bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender and sexuality II
Authors: Brown Michael
Published: April 2013

I consider the iconic place of the urban gay neighborhood across the literature. Noting, but also qualifying, its early preponderance, I trace its relative decline as both an empirical concern and also a theoretical one. I argue that this trend reflects a queer pluralization of ‘sexuality’ as well as a growing sophistication of how geographers handle place and scale. There has been a resurgence of interest in the ‘gayborhood’, however, within and beyond geography, and so I consider this counter trend in relation to the changing structurations of sexualities and space, as well as the forces pushing to maintain such zones in the city.
Evaluation of leachate treatment by trickling filter and sequencing batch reactor processes in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Aluko Olufemi Oludare , Sridhar Mynepalli KC
Published: April 2013

Strong and highly polluting leachate is continuously discharged into Omi stream and its tributaries in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria, from a municipal solid waste landfill. Previous studies have targeted physical and chemical treatment methods, which could not be implemented on site as stand-alone treatment systems. This study explored the bench-scale, trickling filter (TF) and sequencing batch reactor (SBR) treatment processes and assessed the quality of effluents produced. Leachate treatment using TF produced effluents with significant reductions (%) in suspended solids (SS) (73.17%), turbidity (71.96%), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) (76.69%) and ammonia (NH3) (59.50%), while SBR produced effluents with reductions in SS (62.28%), BOD5 (84.06%) and NH3 (64.83%). The dissolved oxygen of the reactors was 4.7 and 6.1mg/l, respectively, in TF and SBR. Also, NH3 values reduced marginally; however, nitrification took place significantly, but within permissible limits. The effluents produced by biological treatment processes were better in quality though the mean residual concentrations for colour, SS and dissolved solids; BOD5 and iron were above the national regulatory standards for discharge into surface water bodies. SBR gave a better effluent quality and should be combined with other treatment methods in sequence to produce quality effluents.
“Tell Me What You Want”
Authors: Onderco Michal
Published: April 2013

This article sets out to study the voting pattern of the Visegrád countries in the United Nations General Assembly, since the beginning of their respective memberships, analyzing their voting affinity with the Soviet Union (Russia) and the United States. Somewhat predictably, Visegrád countries tended to be closer to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Surprisingly though, the pattern does not change drastically after the end of the Cold War, and Visegrád countries still tend to vote more closely with Russia than with the United States. Equally striking is the fact that Visegrád countries tend to vote almost identically, without any changes given domestic political changes. Pattern of higher agreement with Russia than with the United States can be seen also when inspecting the voting of all EU members. Such finding is relevant for the study of the geopolitical transformation of the Central European region, but also wider geopolitical dynamics in the UN General Assembly.
Between polarization and statism – effects of the crisis on collective bargaining processes and outcomes in Hungary
Authors: Szabó Imre
Published: April 2013

In Hungary, collective bargaining processes and outcomes have been comprehensively restructured since the start of the economic crisis. This article presents two channels through which the crisis has affected collective bargaining in the country: direct economic challenges and political change. The economic challenges intensified processes that had started before 2008, leading to further polarization of the labour force in the private sector and further austerity in the public sector. The shift in the political environment, on the other hand, has had a more fundamental transformative impact, shaking the institutional underpinnings of collective bargaining. The findings presented here suggest that the Orbán government has been pursuing an ambiguous course in labour relations, combining elements of radical neoliberal reform and state interventionism. Following Bohle and Greskovits’ 2012 framework, these developments are interpreted in the context of broader political-economic contradictions that embedded neoliberal regimes have to confront.
Social dialogue revival or ‘PR corporatism’? Negotiating anti-crisis measures in Poland and Bulgaria1
Authors: Bernaciak Magdalena
Published: April 2013

Despite earlier pessimistic assessments of social dialogue performance in central and eastern Europe, the 2008–2010 downturn in the economy brought an increase in tripartite activity in most new EU Member States. This article seeks to account for this development by analysing the drivers and outcomes of anti-crisis social dialogue in Poland and Bulgaria. It argues that the two countries’ governments staged tripartite negotiations in hard times to demonstrate their adherence to the consensual mode of policy-making. They did this with the expectation that this would boost their popularity and bring them electoral advantage.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a crude antigen extract to measure Cuterebra-specific immunoglobulin G in sera of cats with systemic infections
Authors: Davis Lillie L. , Puozzo Aude , Vitalo Danielle C. , Ghazala Zena , Zhuo Sharon Y. , Robinson Lane , Jeong Esther , Mohammed Hussni O. , Liotta Janice L. , Jacquiet Philippe , Bowman Dwight D.
Published: April 2013

