bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Schools Prepared for Emergencies? A Baseline Assessment of Emergency Preparedness at School Sites in Three Los Angeles County School Districts
Authors: Kano Megumi , Ramirez Marizen , Ybarra William J. , Frias Gus , Bourque Linda B.
Published: April 2007

A survey of emergency preparedness was conducted in three public school districts in urban areas of Los Angeles County. Eighty-three school sites were surveyed using self-administered questionnaires. Although designated respondents generally felt that their schools were well prepared, the survey also revealed the need for improvements in written disaster plans, emergency response training, availability of equipment and supplies, and implementation of the state-mandated Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). A significant predictor of compliance with the SEMS guidelines was having experienced the effects of school emergencies in the past.
The Tenuous Role of Institutional Agents
Authors: Martinez-Cosio Maria , Iannacone Rosario Martinez
Published: April 2007

This article reports on the contradictory role of parent involvement coordinators charged with increasing participation of low-income immigrant parents. This urban ethnographic study investigates the success of one program that engages Latino, Asian, and African American parents in the governance of their Southern California urban elementary school. It illustrates the dilemmas and tensions that arise as institutional agents serve as cultural brokers, as a bridge between the dominant culture and parents' diverse cultures while also serving as institutional agents. The authors use theories of social and cultural capital to examine the strategies used by a school-based cultural broker to provide bridging social capital to underserved agents seeking an equal role in policy making at their school. They provide examples of three tensions that block bridging social capital, including tension over resources, power sharing, and institutional decision making.
Gendered dimensions of the 2004 tsunami and a potential social work response in post-disaster situations
Authors: Pittaway Eileen , Bartolomei Linda , Rees Susan
Published: April 2007

English

The majority of people who died in the 2004 tsunami were women. Women endured rape, and sexual and gender-based violence in camps and places of supposed refuge. Similar reports have come from other disasters. This article examines the roles that social workers can take to respond to these issues.

French

La majorité des personnes emporté es par le tsunami de 2004 é taient des femmes. Par ailleurs, les femmes sont victimes de viol et subissent d'autres types d'agressions sexuelles et de violence lié e au genre dans les camps de ré fugié s ou les lieux dits de refuge. On relè ve les mêmes constats dans d'autres situations de catastrophe. Cette é tude examine l'apport potentiel des travailleurs sociaux face à ces enjeux.

Spanish

La mayoría de la gente que muró en el tsunami de 2004 eran mujeres. Las mujeres soportaron el rapto y la violencia sexual y de gé nero en campos y lugares supuestamente de refugio. Reportes similares provienen de otros desastres. Este artículo examina los roles que los trabajadores sociales pueden asumir para responder a estos temas.
Community organizing for post-disaster social development
Authors: Pyles Loretta
Published: April 2007

English

Community revitalization is a neglected element in disaster recovery. The literature on disaster and community practice is reviewed and some community development and organizing endeavors in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina are described. Social work's lack of emphasis on community organizing is a barrier to social development in post-disaster situations.

French

La revitalisation communautaire est un facteur né gligé dans la relè ve de catastrophe. L'auteur passe en revue la documentation sur les pratiques communautaires en situations de catastrophe et dé crit quelques initiatives de dé veloppement et d'organisation communautaires à la Nouvelle-Orlé ans aprè s le passage de l'ouragan Katerina. L'auteur conclut que le manque d'insistance du travail social sur l'organisation communautaire est un frein au dé veloppement social dans des situations post-catastrophe.

Spanish

Un elemento descuidado en el trabajo de recuperació n despué s de un desastre es la revitalizació n comunitaria. Hago una revisió n de lo publicado sobre desastres y práctica comunitaria, y describo algunos trabajos comunitarios de desarrollo y organizació n en Nueva Orleáns despué s del huracán Katrina. Concluyo que el no dar más importancia al trabajo comunitario es un impedimento al desarrollo social despué s de un desastre.
Social work responses to earthquake disasters
Authors: Javadian Reza
Published: April 2007

English

Earthquake disasters cause a host of hardships. Those who survive need support in rebuilding their lives. Social workers can help them achieve a new equilibrium. This article considers social workers' interventions in earthquake disasters, the skills they require for effective work in such situations and survivors' reactions to them.

French

Les tremblements de terre entraînent tout un lot d'é preuves. Les survivants ont besoin d'aide pour reconstruire leur vies. Les travailleurs sociaux peuvent les aider à recouvrer leur é quilibre. Dans cette é tude, l'auteur se penche sur les interventions des travailleurs sociaux lors de catastrophes causé es par un tremblement de terre. Il analyse les aptitudes que ces travailleurs doivent dé montrer pour accomplir un travail efficace ainsi que les ré actions des survivants à leur é gard.

