bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The GAME Estimate of Reduced Life Expectancy
Authors: van den Hout Wilbert B.
Published: April 2004

The Declining Exponential Approximation of Life Expectancy (DEALE) is a simple method of estimating the impact of excessmortality on life expectancy, but it can lead to considerable bias due to the implicit constant baseline and excess mortality rates. This article presents a new method that does not use constant mortality rates. The variability of the baseline mortality is modeled using gamma (GA) distributions. Excess mortality rates are modeled using mixed-exponential (ME) distributions, which is appropriate if the excessmortality rate is nonincreasing, convex, and smooth. The new gamma mixed-exponential (GAME) estimate is convenient enough to replace the DEALE in formal decision analyses. The error from assuming gamma distributions for the Dutch baseline mortality was shown to be less than 2 months and typically about 1 month. Therefore, the GAME estimate is accurate enough to replace more elaborate methods, provided themixed-exponential model is an appropriatemodel for the excess mortality.
Alternative Medicine or “Alternative” Patients: A Qualitative Study of Patient-Oriented Decision-Making Processes with Respect to Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Caspi Opher , Koithan Mary , Criddle Michael W.
Published: April 2004

Background. Theory and clinical practice suggest that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) decisionmaking processesmaydiffer from those used in conventional medicine. If so, understanding the differences could improve patient-provider communication around treatment options. Objectives. To examine patient-oriented decision-making processes relative to CAM use. Population. Adults with chronic rheumatological disorders who utilize allopathic medicine only, CAM only, or both. Method. An exploratory, cross-sectional naturalistic design with thematic and content analyses. Results. Three distinct decision paths were developed, differing substantially on the importance of provider trust, disease severity/prognosis, willingness to experiment, intuitive/spiritual factors, and outcomes evidence. Conclusions. These divergent decision paths indicate the possibility of “alternative patients,” not just “alternative therapies.” Since informed decisions, tailored to the patient, would likely lead to sustainable improvements in health care outcomes, the findings may facilitate providers’ capacity to effectively advise patients about treatment alternatives and CAM use.
Cost-Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Vertical HIV Transmission from Pregnant Women Who Have Not Received Prenatal Care
Authors: Mrus Joseph M. , Tsevat Joel
Published: April 2004

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rapid HIV testing followed by treatmentwith zidovudine, nevirapine, or combination therapy for women presenting in the United States in active labor without prenatal care, the authors developed a decision analytic model from a societal perspective comparing 2 basic strategies: 1) not testing for HIV and 2) offering rapid HIV testing and treatment to women testing positive. HIV transmission rates, test characteristics, and costs were derived from the literature and local sources. Outcomes included number of infected infants, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness in dollars per quality-adjusted life year saved. The authors found that offering rapid HIV testing and administering zidovudine treatment to women testing positive would prevent 27 cases of HIV each year and save $3,000,000/year compared with no intervention. If more expensive treatments were used (e.g., zidovudine rather than nevirapine, or combination therapy rather than monotherapy), the relative risk reduction in HIV transmission for the more expensive strategies would need to be only slightly better to make the more expensive strategies relatively costeffective in comparison with the less expensive strategies. In an analysis including empiric nevirapine prophylaxis, the authors found that empiric therapy would prevent 32 HIV cases and save $2.1million per year compared with no intervention. In conclusion, rapid HIV testing and treatment for women presenting in labor without prior prenatal care would prevent HIV infections and save costs. At sites where rapid HIV testing is not possible, empiric treatment would also prevent HIV infection and saves costs and is thus preferred to a strategy of neither testing nor treating. Effectiveness in reducing transmission drives the cost-effectiveness ratio much more so than drug cost and should be the basis on which a particular prophylactic regimen is selected.
Expected Value of Sample Information Calculations in Medical Decision Modeling
Authors: Ades A. E. , Lu G. , Claxton K.
Published: April 2004

