bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Multiple-point Statistics Simulations of the Roussillon Continental Pliocene Aquifer using DeeSse
Authors: Dall'Alba Valentin , Renard Philippe , Straubhaar Julien , Issautier Benoit , Duvail Cédric , Caballero Yvan
Published: May 2020

Abstract. This study presents a novel workflow to model the internal heterogeneity of complex aquifers using the multiple-point statistics algorithm DeeSse. We illustrate the applicability of this workflow on the Roussillon's aquifer in the region of Perpignan (southern France). This work is part of a project aiming at assessing the groundwater dynamics of this Mediterranean aquifer in the context of a growing population, climate change, and increasing pressure on the freshwater resources. We focus here on the geological heterogeneity of the Continental Pliocene layer because it is expected to influence possible saltwater intrusion process and its corresponding uncertainty quantification. The main aim of the paper is therefore to describe the procedure that is used to model the aquifer heterogeneity with a relatively small number of direct geological observations and a well defined geological concept. When few direct observations are available, the traditional geostatistical approaches cannot be applied easily because variogram inference is difficult. On the opposite, multiple-point statistics simulations can rely on a conceptual geological model. Here, the conceptual model consists not only of a training image displaying the spatial organization of the main sedimentological elements in space, but also in a set of additional information such as general trends and paleo orientations of the sedimentological features. The direct sampling algorithm DeeSse can be used in this context to model the expected heterogeneity. The workflow involves creating 2D non-stationary training images (TI) coupled during simulation with auxiliary information and controlled by hard conditioning data obtained from interpreted electrofacies. To control the non-stationarity, a 3D trend map is obtained by solving numerically the diffusivity equation as a proxy to describe the spatial evolution of the sedimentary patterns, from the source of the sediments to the outlet of the system. A 3D continuous rotation map is estimated from paleo orientations of the fluvial system. Both trend and orientation maps are derived from geological insights gathered from outcrops and general knowledge of processes occurring in these types of sedimentary environments. Finally, the 3D model is obtained by stacking 2D simulations following the paleo-topography of the aquifer. The vertical facies transition between two 2D simulations is controlled by both the hard conditioning data set and by simulating conditional data points from one simulation to another. This process allows to bypass the creation of a 3D training image while preserving the vertical continuity of the sedimentary objects.
Economic Viability of Conventional Sprinkler Irrigation in Sudan Grass Production for Beef Cattle
Authors: Mezzomo Wellington , Peiter Marcia Xavier , Robaina Adroaldo Dias , Pereira Anderson Crestani , Bruning Jhosefe , Neto Miguel Chaiben , Boscaini Ricardo , Ben Luis Humberto Bahú , Kirchner Jardel Henrique , Pimenta Bruna Dalcin , Torres Rogério Ricalde , Rosso Ricardo Benetti
Published: May 2020

The supplementary irrigation is an alternative to ensure forage production and quality in periods with irregular rainfall, however, is necessary to know the irrigation economic viability in order to maximize profits. The study was performed in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State in southern Brazil, during 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 agricultural years, aiming to evaluate the sudan grass economic viability under different irrigation depths, in order to define which irrigation depth (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125% of the reference evapotranspiration-ETo) has the highest net revenue. Forage production functions were generated and allowed to establish the carrying capacity and production costs related to each applied irrigation depth. The forage supply was 4% of the liveweight, animals with 300 kg were considered, and average daily liveweight (LW) gains of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg LW day-1 were simulated for the conversion of dry mass production in liveweight gain per hectare. Gross revenue was determined considering the price of R$ 6.50 per kilogram of liveweight. The production costs were divided into fixed and variable, related and not related to irrigation. The conventional sprinkler irrigation was economically viable for the sudan grass cultivation for beef cattle production, with the highest net revenue for the irrigation depth of 100% of ETo, in both years. However, the animals feed conversion is the determinant factor in net revenue because it represents the greatest profits variation source.
إشكالية تحويل الجنس في القانون القطري والقانون المقارن
Authors: صالح المانع ريمه , علي محجوب جابر محجوب , السيد راشد طارق جمعه
Published: May 2020

ملخص:

هذا البحث يلقي الضوء على إشكالية بدأت منذ زمن بعيد إلا أنها أصبحت في وقتنا الحالي تنتشر، فالله سبحانه وتعالى خلق الإنسان وجعل منه «الذكر والأنثى». فكانت خطيئة الإنسان أن يحاول تغيير خلق الله سبحانه وتعالى، فمع تطور العلم أصبح المجتمع في تطور، ولكن التطور سلاح ذو حدين. اذ ان مع هذا التطور ولدت فئة شذت عن القاعدة تنقسم لطائفتين: فئة مصابة بمرض عضوي اسمه «الخنوثة». وفئة لا تعاني من أي علة خلقية، ولكن علتها الوحيدة هي ذهنها، تعتقد أنها تنتمي للجنس الآخر، فتقدم هذه الفئة الى إجراء عمليات لتحويل جنسها من ذكر إلى أنثى والعكس.

