bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Ageing among Older Adults with Lifelong Intellectual Disabilities: The Role of Familial and Nonfamilial Social Networks
Authors: Buys Laurie , Aird Rosemary , Miller Evonne
Published: April 2013

Little research has examined the extent to which active ageing is facilitated by family and nonfamilial support persons of older adults with intellectual disabilities. This study explores the role played by key unpaid carers/support persons of older adults with lifelong intellectual disabilities in facilitating “active ageing.” All key social network members conceived active ageing to mean ongoing activity. Family and extended family members were found to play a crucial role in facilitating independent living and providing opportunities for recreational pursuits for those living in group homes. Members of religious organizations and group home staff provided the same types of opportunities where family support was absent. The findings suggest the need for improvements in resource provision, staff training, and group home policy and building design.
An Exploratory Study on the Use of Eye Movement Integration Therapy in Overcoming Childhood Trauma
Authors: Struwig Elsabet , van Breda Adrian D.
Published: April 2013

Eye movement integration therapy (EMI) is a relatively new therapeutic modality, based on a neurobiological model of trauma. This article advances the empirical knowledge base of EMI, by assessing its utility with a cohort of 12 adolescents, aged 14 to 16 years, in South Africa. The results indicate a reduction in a range of trauma symptoms, based on the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children and post-EMI interviews with the children's care workers. A number of clinical practice issues regarding the utilization of EMI with children are discussed and illustrated with case material.
Reflections on Carol H. Meyer's Writing and Teaching
Authors: Johnson Yvonne M.
Published: April 2013

Carol H. Meyer (1924–1996) was a leading social work scholar whose lines of inquiry included the nature and purpose of social work practice, the place of private practice, social work language, and the relationship between research and practice. In addition, Meyer developed the ecosystems perspective. Tracing Meyer's writing and teaching, which were often provocative and challenged the status quo, I maintain that Meyer's broad and diverse contributions to social work remain highly significant for today's social work practitioners and educators.
Reconceptualizing High-Conflict Divorce as a Maladaptive Adult Attachment Response
Authors: Saini Michael
Published: April 2013

Attachment theory has recently been used as a framework for exploring specific processes in couple relationships. This conceptual article explores assessment and treatment options for high-conflict parents that are consistent with adult attachment theory. Divorce affects a significant number of families, but only a small portion of divorces are considered “high conflict.” For these parents, fear of abandonment, fear of loss, and fear of being devalued increases both boundary ambiguity and maladaptive emotional responses post divorce. Implications for practice are proposed, including the early identification of high-conflict tactics as attachment behaviors and more emotionally focused collaboration between mental health professionals and lawyers to help recognize and respond to unresolved emotional issues when dealing with high-conflict families.
Examining Resident Social Support Systems in Assisted Living
Authors: Kelly Gina Aalgaard
Published: April 2013

This study examines systems of social support in assisted living facilities. A sample of 600 assisted living residents were interviewed to identify three systems of social support: formal, informal, and resident. The resident system of social support was found to be key in the utilization of the informal and formal social support systems. Cognitive status was found to be the only resident characteristic significantly influencing use in all three systems.
Child Care Subsidies: Parental Perceptions and Differences between Recipients and Nonrecipients
Authors: Moodie-Dyer Amber , Galambos Colleen
Published: April 2013

Child care subsidies are underutilized and underfunded, however much research has shown encouraging outcomes linked to subsidy use for both families and children. Despite some positive results, less is understood about how parents perceive the subsidy program, and barriers to entry and continuity. The goals of this study were to understand differences between low-income parents who used child care subsidies and those who did not, and to assess parental perceptions of the program. Data were collected from a sample of parents who utilized nonparental child care. Significant differences were found between parents who used child care subsidies and those who did not. Families who received subsidies expressed both positive and negative perceptions of the subsidy system. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.
Understanding the Concerns and Needs of Immigrant Youth in Nassau County New York
Authors: Calderon Orly , Giffords Elissa D. , Malekoff Andrew
Published: April 2013

Immigrant bias incidents led a group of community advocates to study the concerns and needs of immigrant youth and families. This article presents an analysis of existing quantitative and qualitative data collected from 614 immigrant youth. The youth expressed concerns about multiple issues: school, family, health, money, law enforcement, and underlying linkages among these issues. Binomial analysis indicated that while youth agreed social services in their community would be helpful to them, they did not know where or how to access such services. Content analysis indicated anxiety, anger, and optimism were associated with motivation to succeed in school. Findings emphasize the need to provide services that address multiple, possibly interrelated issues, and the importance of educating youth about accessing services.
From Family Research to Practice: Argentine Families Coping with the Challenges of Religious Intensification
Authors: Sands Roberta G. , Roer-Strier Dorit , Strier Susana
Published: April 2013