Spanish

Los terremotos causan multitud de males. Los supervivientes necesitan ayuda para reconstruir sus vidas. Los trabajadores sociales pueden ayudar a conseguir un nuevo equilibrio. En este ensayo considero las intervenciones de los trabajadores sociales en los desastres derivados de terremotos, y las habilidades necesarias para hacer un trabajo eficaz en tales situaciones y bregar con las reacciones de los supervivientes.
Learning the lessons of Bam
Authors: Aghabakhshi Habib , Gregor Claire
Published: April 2007

English

A massive earthquake devastated the city of Bam in Iran in 2003. The survivors became rapidly disenfranchised from the relief efforts and social capital diminished significantly. This article details the breakdown in social capital and links are made between the sustainment of social capital and the social work role.

French

En 2003, un tremblement de terre de grande magnitude a dé vasté la ville de Bam en Iran. Les survivants ont vite é té mis à l'é cart des efforts de relè ve et le capital social a diminué de façon significative. Cet article rend compte de l'effritement du capital social et é tablit des liens entre le maintien du capital social et le rôle du travail social.

Spanish

En 2003 un fuerte terremoto devastó la ciudad de Bam, Irán. A los supervivientes se les cortó muy rápidamente la ayuda de emergencia y como consecuencia el capital social disminuyó significativamente. Se describe el deterioro del capital social y se conexiona el trabajo social con el sostenimiento del capital social.
Enhancement of community preparedness for natural disasters
Authors: Mathbor Golam M.
Published: April 2007

English

This article examines the scope and prospect for effective utilization of social capital in mitigating the consequences of natural disasters that hit coastal regions. The article concludes by identifying the role of social work education and practice in building social capital for sustainable disaster relief and management.

French

Cet article examine les perspectives et la porté e de l'exploitation efficace du capital socié tal pour atté nuer les consé quences des catastrophes naturelles dans les ré gions côtiè res. Les conclusions de cet article mettent en relief le rôle de la formation et de la pratique en travail social dans la construction d'un capital socié tal pour la gestion et le secours durables en cas de catastrophe.

Spanish

Este artículo examina el alcance y la posibilidad de la utilizació n efectiva del capital social para mitigar las consecuencias de los desastres naturales que impactan las regiones costeras. El artículo concluye identificando el papel de la educació n y práctica del trabajo social en la construcció n del capital social para el alivio y manejo sostenible del desastre.
Support for staff working in disaster situations
Authors: Cronin Michael S. , Ryan Diane M. , Brier Dottie
Published: April 2007

English

This article illustrates how social work principles, servicing people in need, affirming individuality and using relationships are utilized in an American Red Cross program in Greater New York to help workers to better manage common stress. It also highlights implications for disaster providers, social work practitioners, administrators and educators.

French

Cet article illustre comment un programme de la Croix-Rouge amé ricaine dans la grande ré gion de New York fait appel aux principes du travail social être au service des personnes dans le besoin, affirmer l'individualité et utiliser les relations pour aider les travailleurs à mieux gé rer leur stress. Il explique aussi comment ces principes peuvent s'appliquer aux fournisseurs en situation de catastrophe, aux praticiens du travail social, aux administrateurs et aux é ducateurs.

Spanish

Se demuestra có mo un programa de la Cruz Roja de Amé rica en Nueva York, usando los principios del trabajo social (servicio a gente necesitada, respeto al individuo, y uso de la relació n), ayuda a los trabajadores que están bajo estré s. Se subrayan las implicaciones para quienes trabajan en desastres, trabajadores sociales, administradores y educadores.
Social work students' and practitioners' views on the need for training Caribbean social workers in disaster management
Authors: Rock Letnie F. , Corbin Charles A.
Published: April 2007

English

The views of undergraduate social work students and practitioners in Barbados regarding the need for training in disaster management are discussed. Data were collected through questionnaires and the findings were used to highlight implications for education, training, practice and research in social work. High-quality training is needed.

French

Cet article explore le point de vue de praticiens et d'é tudiants de premier cycle en travail social de la Barbade concernant le besoin de formation en gestion des catastrophes. Les donné es ont é té recueillies par voie de questionnaires et les conclusions indiquent des pistes d'action en ce qui a trait à l'enseignement, la formation, la pratique et la recherche en travail social. Il en ressort qu'une formation de haut niveau s'impose.

Spanish

En este artículo, exploramos las perspectivas de los estudiantes y practicantes de trabajo social en Barbados, relativas a la necesidad de entrenamiento en el manejo del desastre. Obtuvimos los datos a travé s de cuestionarios y utilizamos los hallazgos para subrayar las implicaciones en educació n, entrenamiento, práctica e investigació n en trabajo social. Es necesario un entrenamiento de alta calidad.
Experience from capacity-building courses for social workers in Iraq
Authors: Aamodt Lind Wencke
Published: April 2007

English

This article illustrates the difficult situation for social workers in Iraq. It considers the experiences of carrying out six two-week courses where the author met 140 social workers. He describes this experience, drawing on meetings with social workers, the theoretical challenges, dilemmas and results of this endeavor.