الموضوع له أهمية كبيرة من الناحية العملية والنظرية:

الأهمية العملية: تكمن في أن هذه الفئات تجري عمليات خارج الدولة لتحويل جنسها ثم تقوم بالرجوع وتطالب الدولة بتعديل بياناتها وإن رفضت لجأت للقضاء، بالتالي يجعل هذه الفئة في وضع قانوني غير واضح في الدولة. الأهمية النظرية: تكمن في أنه لا يوجد تشريع نظم هذه المسألة تنظيمًا متكاملًا سواء في قطر أو في الدول العربية، على عكس التوجه الغربي الذي تعرض للمسألة ونظمها، مما جعل المسألة مُتجاهَلة بالرغم من النتائج الخطيرة التي تترتب عليها.

تقسيم الموضوع: هذا البحث ألقى الضوء على مسألة تحويل الجنس من الناحية القانونية، وذلك بالوقوف على موقف الدول الغربية بشكل عام والعربية بشكل خاص من تحويل الجنس بشقيه، مع التركيز على التوجه العربي لاختلاف المرجع القانوني والثقافي بين المجتمعات الغربية والعربية، لذلك لم يتم إهمال موقف الدول الغربية ولكن التركيز الأكبر كان على القوانين أو التشريعات العربية التي شملت: دولة مصر، لبنان، العراق، الإمارات، الكويت، وبالتأكيد قطر.

النتائج: تحويل الجنس ينقسم إلى تصحيح الجنس وذلك عندما يكون الشخص مصاب بعيب خلقي يستدعي إجراء عملية للوقوف على حقيقته الجنسية. والشريعة الإسلامية تبيح هذا التحول فهو تصحيح وليس تغييرًا. بينما التغيير هو أن يقدم شخص كامل الذكورة أو الأنوثة إلى إجراء عملية تشويهية ليتشكل في شكل الجنس الاخر معتقدًا بأنه غير خلقته، وغالبًا ما يقدم على ذلك المصابين بمرض نفسي «اضطراب الهوية الجنسية»، والشريعة الإسلامية حرمت هذا النوع من العمليات؛ بالتالي يكون تغيير الجنس غير جائز شرعًا لما فيه من تشويه وتغيير لخلق الله تعالى، وهذا ما سارت عليه التطبيقات القضائية العربية. وأما بالنسبة لموقف المشرع القطري فقد امتنع عن تنظيم المسألة من الناحية القانونية بالتالي كان موقفه مشابهًا لموقف أغلب الدول العربية.

التوصيات: ضرورة تنظيم المسألة تشريعيًا. علاج المصابين باضطراب الهوية الجنسية في المصحات النفسية. توعية المجتمع بمفهوم الخنوثة العضوية ومرض اضطراب الهوية الجنسية.

لذلك كان لا بد من دراسة الموضوع على أمل أن يكون هذا البحث نواة لتشريع مستقبلي أو تنظيم خاص.
Inferences on the role of coral bleaching or seasonality on cross-habitat movement of nekton assemblages in adjacent coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove habitats
Authors: Salmo Severino G , Altomonte John Charles A
Published: May 2020

We investigated shifts in nekton assemblages in coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove habitats that coincided with a coral bleaching event in June 2016. The study was conducted in May 2016 (prebleaching), July 2016 (bleaching), October 2016 (4-mo postbleaching), and February 2017 (7-mo
postbleaching) in relatively undisturbed coastal areas in Busuanga, Palawan, western Philippines. We used triangular trap nets to capture nekton samples from each habitat. In coral reef and mangrove habitats, there were increases in nekton abundance and biomass from the prebleaching to the
bleaching period. After the bleaching event, however, there were reductions in nekton abundance and biomass at the coral reefs until 7-mo postbleaching. Species composition changed at all sites where shifts in dominant species, habitat affinity, and trophic category were observed. The postbleaching
increase in nekton abundance in mangroves coincided with the decreased nekton abundance in the coral reef, suggesting a cross-habitat movement, likely due to the reduced suitability and/or food in the bleached coral reef. The changes in the nekton assemblage may also have been due to seasonal
fluctuations in environmental parameters, especially salinity. Our study presents evidence of the possible role of coral bleaching or seasonal changes on cross-habitat movements of nekton assemblages, which can be inferred as an indicator of disturbance. The presence of adjacent vegetated
habitats may provide refuge for the affected nekton assemblage of the coral reef.
Diabetes Status Affects Odds of Body Mass Index–dependent Adverse Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kebaish Kareem J. , Puvanesarajah Varun , Rao Sandesh , Zhang Bo , Ottesen Taylor D. , Grauer Jonathan N. , Khanuja Harpal
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Obesity and diabetes have independently been shown to predispose to adverse outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA). These may have a coupled effect on perioperative risks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on adverse outcomes in nondiabetic (ND), non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients.

