Bipolar Disorder and Locus of Control: Implications for Treatment Compliance

Theoretically, a paradigm shift in the 1960s made community-based care and out-patient treatment an acceptable alternative to institutionalization of the chronically mentally ill. Utilizing the Levenson Multidimensional Locus of Control Scale for Psychiatric Patients, the author conducted a causal-comparative study to determine if a link exists between having bipolar disorder, a chronic mental illness, and an external locus of control, a link which might explain the inability of this population to maintain their optimal level of mental health utilizing the out-patient treatment model. Though the study failed to demonstrate any significant differences in external measures of loci of control between the control group and the bipolar disorder group, it also fa1iled to demonstrate a significant difference in measure between the groups on the internality scale. This leads the researcher to further hypothesize that the solution to improving out-patient treatment compliance may lie in strengthening and reinforcing the patient\u27s internality rather than focusing on significant measures of externality found in several other researchers\u27 findings. Additionally, the author provides a view of bipolar disorder and the barriers which conflict with activities of daily living and health maintenance for this population

Beach Quality and Recreational Values: A Pictorialized Stated Preference Analysis of Residents and Tourists

Much of Hawaii’s economy relies on its unique marine environments, which are threatened by degradation from stormwater runoff. Using a stated preference method of choice-based conjoint (CBC) analysis, based on stylized photographs, this study examines both residents’ and visitors’ marginal value for levels of attributes associated with Hawaiian beach recreation. Each attribute (sand quality, water quality, congestion and water safety conditions) was significant for both residents and tourists, with water quality being the single most important attribute. There is little distinction between resident and tourist marginal value, except for a greater value lost for below average water quality among tourists.Nonmarket Valuation, WTP, Beach, Environmental Economics and Policy, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

AN ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF GRADES AND HOUSEBRAND LABELS IN THE RETAIL BEEF MARKET

The congruence of beef consumersÂ’ purchases with their stated preferences regarding internal fat content are examined. The role of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grades and housebrand labeling of beef in providing information to consumers is studied in the theoretical framework of search theory. The empirical results indicate that the current system of USDA grades and housebrand labels is not disseminating information regarding internal fat content effectively to consumers. Suggestions are made for providing consumers with better information and education necessary to increase congruence of expressed preferences regarding internal fat content and actual beef purchases.Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Livestock Production/Industries,

The Importance of Open-Space Value for Land Use Policy in Hawaii

It was estimated that the open-space value of 15,000 acres of former sugarcane land on Oahu would be worth more than $21 million to residents of the island, based on a 1995 survey. Only 6 percent of the Oahu residents surveyed preferred a development use over an open-space use. A formal method of accounting for open-space value needs to be developed, or more land may be zoned urban than is socially desirable

The Market for Hawaii-Grown Natural and Organic Beef

Characteristics of the organic food market with relevance to marketing Hawaii beef products are discussed

Marketing in Hawaii's Arts-and-Crafts Industry

A consumer survey at an arts-and-crafts fair indicated that the primary consideration in the purchase of arts-and-crafts products was uniqueness. If the respondents attending that crafts fair are representative, constant product innovation will be necessary to attract sales and result in growth in arts-and-crafts businesses. The relationship between quality and price was another important factor

Managing Hazardous Household Products

This is a guide to assessing risks of use, storage, and disposal of household chemicals, and to developing an action plan to reduce potential impacts of these materials

Pet Waste Management

Potential problems with the wastes of household pets, particularly dogs and cats, and suggestions for minimizing them, are described

Mapping Your House and Yard to Identify Pollution Risks

Although intended primarily for schoolchildren, this guide can help increase homeowners' awareness of pollution risks