In cats, larvae of the dipteran fly, Cuterebra, sometimes cause severe disease by their migration through the tissues of the larynx, pharynx, nasal sinuses, brain, and spinal cord; such infected cats may die without the maggots ever reaching the subcutaneous tissues where they would typically mature. The current study examines the ability of an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using crude Cuterebra antigen from maggots to detect parasite-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G in cats with known ( n = 42), suspected ( n = 25), or no known exposure to the infection ( n = 68). The probability of a given optical density (OD) predicting the infection status of a given animal was determined using logistic regression, and both 1:20 and 1:80 serum dilutions were highly predictive of the potential of a cat being infected with a larval Cuterebra. In 5 cases where 2 samples were collected 1–2 weeks apart, there was a mean OD increase in the second sample for both the 1:20 and 1:80 dilutions, but it was significant ( P = 0.044) only at the 1:20 dilution. Sex of the sampled cat was not a significant contributor to the ability of the OD to predict the presence of a larva, but the age of the cat added significantly to the predictive value of the generated curves, with the only exception being with the 1:20 serum dilution with the curve being generated only using the cats known to be positive for larval presence. This ELISA should aid in ruling cuterebriasis in or out in suspect systemic and, specifically, neurologic cases and provide information on kinetics of antibody presence postexposure.
Evaluating the Correspondence of Different Cognitive Batteries
Authors: Salthouse Timothy A.
Published: April 2013

It is widely accepted that abilities are a meaningful level of abstraction for distinguishing among individuals with respect to their levels of cognitive functioning. However, relatively little is known about the extent to which different combinations of tests reflect the same cognitive abilities, or about the relation of cognitive abilities in one test battery with specific tests in another battery. Data from two cognitive batteries were analyzed to determine the correspondence of ability factors in the two batteries, and to evaluate the relative influence of cognitive abilities from one battery on the subtest scores in the other battery. Although the batteries involved different combinations of tests, correlations between the theoretically similar ability factors in the two batteries were very high (i.e., r > .84). Furthermore, with only a few exceptions, the primary influences on the subtest scores in one battery were from the theoretically relevant ability factor in the other battery.
The City of Varadero (Cuba) and the Urban Construction of a Tourist Enclave
Authors: González Jesús M. , Salinas Eduardo , Navarro Enrique , Artigues Antoni A. , Remond Ricardo , Yrigoy Ismael , Echarri Maité , Arias Yanira
Published: April 2013

The urban and territorial changes caused by tourism are well-studied topics in contemporary scientific literature. This article uses an integrative approach that lies between the scientific traditions in urban geography and the geography of tourism to present a case study of a socialist city. Tourism is a strategic economic activity in Cuba, and the country’s most popular sun and sand tourist destination is Varadero. At first consideration, its tourism model is not very different from those of other areas in the region (Dominican Republic, Riviera Maya, etc.), but the uniqueness of the Cuban government and emphasis on planning introduce several distinguishing features. The combined analysis of the development of tourism in the city and the recent history of territorial planning leads to conclusions regarding the role of tourism in urban development, which has resulted in the creation of a dual-city model, and the role land planning is playing.
Development of Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk-2 (VASOR-2) Reoffense Risk Scale
Authors: McGrath Robert J. , Lasher Michael P. , Cumming Georgia F. , Langton Calvin M. , Hoke Stephen E.
Published: April 2013

The present study aimed to revise the Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk (VASOR) Reoffense Risk Scale, a commonly used sex offender risk assessment tool. The revised tool was named the VASOR-2. Among models tested to revise the scale, a logistic regression model showed the best balance between simplicity of use, goodness of fit, and internal validity (as tested with K-10 cross-validation), and maximized predictive accuracy. Predictive accuracy was tested using four meta-analytically combined data sets drawn from Canada and Vermont ( N = 1,581). At 5-year fixed follow-up, the predictive accuracy for sexual recidivism for VASOR-2 ( AUC = .74) was similar to the VASOR ( AUC = .71). The findings show the VASOR-2 is well calibrated with observed recidivism rates for all but the highest risk sex offenders. The instrument showed good interrater reliability ( ICC = .88). An advantage of the VASOR-2 is that it has fewer items and simpler scoring instructions than the VASOR. Norms are presented for a contemporary, nonselected, routine sample of Vermont sex offenders ( n = 887).
Increased thyroid autoimmunity among women with multiple sclerosis in the postpartum setting
Authors: Jalkanen A , Saraste M , Gfeller A , Surcel HM , Airas L
Published: April 2013

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are predisposed to thyroid abnormalities, but the risk for pregnancy-related thyroid pathology among MS patients has not been evaluated.

Objectives:

The objectives of this research are to prospectively evaluate the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity among MS patients in relation to pregnancy, and to investigate its impact on pregnancy outcome, postpartum depression and fatigue.

Methods:

Forty-six pregnant MS patients underwent repeat testing for serum thyroid antibodies (Abs), clinical evaluation and thyroid hormone measurement. Results were compared to 35 age-matched healthy mothers.