Methods:

Patients undergoing primary THA were selected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database from 2012 to 2016 and categorized as ND, NIDDM, and IDDM. BMI, demographics, and 30-day perioperative outcomes were assessed for each group. Multivariate logistic regressions controlling for demographics, functional status, and American Society of Anesthesiologists were used to determine the odds ratio of serious adverse event (SAE) in each diabetes group for patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 compared with a control group of ND patients with a normal BMI (18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2).

Results:

A total of 108,177 patients were included. The results demonstrate that ND (odds ratio 1.65; P < 0.001) and NIDDM (odds ratio 1.75; P = 0.007) patients have similar risks of SAE, whereas IDDM (odds ratio 2.79; P < 0.001) patients have a greater risk of adverse events, particularly at BMIs greater than 40 kg/m2.

Discussion:

Consistent with previous reports, ND (odds ratio 1.65; P < 0.001) and NIDDM (odds ratio 1.75; P = 0.007) morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m2) had an increased odds of SAEs after THA, but for IDDM (odds ratio 2.79; P < 0.001) patients this increased odds was notably higher. Although patients with IDDM have increased rates of adverse events compared with ND and NIDDM patients, these findings should not be used to establish strict BMI cutoffs in patients with IDDM. Nonetheless, the results suggest additional factors, such as patient medical history and diabetes control, should be considered when evaluating patients with IDDM for THA.

Level of Significance:

Level III
Health Status of Widows as a Correlate of Their Participation in Community Development Projects in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Agboeze Matthias U. , Nwachukwu Ruphina U. , Ugwueze Michael O. , Agboeze Maryrose N.
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to examine the health status of widows and investigate its effect on their participation in community development projects.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the widows and non-widows in six communities out of the 18 communities in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state, Nigeria from 15 January to 29 March 2019. The respondents were tested clinically based on the following health indices; blood pressure, blood sugar level, malaria parasite and typhoid. The widows were also asked the extent to which their health conditions affect their participation in community development projects.

RESULTS: The mean blood pressure level of the widows is 160.2100.4Mm/Hg  while their mean blood sugar level is 129.8 Mg/dl. 55% of the widows tested positive to typhoid while another 53% tested positive to malaria parasite. Majority (72%) of the widows revealed that health condition such as poor eye sight; arthritis; rheumatism; high blood pressure; diabetes; malaria; typhoid; cough and ulcer limit their participation in community development projects.

CONCLUSIONS: The widows in Nsukka have a poor health status when compared to the non-widows in the region, which to a great extent, limits their participation in the community development projects available to them. Therefore, there is a very strong correlation between the health status of widows in Nsukka and their participation in the community development projects.
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Incidence Among 42785 Adults: The Thai Cohort Study, 2005-2013
Authors: Feng Xiyu , Kelly Matthew , Seubsman Sam-ang , Sleigh Adrian
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: Due to economic and social development in Thailand, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVA) have been gradually replacing infectious diseases and have become the main threat to health in this country.

METHOD: This study used the 2005 baseline data of 42785 members of the Thai cohort study (TCS) to identify health risk factors correlated with incidence of CVD and/or CVA over 8 years (2005- 2013). We applied multivariate logistic regression to investigate associations between demographic and socioeconomic factors, health conditions, and personal lifestyle factors and CVD and/or CVA incidence.

RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of CVD and/or CVA in males was more than three times that in females. CVD and/or CVA incidence was correlated with ageing, obesity (AOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.16-2.40) and previous diagnosis with diabetes (AOR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.80-5.30), hyperlipidaemia (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.08-2.19), hypertension (AOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.13-2.59), chronic kidney disease (AOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.35-4.10), and depression/anxiety (AOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.64-4.63). Short sleep time was positively associated with CVD and/or CVA in the Thai Cohort Study. An inverse association between performing housework and the incidence of CVD and/or CVA was also identified. However, current smoking had a significant positive correlation with the incidence of CVD and/or CVA for participants.

CONCLUSION: Older age, obesity, underlying diseases, short sleep time, and current smoking were the risk factors for CVD and/or CVA incidence for the participants. However, housework, as an incidental exercise, could protect people against the risk of CVD and/or CVA.
Preschoolers’ and Adults’ Recognition of the Impact of Activities on Weight
Authors: Raman Lakshmi , Ford Karyn , Perumalil Amy
Published: May 2020