French

Cette étude met en relief les difficiles conditions des travailleurs sociaux en Irak. Elle relate une expérience de formation de six sessions de cours de deux semaines qui a rejoint 140 travailleurs sociaux. L'auteur réfléchit sur cette expérience, tire des conclusions de ses rencontres avec les travailleurs sociaux et examine les défis théoriques, les dilemmes et les résultats de cette entreprise.

Spanish

Se expone la difícil situació n de los trabajadores sociales en el Irak. Se considera la experiencia de hacer seis cursos de dos semanas cada uno, en los que me encontré con 140 trabajadores sociales. Reflexiono sobre esa experiencia partiendo de mis reuniones con trabajadores sociales, los retos teó ricos, los dilemas, y los resultados de este empeño.
The competence of Hong Kong social work students in working with victims of the 2004 tsunami disaster
Authors: Tang Kwong-leung , Cheung Chau-kiu
Published: April 2007

English

Social workers' competence in international disaster relief work involves making expedient use of services and resources. Their competence develops from their individual autonomy and experiences of empowerment. The hypothesis in this article was developed from a survey of 215 social work students from Hong Kong involved in disaster relief.

French

La compé tence des travailleurs sociaux en contexte de relè ve de catastrophe internationale dé pend de leur aptitude à exploiter efficacement les services et les ressources disponibles. Cette compé tence se dé veloppe à partir de leur autonomie personnelle et de leurs expé riences d'empowerment. Ce sont les hypothè ses posé es dans cet article, ré sultat d'une enquête auprè s de 215 é tudiants de Hong Kong en travail social ayant participé à la relè ve du sinistre.

Spanish

La competencia de los trabajadores sociales durante desastres internacionales consiste en utilizar pronto y eficazmente servicios y recursos. Su competencia es funció n de su autonomìa y experiencia en conferir poder a otros. Se desarrolla una hipó tesis a partir de una encuesta de 215 estudiantes del Hong Kong envueltos en trabajo de ayuda durante desastres.
Levels of Nonlethal Force
Authors: Lawton Brian A.
Published: April 2007

This work examines the determinants of the levels of nonlethal force employed by Philadelphia police using 1 year of archival self-reports ( N= 747). Integrated, ordinal multilevel models attend to officer, situational, and contextual determinants of levels of force. The current work seeks to improve on earlier work in several ways. The use of multilevel models reveals whether levels of force vary across locales. In addition, treating the outcome as an ordinal variable and making weaker measurement assumptions reveal different patterns of predictors than seen in earlier works. Key theoretical ideas tested include Smith's suggestion that mixed racial composition of the locale increases the forcefulness of the response, Black's idea that officer-citizen racial combinations affect forcefulness, and Klinger's concept of police vigor and its variation across contexts. Some support is also found for Toch's suggestion that there may be violence-prone police officers.
Research Note
Authors: Piquero Alex R. , Daigle Leah E. , Gibson Chris , Piquero Nicole Leeper , Tibbetts Stephen G.
Published: April 2007

Moffitt's developmental taxonomy of adolescence-limited and life-course-persistent offenders has received much empirical attention, with researchers focusing on the etiology and trajectory of offending between the two groups. Recently, Moffitt articulated a new hypothesis that has yet to be empirically assessed—that life-course-persistent offenders will be at high risk in midlife for poor physical and mental health, cardiovascular disease, and early disease morbidity. Using data from the Baltimore portion of the National Collaborative Perinatal Project, a longitudinal study of several thousand individuals followed from birth to ages 27 to 33, the authors test this hypothesis. We find that, compared to adolescence-limited offenders, life-course-persistent offenders are more likely to experience adverse physical and mental health outcomes. We also find that life-course-persistent offenders are more likely than their counterparts to be involved in antisocial lifestyles, which in turn increase the chances of adverse health outcomes. Future theoretical and empirical research directions are identified.
The Impact of Gang Formation on Local Patterns of Crime
Authors: Tita George , Ridgeway Greg
Published: April 2007

Research has demonstrated that even after controlling for individual level attributes, individuals who join gangs commit more crimes than do nongang members. Furthermore, the offending level of gang members is higher when they report being active members of the gang. Therefore, gang membership clearly facilitates offending above and beyond individual level characteristics. But what impact does the onset of gangs have on aggregate crime patterns? By exploring levels and patterns of crime in an “emergent gang city” (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), the authors test whether the individual level finding linking gang membership to increased offending equates to more crime at the aggregate, citywide level. They also explore the impact that gang formation has on local patterns of crime. Gangs tend to be territorial, but although many qualitative accounts describe the crime-gang relationship within the community, few empirical studies have explored how gangs shape the spatial distribution of crime in and around their territory.
Neighborhood Effects on Felony Sentencing
Authors: Wooldredge John
Published: April 2007