Results:

At six months postpartum 35.3% of MS patients presented elevated levels of thyroid Abs compared to 5.7% of controls, p = 0.01. Mean thyroid Ab concentrations among MS patients were significantly reduced during pregnancy and returned to maximal levels at six months postpartum. The proportion of individuals with postpartum thyroid dysfunction did not differ significantly between MS patients and healthy controls (3.4% vs 2.9%, p = 1.00). Elevated thyroid Ab levels did not increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcome, fatigue or postpartum depression.

Conclusions:

Considering the tendency of MS mothers to develop thyroid autoimmunity postpartum and in association to treatments, we recommend screening MS patients for thyroid dysfunction (TSH) during early pregnancy and after delivery.
Using Peer Crowds to Segment Black Youth for Smoking Intervention
Authors: Lee Youn Ok , Jordan Jeffery W. , Djakaria Mayo , Ling Pamela M.
Published: April 2013

Studies of peer crowds show promise for enhancing public health promotion and practice through targeting. Distinct images, role models, and social norms likely influence health behaviors of different peer crowds within health disparity groups. We describe peer crowds identified by Black young people and determine whether identification with them is associated with smoking. Data from Black young people aged 13 to 20 years in Richmond, Virginia, were collected via interview and online survey ( N = 583). We identified the number and type of peer crowds using principal components analysis; associations with smoking were analyzed using Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression. Three peer crowds were identified—“preppy,” “mainstream,” and “hip hop.” Youth who identify with the hip hop peer crowd were more likely to smoke and have friends who smoke and less likely to hold antitobacco attitudes than those identifying with preppy or mainstream crowds. Identifying with the hip hop crowd significantly increased the odds of smoking, controlling for demographic factors (odds ratio = 1.97; 95% confidence interval = 1.03-3.76). Tobacco prevention efforts for Black youth and young adults should prioritize the hip hop crowd. Crowd identity measures can aid in targeting public health campaigns to effectively engage those at highest risk.
Inefficiencies in the National Hockey League Points System and the Teams That Take Advantage
Authors: Lopez Michael J.
Published: April 2013

In the current National Hockey League (NHL) points system (PS), there are increased incentives for teams to play overtime games against nonconference opponents. We use empirical data across three recent NHL PSs to test if and when teams have responded to these incentives. We find that in the current PS, several teams are playing a significantly higher proportion of overtime games against nonconference opponents than within-conference ones, and that overtime games are also significantly more likely to occur in the months leading up to postseason play.
Renal cell carcinoma metastases to the spermatic cord: review of the literature and case presentation
Authors: Tran M , Daly P , Tran T , Heathcote P
Published: April 2013

We present a case of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with metachronous metastasis to the ipsilateral spermatic cord. We also review the literature of the rare instance of renal cell carcinoma metastasising to the spermatic cord.
Cytotoxicity of quantum dots and graphene oxide to erythroid cells and macrophages
Authors: Qu Guangbo , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Zhe , Liu Sijin , Jiang Guibing
Published: April 2013

Great concerns have been raised about the exposure and possible adverse influence of nanomaterials due to their wide applications in a variety of fields, such as biomedicine and daily lives. The blood circulation system and blood cells form an important barrier against invaders, including nanomaterials. However, studies of the biological effects of nanomaterials on blood cells have been limited and without clear conclusions thus far. In the current study, the biological influence of quantum dots (QDs) with various surface coating on erythroid cells and graphene oxide (GO) on macrophages was closely investigated. We found that QDs posed great damage to macrophages through intracellular accumulation of QDs coupled with reactive oxygen species generation, particularly for QDs coated with PEG-NH2. QD modified with polyethylene glycol-conjugated amine particles exerted robust inhibition on cell proliferation of J744A.1 macrophages, irrespective of apoptosis. Additionally, to the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to have demonstrated that GO could provoke apoptosis of erythroid cells through oxidative stress in E14.5 fetal liver erythroid cells and in vivo administration of GO-diminished erythroid population in spleen, associated with disordered erythropoiesis in mice.
An imprinted rheumatoid arthritis methylome signature reflects pathogenic phenotype
Authors: Whitaker John W , Shoemaker Robert , Boyle David L , Hillman Josh , Anderson David , Wang Wei , Firestein Gary S
Published: April 2013

Background

A DNA methylation signature has been characterized that distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS) from osteoarthritis (OA) FLS. The presence of epigenetic changes in long-term cultured cells suggest that rheumatoid FLS imprinting might contribute to pathogenic behavior. To understand how differentially methylated genes (DMGs) might participate in the pathogenesis of RA, we evaluated the stability of the RA signature and whether DMGs are enriched in specific pathways and ontology categories.

Methods

To assess the RA methylation signatures the Illumina HumanMethylation450 chip was used to compare methylation levels in RA, OA, and normal (NL) FLS at passage 3, 5, and 7. Then methylation frequencies at CpGs within the signature were compared between passages. To assess the enrichment of DMGs in specific pathways, DMGs were identified as genes that possess significantly differential methylated loci within their promoter regions. These sets of DMGs were then compared to pathway and ontology databases to establish enrichment in specific categories.