Two studies examined if preschoolers and adults recognized the impact of physical and sedentary activities on height and weight. Study 1 investigated if participants associated physically active activities with being thin and sedentary activities with being heavy. Study 2 examined if preschoolers could benefit from being taught the role of activities on height and weight. The results from Study 1 demonstrated that adults associated being heavy to engaging in physically sedentary activities but in Study 2, they associated being thin to engaging in physically active activities. However, preschoolers across both studies did not recognize the role that activities played on weight. Teaching preschoolers about the impact of activities did not have a significant effect on their performance. The results from these studies also indicate that adults erroneously reason about the impact of activities based on whether they view the type of activity as being positive or negative. Preschoolers’ lack of knowledge in this area could be due to the lack of consistent environmental input or that they are not conceptually ready to learn about this topic. These findings highlight the urgent need for parents and educators to emphasize the importance of physical activities in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in early childhood.
Stress: The Insidious Leveler of good, Unsuspecting, Online Instructors of Higher Education
Authors: Smith Gina S , Brashen Henry M , Minor Maria A , Anthony Peter J
Published: May 2020

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of stress on faculty in higher education teaching online classes. Few studies have been conducted to examine the impact of stress on faculty in online higher education. An anonymous survey of faculty was conducted at an online institution of higher learning to determine how prevalent stress was in their jobs, how stress impacted performance and morale, and what the symptoms were. The findings showed 67.6% of the 100 participants who completed the survey identified either a very high or high level of stress. The biggest stressors included time constraints, technical issues, and large class sizes. The top symptoms identified included sleep disturbances, impatience, tense, tight muscles, irritability, and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Recommendations were made to alleviate stress including physical activity, constructive self-talk, relaxation exercises, meditation, networking, quick and effective coping skills, and techniques for saying “no.” A certain amount of stress is desirable, but when stress is not addressed, it can lead to burnout, poor performance, and low morale.
Social Mobility Through Mathematics Proficiency for English Language Learners
Authors: Henry Denfield L. , Baltes Beate , Nistor Nicolae
Published: May 2020

College admission is contingent upon students’ high school performances, especially mathematics proficiency that is crucial in qualifying for the projected science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professions of the future. This paper reviews some concerns that hinder the efforts of English language learners (ELLs), often the children of immigrants, to achieve social mobility through a college education. ELLs consistently fail to achieve proficiency on mathematics assessments as measured by the National Assessment for Educational Progress and local assessments such as the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. Consequently, many ELLs do not attend college. The article examines implications for educators and policymakers for resolving some of the issues that impede transforming ELLs into academic and societal achievers. Actions taken by educators and policymakers might assist ELLs in navigating the challenges encountered in their pursuit of a college education.
Why Culture Matters in Business Research
Authors: Fusch Gene E , Fusch Christina J , Booker Janet M , Fusch Patricia I
Published: May 2020

Organizations today are changing rapidly due to technology, globalization, and cutting-edge production, subsequently morphing into new structures and workflow processes. Organizations are becoming more diverse in terms of gender, age, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. The business workplace is not the melting pot that many were taught about, but that of the ethnic salad, blended yet distinct. The core of organizational composition worldwide still remains within the human resource realm for a shared and cohesive culture is behind the success of every company. The study of workplace culture is important for business research to ascertain the construct of the successful organization. The article begins with a discussion about culture, relates culture to the workplace, and ends relating important business research to workplace culture. The intended audience is business management majors and instructors.
Happiness Index Methodology
Authors: Musikanski Laura , Cloutier Scott , Bejarano Erica , Briggs Davi , Colbert Julia , Strasser Gracie , Russell Steven
Published: May 2020

The Happiness Index is a comprehensive survey instrument that assesses happiness, well-being, and aspects of sustainability and resilience. The Happiness Alliance developed the Happiness Index to provide a survey instrument to community organizers, researchers, and others seeking to use a subjective well-being index and data. It is the only instrument of its kind freely available worldwide and translated into over ten languages. This instrument can be used to measure satisfaction with life and the conditions of life. It can also be used to define income inequality, trust in government, sense of community and other aspects of well-being within specific demographics of a population. This manuscript documents the development the Happiness Index between 2011 and 2015, and includes suggestions for implementation.
Happiness in Communities: How Neighborhoods, Cities and States Use Subjective Well-Being Metrics
Authors: Musikanski Laura , Polley Carl , Cloutier Scott , Berejnoi Erica , Colbert Julia
Published: May 2020

This essay, the fourth and last of a series published by the Journal of Social Change, is intended as a tool for community organizers, local policy makers, researchers, students and others to incorporate subjective well-being indicators into their measurements and management of happiness and well-being in their communities, for policy purposes, for research and for other purposes. It provides case studies of community-based efforts in five different regions (São Paulo, Brazil; Bristol, United Kingdom; Melbourne, Australia; Creston, British Columbia, Canada; and Vermont, United States) that either developed their own subjective well-being index or used the Happiness Alliance’s survey instrument to measure happiness and well-being. The essay offers lessons to consider when using subjective well-being indicator survey instruments. Finally, the essay provides a process for measuring happiness using the Happiness Alliance’s survey instrument.
Book Review: Social Policy and Social Change: Toward the Creation of Social and Economic Justice
Authors: White Jan Vinita
Published: May 2020

