RESUMEN
Previous studies examining the relationship between response rate and reinforcement rate on variable-interval schedules (the variable-interval response function) have confounded elapsed session time with within-session changes in food density. The present experiments attempted to manipulate these factors independently and thus isolate their effects on responding. In Experiment 1, 7 rats pressed a bar for food on a series of four variable-interval schedules (7.5 s, 15 s, 30 s, and 480 s). Elapsed session time was held constant while food density was manipulated via a presession feeding. Changes in food density altered the form of the variable-interval response function, independently of elapsed session time. In Experiment 2, 8 rats responded on the same series of variable-interval schedules as in Experiment 1, but food density was held constant and elapsed session time was manipulated via the use of timeout periods. The results revealed no evidence for an effect of elapsed session time independent of food density. The present results extend a recent analysis of the variable-interval response function by Dougan, Kuh, and Vink (1993) by identifying food density as an important factor determining the form of the function. The present results also help clarify the controversy over the correct empirical form of the variable-interval response function by further defining the variables responsible for differences in the form of that function.
Asunto(s)
Conducta Alimentaria , Animales , Conducta Animal , Ratas , Esquema de Refuerzo , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
This study is a 2-year follow-up to a 1987-1988 survey of North Carolina hospitals regarding hospital utilization by patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Almost 99% of the state's hospitals participated in the re-survey for the fiscal year 1989-1990. The number of general hospitals treating these patients grew by 57%; HIV/AIDS inpatients increased by 189% from 540 to 1,561. Total general hospital charges for HIV/AIDS inpatients increased from $7,685,000 to $26,957,000, an increase of 251%. Of these charges the amount that was uncompensated by insurance increased by 293% to $7,733,000. Fifteen large tertiary general hospitals treated 80% of the HIV/AIDS inpatients and accounted for $6,093,000 (79%) of the uncompensated charges related to these patients.
Asunto(s)
Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Hospitales Generales/estadística & datos numéricos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/economía , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Infecciones por VIH/economía , Precios de Hospital/estadística & datos numéricos , Hospitales Generales/clasificación , Hospitales Generales/economía , Humanos , Seguro de Hospitalización/estadística & datos numéricos , Masculino , Medicaid/estadística & datos numéricos , Medicare/estadística & datos numéricos , North Carolina/epidemiología , Propiedad/estadística & datos numéricos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Musculoskeletal injuries are common in pediatric trauma victims and may result in extensive surgical intervention and long-term hospitalization. Rapid healing rates in children enhance the prognosis for children with musculoskeletal injuries and may decrease the rate of morbidity from nonunion, infection, and other complications. Nursing interventions to prevent complications and promote healing can be instrumental in decreasing the length of hospitalization, and psychosocial support may be crucial in helping the child cope with the changes associated with major musculoskeletal injuries.
Asunto(s)
Sistema Musculoesquelético/lesiones , Heridas y Lesiones/enfermería , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Humanos , Lactante , Evaluación en Enfermería , Padres/educación , Planificación de Atención al Paciente , Pronóstico , Heridas y Lesiones/diagnóstico , Heridas y Lesiones/terapiaRESUMEN
To determine the economic impact of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex (ARC) cases on North Carolina hospitals, we collected inpatient data from all North Carolina hospitals on charges and number of patients discharged with these diagnoses. More than 97% of the state's hospitals responded to the survey for the study year (1987-1988). There were 540 AIDS/ARC discharges from 58 North Carolina general hospitals and 125 AIDS/ARC discharges from 13 other types of hospitals, for a statewide total of 665 patients. The total general hospital charges for AIDS/ARC inpatients in North Carolina were approximately $7.7 million per year, and almost $2 million of these charges were uncompensated by any insurance. The greatest burden of cost for this care was borne disproportionately by 15 of the 58 general hospitals, accounting for 82% of the discharges.