This intergenerational, qualitative study of Jewish families in Argentina (N = 10 mother/daughter dyads) coping with the religious intensification of their daughters exemplifies cultural change in one or more of their subsystems. We found challenges to family cohesion related to food and television limitations, daughters' lack of acceptance of siblings' partners, and parents' concerns about the way their grandchildren were being raised. Relationships reportedly were not adversely affected by the daughters' religious intensification. The grandparent-grandchild relationship served as a bridge between cultures and generations with grandchildren being regarded as socializing agents. Results were interpreted in terms of strengths, ecological, and interactionist role theories. A community-based intervention model that derives from this research is suggested.
Family Characteristics and Child Welfare Services: Does the Assessment Drive Service Provision?
Authors: Cash Scottye J. , Berry Marianne
Published: April 2013

A process study was performed on a program that was designed to prevent ineffective foster placement, to determine the match between family problems identified during assessment and subsequent services provided to the family. The individualization and “fit” of services to specific family needs is the foundation of assessment practice, but little research has documented the extent to which fit occurs. This study of 115 families and their services found that fit is best when concrete, rather than clinical, services are provided, but that parenting issues continue to drive the provision of all services.
Family Caregiving as a Service Niche for Agencies: Findings from a Study of Philanthropic Trends
Authors: Chernesky Roslyn H. , Gutheil Irene A.
Published: April 2013

Family elder caregiving is a relatively unsaturated and expanding service niche. The article reports on a national study of family elder caregiving initiatives that were funded by foundations between 1994 and 1999, and presents a sample of the diverse and innovative ways in which agencies have responded to the need of family members caring for older adult relatives. The authors suggest that there are many opportunities for family service agencies that wish to support family caregivers particularly since caregiving demands on families will continue to grow given our nation's burgeoning older population and funding appears encouraging now that caregiving is on the national agenda.
Social Workers who Move into Private Practice: Ideological Considerations as a Factor in the Transition
Authors: van Heugten Kate
Published: April 2013

Various aspects of a recent and unprecedented upsurge in private-practice social work in New Zealand were examined in research conducted from 1993 to 1999. A qualitative methodology was employed to try to reveal new information about a field of practice that has been extensively canvassed using quantitative methods. The findings reported here concern the importance of ethical dilemmas. These dilemmas were a surprisingly common motivating factor in respondents' decision to leave salaried agency social work. Most of the 33 respondents had recently left government or quasi-government agencies and less commonly had left private, nonprofit agencies. As expected, ethical dilemmas also arose in the transition to private practice, and respondents related their mostly pragmatic management of these.
Legal Advocacy for Domestic Violence Survivors: The Power of an Informative Relationship
Authors: Weisz Arlene N.
Published: April 2013

This article uses data from interviews with domestic violence survivors and advocates to show how legal advocacy for survivors can be successful when it responds to women's relational needs by offering emotional support information, and the physical presence of an advocate. Survivors were usually confused, doubtful, and lonely when they tried to cope with the police and the courts. Advocates lent a supportive, empathic presence and possessed valuable information. Advocates' relationships with survivors enabled them to take further legal actions against batterers. This study suggests that an active, relational helping model meets essential needs for some survivors of crime.
Reaching Families with Preschoolers at Risk of Physical Child Abuse: What Works?
Authors: Whipple Ellen E.
Published: April 2013

The effectiveness of a community-based parent education and support program in improving risk factors associated with physical child abuse (i.e., parental stress, impaired parent-child interactions, verbal and physical aggression, and poor quality of the overall home environment) was tested. Pre- and posttest data were collected on 116 families for three structured programs and every three months for one ongoing support group. Level of program involvement was framed as duration (length of time) and intensity (programming per week). Strongest gains were made by parents who participated in the more intensive programs. Especially notable in regard to the most intensive program, was the mandatory parent and child components, four contacts per week, clear identification of risk factors, and the provision of transportation when needed. These findings have important implications for targeting service delivery for families with preschoolers at risk of physical child abuse.
A Short Term Approach to Intervention with Homeless Mothers: A Role for Clinicians in Homeless Shelters
Authors: Goldberg Joan E.
Published: April 2013

An increase in homelessness among single mothers and their children has led to an Increasing need for the provision of clinical social work services in homeless shelters. This article presents a short-term feminist approach to Intervention utilized In a homeless shelter in work with mothers. This approach includes concepts from both feminist thought and postmodernism. Techniques include classical social work techniques of listening, insight, and support A single case is presented as an example of how this approach may be utilized.
Family Relationships, Parenting Behavior, and Adolescent Deviance in Three Ethnic Groups
Authors: Baer Judith
Published: April 2013