The relatively high imprisonment rates of African American men from poor neighborhoods raise a question of whether felony sentences are influenced by ecological factors, separately from or in conjunction with a defendant's race. To provide insight on the topic, both legal and extralegal effects on imprisonment and sentence length were modeled for nearly 3,000 convicted felons from more than 1,000 census tracts in Ohio. Neighborhood effects were estimated with empirical bayes coefficients as outcomes, derived from hierarchical analyses, to adjust for the small ratio of defendants to tracts. Findings revealed that convicted felons from more disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to receive nonsuspended prison sentences, whereas a defendant's race was unrelated to imprisonment. By contrast, neighborhood disadvantage was unrelated to sentence length for imprisoned defendants, whereas African Americans received significantly shorter terms relative to Whites. The processes through which ecological context may operate to affect sentence severity are discussed.
Physical Violence Inside Prisons
Authors: Wolff Nancy , Blitz Cynthia L. , Shi Jing , Siegel Jane , Bachman Ronet
Published: April 2007

This study estimates prevalence rates of inmate-on-inmate and staff-on-inmate physical victimization. Inmate participants were drawn from 13 adult male prisons and 1 female prison operated by a single mid-Atlantic state. A total of 7,221 men and 564 women participated. Rates of physical victimization varied significantly by gender, perpetrator, question wording, and facility. Prevalence rates of inmate-on-inmate physical violence in the previous 6 months were equal for males and females. Men had significantly higher rates of physical violence perpetrated by staff than by other inmates. By facility, inmate-on-inmate prevalence rates ranged from 129 to 346 per 1,000, whereas the range for staff-on-inmate was 83 to 321 per 1,000 (but the difference was not statistically significant).
Reliability and Validity of the Static-2002 Among Adult Sexual Offenders With Reference to Treatment Status
Authors: Langton Calvin M. , Barbaree Howard E. , Hansen Kevin T. , Harkins Leigh , Peacock Edward J.
Published: April 2007

Psychometric properties were reported for the Static-2002 using a sample of 464 sexual offenders followed for an average of 5.9 years after release. Correlations between theoretically relevant variables (using indices of lifestyle instability, sexual deviance, psychopathy) and the Static-2002 content area subscales reflected the conceptual emphasis underlying the content areas. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a five-factor solution generally congruent with the conceptual structure of the Static-2002. Survival analyses indicated not all of the content areas had incremental validity in the prediction of either sexual or any violent recidivism. Moderate-to-high levels of predictive accuracy for total score were achieved for treatment completers, dropouts, and refusers across four recidivism outcomes. Three risk categories were identified with significantly different rates of both sexual and any violent recidivism; failure rates and likelihood ratios for these risk categories over 5-, 7-, and 10-year follow-up periods were reported.
Effects of Prison Drug Treatment On Inmate Misconduct
Authors: Welsh Wayne N. , McGrain Patrick , Salamatin Nicole , Zajac Gary
Published: April 2007

A small body of research supports the “treatment hypothesis” that participation in prison treatment programs reduces inmate misconduct, although methodological weaknesses have limited generalizable conclusions. Using general linear modeling repeated measures techniques, this study examined pre- and posttreatment misconduct for 1,073 inmates who participated in therapeutic community (TC) drug treatment ( n = 294) or a comparison group ( n = 779) at five state prisons. Predictors included age, length of sentence, drug dependency, and prior and current criminal history. The hypothesis that TC treatment alone would significantly reduce misconduct over time was not supported. Instead, changes in misconduct over time interacted with individual characteristics and time served posttreatment. The article discusses implications of these results for treatment policies and future research.
Drug Use and Delinquent Behavior
Authors: Dembo Richard , Wareham Jennifer , Schmeidler James
Published: April 2007

The continuity of self-reported heavy alcohol and marijuana use and self-reported delinquency among adolescents is examined using latent growth model analyses in a sample of 278 justice-involved juveniles completing at least one of three follow-up interviews as part of a National Institute on Drug Abuse—funded study. Latent growth models are analyzed examining (a) changes in heavy alcohol and marijuana use over time, (b) changes in delinquency over time, and (c) the contemporaneous, parallel processes of changes in substance use and delinquency over time. Results indicate that substance use increased over time, whereas delinquency decreased over time. However, the growth model examining the simultaneous influence of delinquency on substance use suggests that delinquency exacerbated substance use over time. Implications for policy and intervention service needs are discussed.
Evidence of Treatment Progress and Therapeutic Outcomes Among Adolescents With Psychopathic Features
Authors: Caldwell Michael F. , McCormick David J. , Umstead Deborah , Van Rybroek Gregory J.
Published: April 2007