Although the book title, Social Policy and Social Change: Toward the Creation of Social and Economic Justice, suggests social change, the focus of the book is social justice, particularly in social work policy and practice. In this second edition of Jimenez, Mayers Pasztor, Chambers, and Pearlman Fujii's seminal exploration, issues of inequality and the widening gap between the wealthy and poor, health care disparities, discrimination, and developing issues are investigated and analyzed in a reader-friendly format.
Sociocultural Beliefs and Women Leadership in Sanyati District
Authors: Mwale Christine , Dodo Obediah
Published: May 2020

This study explored the level of women participation in leadership identifying some of the challenges thereto in the selected rural district of Sanyati, Zimbabwe. The study sought to address the following aspects: roles of women in Sanyati, sociocultural beliefs with regards to leadership, and the depth of the effects of women’s nonparticipation in leadership. The research guided by the role congruity theory was qualitative in nature trying to understand human behavior and experience influenced by sociocultural norms. Research population composed of chiefs, headmen, village heads, elderly women and men, and councilors who had a sound appreciation of the subject. Twenty-seven participants, nine from each of the three wards, were purposively sampled and deemed enough as the research anchored on antipositivism. Data collection was necessitated through the use of in-depth interviews and questionnaires, after which latent content analysis was used to analyze data. The study established that the involvement and interest of women in leadership was low because of illiteracy, culture, and ignorance on the part of the women.
Book Review: Social Changes in a Global World by Ulrike Schuerkens
Authors: Toutant Ligia E
Published: May 2020

Walden University’s social change approach is an essential part of its vision and is transmitted through the academic work and knowledge of its graduates, who are trained to find solutions to critical societal challenges in pursuit of advancing the greater global good. Schuerkens’ Social Changes in a Global World can serve as a compendium for the Walden family and others interested in this topic. The author examines how social transformations and changes are connected to issues of power and political influence; how transformations and changes have been influenced by concepts of modernity, progress, and rationalization; how transformations and changes differ in various contexts and geographical areas. The author explores globalization through both anthropological and sociological lenses along with the distinct journeys of humanity in developing and industrialized nations that are now seemingly merging and sharing commercial and cultural interests. The audience for this book may include academics, higher education practitioners, individuals concerned with global civil society, and political activists.
The Imperative of the Corporation and Socially Conscious Leadership
Authors: Owie Ekpen
Published: May 2020

The word corporation and the activities of corporations around the world are no longer a mystery to many. Laws create corporations as persons, independent of the owners. There have been widespread debates about the propensity of corporations to harm others while trying to maximize profits, as well as the arguments that corporations should not delve into corporate social responsibility unless it directly enhances the bottom line. Nevertheless, individuals run corporations. I posit from a synthesis of literature that such individuals, if socially conscious, could institute the right governance mechanisms for driving corporate social responsibility and balancing multistakeholder interests.
Positive Youth Development Sustainability Scale (PYDSS): The development of an assessment tool
Authors: Sieng Michael , Cloutier Scott , Irimata Katherine
Published: May 2020

Our study details the development of the Positive Youth Development Sustainability Scale, a self-reporting tool to assess the impacts of positive youth development (PYD) programs. The Positive Youth Development Sustainability Scale provides practitioners a tool in the field of PYD both domestically and internationally, addressing the concern of global application and sustainability criteria (e.g., resilience and happiness). First, we conducted a detailed literature review on existing PYD program assessment techniques. Next, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis, via SPSS and AMOS software, to establish the number of factors in the scale. The constructs of the five-Cs model (Lerner, 2005; competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring) along with the sixth C (contribution) and happiness were confirmed into six factors. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using 2 samples from rural areas of Thailand and the Phoenix, Arizona, metro area (n = 580 and n = 407, respectively). Our analysis shows the factor structure was highly comparable with mean comparative fit indices of .930 (Thailand) and .933 (Phoenix metro) for Grades 9–12 and 3–6, respectively. Our study suggests that the tool can be used in different settings and demographics for PYD programs. Future studies should look at the impacts of PYD programs over long periods of time and in a wide range of grades, cultures, and countries to reaffirm multiple applications in various settings.
The Intersection of Civic Engagement and Civic Attidues Among Latino Youth through a Factor Analysis
Authors: Webster Nicole , Sausner Erica , Alotaibi Bader , Patterson Ashley
Published: May 2020