This was a study of adolescent deviance from a family and developmental perspective. Seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade boys and girls from Mexican American (N = 2549), African American (N = 1837), and Euro-American (N = 3025) ethnic groups were surveyed about their family relationships, parental behavior, and their deviant activities. Some significant ethnic and gender differences were found. Implications for practice and prevention are discussed.
A Practitioner's Journey to Becoming a Writer
Authors: Malekoff Andrew
Published: April 2013

This section allows readers to “meet” authors and to learn about the personal inspirations and influences that compel people to write for publication. We invite all readers to share their own literary experiences. In this issue, we hear from author Andrew Malefcoff.

–Howard Goldstein, Editor
Adaptations of the Traditional Interview to the Brief-Treatment Context
Authors: Kadushin Goldie
Published: April 2013

This article is concerned with modifications in the standard interview structure, procedures, and interaction that the social work interviewer needs to make in response to the time constraints of the brief interview. Brief treatment is identified as the prevalent format for offering social work services due to the impact of managed care on service delivery patterns and budgetary constraints in the social service sector. The characteristics of brief treatment and the attitudes of social workers toward brief treatment are discussed. The body of the article examines modifications in the traditional interview to fit the requirements of brief treatment.
The Personal Responsibility Act of 1996: The Bitter and the Sweet for African American Families
Authors: Schiele Jerome H.
Published: April 2013

The Personal Responsibility Act of 1996 represents the most tangible legacy of the 104th Congress and the Republicans' ‘Contract with America.’ Though the act will have devastating consequences for all poor and working-class families, its effects on the African American community will be especially ominous. This is because African American families experience poverty at a greater rate than do European American and other families. More over, the feature of the act that reduces the amount of financial assistance to families when one of their members has been convicted of a drug-related felony will also endanger African American families since African Americans are most likely to be convicted of drug-related crimes. In the midst of these harsh outcomes, the feature of the act that allows states to establish contracts with religious organizations could bode well for aggrandizing the role the black church can play in providing social services and employment opportunities for African American families. This paper examines the paradoxes the act poses for African American families and offers suggestions to assist the African American community in meeting the challenges and exploiting the opportunities of a rapidly changing social service delivery system.
Perceptions of Power in Client/Worker Relationships
Authors: Cohen Marcia B.
Published: April 2013

Recent literature on empowerment-oriented social work practice raises intriguing questions about the nature of power in client/worker relationships. This qualitative study explores client and worker perceptions of power in their relationships with each other. Individual and focus group interviews were conducted in residential settings serving men and women with histories of homelessness and psychiatric hospitalization. Staff and residents' experiences with helping relationships were probed, with particular attention to characteristics of mutuality, equality, and power. Client and worker preferences were conceptualized as ranging from partnership-oriented relationships to mentorship-oriented relationships. The author draws on empowerment and feminist theory in analyzing the study simplications for social work practice. The question is posed as to whether social work practice can fully realize the goals of shared power, mutuality, and collaboration associated with feminist and empowerment-oriented practice models when client/worker relationships are embedded in a hierarchical power structure.
How Do We Understand Practice? A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Smith Priscilla R.
Published: April 2013

This article argues that qualitative research is relevant for evaluating practice. Several complimentary theoretical assumptions and methods of both areas – qualitative research and direct practice – are presented as illustrations of utilizing a qualitative approach to assessing practice. This approach is offered as an alternative to traditional quantitative research models.
The Baby and the Bathwater: Some Thoughts on Freud as a Postmodernist
Authors: Freud Sophie
Published: April 2013

Although many specific psychoanalytic ideas are tied to outdated energy concepts, the core of Freud's thinking reflects in many ways pioneering postmodern insights compatible with current cognitive and constructivist ideas and neurophysiological brain research. This paper shows how some psychoanalytic concepts such as the unconscious, the human need for meaning making, a divided rather than unitary self, the human tendency to self-deception and the importance of early life experiences have all acquired increasing importance, albeit sometimes in a modified form, in our current understanding of human behavior and human development. Traditional psychoanalytic therapy is questioned, but it is pointed out that the humanistic values and attitudes underlying psychoanalytic treatment continue to be honored in most non-biological therapeutic approaches.
Joint and Sole Custody Mothers: Implications for Research and Practice
Authors: Arditti Joyce A. , Madden-Derdich Debra
Published: April 2013