Results

Initial studies compared passage 3, 5, and 7 FLS from RA, OA, and NL. The patterns of differential methylation of each individual FLS line were very similar regardless of passage number. Using the most robust analysis, 20 out of 272 KEGG pathways and 43 out of 34,400 GO pathways were significantly altered for RA compared with OA and NL FLS. Most interestingly, we found that the KEGG 'Rheumatoid Arthritis' pathway was consistently the most significantly enriched with differentially methylated loci. Additional pathways involved with innate immunity (Complement and Coagulation, Toll-like Receptors, NOD-like Receptors, and Cytosolic DNA-sensing), cell adhesion (Focal Adhesion, Cell Adhesion Molecule), and cytokines (Cytokine-cytokine Receptor). Taken together, KEGG and GO pathway analysis demonstrates non-random epigenetic imprinting of RA FLS.

Conclusions

The DNA methylation patterns include anomalies in key genes implicated in the pathogenesis of RA and are stable for multiple cell passages. Persistent epigenetic alterations could contribute to the aggressive phenotype of RA synoviocytes and identify potential therapeutic targets that could modulate the pathogenic behavior.
Analgesia after total knee replacement: local infiltration versus epidural combined with a femoral nerve blockade
Authors: YaDeau J. T. , Goytizolo E. A. , Padgett D. E. , Liu S. S. , Mayman D. J. , Ranawat A. S. , Rade M. C. , Westrich G. H.
Published: April 2013

In a randomised controlled pragmatic trial we investigated whether local infiltration analgesia would result in earlier readiness for discharge from hospital after total knee replacement (TKR) than patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) plus femoral nerve block. A total of 45 patients with a mean age of 65 years (49 to 81) received a local infiltration with a peri-articular injection of bupivacaine, morphine and methylprednisolone, as well as adjuvant analgesics. In 45 PCEA+femoral nerve blockade patients with a mean age of 67 years (50 to 84), analgesia included a bupivacaine nerve block, bupivacaine/hydromorphone PCEA, and adjuvant analgesics. The mean time until ready for discharge was 3.2 days (1 to 14) in the local infiltration group and 3.2 days (1.8 to 7.0) in the PCEA+femoral nerve blockade group. The mean pain scores for patients receiving local infiltration were higher when walking (p = 0.0084), but there were no statistically significant differences at rest. The mean opioid consumption was higher in those receiving local infiltration.

The choice between these two analgesic pathways should not be made on the basis of time to discharge after surgery. Most secondary outcomes were similar, but PCEA+femoral nerve blockade patients had lower pain scores when walking and during continuous passive movement. If PCEA+femoral nerve blockade is not readily available, local infiltration provides similar length of stay and similar pain scores at rest following TKR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:629–35.
Polymorphisms in double-strand breaks repair genes are associated with impaired fertility in Chinese population
Authors: Ji Guixiang , Yan Lifeng , Liu Wei , Huang Cong , Gu Aihua , Wang Xinru
Published: April 2013

The DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair pathway plays a critical role in repairing double-strand breaks, and genetic variants in DSBs repair pathway genes are potential risk factors for various diseases. To test the hypothesis that polymorphisms in DSBs genes are associated with susceptibility to male infertility, we examined 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms in eight key DSBs genes (XRCC3, XRCC2, BRCA2, RAG1, XRCC5, LIG4, XRCC4 and ATM) in 580 infertility cases and 580 controls from a Chinese population-based case–control study (NJMU Infertility Study). Genotypes were determined using the OpenArray platform, and sperm DNA fragmentation was detected using the TUNEL assay. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were estimated using logistic regression. The results indicate that LIG4 rs1805388 (Ex2+54C>T, Thr9Ile) T allele could increase the susceptibility to male infertility (adjusted OR=2.78; 95% CI, 1.77–4.36 for TT genotype; and adjusted OR=1.58; 95% CI, 1.77–4.36 for TC genotype respectively). In addition, the homozygous variant genotype GG of RAG1 rs2227973 (A>G, K820R) was associated with a significantly increased risk of male infertility (adjusted OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.01–2.04). Moreover, linear regression analysis revealed that carriers of LIG4 rs1805388 or RAG1 rs2227973 variants had a significantly higher level of sperm DNA fragmentation and that T allele carriers of LIG4 rs1805388 also had a lower level of sperm concentration when compared with common homozygous genotype carriers. This study demonstrates, for the first time, to our knowledge, that functional variants of RAG1 rs2227973 and LIG4 rs1805388 are associated with susceptibility to male infertility.
Validity of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires in Term and Preterm Infants
Authors: Schonhaut Luisa , Armijo Iván , Schönstedt Marianne , Alvarez Jorge , Cordero Miguel
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND:

This study assessed the concurrent validity of the parent-completed developmental screening measure Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) compared with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) in children born term, late preterm, or extremely preterm at 8, 18, or 30 months of corrected gestational ages (CGA).

