bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Economists of Tomorrow: The Case for Assertive Pluralism in Economics Education
Authors: Freeman Alan
Published: November 2010

Abstract

This article presents the case for “assertive pluralism” in economics education and proposes how to achieve it, illustrating the point with reference to the U.K. Subject Benchmark Statement in Economics (SBSE). It proposes a revision of the benchmark, prioritizing the role of controversy in the teaching of economics, combined with pluralistic principles that uphold and guarantee critical and independent thinking. This reform is a necessary response to what Colander et al. (2009) term the “systemic failure” of economics—the inability of the profession, taken as a whole, to anticipate and understand the financial crash and recession of 2008. Failure on this scale testifies to a more deep‐seated weakness in economics than commonly recognized. It arises from what Turner (Tett 2009) terms the regulatory capture of the economics profession by narrow financial interests. The public, and the economics profession, require specific protection against the pressures that have produced this systemic failure. This requires a rethink of the relation of economics to society, founded on a rejection of the idea that the function of economics is to provide a single, unequivocal solution to every problem of policy. Instead, the article explains, good economics should be constrained to evaluate the full range of relevant solutions to any given policy issue, leaving the decisionmakers accountable for the decisions they make on which solution to adopt.
A Typology of Spatial and Temporal Scale Relations
Authors: Pereira Gary M.
Published: November 2010

A simple typology of relations between any two geographical scales is established by qualitatively comparing their respective grains and extents. This typology is applied to spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal scales. It describes seven relations between any two scales in either space or time. These basic relations yield a set of 169 qualitatively different spatiotemporal scale relations, a subset of which is portrayed dia‐grammatically. If it is possible to transform processes or patterns from one scale in the relation to the other, up to four scaling methods may need to be simultaneously applied, depending on the relation. Scaling methods might be classified as forms of grain generalization, grain decomposition, extent extrapolation, or extent selection. This typology may also provide a framework for investigations of dependencies between scales, as well as a reference scheme for observations of scale nonstationarity. The possibility is offered that any relation that forms a nonintersecting hierarchy in either space or time is a relation between essentially independent scales. However, the use of this typology is contingent on a number of factors, and it is offered as a tool, rather than a solution, for problems of scale.
Productive Relations in the Northeast and the Rest‐of‐Brazil Regions in 1995: Decomposition and Synergy in Input‐Output Systems
Authors: Guilhoto Joaquim J.M. , Hewings Geoffrey J.D. , Sonis Michael
Published: November 2010

Using a set of interregional input‐output tables built by Guilhoto (1998) for 1995 for two Brazilian regions (Northeast and rest of the economy), the methodology developed by Sonis, Hewings, and Miyazawa (1997) is applied in the construction of a series of linkages such that it is possible to examine, through the nature of the internal and external interdependencies, the structure of trading relationships between the two regions. The methodology uses a partitioned input‐output system and exploits techniques that produce left and right matrix multipliers of the Leontief Inverse. This procedure facilitates the classification of the types of synergetic interactions within a preset pairwise hierarchy of economic linkages subsystems. In general, the results show that the Northeast region has a greater dependence on the rest of the economy region than the rest of the economy has on the Northeast region, and at the same time the rest of the economy region seems to be more developed as it presents a more complex productive structure than the Northeast region.
Decision Making and Uncertainty: Bayesian Analysis of Potential Flood Heights
Authors: Manson Steven M. , Ratick Samuel J. , Solow Andrew R.
Published: November 2010

This paper provides a case study of a method to estimate the value of additional information, before its acquisition, to aid decision making in the face of uncertainty. The approach employs conditional simulation in a Monte Carlo framework to conduct a Bayesian assessment of the value of information in an explicitly spatial setting. This paper demonstrates the procedure as applied by a hypothetical decision maker concerned with coastal flood control where flood damage is dependent on the spatial distribution of elevation. A set of known survey points provides the decision maker with limited knowledge of elevation. The method explored in the paper allows the decision maker to ascertain the potential value of additional survey information in terms of its ability to reduce uncertainty about flood damage.
Comparative Spatial Filtering in Regression Analysis
Authors: Getis Arthur , Griffith Daniel A.
Published: November 2010