The authors evaluated the ability of a conceptual model encompassing variables related to parenting, father involvement, and mother's resources to predict custody type for divorced mothers. Findings revealed that parenting stress, coparental relationship quality, custody satisfaction, and age of children in the house hold were predictive of custody type. Results indicated that mothers with joint custody re ported lower levels of parenting stress, better coparental relations, and had older children than did solecustody mothers. Of particular interest was the finding that higher levels of custody satisfaction were associated with solecustody status. The psychological meanings parents attach to legal custody status are explored along with how the organizational properties of custody status might differ for mothers and fathers. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Advocacy in the New World of Managed Care
Authors: Sunley Robert
Published: April 2013

With the recent emergence of large-scale health care companies, advocacy's role within the system has been reduced. Already occupying only a minor role in case management (itself partly subsumed into the system), advocacy efforts to help individuals and to make structural changes at the system level run against the driving forces of managed care–cost containment and profit making. Practitioners within the managed-care system may be able to carry out some case-and-cause advocacy within the limits of company requirements and possible job jeopardy. Greater efforts will have to come from outside groups focusing on broad issues, including patients' rights; standards of care; consumer empowerment; outside evaluations; maldistribution of physicians and other personnel; protection against lowering of quantity, type, and quality of services; and training of managed care personnel.
Head Start and Social Work
Authors: Frankel Arthur J.
Published: April 2013

The author states that the social work profession is not sufficiently involved with Head Start. Data from a representative sample of Head Start programs shows the minimal role professional social workers play with Head Start even when ample financial resources to hire BSWs or MSWs are available. Evidence suggests, however, that Head Start is open to increased professional social work involvement. The author presents reasons social work professionals are underrepresented in Head Start and recommendations for increasing professional involvement and influence. The author also discusses the history and current status of Head Start, including a thorough description of Head Start's social service component.
Designing Interventions for Grandparent Caregivers: The Need for an Ecological Perspective for Practice
Authors: Cox Carole B.
Published: April 2013

Grandparent caregivers confront multiple issues and challenges in their efforts to raise their grandchildren. The nature of these concerns suggests the relevancy of the ecological perspective as a framework for social work practice and for the design of interventions. This paper identifies the areas of stress faced by these grandparents and the ways in which the use of this perspective is particularly relevant to addressing their specific needs. A case study of services provided to one grandparent is presented. In working with these caregivers, social workers must be ready to assume a plethora of roles and interventions ranging from counselor and therapist to advocate and policy developer to ensure that the needs of grandparent caregivers are met and that stress is reduced.
Minimizing the Need for Physical Restraint and Seclusion in Residential Youth Care through Skill-Based Treatment Programming
Authors: Jones Robert J. , Timbers Gary D.
Published: April 2013

Recent and widely publicized increases in client injuries and occasional deaths relating to the use of physical restraint in child care settings have administrators and practitioners searching for alternative methods of managing clients who present a danger to themselves, other clients, or staff. Many care facilities have responded to the problem by providing better crisis intervention training to direct care staff, both to help them defuse crisis episodes without the need for potentially dangerous interventions, and to equip them to use restraint tactics safely when those are required. Some have implemented and enforced vigorous and categorical zero restraint policies or have adopted sharply limited restraint practices. Others have combined these measures to comply with the recent federal mandate regulating the use of restraint and seclusion. This study explored an alternative possibility that definable, systematic, and skill-based treatment programming may inherently reduce the need for these interventions. Frequency of restraint, seclusion, and significant incident report data from two child care facilities before and after their transitions to such a program of care and treatment, the Teaching-Family Model, are examined. The data appear to support the potential for this and other skill-focused treatment programs to minimize the necessity of such interventions. Discussion includes implications of these preliminary results for professionalizing youth care policy and practice.
Using African-Centered Principles in Family-Preservation Services
Authors: Carter Carolyn S.
Published: April 2013

The author discusses African-centered family preservation services and the use of a strengths perspective in work with African American families, focusing on the heterogeneous structure of African American families and critical issues facing African American communities. African traditions and ways of integrating these traditions into family-preservation work with African American families are described. Integrating African traditions reflects a holistic approach to family-preservation services, improves the breadth and cultural relevance of services, protects children, and empowers families within the natural context of their communities. These outcomes complement the goals of family-preservation services and enhance the chances of families remaining intact.
Research Collaboration with Community Organizations: A Case Example
Authors: Smith Deborah B.
Published: April 2013