METHODS:

Data were collected from 306 term and preterm children ages 8, 18, and 30 months’ CGA recruited from an ambulatory well-child clinic in Santiago, Chile. Parents completed the ASQ-3 in their homes, and afterward a trained professional administered the Bayley-III in a clinic setting. On the ASQ-3, the presence of any domain screened <2 SDs below the mean area score was considered a positive screen (indicating failure or delay). A Bayley-III score less than ≤1 SD indicated mild or severe delay.

RESULTS:

ASQ-3 showed adequate psychometric properties (75% sensitivity and 81% specificity) and modest agreement with the Bayley-III (r = 0.56). Sensitivity, specificity, and correlations between measures improved with testing age and in children who were born extremely preterm.

CONCLUSIONS:

Considering its psychometric properties, the ASQ-3 can be recommended for routine use in screening low-risk children at 8, 18, and 30 months’ CGA and is advisable to be included in follow-up programs for children with biological risk factors such as those born preterm.
Calcium and Vitamin D Requirements of Enterally Fed Preterm Infants
Authors: Abrams Steven A. ,   COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION, Bhatia Jatinder J. S. , Abrams Steven A. , Corkins Mark R. , de Ferranti Sarah D. , Golden Neville H. , Silverstein Janet
Published: April 2013

Bone health is a critical concern in managing preterm infants. Key nutrients of importance are calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. Although human milk is critical for the health of preterm infants, it is low in these nutrients relative to the needs of the infants during growth. Strategies should be in place to fortify human milk for preterm infants with birth weight <1800 to 2000 g and to ensure adequate mineral intake during hospitalization and after hospital discharge. Biochemical monitoring of very low birth weight infants should be performed during their hospitalization. Vitamin D should be provided at 200 to 400 IU/day both during hospitalization and after discharge from the hospital. Infants with radiologic evidence of rickets should have efforts made to maximize calcium and phosphorus intake by using available commercial products and, if needed, direct supplementation with these minerals.
Depression as a Mediator: Viewing Caregiver Well-Being and Strain in a Different Light
Authors: Berg-Weger Marla , Rubio Doris McGartland , Tebb Susan S.
Published: April 2013

This study examines the relationship between caregiver characteristics and caregiver well-being as comprised of two components, activities of living and basic needs. The role of depression in predicting caregiver well-being is explored using a sample of caregivers of family members with a chronic illness. Using a path-analysis model, multivariate findings suggest that depression explains 56% of the variance in activities of living and 64% in basic needs. Path analysis further identifies depression as a mediator between stress and well-being. Implications for research and practice are highlighted.
Practitioners' Perceptions of Empowerment
Authors: Ackerson Barry J. , Harrison W. David
Published: April 2013

The term “empowerment” has been widely adopted in social work and other areas of contemporary culture, yet its meanings are not clearly agreed upon. This article discusses the various uses of this term in both the social-work and mental-health literature. These conceptualizations are then compared with the results of a small qualitative study, in which practitioners from the Deep South discussed their understandings of the meaning of empowerment. Central to their ideas about empowerment were a set of paradoxes and redundancies with other constructs, especially self-determination. Although the concept of empowerment had heuristic value, it was most relevant for work with individuals, rather than larger social forces. While this is in contrast to the broader use of this term in the theoretical literature, it is consistent with other literature about practitioners' views of this vaguely defined term.
Smoking Cessation: Increasing Practice Understanding and Time-Limited Intervention Strategy
Authors: Dziegielewski Sophia F. , Eater Jamie A.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this article is to explore nicotine-addiction and smoking-cessation interventions while stressing the importance that physiological and psychological addiction can have on smoking cessation. In designing this time-limited smoking-cessation plan, the benefits of pharmacotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and social support are explored. Previous research is applied to current practice strategy that involves a multi-/interdisciplinary team perspective. To facilitate the intervention process, a combination intervention regimen that uses nicotine-replacement therapy, the possible use of antidepressant medications, and cognitive-behavioral therapy and social support is suggested. Recommendations are made for constructing this brief time-limited model for smoking cessation.
The Prevention of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Future Research and Public-Policy Recommendations
Authors: Dulmus Catherine N. , Rapp-Paglicci Lisa A.
Published: April 2013

The following literature review examines the research on the prevention of mental illness in children and adolescents; relevant theories also are surveyed. The results point to directions for future research and present public policy. A risk-reduction model in preventative research, whereby risk factors are identified and matched to empirically tested interventions, is most promising. If risk factors can be decreased or in some way altered while protective factors are enhanced, the likelihood of at-risk children eventually developing a mental disorder would decrease. The ultimate goal is to achieve optimal prevention by building the principles of prevention into the ordinary activities of everyday life and into community structures to enhance development over the entire life span.
The Availability of Traditional and Family-Friendly Employee Benefits among a Cohort of Young Women, 1968–1995
Authors: Caputo Richard K.
Published: April 2013