There has been an increasing interest in using expected value of information (EVI) theory in medical decision making, to identify the need for further research to reduce uncertainty in decision and as a tool for sensitivity analysis. Expected value of sample information (EVSI) has been proposed for determination of optimum sample size and allocation rates in randomized clinical trials. This article derives simple Monte Carlo, or nested Monte Carlo, methods that extend the use of EVSI calculations to medical decision applications with multiple sources of uncertainty, with particular attention to the form in which epidemiological data and research findings are structured. In particular, information on key decision parameters such as treatment efficacy are invariably available on measures of relative efficacy such as risk differences or odds ratios, but not on model parameters themselves. In addition, estimates of model parameters and of relative effect measures in the literature may be heterogeneous, reflecting additional sources of variation besides statistical sampling error. The authors describe Monte Carlo procedures for calculating EVSI for probability, rate, or continuous variable parameters in multi parameter decision models and approximate methods for relative measures such as risk differences, odds ratios, risk ratios, and hazard ratios. Where prior evidence is based on a random effects meta-analysis, the authors describe different ESVI calculations, one relevant for decisions concerning a specific patient group and the other for decisions concerning the entire population of patient groups. They also consider EVSI methods for new studies intended to update information on both baseline treatment efficacy and the relative efficacy of 2 treatments. Although there are restrictions regarding models with prior correlation between parameters, these methods can be applied to the majority of probabilistic decision models. Illustrative worked examples of EVSI calculations are given in an appendix.
Avoidance of Anticipated Regret: The Ordering of Prostate-Specific Antigen Tests
Authors: Sorum Paul Clay , Mullet Etienne , Shim Junseop , Bonnin-Scaon Sylvie , Chasseigne Gérard , Cogneau Joël
Published: April 2004

Objective. When making decisions, people are known to try to minimize the regret that would be provoked by unwanted consequences of these decisions. The authors explored the strength and determinants of such anticipated regret in a study of physicians’ decisions to order prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Methods. 32 US and 33 French primary care physicians indicated the likelihood they would order a PSA for 32 hypothetical men presenting for routine physical exams. They then indicated how much regret they would feel if they found advanced prostate cancer in 12 other patients for whom they had chosen not to order PSAs several years before. The latter patients differed according to age (55, 65, or 75 years), a prior request or not for PSA testing, and no or some irregularity of the prostate on the earlier rectal exam. Results. ANOVA found that regret was higher when the patient had requested a PSA, the prostate was irregular, and the patient was younger. Shape had less effect when the patient had requested a PSA. US physicians had more regret than the French, patient request had a greater impact on the Americans, and increasing patient age reduced regret more among the French. In a 1-way correlation, the regret score was associated with the likelihood of ordering PSAs for both the French (r = 0.64, P < 0.005) and the Americans (r = 0.42, P< 0.02). In a regression analysis too, the regret score was the most important predictor of the likelihood of ordering a PSA (β = 0.37, P < 0.0001). Conclusions. Regret over failing to diagnose aggressive prostate cancer is associated with a policy of ordering PSAs. This regret appears to be culturally sensitive.
Global Marketing Ethics: A Communicative Approach
Authors: Nill Alexander
Published: April 2004

Due to the globalization of markets and businesses, an everincreasing number of marketers have to deal with ethical issues in cross-cultural settings. This article extends the macromarketing ethics literature by describing the need and search for normative ethics in global markets, reviewing conventional frameworks for ethical analysis and decision making in international settings, and introducing a communicative approach for purposes of framing ethical decisions without the assumption of core values as the ultimate reference point of ethical analysis. Using illustrative examples, potential implications and applications of the suggested communicative approach are provided by juxtaposing it to conventional frameworks.
Driving Cessation and Health in Older Women
Authors: Siren Anu , Hakamies-Blomqvist Liisa , Lindeman Marjaana
Published: April 2004

To study the association of health and driving cessation in older female drivers, a mail survey was sent to all Finnish women born in 1927 who gave up their driver license at the age of 70 (n = 1,476) and to a corresponding random sample of women who renewed their license at the age of 70 (n = 1,494). The ex-drivers had poorer overall health status than the drivers, but the health conditions related to driving cessation were in general not of the type impairing driving ability but rather decreasing overall well-being and physical mobility. The results suggest that there is a significant number of older women giving up their license while still fit to drive; hence, for many women, driving cessation may imply a voluntary but unnecessary resignation from an active and independent life.
Predictors of the Use of Assistive Devices that Address Physical Impairments Among Community-Based Frail Elders
Authors: Tomita Machiko R. , Mann William C. , Fraas Linda F. , Stanton Kathleen M.
Published: April 2004

Use of assistive devices is a type of health behavior utilized to maintain independence and enable living at home. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of the use of assistive devices that address physical impairments among community-based frail elders. A convenience sample of 694 cognitively intact, physically frail elders older than 60, living at home, was used. Interviewers who visited their homes identified devices in use (M = 9.5). Predictors were determined by hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Among 15 independent variables, physical disability level (higher severity) was the strongest overall predictor. Medication intake (more) was the only predictor among health indicators. Race (White) was the strongest predictor among demographic variables, followed by region (south) and living arrangements (living alone). Among the psychosocial variables, depression was an important predictor to hinder assistive-device use. Further studies are encouraged to create a model of maintaining health behavior that includes assistive-device use.
Realizing Wrongness: Stories of Older Wife Caregivers
Authors: Brown Janet Witucki , Alligood Martha Raile
Published: April 2004

