 2-person relations. Because the RCCCS was devised for dyads only, we made several modifications in order to handle the complexity of communication among 3 or more persons. New coding rules were necessary because in families messages are not always reciprocal or direct. One person may intercept the exchange between 2 others, disconfirm another by turning to a 3rd, or speak indirectly to someone through a 3rd party. Speakers often send multiple messages that attempt a coalition, that is, joining with one party to challenge another. An illustrative excerpt shows the kinds of indexes provided by the system. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The natural history of cigarette smoking: Predicting young-adult smoking outcomes from adolescent smoking patterns.

Assessed the magnitude of risk that adolescent cigarette smoking carries for adult smoking, using longitudinal data from 4,156 Ss surveyed originally during Grades 6–12 and followed up after completion of high school. Even infrequent experimentation (i.e., smoking only a few cigarettes) in adolescence significantly raised the risk for adult smoking by a factor of 16 compared to nonsmoking adolescents. Relative risk was also increased by early onset of smoking and by a stable, uninterrupted course from experimentation to regular smoking. Data support the importance of primary prevention programs directed at adolescent populations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)