One approach to dealing with spatial autocorrelation in regression analysis involves the filtering of variables in order to separate spatial effects from the variables’ total effects. In this paper we compare two filtering approaches, both of which allow spatial statistical analysts to use conventional linear regression models. Getis’ filtering approach is based on the autocorrelation observed with the use of the Gilocal statistic. Griffith's approach uses an eigenfunction decomposition based on the geographic connectivity matrix used to compute a Moran's I statistic. Economic data are used to compare the workings of the two approaches. A final comparison with an autoregressive model strengthens the conclusion that both techniques are effective filtering devices, and that they yield similar regression models. We do note, however, that each technique should be used in its appropriate context.
The Saddlepoint Approximation of Moran's I's and Local Moran's Ii's Reference Distributions and Their Numerical Evaluation
Authors: Tiefelsdorf Michael
Published: November 2010

Global Moran's I and local Moran's Iiare the most commonly used test statistics for spatial autocorrelation in univariate map patterns or in regression residuals. They belong to the general class of ratios of quadratic forms for whom a whole array of approximation techniques has been proposed in the statistical literature, such as the prominent saddlepoint approximation by Offer Lieberman (1994). The saddlepoint approximation outperforms other approximation methods with respect to its accuracy and computational costs. In addition, only the saddlepoint approximation is capable of handling, in analytical terms, reference distributions of Moran's I that are subject to significant underlying spatial processes.

The accuracy and computational benefits of the saddlepoint approximation are demonstrated for a set of local Moran's Ii statistics under either the assumption of global spatial independence or subject to an underlying global spatial process. Local Moran's Iiis known to have an excessive kurtosis and thus void the use of the simple approximation methods of its reference distribution. The results demonstrate how well the saddlepoint approximation fits the reference distribution of local Moran's Ii. Furthermore, for local Moran's Iiunder the assumption of global spatial independence several algebraic simplifications lead to substantial gains in numerical efficiency. This makes it possible to evaluate local Moran's Ii's significance in large spatial tessellations.
Rethinking the Analysis of Ethnic Residential Patterns: Segregation, Isolation, or Concentration Thresholds in Auckland, New Zealand?
Authors: Johnston Ron , Poulsen Michael , Forrest Jantes
Published: November 2010

Data from the 1996 New Zealand Census on ethnicity in Auckland Urban Area are used to illustrate a new approach to measuring spatial separation. The traditionally employed single‐number indices are found wanting and a method based on thresholds is introduced. This provides more detailed information on the geography of ethnic groups that is consistent with the requirements for testing hypotheses regarding the relationship between social and spatial distance. The results show that (with a few exceptions) Polynesian groups were more encapsulated groups in Auckland than were Asian and European groups, and that most of the European groups—along with the “host society,” the New Zealand Europeans—were not spatially exposed to members of the Polynesian and Asian groups.
Information Technology Impacts on Urban Spatial Structure in the Chicago Region
Authors: Sohn Jungyul , Kim Tschangho John , Hewings Geoffrey J.D.
Published: November 2010

This paper examines the impact of information technology on urban spatial structure in the Chicago region. Urban scientists are challenged to understand in what ways information technology has influenced the distribution of urban economic activities: concentration or dispersion. Using data collected in the Chicago region, orientation of establishments toward the center is tested to separate the impact of locational features of centers from the impact of information technology. The result reveals that information technology has attraction as well as spillover effect on urban spatial structure and thus concentration rather than dispersion is dominant at a local scale in the Chicago region. It was found, however, that center‐orientedness varies depending on the sector.
Forecasting in a Small and Unstable Regional Economy Using Regime Shifting Models: The Case of Extremadura
Authors: Márquez Miguel Angel , Ramajo Julian , Hewings Geoffrey J. D.
Published: November 2010

We consider forecasting in a small and unstable regional economy subject to structural breaks. In this context, we work with two types of regime‐shifting databased models using cointegration theory. The objective of the present work is to analyze the out‐of‐sample forecasting performance of the two approaches used to construct a short‐term regional econometric model: stochastic and deterministic time varying parameters models. The forecasting experiments will be illustrated by specifying, and estimating an econometric model for Extremadura, a small and unstable region in southwestern Spain.
Likelihood Dominance Spatial Inference
Authors: Pace R. Kelley , LeSage James P.
Published: November 2010

Many users estimate spatial autoregressions to perform inference on regression parameters. However, as the sample size or the number of potential models rise, computational exigencies make exact computation of likelihood‐based inferences tedious or even impossible. To address this problem, we introduce a lower bound on the likelihood ratio test that can allow users to conduct conservative maximum likelihood inference while avoiding the computationally demanding task of computing exact maximum likelihood point estimates. This form of inference, known as likelihood dominance, performs almost as well as exact likelihood inference for the empirical examples examined. We illustrate the utility of the technique by performing likelihood‐based inference on parameters from a spatial autoregression involving 890,091 observations in less than a minute (given the spatial weight matrix)
Using Linear Integer Programming for Multi‐Site Land‐Use Allocation
Authors: Aerts Jeroen C. J. H. , Eisinger Erwin , Heuvelink Gerard B. M. , Stewart Theodor J.
Published: November 2010