This case example details a collaborative research experience between an urban state university and a community-based organization. The project combined the author's interest in midlife volunteering with the organization's need for long-term planning in volunteer and program development. Important components of this endeavor mirror those previously reported in the literature as necessary for collaborative success, including shared concerns, good timing, strong stakeholder groups, involvement of high-level visible leaders, and development of respect and trust. In addition, the author found that prior involvement between the university and the organization helped, as did the author's prior experience with collaborative efforts. Also discussed are the positive outcomes and challenges of undertaking academic research with community organizations.
Spirituality, Resilience, and Narrative: Coping with Parental Death
Authors: Angell G. Brent , Dennis Brent C. , Dumain Lisa E.
Published: April 2013

This article considers the therapeutic use of reminiscence and storytelling in the bereave ment process of an adult-child adjusting to the death of a parent. Founded on the client's journey of adjustment, the work looks at how the individual reconfigures and incorporates the trauma of loss into a narrative of personal and spiritual resiliency wherein the goal is discovery rather than recovery.
Cognitive-Constructivist Art Therapy Model: A Pragmatic Approach for Social Work Practice
Authors: Matto Holly C.
Published: April 2013

Cognitive-constructivism has gained increased scholarly attention within the social sciences with roots grounded in a variety of human behavior theories. A major limitation inherent within constructivist meta-theory, however, is the paucity of strategic and pragmatic techniques to substantiate its practice utility. Specificity of technique, whereby clinical procedures are introduced within this theoretical framework, has not proliferated as strongly as the philosophical critiques in this content area. This analysis responds to this theoretical limitation by presenting a treatment framework that integrates art therapy methodology into a cognitive-constructivist theoretical model in treating early adolescent girls who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. The presented treatment methodology details art therapy techniques as linked to constructivist treatment phases, with therapeutic goals reflective of the theory's underlying principles.
Social Work and Public Social Services Practice: A Status Report
Authors: Gibelman Margaret , Schervish Philip H.
Published: April 2013

The authors review the current status of the social work labor force within the public sector by means of an analysis of the National Association of Social Workers member data base for 1988 and 1991, with additional data drawn from a 1993 member survey. Changes in the proportion and composition of the public social services labor force are documented, including education, experience, gender, and ethnicity. The decreasing professional social work labor force within public social services is discussed within the context of the realities of public social services practice and social work's historic place within this sector. The authors encourage debate about the implications of these trends, focusing on whether social work should influence labor-force trends or be influenced by them.
Reflections on Knowing Oneself Ethically: Toward a Working Framework for Social Work Practice
Authors: Abramson Marcia
Published: April 2013

Ethical self-knowledge has been a neglected dimension in discussions of self-awareness in social work practice. The author begins a dialogue about the components of ethical self-knowledge by presenting an assessment framework in the form of questions that social workers can ask themselves about their own ethical stance. The questions are then applied to the preparation of an advance directive for oneself.
Evaluation of a Parent Education and Support Program for Families at Risk of Physical Child Abuse
Authors: Whipple Ellen E. , Wilson Steven R.
Published: April 2013

The effectiveness of a community-based parent education and support program in ameliorating risk factors associated with physical child abuse was tested. Data were collected on 34 families at three points in time with a combination of questionnaires, interviews, and telephone contacts. Parental depression and stress were significantly reduced, but social support and child misbehaviors were not. The authors offer suggestions for tailoring programs, including strategies to treat depression and stress, the addition of social-skills training to facilitate involvement in healthy support networks, and the development of a cohesive child program. Parent–child programs that are part of a comprehensive service-delivery system may have the best chance for meeting the needs of violent families.
Helping Families toward the Goal of Self-Support: Montana's EDUFAIM Program
Authors: Duncan Stephen F. , Dunnagan Tim , Christopher Suzanne , Paul Lynn
Published: April 2013

This article on a self-reliance education program describes the development, implementation, and elements of success of Educating Families to Achieve Independence in Montana (EDUFAIM) as a model for statewide integration of efforts to help families dependent on public assistance move toward a more self-supporting lifestyle. An overview of the EDUFAIM program, from its beginnings to implementation strategies, open the article, followed by a discussion of the evidence of EDUFAIM's success, including effective collaboration, effective educational materials and teaching strategies, effective evaluation strategies, and effective use of evaluation data. The article concludes with a discussion of program limitations.
Human Development and Adversity in Ecological Perspective, Part 1: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Gilgun Jane F.
Published: April 2013

This article is part one of a two-part series on human development and adversity. The author presents a conceptual framework combining developmental psychopathology and its associated concepts of resilience, protective factors, and risk factors with social work's ecological, phenomenological, and strengths-based approach. Separately, each framework has its strengths and weaknesses. Together, these frameworks provide a comprehensive and detailed view of human development that has major implications for practice, programs, and policy. Part two presents the results of research demonstrating how the integrated framework elucidates developmental processes under adverse conditions. This research identified three models of human development under adverse conditions: the model of the wounded well, the social-deficits model, and the social-assets model.
Dealing with Family Distress in Schools
Authors: Comille Thomas A. , Boroto Daniel R. , Barnes Michael F. , Hall Patti K.
Published: April 2013