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of patterns of help-seeking by older wife caregivers of husbands with dementia using grounded theory methodology with a theoretical perspective of health as expanding consciousness. Eleven older wife caregivers were interviewed, leading to discovery of a new substantive theory titled “Help-Seeking Choices: Taking One Day at a Time,” which was grounded in reality as experienced by the participants. The antecedent category of realizing wrongness, with subthemes of recognizing a problem, accepting direction from others, and recognizing help needs, is described in this article along with implications of findings.
Privatization Through Related Corporations
Authors: Lindquist Stefanie A.
Published: April 2004

What are the legal implications for personnel management of governmental privatization through incorporation of a subsidiary or related entity to perform public functions? The manner in which a governmental entity establishes or interacts with a private corporation performing public services can be crucial to answering that question. Entanglement between government and private corporations can lead a court to apply certain personnel laws and rights that would otherwise not apply in the private context. Using various court cases as examples, this legal brief highlights some issues worthy of further consideration.
Participation’s Influence on Job Satisfaction
Authors: Wright Bradley E. , Kim Soonhee
Published: April 2004

A structural equationmodel was proposed to analyze the impact of employee participation and job characteristics on job satisfaction. The current study found that participative decision making has a significant positive effect on performance feedback, task significance, and career development support. Performance feedback was positively related to job specificity and career development support. Task significance and career development support were, in turn, positively related to job satisfaction. These findings suggest that participation has an important, albeit indirect, effect on employee job satisfaction through its influence on job characteristics. The implications of these findings for public management are discussed.
Deliberations on the Earliest Usage of Natural Gas
Authors: Jones J. C.
Published: April 2004

A natural gas device for the preparation of fresh water from salt water is known to have been in successful use in China 2500 years ago. Here the facts, as far as they are known, are interpreted according to modern principles. The conclusion is that the developers were remarkably fortunate in that three relevant quantities fixed by nature were such that their design worked. This is demonstrated in semiquantitative terms in what follows.
Artificial Weathering and Recycling Effect on Intumescent Polypropylenebased Blends
Authors: Almeras Xavier , Bras Michel Le , Hornsby Peter , Bourbigot Serge , Marosi Gyorgy , Anna Peter , Delobel René
Published: April 2004

The first part of this work deals with the effect of ageing (artificial weathering) on an intumescent flame-retarded ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/polyamide-6 (PA-6)/polypropylene (PP) blend. The study of the fire properties using the cone calorimeter shows a decrease in the performance caused by the artificial weathering. The chemical modifications of the blends after ageing are investigated by solid state 31P NMR and SEM. It is shown that APP is degraded into ortho-, pyrophosphate and short chain polyphosphates. These modifications lead to the loss of the ammonium contents which could explain the decrease of fire performance. Moreover, some morphological changes appear which may lead to the change of fire and mechanical properties. A classical solution for re-using the material is the recycling. In the second part of this study, we examine the effect of recycling simulated by a multi-extrusion process. This treatment induces modifications which are different from those resulting from the effect of ageing. So, morphological and chemical changes induced by recycling are compared to the effects of ageing. It is shown that after recycling APP is also degraded in the same way as after ageing. In addition to the degradation of APP, a decrease in phosphorous concentration is observed which is attributed to the migration of phosphate species.
Commercial Flame Retardancy of Polyurethanes
Authors: Weil Edward D. , Levchik Sergei V.
Published: April 2004

The review covers those flame retardants (combustion modifiers) which are in commercial use or which have had active development leading to potential commercial use in polyurethanes and isocyanurates, with emphasis on foams but brief coverage of elastomers and coatings. The review also covers factors such as polyol choice, catalyst, surfactant, and blowing agent which impact on performance of flame-retardant polyurethanes and isocyanurates. Performance factors such as scorch and fogging are discussed in relation to the choice of flame retardant for foam.
Spent Refinery Catalyst as a Flame Retardancy Enhancer in an Intumescent Polymeric System
Authors: Estevao L. R. M. , Nascimento R. S. V. , Le Bras M. , Delobel R.
Published: April 2004

Spent oil refinery catalyst from the FCC unit has been evaluated as an additive in intumescent flame retardant formulations containing ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (PER) in an ethylene– butyl acrylate–maleic anhydride terpolymer matrix. UL-94, LOI and cone calorimetry analyses were carried out and the results show that the addition of small amounts of the catalyst to the additive system greatly enhances flame retardancy performance of the intumescent formulations. All materials containing intumescent formulations were V0 rated according to the UL-94 standard. A ten unit increase in LOI values was observed by the addition of 5 wt.% of catalyst to the APP/PER formulations, and significant lowering in the rate of heat release, total heat evolved, smoke, CO and CO2 emission were detected by cone calorimetry.
Land Use and Transportation Interaction
Authors: Frank Lawrence D.
Published: April 2004