Based on a nationally representative sample of young women who ever worked between 1968 and 1995 (N = 2,594), findings of a study on the availability of traditional and family-friendly employee benefits are presented. The highest concentrations (70% to 95%) of women held jobs with traditional benefits such as medical coverage, life insurance, and retirement pensions, while the proportions holding jobs with family-friendly benefits such as paid and unpaid maternity leave and flexible work hours were about half that or less. In any given survey year, between 9% and 11% of working women held jobs without benefits, while, over their work histories, 39% had held at least one job without benefits. The effects of 10 correlates on the number of years working women held jobs with specific employee benefits were also assessed. Correlates included age; highest grade completed; number of employers; number of children ever had; race; and years of full-time employment, marriage, public assistance, private-sector employment, and union membership. A positive relationship was found between full-time employment and nearly all employee benefits, while number of children had no effect on all but one benefit, flexible menu of benefits. Most significant, race was found to affect whether working women ever held jobs with certain employee benefits, as well as the number of years they were likely to hold such jobs. Despite longer full-time work histories, Black women were less likely than White women to have jobs with job-related training programs and with several family-friendly benefits. Implications for retaining principles of affirmative action, workplace strategies, and other policies are discussed.
Challenges to the Implementation of Personal Advocacy for Older Adults
Authors: Hyduk Christine A. , Moxley David P.
Published: April 2013

Despite the endorsement of advocacy by the social work profession, the implementation of advocacy in community-service situations for vulnerable populations poses a major challenge to practice. The implementation of an advocacy project, the purpose of which was to address the community living needs older adults of minority status defined as important to the advancement of their quality of life, is examined. Background on the need for advocacy among minority older persons and advocacy within the context of empowerment is offered, then seven issues social workers should address to ensure the effectiveness and viability of personal advocacy for older adults are discussed. Each implementation issue is examined, the service and practice challenges the issue creates are discussed, and then resolutions that can advance practice in this important area are suggested. Finally, the promise of personal advocacy as a form of prevention at the individual case level of service and the benefits sound implementation can produce for older adults, their families, and social-service systems are considered.
Preemployment and Volunteer Screening: Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse for Social Service Agencies
Authors: Wilson Martha K. , Beville Barbara A.
Published: April 2013

The authors present a model for preemployment and volunteer applicant screening that is based on their review of the literature concerning sexual offender profiles and propose that assessment of an agency's level of organizational risk is a key factor in the implementation and affordability of an appropriately thorough screening procedure. They identify levels of risk and suggest how to modify the screening model accordingly.
Social Security is not for Babies: Trends and Policies Affecting Older Women in the United States
Authors: Barusch Amanda Smith
Published: April 2013

In the first year of the new century, over a million American women officially entered the ranks of “the elderly” by reaching their 65th birthday (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1999). What can they expect of government policy? To what extent will the nation's economic support systems respond to their needs? And what about their daughters' and their babies'? This article considers two broad social trends that determine public policy responses to the needs of the elderly: shifting fertility patterns and labor force participation of women. The implications of these trends for income security in old age are considered, followed by recommendations for new approaches to family policy in the United States. The article closes by suggesting that in the 21st century Social Security should be for babies.
Ending Welfare through Work First: Manager and Client Views
Authors: Danziger Sandra K. , Seefeldt Kristin S.
Published: April 2013

This paper examines how one state implemented a “work first” approach to moving welfare recipients into employment. It also looks at how program managers and clients evaluate the adequacy of this program model in light of the diverse needs of welfare recipients and how those needs affect their success in the labor market. We describe the evolution of work first policies and question the appropriateness of this quick labor force attachment model as the exclusive strategy for assisting all recipients. We use data from an implementation study of local welfare programs in Michigan and from a survey of a random sample of single mothers who received welfare. Local Work First program managers and recipients give the Work First program mixed appraisals, and the two studies identify many barriers that may keep clients from effectively participating and finding jobs. The barriers noted in both studies are sometimes consistent with each other, but Work First program managers tend to underestimate the prevalence of some problems. If future policy and program changes were responsive to these concerns, work first programs would expand assessment of client needs and provide additional services, supports, and training opportunities.
Child Abuse and Neglect in Indian Country: Policy Issues
Authors: Cross Terry A. , Earle Kathleen A. , Simmons David
Published: April 2013

Although Native People have been able to maintain many of their traditional child protective mechanisms, these have been eroded over time by forces largely outside of tribal control. The passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978 provided an opportunity to return the care of Indian children to their people. Yet, over twenty years later, there remain issues that prevent its full operationalization. This paper identifies some of the major policy issues that need to be addressed in order to provide the same opportunities to American Indian children as are given to other children in the U.S. in the area of child welfare.satisfaction — were explored in semi-structured interviews with each spouse. Understanding how spouses adapt over the life span of their relationships has important implications for prevention programs and for practice.
Traumatic Hand-Me-Downs: The Holocaust, Where Does it End?
Authors: Waxman Mayer
Published: April 2013