Social workers and teachers in schools deal with families in distress. When a child is having trouble in school, families will respond in their preferred style of dealing with problems. The challenge for social workers and teachers is to understand the meaning behind how the family copes with the distress. Professionals typically have been taught traditional models of family dynamics that identify or label coping styles as either functional or dysfunctional. The authors introduce school-based professionals to the Family Distress and Family Outreach models, which emphasize an appreciation for the family's ability to cope with distress in ways that are consistent with its goals and values. The authors provide a framework for developing and maintaining working relationships with students' parents on the basis of the Family Outreach Model.
Family-Centered Practice with Stepfamilies
Authors: Kelley Patricia
Published: April 2013

The stepfamily is one of the fastest growing family forms, and family-centered practitioners can expect to have such families in their case loads. Differences between stepfamilies and biologically based families need to be understood by practitioners, because work with these families requires different approaches. The author notes these differences as well as the usefulness and problematic aspects of the systemic and behavioral approaches traditionally used by family-centered practitioners in work with stepfamilies. An integrated model for working with stepfamilies, developed by the author, is presented. This model integrates postmodern approaches into eco-systemic and behavioral work.
Clinical, Ethical, and Legal Issues in E-therapy
Authors: Kanani Karima , Regehr Cheryl
Published: April 2013

In recent years, many social workers have joined the ranks of virtual or e-therapists. While this offers exciting new opportunities for social work practice, the advent of e-therapy has come with a host of challenges particular to Internet communication that may not be reconcilable with current social work regulation. This paper reviews the social work codes of ethics in both the United States and Canada, legislation governing treatment, and case law with respect to several important issues related to e-therapy. The paper begins with a discussion of jurisdictional issues and expertise to practice e-therapy. Next, it suggests that if e-therapy fits within the purview of acceptable social work practice, the establishment of therapist–patient relationships creates professional duties of care owed to patients and to the public. Four of the most critical duties in a therapeutic encounter are considered: the duty to obtain informed consent, the duty to maintain confidentiality, the duty to warn third parties of harm, and the duty to maintain professional boundaries.
The Best Interests of the Child: Decision-Making Factors
Authors: Banach Mary
Published: April 2013

This study examines the factors considered by professionals working within the family court arena when they apply the standard of best interests of children to make a determination about where a child should reside. This study uses a qualitative design based on the critical incident technique. Recorded interviews were conducted with all respondents using a semi-structured format in which they were asked to delineate the factors they relied on to make a decision in a case in which they were involved. Results indicate that professionals rely on three domains to make decisions using the best interests standard: precipitating events, guiding principles, and case variables. Respondents also generally agreed that the best interests of children as a standard can be subjectively interpreted to the detriment of clear and unbiased decisions. Recommendations for use of these domains in decision-making concerning the best interests of children are proposed as a guard against the subjective interpretation of the standard.
Moral and Ethical Issues in Working with Lesbians and Gay Men
Authors: Hartman Ann , Laird Joan
Published: April 2013

In this article, we address some of the ways that ethical issues have been confronted and avoided in the social work profession and argue that a social constructionist perspective allows for the generation of principles for a practice that foregrounds critical thinking and a value-based ethical stance. We outline these principles and consider them in relation to the special issues that arise in practice with lesbians and gay men.
Quantifying Lateral Diffusion Error in Soil Carbon Dioxide Respiration Estimates using Numerical Modeling
Authors: Creelman Chance , Nickerson Nick , Risk David
Published: April 2013

A variety of chamber methodologies have been developed in an attempt to accurately measure the rate of soil CO2 respiration. However, the degree to which these methods perturb and misread the soil signal is poorly understood. One source of error in particular is the introduction of lateral diffusion due to the disturbance of the steady‐state CO2 concentrations. The addition of soil collars to the chamber system attempts to address this perturbation, but may induce additional errors from the increased disturbance. Using a numerical three‐dimensional (3D) soil‐atmosphere diffusion model, we have undertaken a comprehensive and comparative study of existing static and dynamic chambers. Specifically, we are examining the 3D diffusion errors associated with each method and opportunities for correction. The impacts of collar length and diffusion parameters on lateral diffusion around the instruments are quantified to provide insight into obtaining more accurate soil respiration estimates. Results suggest that while each method can approximate the true flux in low diffusivity environments, the associated errors can be large and vary substantially in their sensitivity to both method‐specific and environmental parameters. In some cases, factors such as collar length and soil diffusivity are coupled in their effects on accuracy.
Twin domination and twin irredundance in digraphs
Authors: Arumugam S. , Ebadi Karam , Sathikala L.
Published: April 2013