This study examined the relation between psychopathic features and treatment progress in a group of 86 delinquent boys. On admission to a specialized intensive treatment program, Psychopathic Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) scores were computed and subsequently compared with treatment progress. Treatment progress was measured using a series of daily behavior rating scales and with a measure of institutional misconducts that required security intervention. The results found significant improvement in behavioral and security measures with treatment. PCL:YV scores did not interact with treatment progress. Regression analysis showed that initial, but not final, behavioral and security levels were predicted by PCL:YVscores. The final scores were predicted only by the duration of treatment. Furthermore, violent recidivism during a 4-year follow-up was predicted by final behavioral scores but not initial PCL:YV scores.
Five Factor Model Personality Traits, Jury Selection, and Case Outcomes in Criminal and Civil Cases
Authors: Clark John , Boccaccini Marcus T. , Caillouet Beth , Chaplin William F.
Published: April 2007

Actual venire members ( N = 764) completed the Big Five Inventory before going through the jury selection process for 1 of 11 criminal or 17 civil trials. Jury selection decisions by attorneys were not associated with juror personality traits but were associated with juror race and sex, especially in criminal cases. In the 17 juries that deliberated to a verdict ( n = 285), high levels of juror extraversion were associated with not guilty verdicts or verdicts for the defendant, especially in criminal cases. Extraversion was also associated with being selected as a jury foreperson, and foreperson extraversion was associated with longer jury deliberation times and perceived foreperson influence in criminal cases.
Inmate Emotion Coping and Psychological and Physical Well-Being
Authors: Van Harreveld Frenk , Van der Pligt Joop , Claassen Liesbeth , Van Dijk Wilco W.
Published: April 2007

The study investigated the relation between coping strategies of inmates and their psychological and physical well-being. General affective states such as optimism were related to both psychological and physical well-being. Moreover, inmates who experienced specific negative emotions such as regret, anxiety, and sadness reported more psychological and physical complaints. The way in which inmates coped with these negative emotions was also important. Inmates who used an active emotion-focused coping strategy were in better health than inmates inclined to keep their negative feelings to themselves. Emotion-focused coping by sharing negative emotions with people in one's social network can help to increase both psychological and physical well-being. Engaging in emotion management in a more cognitive way, by emphasizing positive aspects of the situation, can help to reduce the intensity of negative emotions. Possible research and policy implications of these results are discussed.
Beyond Creative Destruction and Entrepreneurial Discovery: A Radical Austrian Approach to Entrepreneurship
Authors: Chiles Todd H. , Bluedorn Allen C. , Gupta Vishal K.
Published: April 2007

Although Schumpeter's theory on `creative destruction' and Kirzner's on `entrepreneurial discovery' dominate current entrepreneurship research in organization studies, one of the most fundamental debates in modern Austrian economics is that between Kirzner and Lachmann. Using Low and MacMillan's (1988) key specifications as a rubric, we introduce organizational entrepreneurship scholars to Lachmann's work, identify the direction in which his radical subjectivist approach would lead the field, and encourage exploring important questions from, and adopting methods consistent with, his provocative perspective. This unique disequilibrium perspective, which takes into account institutional contexts and multiple levels of analysis, offers new theoretical insight into how entrepreneurs create opportunities through expectations of an imagined future and exploit opportunities through continuous resource combination and recombination. Conceptualizing time as subjective and heterogeneous, it facilitates the examination of patterns in entrepreneurial activity, especially when combined with longer time frames. And it offers hermeneutics and ideal-types as alternatives to statistical models, for developing a theoretically sophisticated understanding of how entrepreneurial processes unfold.
Person-In-Community: Whiteheadian Insights into Community and Institution
Authors: Cobb John B.
Published: April 2007

The philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead differs from most of those that have been influential in the West in its emphasis on process and on internal relations instead of substances and their external relations. For human beings this supports a model of person-in-community instead of the widely influential and highly individualistic and substantialist model of Homo economicus. Communities are societies that are held together by internal relations. The importance of community is widely recognized in organizational studies, but most business decisions are informed chiefly by the substantialist thinking expressed in Homo economicus. To endure and prosper, communities need institutional structures, but these should serve community.
Organizing at and Beyond the Limits
Authors: Farjoun Moshe , Starbuck William H.
Published: April 2007

Surprises occur when organizations try to exceed the limits of their capabilities. The surprises include both serious accidents and remarkable discoveries. The idea that organizations have limits sheds light on a systemic source of organizational accidents and an important and increasingly prevalent aspect of organizational life. This article discusses various organizational limits and why they exist, it reviews factors that lead organizations to exceed their limits either intentionally or inadvertently, and it points out several reasons why limit violations may be growing more prevalent. Although some organizational limits arise from fundamental characteristics of people or technological systems, nearly all organizational limits result from rather arbitrary decisions about capacities, systems, and structures. In particular, limit violations often stem from uncertain and unintentional exploration. After examining potential consequences and symptoms of limit violation, the article proposes several reasons why researchers should add limits to their agendas for future research.
The Perceived Caregiver Burden Scale for Caregivers of Elderly People in India
Authors: Gupta Rashmi
Published: April 2007