Increases in per capita vehicle usage and associated emissions have spawned an increased examination of the ways in which our communities and regions are developing. Associated with increased vehicle usage are decreased levels of walking and biking, two valid forms of physical activity. The Surgeon General’s 1996 report, Physical Activity and Health, highlights the increasing level of physical inactivity as a growing cause of mortality. The costs and benefits of contrasting land development and transportation investment practices have been the subject of considerable debate in the literature. Findings have been refuted based on methodological grounds and inaccurate interpretation of data. Several of these studies, their methodological approaches, and their critiques are analyzed. While most agree that the built environment influences travel, considerable disagreement exists over the likely impacts of increased density, mix, and street connectivity on air quality, and on transportation system performance and household activity patterns.
Political Ideology, Social Change, and Planning Practice in Namibia
Authors: Frayne Bruce
Published: April 2004

This article explores the ideological roots of planning in Namibia over the past century and how these have influenced practice. The article generally argues that a positivist approach to urban and regional planning in Namibia promoted the ideologies of the South African colonial government during the preindependence years. Furthermore, it is argued that planning is normative and bound by sociocultural and political contexts, evidenced within the postindependence era by a rapid shift to political and fiscal decentralization and the pursuit of market capitalism, with negative consequences for social and economic development in Namibia.
The Casuistical Turn in Planning Ethics
Authors: Thacher David
Published: April 2004

Case studies have recently played a prominent role in the study of ethical issues in planning. To clarify the role that cases can play, this article investigates how two other professional fields (law and medical ethics) have used cases to analyze practical ethics. The author argues that law and medicine use studies to develop “moral taxonomies”—classifications of important cases that help clarify the meaning and limits of ambiguous values, principles, and maxims. Three features characterize case ethics in law and medicine: (1) a focus on hard cases, in which key values or principles are ambiguous or in conflict; (2) use of analogical reasoning to analyze those cases, to determine which previously resolved cases they resemble and which they do not; and (3) identification of low-level principles that underwrite these judgments of similarity and difference and can help inform judgments about future cases.
Investigation of Surface Properties of Biodegradable Albumin Microspheres via Phagocytosis Phenomena
Authors: Ayhan H. , Çiçek H. , Tuncel S. A. , Onur M. A.
Published: April 2004

The phagocytosis of biodegradable albumin (Alb) microspheres by peripheral blood cells (neutrophils and monocytes) and mouse macrophage cells (peritoneal and lung macrophages) as a carrier matrix in drug targeting applications was investigated. Glutaraldehyde crosslinking was used to produce albumin microspheres with different sizes. Plain (nonmodified) microspheres with diameters of1, 2, and 4 mm were cultured with cells and their uptake was determined as 8, 5, and 1 particles/cell, respectively. Albumin microspheres (2 mm diameter) were also modified with various opsonization and passivation agents, such as fibronectin (Fn), amicasine, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Plain, Alb-PEG, Alb-Fn, and Alb-amicasine microspheres were phagocytized by monocytes and neutrophils and the number of particles taken up by each cell significantly increased for Alb-Fn microspheres with respect to the plain microspheres. No significant phagocytosis was observed for Alb-PEG microspheres. The number of particles taken up by each cell was less than the plain and amikacin modified albumin microspheres. Almost zero uptake was obtained for the phagocytosis of Alb-PEG microspheres with lung and peritoneal macrophages. For phagocytosis of plain and other modified particles by the macrophages, although the number of particles taken up by each cell increased with respect to those with neutrophils and monocytes, similar tendencies were also obtained.
Surface Modification and Covalent Coupling of Concanavalin A onto Poly(EGDMA/HEMA) Microbeads for Cell Affinity Applications
Authors: Ayhan Fatma
Published: April 2004

The surfaces of nonporous and porous Poly(EGDMA/HEMA) microbeads were modified by the reaction of sodium periodate, hexamethylenediamine and glutaraldehyde. Covalent immobilization of Concanavalin A (Con A) was optimized for maximum loading at various Con A concentrations, pH, temperatures, and ionic strengths. The optimal Con A immobilized concentration was determined as 0.37 and 0.75 mg/g microbeads for the nonporous and porous microbeads, respectively. Covalent coupling was achieved at 37 C, with 0.5 mg/mL of Con A at pH 7.4 and ionic strength of 0.01. The specific activity of Con A immobilized microbeads to carbohydrate structure was tested for affinity for myeloma HeLa cells. The data indicates that Con A may play a role in myeloma cell adhesion.
Preparation and Characterization of a Hydrogel from Low-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Xuejun X. , Netti P. A. , Ambrosio L. , Nicolais L. , Sannino A.
Published: April 2004