Let D = (V,A) be a digraph. A subset S of V is called a twin dominating set
of D if for every vertex v ? V ? S, there exist vertices u1, u2 ? S ( u1 and
u2 may coincide) such that (v, u1) and (u2, v) are arcs in D. The minimum
cardinality of a twin dominating set in D is called the twin domination
number of D and is denoted by ?*(D). In this paper we present several basic
results on these and other related parameters.
Cult of the St. Isauros in Durres
Authors: Preradovic Dubravka
Published: April 2013

On the basis of well-known hagiographic, diplomatic and sphragistic sources,
this paper reconstructs the presence and significance of the cult of Saint
Isauros in Durres. The sources show that this saint, martyr from the time of
the emperor Numerianus, was venerated in Durres from the beginning of the
eleventh to the end of the fourteenth century. Together with Saint Asteios,
the Bishop of Durres, he was the patron of the Cathedral of Durres, which
indicates the special importance of Saint Isauros? cult in this city.
Traces of the throne of grand zupan Stefan Nemanjic and the fresco decoration of the main church of the monastery of Studenica
Authors: Radujko Milan
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the bearings of the structure preserved in the floor
beside the southwestern support of the dome in the Studenica katholikon, and
on the dado rail of that pilaster. From the appearance of the bearings, their
position in the space, and the writer Theodosius? account describing the
place where the grand zupan Stefan Nemanjic stood during the liturgy, the
author concludes that this refers to the bearings of the ruler?s throne,
which had a loggia-like form. A series of features indicates that the
installation was prepared before the painting of the main church and then
installed afterwards. The text on the scroll of Saint Sabas the Sanctified
testifies that it influenced the concept of the neighbouring fresco-ornament.
Written sources (from the thirteenth and fourteenth century) maintain that
the idea in the fresco painter?s mind was the role of the principle of
ascetism in medieval images of the ideal monarch.
The vision of Saint Peter of Alexandria, from the Church of St. Archangels in Prilep: Iconographical research
Authors: Cvetkovski Saso
Published: April 2013

This text is dealing with a rare thematic innovation that appeared in
Byzantine wall painting of the thirteenth century. In particular, the author
explores the iconography of the Vision of Saint Peter of Alexandria as found
in the Church of St. Archangels in Prilep around 1270. He argues that this
work manifests a key moment in the development of this composition over the
course of the thirteenth century. This links the same motif found in Melnik
from the beginning of the thirteenth century, and a composition from the
Church of the Virgin Peribleptos in Ohrid from 1294/1295. In the end, place
of the Vision in the painted program of the western part of the Church of St.
Archangels in Prilep is analyzed.
The painting of the northern wall of the narthex of the Church of the Virgin Peribleptos (st. Kliment) in Ohrid
Authors: Grozdanov Cvetan
Published: April 2013

The author examines the figures and scenes painted on the northern wall of
the narthex of the Church of the Virgin Peribleptos in Ohrid. He describes
and interprets Nebuchadnezzar?s dream, the figures of the archangels Michael
and Gabriel as guardians of the entrance to the church, and the choir of the
saint anargyres (Panteleimon, Cosmas and Damian). He then proceeds to discuss
the empty field above the northern do or of the narthex, the arcosolium and
the tomb of Ostoja Rajakovic. Finally, he refers to the penetration of a new
passage on the eastern wall of the narthex, which resulted to the destruction
of some figures from the earliest layer of frescoes in the church.
Two signed seventeenth century icons of the Cretan school from the hermitage museum
Authors: Pyatnitsky Yuri
Published: April 2013

The article concerns the authorship of two Cretan icons from the
ex-collection of Nikolay Likhachev held nowadays in the Hermitage museum. The
iconography, stylistic features and techniques used in the icons prove dating
to the seventeenth century. The first icon was signed by Ioannis Lampardos
from Rethymnon. It has a rare iconography ?Deisis - the Gate of Salvation?.
The inscription on the second icon, the Virgin Lambovitissa, says that it was
painted by hierodeacon Stephanos Tzankarolos. He is famous for his works
created on the island of Corfu where he lived in the Holy Trinity monastery.
Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 Levels Are Decreased in Chinese Subjects With Impaired Fasting Glucose and Inversely Associated With Fasting Plasma Glucose Levels
Authors: Fang Qichen , Li Huating , Song Qianqian , Yang Wenjing , Hou Xuhong , Ma Xiaojing , Lu Junxi , Xu Aimin , Jia Weiping
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE

Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), a hormone secreted from the small intestine, has recently been shown to stimulate glycogen synthesis and inhibit gluconeogenesis through insulin-independent pathways. This study investigated the change of FGF19 in prediabetes and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and explored the association of serum FGF19 levels with parameters of glucose metabolism in Chinese subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fasting serum FGF19 levels were determined by ELISA in 81 normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 91 impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 93 impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and 104 newly diagnosed T2DM subjects, and their association with parameters of glucose metabolism was studied. An ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed in subjects with NGT, IFG, and T2DM. Serum FGF19 levels at 2 h after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test in the different glucose tolerance categories were studied in a subgroup.

