In this study, we introduce and study a concept of distributed fuzzymodeling. Fuzzy modeling encountered so far is predominantly of a centralizednature by being focused on the use of a single data set. In contrast to this style ofmodeling, the proposed paradigm of distributed and collaborative modeling isconcerned with distributed models which are constructed in a highly collaborativefashion. I...

BACKGROUND We describe the study design, procedures, and development of the risk counseling protocol used in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of genetic testing for diabetes mellitus (DM) on psychological, health behavior, and clinical outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN Eligible patients are aged 21 to 65 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m(2) and no prior diagnosis of DM. At ...

INTRODUCTION Individuals with alcohol, drug, or mental (ADM) disorders combined make up over 40% of all smokers in the U.S. Primary care providers (PCPs) play an important role in smoking cessation counseling, but their effectiveness with this population is unclear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of PCP smoking cessation counseling for smokers with ADM disorders. METHODS Probit regres...

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate a quantitative evaluation of the educational impact of HIV pretest counseling. Two cohorts of clients exposed to different counseling methodologies were evaluated. The clients completed questionnaires before and after counseling. Responses were scored and compared, and a quantitative measure of educational impact reached. Quantitative educational chan...

Is financial literacy a substitute or complement for financial advice? We analyze the decision by consumers to seek financial advice in the form of credit counseling. Credit counseling is an important component of the consumer credit sector for consumers facing debt problems. Our analysis accounts for the endogeneity of an individual’s financial situation to financial literacy, and the endogene...

The purpose of this study was to conceptualize the common factors across many counseling approaches that were crucial for the process and outcome of counseling. The proposed conceptual framework consisted of four constructs comprising common factors: the client's characteristics, the therapist's characteristics, the process of change (counseling relationship; counseling techniques; placebo, hop...

This paper presents preliminary findings about the manner in which public policies that promote premarital counseling impact professionals who conduct premarital counseling. The purpose of this paper is to describe findings from a survey of premarital counseling providers in a state in which the government endorses premarital counseling. A total of 194 premarital counseling providers described ...