A relatively low-molecular weight sample of hyaluronic acid (HA) was chemically modified by means of a cross-linking reaction with water-soluble carbodiimide and L-lysine methyl ester to form a chemical hydrogel. FT-IR analysis performed on the precursors and on the cross-linked hydrogel indicated the formation of ester bonds between different HA molecules that led to an intermolecular cross-linking. Hydrogel swelling kinetics as well as equilibrium sorption properties were evaluated. A swelling ratio of 250 was observed after immersion in distilled water for 7 h. Rheological measurements by means of a plate–plate rheometer of the cross-linked sample showed non-Newtonian and pseudoplastic behavior, while the uncross-linked HA showed Newtonian behavior and a viscous characteristic. Morphological analysis of these microstructures by scanning electron microscopy indicated that the freeze-dried crosslinked hydrogel presents a more closed-pore structure and higher density of pores than the freeze-dried original HA.
Unraveling a Relationship: Single Motherhood and the Practices of Public Housing
Authors: Lessa Iara
Published: April 2004

The prevalence of mother-led families in public housing is widely recognized, yet the relationship between this form of social program and single motherhood has not received sufficient critical analysis. Exploring this relationship but departing from previous studies, this study focused on the management practices of public housing during its period of expansion in Ontario, Canada. The analysis uncovered and documented two contradictory tendencies: A variety of practices indirectly attracted mother-led families to public housing and facilitated their residence there, whereas explicit regulations excluded them from locating in public housing. These complex and conflicting tendencies, in interaction with social stereotypes and judgments, contributed to the formation of a highly public and visible image of both single motherhood and public housing.
Education and Training for Low-Income Women: An Elusive Goal
Authors: Bok Marcia
Published: April 2004

Welfare reform has generally denied poor women access to effective education and training that could lead to economic independence. Instead, a work-first approach prevails. As the public safety net is removed and education and training are not provided, welfare reform reinforces the economic and social status quo. This article addresses barriers to education and training along a continuum of possible educational opportunities and argues that education and skills training for low-income women, especially poor women of color, are moral and economic imperatives. Current affirmative action successes can provide guidance for increasing access to education and training for poor women.
Life Changing: The Experience of Rape-Crisis Work
Authors: Clemans Shantih E.
Published: April 2004

Sexual violence has been studied extensively in the social work literature. However,the experiences of social workers in organizations that serve clients who are victimsof sexual violence have been given limited attention. This article presents the findings of a qualitative study that explored the experiences of 21 women employees ofrape-crisis programs. The findings suggest that social work with such clientspresented the workers with a host of emotional and existential challenges, such asincreased feelings of vulnerability as women, diminished trust in others, andquestioning the overall goodness of society.
Employee Stock Options: Alternative Valuation Models
Authors: Isleib Bruce , Marks Barry , Wolfe Michael N.
Published: April 2004

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) is considering modification of the method of accounting for employee stock options. It has tentatively decided that goods and services received in exchange for all forms of stock-based compensation should be recognized as an expense and that this expense should be measured at fair value. A major issue to be considered during the deliberations by the FASB concerns the valuation models used to estimate the fair value of stock options and therefore the expense to be recognized. This article reviews the current status of the valuation of employee stock options and suggests two different valuation models that result in lower reported expense on the income statement.
Valuing Physician On-Call Compensation
Authors: Johnson Daryl P.
Published: April 2004

Physicians are becoming reluctant to provide emergency on-call availability without direct compensation from the hospital because of increasing patient visits and a growing proportion of uninsured patients. Accurately valuing on-call compensation is required to insure regulatory compliance and to control the economic exposure to the hospital. Failure to arrange for appropriate physician coverage can give rise to material fines under EMTALA. In establishing the fair market value (FMV) of compensation arrangements, a market approach is generally preferable. However, reliable market data frequently is unavailable. Instead, an analytical approach can be used to establish an objective measure of the value of on-call services relative to a physician’s work time. Then, factors that are unique to the hospital can be considered, along with market data, to reach a final determination of the FMV. In light of the regulatory implications, the financial impact to the hospital and the significant judgment required in arriving at FMV, the use of an independent expert is frequently advisable.
Breastfeeding Duration in an Australian Population: The Influence of Modifiable Antenatal Factors
Authors: Blyth Rosemary J. , Creedy Debra K. , Dennis Cindy-Lee , Moyle Wendy , Pratt Jan , De Vries Susan M. , Healy Genevieve N.
Published: April 2004