RESULTS

Fasting serum FGF19 levels in subjects with IFG (210 pg/mL [142–327]) (median [interquartile range]) and T2DM (196 pg/mL [137–280]) were significantly lower than those in NGT subjects (289 pg/mL [224–393]) (both P < 0.001). However, no significant difference in fasting FGF19 levels was observed between IGT (246 pg/mL [138–379]) and NGT subjects. Fasting serum FGF19 levels were negatively associated with fasting plasma glucose and independently associated with the deterioration of glucometabolic status from NGT to IFG and T2DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Fasting serum FGF19 levels were decreased in Chinese subjects with IFG and inversely associated with fasting glucose levels.
Adding Once-Daily Lixisenatide for Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled by Established Basal Insulin
Authors: Riddle Matthew C. , Aronson Ronnie , Home Philip , Marre Michel , Niemoeller Elisabeth , Miossec Patrick , Ping Lin , Ye Jenny , Rosenstock Julio
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE

To examine the efficacy and safety of adding the once-daily glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) lixisenatide to established basal insulin therapy alone or together with metformin, in people with type 2 diabetes and elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. Patients (n = 495) with established basal insulin therapy but inadequate glycemic control were randomized to add lixisenatide 20 μg or placebo for 24 weeks. Basal insulin dosage was unchanged except to limit hypoglycemia. HbA1c reduction from baseline was the primary end point.

RESULTS

Mean duration of diabetes was 12.5 years, duration of insulin use was 3.1 years, insulin dosage was 55 units/day, and baseline HbA1c was 8.4%. With lixisenatide, the placebo-corrected change of HbA1c from baseline was –0.4% (95% CI –0.6 to –0.2; P = 0.0002), and mean HbA1c at end point was 7.8%. HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) was attained by more lixisenatide (28%) than placebo (12%; P < 0.0001) participants. Lixisenatide reduced plasma glucose levels after a standardized breakfast (placebo-corrected reduction, –3.8 mmol/L; P < 0.0001); seven-point glucose profiles showed a reduction persisting through the day. Reductions in body weight (placebo corrected, –1.3 kg; P < 0.0001) and insulin dosage (–3.7 units/day; P = 0.012) were greater with lixisenatide. Main adverse events (AEs) with lixisenatide were gastrointestinal. Symptomatic hypoglycemia was 28% for lixisenatide and 22% for placebo; 4 of 328 subjects (1.2%) had severe hypoglycemia with lixisenatide vs. 0 of 167 with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

By improving HbA1c and postprandial hyperglycemia without weight gain in type 2 diabetes with inadequate glycemic control despite stable basal insulin, lixisenatide may provide an alternative to rapid-acting insulin or other treatment options.
Five different columns in the analysis of basic drugs in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography
Authors: Jovanović Marko , Stojanović Biljana , Rakić Tijana , Malenović Anđelija , Ivanović Darko , Medenica Mirjana
Published: April 2013

Five different columns (two silica, two cyanopropyl and one diol) were investigated in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). For the assessment of columns behavior in HILIC mode, six basic drugs (lamotrigine, thioridazine, clozapine, chlorpheniramine, pheniramine and sulpiride) were chosen. The assessment of the influence of the concentration of organic modifier on analytes’ retention on each column was provided by fitting the retention data into theoretical models. Utilizing the statistical analysis, the selection of the model that provides better prediction of the retention behavior was enabled. Dual RP-HILIC mechanism was suggested on cyanopropyl and diol columns, therefore the transition points between the two mechanisms on these columns were calculated. Furthermore, in order to investigate the impact of three factors simultaneously on the retention behavior of the analyzed substances on Betasil Silica column, chemometrically-aided empirical models were built. The experiments were conducted according to the matrix of Box-Behnken design and on the basis of the retention data, six quadratic models were obtained and their adequacy was confirmed using ANOVA test. The obtained coefficients of quadratic models enabled the elucidation of both single factor and factor interactions influence. This was also graphically presented in 3D response surface plots.