A Comparison of the Central & Peripheral Theories of Work Decrement Through the Separation of Stimulus & Response Components in the Mental Imagery of a Motor Task

A total of 180 introductory psychology students from Western Kentucky University were tested with their left hands on the rotary pursuit apparatus. Practice conditions consisted of the following: imagery of the rotor\u27s light movements (stimulus component), imagery of pursuit-type arm movements (response component), imagery of both light movements and arm movements, imagery of the integrated task, and a no practice control group. Nine-minute rest periods were given to half of the subjects in each of these conditions. In addition to providing a better understanding of the processes underlying mental imagery through the breakdown of its components, differences between the stimulus and the response groups would have allowed an assessment of the two theories of work decrement. Although the results did support the use of mental imagery as an aid to skill acquisition, conclusions could not be made regarding the two theories of work decrement. The failure to demonstrate work decrement raised doubt about the reliability of the results

Public Health as Statecraft and Soul-Craft

Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint. By Lawrence O. Gostin. Berkeley: University of California Press, and New York: Milbank Memorial Fund, 2001. Pp. 491 Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader. Edited by Lawrence O. Gostin. Berkeley: University of California Press, and New York: Milbank Memorial Fund, 2002. Pp. 523. A book review should not use clich& like tour de force, but I can\u27t think of another phrase that does justice to the magnificent achievement of Lawrence Gostin in these two volumes. They belong on the shelf of every reader of this Journal and indeed of everyone whose work or interests touch on the law, ethics, healthcare, and public health policy and practice. When Public Health Law was published in 2000, it instantly became the standard-setting, comprehensive treatise on the subject. The appearance last year of Public Health Law and Ethics, a companion reader designed to facilitate teaching as well as scholarship, provides a good occasion to consider this body of work as a whole and the broad significance it holds for the philosophical foundations and future directions of public health as a profession and as an instrument of public policy. In particular, Gostin\u27s work indicates just how important it is to understand the place of public health law and ethics within the framework of liberalism as a public philosophy

Access to Hospice Care: Expanding Boundaries, Overcoming Barriers

This report looks at issues of social justice, access, and public policy in hospice and palliative care. As it examines the issues from the perspectives of social justice and fairness, it also recommends ways in which the definition of hospice can be expanded to include more Americans for a longer period of time than simply the days or months shortly before death

The Bioethics of Chronic Illness

There is a specter haunting the American health care system. It is the prospect of widespread chronic illness and disability in an aging society. With it comes a daunting challenge to our health care delivery system, social welfare services, families, and communities. And it presents an equally difficult challenge to millions of us as individuals. For prolonged, slowly debilitating chronic illnesses will most likely be our companions in the twilight of our lives. At present, it is unclear whether the American health care and social service systems are prepared to cope with the challenges, both financial and ethical, that chronic illness poses to our society. Innovative policy ideas are needed, as are continuing research, extended and better coordinated social senvice programs, and educational programs that will equip health care providers to meet the special needs of persons with chronic illnesses

Discharge Measurement and Energy Efficiency Evaluation of Irrigation Pumping Plants

No information has been available regarding efficiencies of electric irrigation pumping plants in South Dakota. Pumping plant discharge, a key parameter in the calculation of pumping plant efficiency, is often difficult to measure in the field. A project was initiated at South Dakota State University in 1976 to investigate field pumping plant efficiencies. The following objectives were established for the project. 1. To investigate various methods of measuring irrigation pumping plant discharge. 2. To develop a suitable field procedure for determining electric irrigation pumping plant efficiency. 3. To measure energy efficiency of selected electric irrigation pumping plants in South Dakota

Federalism to an Advantage: The Demise of State Blue Sky Laws Under the Uniform Securities Act

They come at an opportune time. They are the changes to the Uniform Securities Act. Although some of the changes are perfunctory, the significant changes have a fascinating common thread running through them. That fascinating thread is federalism. Changes in the Act could move regulation away from the hands of the states and make federal registration, more or less, a ticket for sales without state approval. The changes are not without opposition. This article will discuss the changes, the reactions of particular concerned groups and the perceived effects of such changes