Despite well-documented health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies, most women discontinue breastfeeding before the recommended 12 months to 2 years. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of modifiable antenatal variables on breastfeeding outcomes. A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 300 pregnant, Australian women. Questionnaires containing variables of interest were administered to women during their last trimester; infant feeding method was assessed at 1 week and 4 months postpartum. Intended breastfeeding duration and breastfeeding self-efficacy were identified as the most significant modifiable variables predictive of breastfeeding outcomes. Mothers who intended to breastfeed for < 6 months were 2.4 times as likely to have discontinued breastfeeding at 4 months compared to those who intended to breastfeed for > 12 months (35.7% vs 87.5%). Similarly, mothers with high breastfeeding self-efficacy were more likely to be breastfeeding compared to mothers with low self-efficacy (79.3% vs 50.0%). J Hum Lact. 20(1):30-38.
The Managed Hand
Authors: Kang Miliann
Published: April 2004

This ethnographic study of service interactions in Korean immigrant women–owned nailsalons in New York City introduces the concept “body labor” to designate a type of gendered work that involves the management of emotions in body-related service provision. The author explores variation in the performance of body labor caused by the intersection of the gendered processes of beauty service work with the racialized and class-specific service expectations of diverse customers. The study examines three distinct patterns of service provision that are shaped by racial and class inequalities between women: (1) high-service body labor, (2) expressive body labor, and (3) routinized body labor. These patterns demonstrate that a caring, attentive style of emotional display is dominant in workplaces governed by white, middle-class “feeling rules” but that different racial and class locations call forth other forms of gendered emotionalmanagement that focus on displaying respect, reciprocity, fairness, competence, and efficiency.
“Not all Differences are Created Equal”
Authors: Ward Jane
Published: April 2004

The dictate in feminist intersectional theory to not “count oppressions” is difficult to reconcile with the experience of many lesbians of color that “not all differences are created equal” inside social movement organizations. Meso-level factors, such as organizational structure and sociopolitical environment, may result in the perception of individuals or groups that one form of structural inequality is more oppressive than others. The author focuses on the experiences of lesbian staff and clients at Bienestar, a large Latino health organization in Los Angeles focusing primarily on HIV/AIDS prevention and education. This study demonstrates that oppression can be experienced as additive and that counting and ranking oppressions may remain a common practice and important political strategy in the context of some social movement organizations. This article also responds to the need for more research that builds on the gendered organizations approach by examining some of the factors that contribute to change in organizational gender ideology and practices.
Statistical Modeling and Response Surface Optimization of Extruded HDPE/Wood-Flour Composite Foams
Authors: Matuana Laurent M. , Li Qingxiu
Published: April 2004

In this paper, a regression model was constructed to optimize the relationships between the void fraction of foamed HDPE/wood-flour composites, the processing conditions (extruder’s die temperature and screw speed rate), and the formulation compositions [chemical foaming agent (CFA) concentration and the moisture content of wood flour] by applying a four-factor central composite design (CCD) statistical approach. Design Expert software was employed to carry out the experimental design, statistical analysis, and numerical optimization. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the model showed that the void fraction of HDPE/wood-flour composites was a strong function of the extruder’s die temperature, the screw speed rate, and the moisture content of wood flour, while independent of the CFA content within the studied range (0 1%). In addition, the moisture content of wood flour and the extruder’s screw speed rate exhibited significant interaction effect on the void fraction of the foamed composites. The response surface optimization generated using the regression model suggests that HDPE/wood-flour composite foams with the highest void fraction can be achieved at the highest levels of extruder’s screw speed rate (120 rpm) and moisture content of wood flour (12%), together with the lowest levels of extruder’s die temperature (170 BC) and no chemical foaming agent.
Elastic–Plastic Stress Analysis of Unidirectionally Reinforced Symmetric Thermoplastic Laminated Beams Loaded by Bending Moment
Authors: Çallioglu Hasan , Aksoy Sami , Ulku Sedat , Korkmaz Behiye
Published: April 2004

Elastic–plastic stress analysis is carried out on steel fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix laminated beams loaded by bending moment. The beam is composed of four orthotropic layers, perfectly bonded and symmetrically arranged with respect to the x-axis. The orientation angles are chosen as (90°/0°)s, (30°/30°)s, (45°/45°)s and (60°/60°)s. The composite material is assumed to be linearly hardening. x residual stress component is found to be highest at the upper and lower surfaces. However, when the applied bending moment is increased, the plastic region is further expanded towards middle plane from the upper and lower surfaces of the beam and so x residual stress component is found to be highest at the elastic and plastic boundaries. The plastic flow is obtained to be maximum at the upper and lower surfaces for (30°/30°)s orientation. The transverse displacement is obtained to be highest at the free end for (90°/0°)s orientation.
Development of Novel Binary and Ternary Conductive Composites Based on Polyethylene, Low-melting-point Metal Alloy and Carbon Black
Authors: Bormashenko Edward , Sutovski Semion , Pogreb Roman , Sheshnev Avigdor , Bormashenko Yelena , Levin Mark , Westfrid Avital
Published: April 2004