The extent to which civic and citizenship education captures the ways Latino youth perceive their roles as social change agents is largely absent from academic literature. This article examines how youth perceptions of and interactions with civic education define the civic lens they apply to their societies. The article examines a new way of interpreting the International Civic and Citizenship Study data and how it investigates new ways to view the civic lens of youth within three Latin American countries. Results of the exploratory factor analysis indicate a three-factor structure of civic lenses and show that youth who have been exposed to particular postconflict ideologies have developed a basic national understanding of civics. Findings provide insight into the utility of a tool for assessing youths' notions of social agents of change based upon pertinent civic perspectives. Such assessment may identify factors to be addressed by organizations seeking to deepen understanding and increase meaningfulness of civic action for youth.
An Exploration of the Gross National Happiness Approach to Assure Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality in Bhutan
Authors: Pelzang Rinchen , Hutchinson Alison M
Published: May 2020

Although the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH) are currently being used as the overall framework for Bhutan’s development programs (including healthcare services), little is known about how Bhutanese healthcare professionals perceive the relationship between GNH and patient safety or how the GNH principles could help in improving patient safety in Bhutan’s healthcare system. The aim of this study was to explore how Bhutanese healthcare professionals, educators, managers, and policy makers perceive the relationship between GNH and patient safety and what they believe should be done to improve patient safety in Bhutan. A qualitative exploratory descriptive study using in-depth interviews was undertaken. All audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content and thematic analysis strategies. Four major themes were identified: patient safety being important for GNH; incorporating the concept of GNH in healthcare; adopting the GNH values, whereby everyone believes that “someone’s happiness would be our happiness”; and educating healthcare professionals about GNH. Incorporation of the concept of GNH in healthcare could help transform the attitudes and behaviors of healthcare professionals toward patient care by producing a “Bhutanized” doctors and healthcare professionals and creating a Bhutanized healthcare system.
Contextualizing Aesthetics as Social Engagement for Teacher Education
Authors: Attwood Adam I
Published: May 2020

Aesthetics is a type of literacy; however, it has been missing in generalist meta-analyses of teacher education. This article adds to the literature by synthesizing aesthetics theory, especially for implications of the historical development of ideas related to visual arts and aesthetics broadly defined for inclusive teacher preparation that promotes social engagement. Various viewpoints are explored in this article for contextualizing the field of aesthetics education as it relates to the preparation of generalist K–12 teachers who are not training to be fine arts teachers. With context, generalist K–12 teachers can be equipped to integrate the arts across other content areas.
Application of the Donabedian Quality-of-Care Model to New York State Direct Support Professional Core Competencies: How Structure, Process, and Outcomes Impacts Disability Services
Authors: LoPorto Johanna
Published: May 2020

Direct support professionals (DSPs) are responsible for the daily supervision and care of people diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) living in community residential group homes. In New York State, these DSPs are trained within the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities DSPs core competencies; a set of ethical, technical, and cognitive training geared to the individual care of each person as per their specific needs. This qualitative case study was to understand how DSPs perceived the implementation of the core competencies after being trained and under the direction of their supervisors. Using the Donabedian’s quality-of-care conceptual framework, this study explored what DSPs perceived to be necessary in strengthening the effectiveness of the New York State DSP competencies within organizational policies (structure) with the DSPs knowledge, skills, and, attitudes (processes) to the quality-of-life (outcomes). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 12 DSPs and supervisors. Data were inductively coded then subject to Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis procedure. Findings revealed that DSPs and supervisors implemented the core competencies inconsistently because of organizational perceptions and experiences. Implications for social change in this study includes recommendations to the National Alliance of DSPs to add a practicum component to the core competencies training that may benefit people living in community residential group homes diagnosed with IDDs through hands-on-approach training that would allow full implementation of the DSP core competencies in various everyday, real-life situations
Perceived Competency in Grief Counseling: Implications for Counselor Education
Authors: Cicchetti Rick Jude , McArthur Laurie , Szirony Gary M , Blum Craig
Published: May 2020

Grief is regarded as a critical life event. Unresolved grief issues can interfere with quality of life and can result in emotional, behavioral, physical and cognitive symptoms, and if unresolved, can result in suicidal ideation. Counselors can be called upon and often do work with grief issues in clients, including U. S. Military veterans. This study examined whether 93 master’s level counselors specializing in rehabilitation counseling reported having been adequately trained to identify and work with clients who are having grief-related issues from loss or disability. Using the Grief Counseling Competency Scale (GCCS), participants showed a wide range of scores regarding personal competency related to grief. However, scores tended to be low when examining skills and knowledge relating to grief counseling. Implications for further research are discussed.
Board Member Perceptions of Small Nonprofit Organization Effectiveness
Authors: Maurer Laura L
Published: May 2020