The author looks at children of Holocaust survivors as a distinct clinical group. These patients often display symptoms resembling those found in concentration-camp-survivor syndrome. Common symptoms include depression, anxiety, maladaptive behavior, and symptoms of personality disorder and even post traumatic stress disorder. The author reviews theories explaining the phenomenon and discusses treatment implications for both mental-health professionals and for clergy.
Toward a Third Space: Improvisation and Professionalism in Social Work
Authors: Walter Uta M.
Published: April 2013

Pressured to be a “proper profession,” social work often failed to attend to its ambiguous and improvisational nature. In this article, the author recasts social work in a performance framework and repositions the profession between traditional categories such as art or science. In an indeterminate “third space of the borderlands” the critical yet unrecognized improvisational arenas of social life and social work become visible. Exploring improvisation, the author discusses theater literature and provides insights as to how social work is an improvisational profession that always performs and re-forms various identities.
A Qualitative Examination of Client Participation in Agency-Initiated Services
Authors: Altman Julie Cooper
Published: April 2013

Decisions of nonvoluntary clients regarding whether to accept or decline agency-initiated social services were examined in this exploratory study. A qualitative research approach was used to collect and analyze data from 20 potential participants in an early-intervention program for high-risk (child abuse) families. Each was queried as to their decision-making rationale when confronted with an offer of services. Five themes across the participant decision-making category emerged: need, fit, efficacy, cost/benefit, and choice. Practice implications are discussed, with an emphasis on the importance of seeking and respecting clients' perspectives in the offer of service delivery.
Two Shadows of the Twin Towers: Missing Safe Spaces and Foreclosed Opportunities
Authors: Krauss Beatrice J. , Franchi Dina , O'Day Joanne , Pride James , Lozada Larissa , Aledort Nina , Bates Dawn
Published: April 2013

War and disaster often strike impoverished and stressed communities. The Lower East Side of New York City (LES) became one of those communities on September 11, 2001, when youth and parents experienced the destruction of the nearby World Trade Center. HIV-affected and HIV-infected parents discussed their own and their families' reactions. LES parents felt they had dealt with the initial effects of the World Trade Center disaster well, but were concerned about their ability to deal with continued threat. This challenge was made more difficult as they saw the number and quality of safe places from which to view and interpret events diminish, and their opportunities to establish reserves that would help them cope erode. HIV posed additional difficulties post-disaster. Implications are drawn for emergency preparedness planning for urban families.
The Characteristics of Domestic Violence Victims in a Child Protective Service Caseload
Authors: Jones Loring Paul , Gross Elizabeth , Becker Irene
Published: April 2013

The objective of this research was to identify case characteristics of domestic violence cases in a child protective services (CPS) caseload. The sample was drawn from a large California county, and consisted of 442 children chosen at random from among all children who had a newly substantiated abuse case over a 6-month period. Files of sample children were reviewed to derive study data. There were 187 children (42.3%) from families with at least one domestic violence incident. Parents with a domestic violence incident were significantly more likely to have problem characteristics such as substance abuse, and to have more previous CPS referrals than nondomestic violence families. Domestic violence victims were more likely to rely on public assistance, and were less likely to have an employed parent than nonvictims. Domestic violence cases were more likely than nondomestic violence cases to contain a charge of physical abuse, emotional abuse, or failure to protect, and were more likely to have been reported to CPS by the police. Domestic violence victims received more services, conditions in the service plan, and contact from their social workers than nonvictims. Variables that predicted new referrals during a 6-month follow-up period were examined in logistic regression. Domestic violence, previous referrals to CPS, the number of social work contacts, and having an unemployed father were variables that predicted a new referral. More contact with social workers predicted new referrals. These findings suggest that either interventions with domestic violence cases are ineffective or the chronic nature of domestic violence makes new referrals for child maltreatment more likely because mandated reporters such as police intervene with domestic violence.
Nature and Consequences of Personality Problems in Maltreating Caregivers
Authors: Marziali Elsa , Damianakis Thecla , Trocmé Nico
Published: April 2013

From the authors' perspective and value-based assumptions, neglect and abuse occur not out of malice or intent to harm but rather out of an inability to cope with the demands of children whose developmental needs overwhelm the coping resources of parental caregivers. In this article the authors develop a theoretical model that views caregivers who repeatedly maltreat their children as limited in providing appropriate parenting responses to their offspring because of psychosocial problems that pervade most sectors of their functioning. The proposed theoretical model targets 3 interacting dimensions of personality functioning (interpersonal relationship capacity, emotion regulation, and self-esteem maintenance). Implications for the development of assessment and intervention strategies and for empirical testing of the model are outlined.
“Sanctified Snake Oil”: Ideology, Junk Science, and Social Work Practice
Authors: Sarnoff Susan Kiss
Published: April 2013