This work presents the novel binary and ternary composite materials, based on a low-density polyethylene, metal alloy, which have a melting point close to those of polyethylene and carbon black. Oriented structures were obtained when high-viscosity polyethylene was used as a matrix material. Resistivity of the composite was investigated and nonohmic behavior of the ternary composites was revealed. Temperature dependence of the thermal capacity was studied. The IR (infrared) spectra of the composites were studied using an FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectrophotometer. The presence of the alloy caused intensive oxidation of carbon black in the ternary composites as well.
New Antiproliferative Immunosuppressive Agents
Authors: Sievers Theodore M.
Published: April 2004

Since the early 1980s, the combination of cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone has been the mainstay tripledrug immunosuppressive regimen used in transplantation. However, advances in drug research, design, and development have allowed for the introduction of new agents that have greatly increased the number of immunosuppressive agents available for use in transplant recipients. Particularly, the newer antiproliferative immunosuppressive drugs (agents that directly inhibit the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes) have had an important impact on patient outcomes posttransplant. These agents are mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus.
Treatment Considerations and Options for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rider Joan M.
Published: April 2004

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin activity, or both. Long-term complications of diabetes can include retinopathy, nephropathy, peripheral, and/or autonomic neuropathy. Type 1 diabetes is readily diagnosed since patients usually demonstrate the classic symptoms of diabetes accompanied by markedly elevated blood glucose levels. Thosewith type 2 diabetes are often not diagnosed until complications appear. In addition, there has been a considerable rise in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in adolescents and children in the last ten years. The three major treatment components of diabetes include diet (medical nutrition therapy-MNT), exercise, and pharmacological therapy. Each component interacts with the others to the extent that no modification of one can be made without knowledge of the other two. This article focuses on the pathophysiology, etiologic classification, diagnosis, and treatment options for diabetes mellitus (DM).
Review of Insulin Therapy
Authors: Daugherty Kimberly K.
Published: April 2004

The objective of this article is to review the different types of insulin and to explain some of the different dosing regimens that are used. Articles were obtained via a MEDLINE search and product package inserts. There is no one insulin therapy that is best for all patients. Type 1 diabetes patients require insulin therapy tomaintain life. Studies support intensive insulin dosing in these patients to obtain an A1C of less than 7.0%. Insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes patients may be a little less clear. Long-acting insulin in combination with an oral agentmay be just as effective as insulin alone, and in patients who fail oral therapy, a simple insulin regimen is preferred over a complex one.
The Link Between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Schering Deb , Kasten Shelia
Published: April 2004

Diabetes can be a deadly disease with many complications thatmay lead to cardiovascular disease (the leading cause of death among diabetic patients). Diabetes usually leads to a higher incidence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, which can all increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with diabetes tend to have altered lipid profiles, which also differs with the type of diabetes (type 1 or 2). These cholesterol abnormalities increase the cardiovascular disease risk in patients with diabetes more so than in nondiabetes patients with similar cholesterol profiles. Diabetes patients have higher production of thromboxane, which causes potent vasoconstriction. This vasoconstriction is blocked by aspirin, which slows or halts the development and/or progression of cardiovascular disease. It is important to closelymonitor and treat patients with diabetes to prevent cardiovascular disease. Two methods for decreasing cardiovascular disease rates in those with diabetes, cholesterol management and aspirin therapy, are discussed.
A Pharmacist Approach to Wellness Maintenance in the Community Elderly
Authors: Maher Robert L.
Published: April 2004

Wellness prevention in the elderly has similar goals as prevention in nonelderly adults, which is to improve lifestyles and habits to prevent disease (primary prevention) or the progression of disease (secondary prevention). Pharmacists who interact with the community elderly have a great opportunity of helping to keep our elderly healthy and preventing lifelong chronic problems that can contribute to a decrease in function of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). This article focuses on the key prevention interventions that a pharmacist can target in helping to promote health maintenance.
Technical, Practical, and Emancipatory Reflection for Practicing Holistically
Authors: Taylor Bev
Published: April 2004

