An approach to novice driver training

IntroductionBased upon neuroscience findings relevant to emerging adults, this paper considers 12 cognitive and behavioural features of young drivers’ performance and possible ameliorative strategies to address them.Literature findingsEvidence is explored on the extent to which each has been identified and evaluated in respect of young driver training and education in driving performance. The paper considers the extent to which each of these contributions to young driver safety is feasible and has been adopted, identifying those for which further development and implementation is required.DiscussionBased upon neuroscience findings as well as the evidence summarised in this paper, it concludes with an outline of an –“ideal”– training program for young novice drivers.     

研究员工和组织关系的新视角:个别协议

个别协议(Idiosyncratic deals,简写为I-deals)指意在使单个员工和雇主双方均受益的,经两者协商而定的,个性化的工作安置(Rousseau,2005)。个别协议可以作为组织和员工良好心理联系的现实依据,它是组织吸引、保留核心员工的重要策略。本文从个别协议的概念、渊源、测量方式、以及与相关组织现象的研究现状等方面,进行了回顾,并提出相应建议。文章最后探讨了个别协议未来的研究手段、结构和对象等新方向。     

White Matter Hyperintensities and Working Memory: An Explorative Study

ABSTRACT

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are commonly observed in elderly people and may have the most profound effect on executive functions, including working memory. Surprisingly, the Digit Span backward, a frequently employed working memory task, reveals no association with WMH. In the present study, it was investigated whether more detailed analyses of WMH variables and study sample selection are important when establishing a possible relationship between the Digit Span backward and WMH. To accomplish this, the Digit Span backward and additional working memory tests, WMH subscores, and cardiovascular risk factors were examined. The results revealed that performance on the Digit Span backward test is unrelated to WMH, whereas a relationship between other working memory tests and WMH was confirmed. Furthermore, a division between several white matter regions seems important; hyperintensities in the frontal deep white matter regions were the strongest predictor of working memory performance.     

Exploring the Application of Actuarial Criminology in Southern Africa

In response to the declared intent of the White Paper on Corrections (Department of Corrections, 2005) to transform prisons into needs-based centers of reform, the Self-appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ) was used to explore its potential as a reliable and valid prediction scale for recidivism in the diverse cultural context of Southern Africa. A total of 269 incarcerated males agreed to be anonymously assessed. Furthermore, 38 offenders with a history of maladjustment and disciplinary problems were identified for comparison. An alpha score of.90 as well as moderate to high or high to excellent coefficient alphas for six out of the seven subscales confirm the SAQ to be a reliable assessment instrument within the Southern African context. All correlation coefficients (criminal tendencies, antisocial personality problems, conduct problems, criminal history, alcohol and drug abuse, antisocial associates and anger) also measured significantly at the 0.01 level while the scores of the 38 isolated cases suggested higher scores in relation to conduct disorder, antisocial personality trends, anger and consequently criminal history.     

Behavioural characteristics of offenders with mental health disorders in a South African prison population

This exploratory study profiled behavioural characteristics of a non-random sample of 91 offenders with mental illness in a South African correctional facility. The sample is directly related to diagnosed cases from the correctional psychiatrist's case load. The most prevalent mental disorders diagnosed amongst the research participants of this sample specific profile were schizophrenia (33%), major depressive (27.5%), bipolar mood (12.1%) and psychotic disorders (11%).     

The ‘coming of age’ for Southern African psychobiography

This study investigated the effects of perceived values (personal, artistic, and sociocultural) of tourists’ attitude and behavioural intention to visit Africa. Participants were tourists (176 men and 124 women) who visited the Museum of African Art based on Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea. Results, following hierarchical analysis, suggest personal value and sociocultural value rather than artistic value to predict tourists’ attitude and behavioural intention to visit Africa. The findings of this study imply that personal and sociocultural predispositions lead to the tourists’ likely adoption of a tourist destination beyond familiarities with artistic works associated with the destination. Tourism promotion campaigns aimed at promoting African as a destination should customise messages to address the personal and sociocultural predispositions of would-be international tourists.     

Exploring the Intersecting Health Risks of Substance Abuse,Sexual Risk,and Violence for Female South African Teen Dropouts

The study sought to better understand the cultural contexts of the risks for adolescent females who have dropped out of school. Focus groups were conducted with 37 Black and Coloured females aged 13 to 17 in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were analysed using content analysis. Methamphetamine, cannabis, and alcohol were used by both, however, Black teens also used methaqualone and Coloured teens used heroin and ecstasy. Some teens traded sex for drugs and others did so at the request of their drug-addicted mothers. Teens revealed high rates of violence, including rape, and many myths and barriers about condom use, revealing risky sex behaviours. Conclusion—Cultural nuances between the two groups will help inform the adaptation of an HIV prevention intervention.     

Sex Offender Assessment Procedures: A South African Comparison

This study reports on the results of a reflective case analysis of a first generation assessment procedure of a chronic offender. The assessment focused on offender's experiential world and his pathway to crime, including precipitating crime risk factors as well as treatment needs to direct an intervention. The results of this assessment are compared with the results of a third-generation appraisal scale to evaluate the corresponding and/or different findings of these assessments. Findings suggest comparability of corresponding assessment indicators, suggesting that first and third generation assessment techniques can be integrated in corrections rehabilitation.     

Substance Use Among High School Athletes

SUMMARY

During the past two decades, prevention specialists have responded to concerns about youthful substance use by developing a variety of programs. The most effective of these programs have been based upon our understanding of the risk and protective factors involved. While student-athletes generally share the same level of risk as other high school students, as a group, they may have other characteristics that can be considered. In addition, the special socializing experience of participating in athletics may present special opportunities for prevention. We suggest that it is prudent to build upon important lessons in designing programs for student athletes and we provide, as a starting point, an overview of twelve key processes with demonstrated impact.