The objective of this study is to analyze the 31-item Perceived Caregiver Burden scale (PCB-31) formulated by Stommel, Given, and Given (1990). A multistage probability sample was used to derive a sample of 259 caregivers of the elderly in Allahabad City, India. Prior to the study, Indian experts in aging reviewed the perceived burden scale and recommended a more concise 17-item scale with four subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure, and results failed to support all the items; however, it did suggest a 12-item, three-factor model. This 12-item scale, which includes impacts on financial burden, abandonment by extended family, and sense of entrapment, fit the data well. The PCB-12 also had concurrent validity as it correlated with the revised Center for Epidemiological Study—Depression scale, role conflict, role overload, and age of the caregiver. Researchers and practitioners can use this scale for estimating burden.
Walkable Neighborhoods for Seniors: The Alameda County Experience
Authors: Hooker Steven P. , Cirill Lisa , Wicks Lucy
Published: April 2007

The Walkable Neighborhoods for Seniors (WN4S) project was designed to develop and promote safe and accessible neighborhood walking routes for seniors. This article describes a case study of the efforts put forth by one local lead agency—United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County (USOAC). To facilitate environmental and policy changes that would enable and encourage walking by older adults, USOAC implemented several strategies including organizing a local task force with broad professional representation, conducting environmental audits of selected walking routes, creating walking groups, organizing an annual healthy living festival, collaborating with public health marketing and community livability initiatives, and advocating for environmental and policy change. Evaluation processes yielded information indicating a variety of successes, challenges, and lessons learned that could be applied to similar WN4S efforts undertaken by community organizations to increase the physical activity and improve the health and independence of older adults.
Nursing Home Deficiency Citations for Medication Use
Authors: Castle Nicholas G. , Engberg John B.
Published: April 2007

Deficiency citations for medication use in nursing homes, including those for psychoactive drug use, are examined. The variables of interest include eight structural and market factors. Data primarily came from the 1997 through 2003 Online Survey, Certification and Recording data and the 2004 Area Resource File. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used with generalized estimating equations and multinomial logistic regression models with Huber-White robust estimation. Smaller nursing homes and high Medicaid reimbursement rates were consistently significantly associated with fewer deficiency citations in general and fewer repeat deficiency citations. For the other structural and market factors, varying results were identified depending on whether the deficiency citation was specifically for psychoactive drugs, medication errors, or medication administration. Relatively few facilities received psychoactive-specific deficiency citations, whereas numerous facilities were identified with medication error deficiency citations and medication administration deficiency citations. In addition, a relatively large number of facilities received these same citations repeatedly.
Older Persons Relocating With a Family Caregiver
Authors: Firbank Oscar E. , Johnson-Lafleur Janique
Published: April 2007

In North America, a significant number of families who care for an elderly relative relocate in the same residence. However, research has paid little attention to the process that precedes such relocation. This article aims at studying this process by examining the experiences of a sample of Canadian elderly and their caregivers, born in Quebec and in Haiti. The article highlights that in spite of diversity, moving in together usually occurs in stages and follows a relatively lengthy process in which transitory living arrangements are not uncommon. In addition, a range of events, hospital stays in particular, act as markers between stages or shorten their duration. It appears that cohabitation trajectories differ according to origin and generational group. Noteworthy is that home-care services did not greatly influence the cohabitation decision of respondents from either group. Most respondents claim that the decision to relocate together was consensual but motivated by a variety of reasons.
Dental Composites Based on Amorphous Calcium Phosphate — Resin Composition/Physicochemical Properties Study
Authors: Skrtic D. , Antonucci J.M.
Published: April 2007

This study explores how the resin composition/structure affects the physicochemical properties of copolymers and their amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-filled composites. A series of photo-polymerizable binary and ternary matrices are formulated utilizing 2,2-bis[ p-(2'-hydroxy-3'methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[ p-(2'-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]-propane (EBPADMA), or a urethane dimethacrylate as base monomers, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate or hexamethylene dimethacrylate (HmDMA) with or without 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as diluent monomer. Unfilled copolymers and composites filled with 40% by mass zirconia-hybridized ACP are evaluated for biaxial flexure strength (BFS), degree of conversion (DC), mineral ion release, polymerization shrinkage (PS), and water sorption (WS). The average DC values are 82—94% and 74—91% for copolymers and composites, respectively. Unrelated to the resin composition, the PS values of composites are up to 8.4 vol. % and the BFS values of wet composite specimens are on average 51 ± 8 MPa. The maximum WS values attained in copolymers and composites reach 4.8 mass%. Inclusion of hydrophobic HmDMA monomer in the matrices significantly reduces the WS. The levels of Ca and PO4 released from all types of composites are significantly above the minimum necessary for the re-deposition of apatite to occur. Elevated Ca, and to a lesser extent PO4 release, is observed in HEMA-containing, ternary EBPADMA formulations. Further resin reformulations may be needed to improve the PS of composite specimens. Poor dispersion of `as-synthesized' ACP within the composite contributes to their inferior mechanical performance.
Long-term in vivo Degradation of Poly-L-lactide (PLLA) in Bone
Authors: Walton Mark , Cotton Nicholas J.
Published: April 2007