The intention to practice holistically brings with it many complexities in deciding how to manage the contingencies of practice in such a way as to embody the central tenets of holistic nursing. The challenge of making sense of daily work procedures, interpersonal interactions, and issues of power can be eased by attention to reflective processes designed for nursing practice. Reflective nurses who practice holistically optimize the likelihood of thinking systematically through practice issues as they encounter the world of nursing and the people and events within it. This article is an exploration of the phenomena of holism and reflection as they relate to technical, practical, and emancipatory reflective processes used by nurses in their daily work.
Commentary on Typology of Religious Characteristics of Social Service and Educational Organizations and Programs
Authors: Netting F. Ellen
Published: April 2004

In this commentary about Sider and Unruh’s typology, four questions are raised: (a) When religion is visibly expressed, is it the expression of religion? (b) When organizations move within the continuum, do they move in multiple and even counterintuitive directions? (c) How do beneficiaries benefit? (d) How does the “faith factor” figure into macro programs? It is concluded that it is in both what the typology is designed to do and not designed to do that informs future research.
Funding Relations between Nonprofits and Government: A Positive Example
Authors: Brown Laura K. , Troutt Elizabeth
Published: April 2004

This article examines the attributes of a successful contracting model for the financing and support of nonprofit organizations. It describes how, through government initiative, a program can be built in which transaction costs are minimized through a cooperative approach to contracting based on mutual trust. It shows how investment in a long-term, trust-based, cooperative relationship underlined by professional standards and a continuous focus on a common mission by all levels of actors within and without government can provide the impetus for a system in which high standards of service are maintained, accountability is organic, and organizations feel supported in their mission but not controlled. The example presented is a provincial government program for the prevention of family violence in Manitoba, Canada, but the features that make it successful can be applied widely.
National Service in Israel: Motivations, Volunteer Characteristics, and Levels of Content
Authors: Sherer Moshe
Published: April 2004

The importance in Israeli society of service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is well known. Less well known are the voluntary alternatives to serving in the IDF through National Service. This study deals with the characteristics of National Service volunteers, their views and motives for service, their levels of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their work, and proposals for changes in the National Service. The random sample included 40 volunteers. The instruments were developed specifically for this study. The findings suggest that parents and friends have the greatest influence on the decision to serve in the National Service. Altruistic motives are the main category of motivation for serving, followed by environmental pressure, and idealism. Overall, respondents were satisfied with their experiences, especially in regard to their coworkers’ attitudes. Although some dissatisfaction was expressed, it was not with the work itself but rather with the lack of public appreciation.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Capacity-Building Initiatives: Seven Issues for the Field
Authors: Wing Kennard T.
Published: April 2004

Two recent trends in philanthropy—increased focus on measurable outcomes and greater investment in capacity building or organizational effectiveness—lead to an important question: How should we go about measuring the effectiveness of capacity-building efforts? Consulting and evaluation perspectives offer two very different, sometimes conflicting approaches to it. Without sound and positive evaluation results, the foundations that have been behind the capacity-building trend are unlikely to continue to make these kinds of much needed resources available to nonprofits generally, whether they in truth work or not. Seven unresolved issues, that neither consultants nor evaluators can so far answer, put continued funding for capacity building at risk. The article lays out the seven issues and discusses their implications for the design, management, and evaluation of capacity-building initiatives. The article closes with next steps for moving forward.
Work Orientations of Female Returners
Authors: Doorewaard Hans , Hendrickx John , Verschuren Piet
Published: April 2004

Hakim’s Preference Theory on the heterogeneity of the work-life preferences of women, and in particular its implicit assumption that a woman’s preference to work or to stay at home is based on her personal choices, has frequently been criticized. Other researchers emphasize the constraining influence that a woman’s personal, financial and family situation can have on her preferences. Our article aims at contributing to this debate by analysing the work orientations of female returners, in themselves a particular job-seeking category which differs noticeably from other categories in regard to their central motivation when considering whether or not to re-enter a paid job. Our research indicates that older female returners are more job and people oriented than younger ones. Female returners with a lower level of education and female returners with financial problems are money oriented, whereas higher educated female returners and female returners who are financially well off show more of a job orientation. Surprisingly, the presence of young children in the household does not significantly influence the work orientations of female returners.
From Re-Arranger to Convert: The Patterns of Integration of Part-Time Workers and People on Leave
Authors: Vanderweyden Katrijn
Published: April 2004

One of the concerns about the changing nature of work and employment is that of paid labour and its implications for social integration and an individual sense of belonging. Are there adequate alternatives to paid employment? A qualitative study was set up to gain further insight into this matter. Twenty-four people on extended paid leave and 19 part-time workers were questioned. The in-depth interviews showed that the integration of people in a deviant labour pattern differs in various ways. More specifically, six types of respondents were identified: the family-directed practical re-arrangers, the family-directed ideological re-arrangers, the self-directed re-arrangers, the deviants, the converts and the doubters. Each type appeared to be confronted with different opportunities and pitfalls.