In contemporary American society, the nonprofit board is accountable for ensuring that an organization has sufficient resources to carry out its mission. Filling the gap between demands for services and the resources to meet them is often a struggle for small nonprofit organizations, a problem of nonprofit organization effectiveness. I conducted a hermeneutic phenomenological study that examined how board members of small local nonprofits in the focal community perceived nonprofit organization effectiveness. A review of the literature revealed that nonprofit organization effectiveness involved the action of contributing to the organization and the motivation behind the action, both of which were associated with trust and reciprocity. Guided by social constructivism this research involved a qualitative analysis of repeated iterations of semiotic data from board members (n = 30) and text analysis of organization mission statements (n = 21), generating thick description of board members’ understanding of effectiveness. The analysis revealed that strategies focused on developing reciprocity and mitigating mistrust among board members contributed to board members perceiving their organizations as effectively achieving their objectives. Application of the findings and conclusions, developed from the lived experiences of members of small nonprofit boards, contributes to social change among small American nonprofit organizations by suggesting means to address the stresses that compromise the availability and quality of their programs.
Book Review of Cure
Authors: Yells David
Published: May 2020

In Cure: A Journey Into The Science of Mind Over Body, Dr. Jo Marchant explores the world of complementary and alternative medicine. The context for her exploration is the limitations of standard, Western medicine. In some cases, traditional Western medicine has been unable to provide reliably effective treatment for medical conditions. In other cases, the treatment may result in intolerable side effects. Marchant addresses approaches such as hypnotherapy, virtual reality, and even the power of belief (as reflected in the placebo effect) in the treatment of such disparate conditions as Parkinson’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia. She combines an interesting mix of personal narrative from patients and researchers with outcomes from clinical trials. The result is an objective portrayal of the possibilities to be found in maintaining an open mind in the on-going search for effective interventions for a range of ailments.
Bullying Among Older Adults: A Book Review
Authors: Lyons Jane
Published: May 2020

In the book Bullying Among Older Adults, Bonifas examines bullying among older adults in senior centers and residential care facilities. Bonifas clearly describes bullying behaviors and presents a practical guide for assessment of bullying and antibullying intervention.
Diminished Quality of Life among Women affected by Ebola
Authors: Hanson Jessi , Decosimo Alexis , Quinn Megan
Published: May 2020

This article analyzes data collected from Liberian women afflicted by the Ebola virus disease, survivors of the virus and noninfected persons living in Ebola-affected homes. This research is one of the first statistical analyses examining factors diminishing quality of life: negative experiences, stigma, and psychosocial symptoms among females affected by the virus after the outbreak. The research presents a thorough literature review, including research related to other infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, to inform the gap in studies on Ebola’s effects on quality of life. Women who are Ebola virus disease survivors demonstrate significant differences in stigma and psychosocial stress when compared to their female peers. This article attempts to broaden understanding of the conditions and mental health of women affected by Ebola.
Sociocultural Context and Determinants of Treatments for Hemorrhoids Among the Nigerian Police, Oyo State Command
Authors: Azeez Abolaji , Isiugo-Abanihe Uche C.
Published: May 2020

Hemorrhoids or piles, culturally known as Jedijedi among the people of southwestern Nigeria, are an anorectal disease surrounded by misconceptions. The consequences of these misconceptions are enormous. Therefore, the main objective of the present study is to understand the sociocultural explanation of piles among selected personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. We recruited 302 police officers for the exploratory survey through a multistage sampling technique. Five key informants were interviewed at the study area based upon their professions and proximity. Data interpretation was done through chi-square and content analysis. Results indicated a high prevalence (73%) of and misconceptions about hemorrhoids among the respondents. The majority (80%) of the respondents had a poor awareness of the risk factors, making a scientifically unfounded claim that sugar intake was responsible for piles. Their belief negatively influenced the treatments adopted. Furthermore, their choice of therapy was influenced by its affordability (p < .05) and the fear of hemorrhoidectomy (p < .05). The study established various misconceptions about hemorrhoids among herbal vendors and police officers, which influenced treatment choices. The study suggested that one potent tool for combating ignorance about the disease is sensitization, which will equip officers to adopt healthier behaviors and aid herbal vendors to give better treatment to their clients. In addition, experimental platforms should be set for herbal vendors and orthodox medical practitioners to form a synergy in combating the diseases.
Mitigation of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms From Chronic Terror Attacks on Southern Israel
Authors: Mor Nuriel , Dardeck Kathryn L.
Published: May 2020

Since 2000, the southern Israeli town of Sderot and neighboring rural region, Otef Aza, have been frequently exposed to nearly identical terror attacks by Hamas. While only a small minority of Otef Aza residents have been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), more than a third of Sderot residents have been so diagnosed. Factors such as social cohesion and ideology may be the unique factors that protect Otef Aza residents from PTSD; however, a gap in the literature exists as to how these same factors might affect PTSD symptomology in Sderot residents. Orthodox religiosity has also been associated with reduced PTSD symptoms in Sderot; however, previous research on religiosity analyzed demographic characteristics and did not use a measure specifically assessing dimensions of religiosity. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the impact of community, ideology, and religiosity on PTSD symptoms among Sderot residents. A survey was distributed to a convenience sample of Sderot residents that 118 participants successfully completed. Standard multiple linear regression revealed that ideology, intrinsic religiosity, nonorganizational religious activity, and fulfillment of needs dimension of sense of community were significant predictors of PTSD symptomatology. Study findings suggested protective factors which could help a large portion of the population. The implications for positive social change for Sderot residents include increased positive interactions, sense of well-being, meaning, and value in their lives.
Crying and Attachment Style: The Role of Romantic Relationships
Authors: Fiori Katherine L , Buthmann Jessica , Denckla Christy A
Published: May 2020