The use of absorbable orthopedic implants has increased substantially during the last decade. Currently, most of them are fabricated from poly-L-lactide (PLLA), its co-polymers, or mixtures with other constituents. In vivo, PLLA persists for years after its surgical role has ended, which is confirmed by a long-term histological study of PLLA implanted in sheep either as functional interference screws or nonfunctional rods. The first tissue reaction is the sequestration of the implant within new bone during the initial 3 months. After a nonreactive period, a second tissue reaction is associated with the early signs of structural disintegration of the PLLA at 1 year. Subsequently, as the polymer mass reduces, it is replaced by a relatively avascular fibrous tissue containing macrophages and having an occasional multinucleated giant cell on the implant surface. After 3 years much of the polymer is still present, although as isolated fragments. The tissue reactions can be explained in terms of the physical chemistry of PLLA degradation. Though biocompatible, the excessive longevity of PLLA and the absence of its replacement by bone, indicates that despite being satisfactory clinically, it is not an ideal implant material, and that improved absorbable materials need to be developed.
Construction of Chitosan— Gelatin—Hyaluronic Acid Artificial Skin In Vitro
Authors: Haifeng Liu  , Yuji Yin  , Kangde Yao
Published: April 2007

To further enhance the properties of chitosan (Cs)-gelatin (Gel) scaffolds for skin tissue engineering, hyaluronic acid (HA) is introduced to the Cs—gel complex. Porous scaffolds composed of Cs, Gel, and HA are prepared using the freeze-drying method. The scaffold has an interconnected pore structure with two different pore size layers. The water uptake ability, flexibility, and biocompatibility of the scaffold are greatly increased with the incorporation of HA. To construct an artificial skin in vitro, fibroblasts and keratinocytes are co-cultured in Cs—Gel—HA scaffolds at an air—liquid interface. After 2 weeks of co-culture, the epithelial layer becomes progressively stratiform, including cubic perpendicularly oriented cells and a superficial layer of flattened cells. Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the presence of laminin and type IV collagen, typical molecules of the basement membrane. The results of this study suggest that it is possible to construct a functional artificial skin in vitro and the Cs—Gel—HA scaffold is a promising matrix for skin tissue engineering.
Effects of Intraosseous Implantation of Silica-based Bioactive Glass Particles on Rat Kidney under Experimental Renal Failure
Authors: Gorustovich Alejandro A. , Monserrat Alberto J. , Guglielmotti Maria B. , Cabrini Romulo L.
Published: April 2007

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of intraosseous implantation of silica-based bioactive glass (BG) particles on rat kidney under experimental renal failure. The animals are assigned to one of the two groups: renal failure (RF) and renal failure + bioactive glass (RF + BG). Particles of melt-derived 45S5 BG are implanted in the marrow of one tibia of each animal in the RF + BG group. The animals are killed 24 h and 14 days postimplantation. The RF + BG group exhibits a statistically significant increase in serum urea 24 h postimplantation. The tibiae of the RF + BG group are resected and embedded in methyl-methacrylate resin. Ground sections are analyzed by light microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The presence of silicon, calcium, and phosphorus is evaluated in the BG particles. A 55% reduction in silicon content is observed at 14 days postimplantation as compared with that at 24 h.

Light microscopy analysis reveals lesions in kidney parenchyma. Hyperplasia associated with nuclear vacuolization in the tubules and a marked thickening of the basal membrane are observed in the renal cortex of the RF + BG animals killed at 24 h postimplantation, but not in those at 14 days.

The present results demonstrate reversible renal cell injury in rats exposed to intraosseous implantation of silica-based BG particles under experimental RF.
Israeli Nurses and Genetic Information Disclosure
Authors: Barnoy Sivia , Tabak Nili
Published: April 2007

The debate continues about whether people have a duty to pass on the positive results of their genetic tests to relatives who are at risk from the same disease, and, should they refuse, whether physicians and genetic counselors then have the duty to do so. To date, the role and views of nurses in this debate have not been investigated. In our study, a sample of Israeli nurses, untrained in genetics, were asked for their theoretical opinions and what practical steps they would take in the case of patients' refusal to disclose. The nurses were very sure that patients should inform their families but were equally sure that nurses must respect their decision to disclose or not. Few said they would take practical steps to disclose information if the patient objected. The authors believe that the most useful and appropriate role for nurses in this field is in working to bring about co-operation between patients and family members.
Privacy and Equality in Diagnostic Genetic Testing
Authors: Nyrhinen Tarja , Hietala Marja , Puukka Pauli , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: April 2007