This article explores the pervasiveness of the form of junk science known as advocacy statistics, and its danger to the practice of social work. Using domestic violence statistics as exemplars, the article documents how misinterpretation and refusal to believe data that does not conform to ideology can lead to inaccurate assessments, faulty treatment recommendations, and misallocation of resources. Such practice, which clearly violates the NASW Code of Ethics, reflects poorly on the profession and, most significantly, makes it impossible to understand the true nature of the problem.
Professional Boundaries: An Analysis of Violations by Social Workers
Authors: Strom-Gottfried Kimberly
Published: April 2013

The violation of professional boundaries represents the most troubling of ethics transgressions. Encompassing sexual activities, dual relationships, and poor clinical practices, this area includes not only clearly illegal or unethical behaviors, but also actions that may be unwise only in the context in which they occurred. This article presents the findings of a recent study that examined ethics complaints against social workers and revealed that 56.1% of the cases in which there were violations involved some form of boundary infraction. The body of literature on boundary violations is examined in light of these findings and recommendations are offered for enhancing practitioner education, supervision, and self-awareness to reduce the incidence of these ethics breaches.
Social Workers Practicing in Their Non-Western Home Communities: Overcoming Conflict between Professional and Cultural Values
Authors: Al-Krenawi Alean
Published: April 2013

A Bedouin-Arab social worker practicing in his home community had an unwed, expectant Bedouin-Arab client. Cultural values placed her welfare, and by association the worker's, at risk. The case presents several points where the profession's values and those of the Bedouin-Arab community conflicted. The worker intervened by both integrating and mediating between the emic (the outlook of members of a cultural group) and etic (a viewpoint outside of the cultural group). He thereby overcame dilemmas of a dual-role relationship with interventions that benefited and did not harm the client.
Political and Personal Aspects of Intercountry Adoption of Chinese Children in the United States
Authors: Vonk M. Elizabeth , Simms Peggy J. , Nackerud Larry
Published: April 2013

In this article, transracial adoption of children from the People's Republic of China (PRC), primarily by European American parents, will be explored using information from professional literature, international adoption agency publications, and papers published by professional organizations with an interest in international adoption. Three areas are addressed: (1) the sociopolitical conditions both in the People's Republic of China and the United States that result in international adoption; (2) the personal process of international adoption both in the United States and in the People's Republic of China; and (3) the possible positive and negative effects of intercountry adoption from the People's Republic of China. Finally, based on an integration of sociopolitical and personal aspects of intercountry adoption, the implications for social work practice are discussed.
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Outcomes: Implications for Social Work Practice
Authors: Monahan Deborah J.
Published: April 2013

Teen pregnancy rates have begun to decline after a 25-year period of stability; nevertheless, more than 1 million adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 become pregnant each year. Teen pregnancy prevention programs have emerged to postpone unwanted pregnancies to the benefit of the children involved and the public fiscally. This three-year federally funded Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention program was designed as a 9-week (18 classroom hours) primary prevention intervention for young adolescents. Three facets of adolescents' experience were targeted in the intervention design: attitudes, dating behaviors, and knowledge. Results of the intervention suggest that the treatment group, on average, showed more positive attitudes associated with adolescent sexuality than those in the control group. Knowledge inventory results were not found to be statistically significant. Significant change in dating behavior was also not found in this study. Implications of short-term interventions for adolescents are discussed.
Defining and Measuring Program Effectiveness at a Mental Health/ Social Services Agency
Authors: Kluger Miriam P. , Rivera Nelson , Mormile-Mehler Marie
Published: April 2013

Defining and measuring outcome effectiveness is key to understanding whether a service makes a difference. The Village for Families & Children in Hartford, Connecticut, has promoted the use of outcome effectiveness studies for more than a decade. The authors describe the outcome effectiveness process used by this agency, beginning with the formation of a team, consisting of both program staff and evaluators. Going beyond written material to unwritten philosophies and accepted practice, the team then carefully defines effectiveness. Multiple sources of information are then identified to answer the efficacy question. The article concludes with a description of the definition and measures used to assess the effectiveness of an intensive family preservation program.
Writing a Dissertation: Lessons Learned
Authors: Riebschleger Joanne
Published: April 2013

An author with a new doctorate shares lessons learned about writing a dissertation. Lessons include (1) there are few sources to guide one on how to write a dissertation; (2) it is easier to critique research than to create research; (3) dissertation writing is an evolutionary communication process; (4) criticism is good; (5) dissertation writing produces a product; (6) hypotheses rule and methods matter most; and (7) less is more. Additionally, the author asserts that (8) writing for dissertation is an apprenticeship experience that prepares one for writing for publication.