Crying is an attachment behavior that functions to elicit support from others (Nelson, 1998); the context in which the crying occurs is important in understanding whether it is adaptive or maladaptive (Hendriks & Vingerhoets, 2006). However, very little research has examined whether and how attachment style is associated with adult crying, and if this association might vary by an individual’s relationship status. Using a sample of 305 first-year college students and a series of hierarchical regressions, we examined the moderating effect of relationship status on the associations between attachment style (measured using the Revised Experiences in Close Relationships Scale; Fraley, Waller, & Brennan, 2000) and crying frequency and tendency. We found that attachment anxiety was positively associated with both crying frequency and tendency, whereas attachment avoidance was negatively associated with crying tendency. However, we found moderation effects only in the case of attachment avoidance; specifically, we found that attachment avoidance was associated with a lower frequency of crying and tendency to cry only for those individuals involved in romantic relationships. Attachment anxiety, on the other hand, was associated with greater crying frequency and tendency regardless of relationship status. These results demonstrate not only that crying may act as an attachment behavior, but also that the activation or deactivation of this particular attachment behavior may be dependent on the existence of a romantic attachment figure.
Disparity in Maternal Health Services Among the Different Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria
Authors: Umar Abubakar Sadiq , Kennedy Chinaro , Tawfik Hebatullah , Okenu Daniel M. N.
Published: May 2020

Although the use of antenatal and other skilled maternal health delivery services in Nigeria was reported to be on the increase, this research explored whether geopolitical zone of residence and place of domicile are associated with the number of antenatal visits and place of delivery. A quantitative cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the Demographic and Health Survey was used to examine the relationship between women’s geopolitical zone of residence, place of domicile (rural/urban), and the number of antenatal visits (categorized as fewer than four or four or more) and delivery (home or health facility). A total of 33,385 women aged 15–49 years were recruited from 888 clusters spread across all the 36 states and the federal capital territory of Nigeria using a stratified two stage proportionate to size cluster design. A higher proportion of women from the South West and North Central zones had made four or more antenatal care visits compared to the other geopolitical zones. The difference was statistically significant even after controlling for differences in education, income, ethnicity, religion, autonomy, and place of domicile (adjusted odd ratio = 2.062; 95% confidence interval [1.897, 2.241]; p < .05). Healthcare policy makers should consider the potential impact of geopolitical zones and place of domicile to enable the development of an all-inclusive strategy to robustly address maternal health services in Nigeria.
A Process Description of Playing to Live! A Community Psychosocial Arts Program During Ebola
Authors: Decosimo C. Alexis , Hanson Jessi E , Boland Catherine Reilly , Slawson Deborah , Littleton Mary Ann , Quinn Megan
Published: May 2020

From 2014 to 2015, Liberia experienced the largest Ebola epidemic in world history. The impact of this disease was not only physical; it created fear, loss, and trauma throughout the country. This article will describe the process of three phases of a community-based psychosocial expressive arts program, which used theory from the fields of expressive arts therapy to build mental health capacity during and after the epidemic. This article will highlight the background of Ebola virus disease and the Ebola virus disease epidemic, provide an overview of current theory and research for expressive arts therapy and the impact of trauma, describe the process of how the program developed and was implemented, the process of partnering with the community, program components, the two pilot programs, and the large-scale community program. We performed a mixed-methods analysis of the large-scale program’s activity data to evaluate the impact. The results highlight a positive response from the participating children and facilitators. The authors discuss the findings from the results, best practices, and limitations. Additionally, the authors discuss implications and considerations for future programming.
Rural Community Health Needs Assessment Findings: Access to Care and Mental Health
Authors: Cherry Sabrina , Robinson Ayanna , Jashinsky Jared , Bagwell-Adams Grace , Elliott Michelle , Davis Marsha
Published: May 2020

This article highlights the qualitative results from focus groups conducted as part of a Community Health Needs Assessments in two rural Georgia communities. Four 1-hr focus groups were facilitated with 32 community stakeholders. Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis identified two primary themes: mental health and barriers to accessing health care. Focus group participants discussed mental health challenges as they related to substance abuse and suicide. Participants acknowledged barriers to access, including no health insurance, cost, eligibility gaps for government-sponsored programs, the low availability of specialty care, and poverty. Addressing mental health and access to care in rural communities may require alternative, tailored programs.