This study aimed to determine the extent to which the principles of privacy and equality were observed during diagnostic genetic testing according to views held by patients or child patients' parents (n = 106) and by staff (n = 162) from three Finnish university hospitals. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using the SAS 8.1 statistical software. In general, the two principles were observed relatively satisfactorily in clinical practice. According to patients/parents, equality in the post-analytic phase and, according to staff, privacy in the pre-analytic phase, involved the greatest ethical problems. The two groups differed in their views concerning pre-analytic privacy. Although there were no major problems regarding the two principles, the differences between the testing phases require further clarification. To enhance privacy protection and equality, professionals need to be given more genetics/ethics training, and patients individual counselling by genetics units staff, giving more consideration to patients' world-view, the purpose of the test and the test result.
Moral Judgement Competence and Moral Attitudes of Medical Students
Authors: Slováčková Birgita , Slováček Ladislav
Published: April 2007

A cross-sectional study explored the moral judgement competence and moral attitudes of 310 Czech and Slovak and 70 foreign national students at the Medical Faculty of Charles University in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. Lind's Moral Judgement Test was used to evaluate moral judgement competence and moral attitudes depending on factors such as age, number of semesters of study, sex, nationality and religion. Moral judgement competence decreased significantly in the Czech and Slovak medical students as they grew older; in medical students from other countries it did not significantly increase. The influence of other factors (sex, nationality and religion) on moral judgement competence was not proven in either the Czech and Slovak or the foreign national medical students. Moral attitudes do not change; the Czech and Slovak as well as the foreign students preferred the post-conventional levels of moral judgement (Kohlberg's 5th and 6th stages). The fact that the Czech and Slovak students' moral judgement competence decreased with age and number of semesters of study completed is not an optimistic sign: medical students who had undergone a lower number of semesters of study were morally more competent.
Exploring the Moral Distress of Registered Nurses
Authors: Zuzelo Patti Rager
Published: April 2007

Registered nurses (RNs) employed in an urban medical center in the USA identified moral distress as a practice concern. This study describes RNs' moral distress and the frequency of morally distressing events. Data were collected using the Moral Distress Scale and an open-ended questionnaire. The instruments were distributed to direct-care-providing RNs; 100 responses were returned. Morally distressing events included: working with staffing levels perceived as `unsafe', following families' wishes for patient care even though the nurse disagreed with the plan, and continuing life support for patients owing to family wishes despite patients' poor prognoses. One high frequency distressing event was carrying out orders for unnecessary tests and treatments. Qualitative data analysis revealed that the nurses sought support and information from nurse managers, chaplaincy services and colleagues. The RNs requested further information on biomedical ethics, suggested ethics rounds, and requested a non-punitive environment surrounding the initiation of ethics committee consultations.
Clinical Wisdom Among Proficient Nurses
Authors: Uhrenfeldt Lisbeth , Hall Elisabeth O.C.
Published: April 2007

This article examines clinical wisdom, which has emerged from a broader study about nurse managers' influence on proficient registered nurse turnover and retention. The purpose of the study was to increase understanding of proficient nurses' experience and clinical practice by giving voice to the nurses themselves, and to look for differences in their practice. This was a qualitative study based on semistructured interviews followed by analysis founded on Gadamerian hermeneutics. The article describes how proficient nurses experience their practice. Proficient practice constitutes clinical wisdom based on responsibility, thinking and ethical discernment, and a drive for action. The study showed that poor working conditions cause proficient nurses to regress to non-proficient performance. Further studies are recommended to allow deeper searching into the area of working conditions and their relationship to lack of nurse proficiency.
Older People's Reasoning About Age-Related Prioritization in Health Care
Authors: Werntoft Elisabet , Hallberg Ingalill R , Edberg Anna-Karin
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study was to describe the reasoning of people aged 60 years and over about prioritization in health care with regard to age and willingness to pay. Healthy people (n = 300) and people receiving continuous care and services (n = 146) who were between 60 and 101 years old were interviewed about their views on prioritization in health care. The transcribed interviews were analysed using manifest and latent qualitative content analysis. The participants' reasoning on prioritization embraced eight categories: feeling secure and confident in the health care system; being old means low priority; prioritization causes worries; using underhand means in order to be prioritized; prioritization as a necessity; being averse to anyone having precedence over others; having doubts about the distribution of resources; and buying treatment requires wealth.
Publishing in English-Language Journals
Authors: Davis Anne J. , Tschudin Verena
Published: April 2007

The need for academics to get their work published can be fraught with problems, especially if they have to publish in the English language and within western culture, both of which may be unfamiliar to them. Before considering a submission, authors need to satisfy the rigors of their studies: suitability of the subject matter for a particular journal; concepts, literature and instruments; and if the English is adequate. These are issues of responsibility of authors to readers and, on the part of editors and reviewers, to authors and through them to students and readers of the submitted texts. This short article elaborates on these themes by detailing specific items of importance.