Research in the area of spatial decision support (SDS) and resource allocation has recently generated increased attention for integrating optimization techniques with GIS. In this paper we address the use of spatial optimization techniques for solving multi‐site land‐use allocation (MLUA) problems, where MLUA refers to the optimal allocation of multiple sites of different land uses to an area. We solve an MLUA problem using four different integer programs (IP), of which three are linear integer programs. The IPs are formulated for a raster‐based GIS environment and are designed to minimize development costs and to maximize compactness of the allocated land use. The preference for either minimizing costs or maximizing compactness has been made operational by including a weighting factor. The IPs are evaluated on their speed and their efficacy for handling large databases. All four IPs yielded the optimal solution within a reasonable amount of time, for an area of 8 × 8 cells. The fastest model was successfully applied to a case study involving an area of 30 × 30 cells. The case study demonstrates the practical use of linear IPs for spatial decision support issues.
Note on the Measurement of Spatial Imbalance
Authors: Zhao Zuoquan , Stough Roger R. , Li Ning
Published: November 2010

This note presents a new measure of spatial imbalance that uses the center of gravity (or the mean center) of a distribution and the geometric center (or the centroid) of a region to define a vector indicating the relative position of the distribution in the region. The spatial imbalance of a distribution in a region is defined as the distance and directional deviation of the center of gravity of the distribution from the geometric center of the region. The convex hull of a region is introduced as the reference for maximum spatial imbalance of the distribution in the region. The spatial imbalance is measured in terms of (1) the relative distance of the center of gravity between the geometric center and the convex hull; and (2) the direction from the geometric center to the center of gravity. This new measure is tested by quantifying the westward movement of the contiguous U.S. population between 1790 and 1950. It describes the well‐known observation that the U.S. population was moving westward across the contiguous United States and toward reduced spatial imbalance.
Spatial Decomposition of Segregation Indices: A Framework Toward Measuring Segregation at Multiple Levels
Authors: Wong David W. S.
Published: November 2010

Segregation measures based upon data gathered at different geographical levels cannot provide consistent results because of the scale effect under the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) umbrella. This paper proposes a framework, which decomposes segregation attributable to different geographical levels, to conceptually link segregation values obtained from multiple geographical levels together such that differences in segregation values among levels are accounted for. Using two different indices, the dissimilarity index D and the diversity index H, this paper illustrates the decomposition methods specific to these indices. When these indices are decomposed, local measures of segregation pertaining to multiple geographical levels are computed. These local segregation measures indicate the levels of segregation contributed by the local units and the regional units to the entire study area.
Time‐Dependent Functions for Avoidance Behaviors Made in Response to the Circulation of HIV and AIDS
Authors: Thomas Richard
Published: November 2010

Interventions aimed at preventing HIV transmission include avoidance behaviors like condom use and reduced partner acquisition. In turn., engagement in such activities might also entail changed patterns of travel to evade contact with infected individuals. One method of estimating the effects of these actions on the observed distribution of HIV/AIDS involves the specification of space‐time models that imitate the epidemic process. This paper presents an application of this procedure where prevention is construed as a continuous population response to the evolving distribution of HIV and AIDS. This task entails the construction of models with time‐dependent parameters adapted to predicted prevalence or incidence measures to represent the effects of specific avoidance behaviors. In this respect, a multiregion model is described that serves as a baseline for analyzing the impact of preventative actions on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Western Europe. A series of adaptation functions are derived within this system for imitating both changed rates of partner acquisition and altered travel behaviors. The results elicit modifications to the behavior of the baseline epidemic that are generated by each of these functions. Then, the conditions supporting space‐time variations in rates of survival between core countries (relatively low) and those in the periphery (relatively high) are investigated. The discussion considers the implications of these results for health policies that promote avoidance behaviors.
The Multi‐level Location Set Covering Model
Authors: Church Richard L. , Gerrard Ross A.
Published: November 2010

The classical Location Set Covering Problem involves finding the smallest number of facilities and their locations so that each demand is covered by at least one facility. It was first introduced by Toregas in 1970. This problem can represent several different application settings including the location of emergency services and the selection of conservation sites. The Location Set Covering Problem can be formulated as a 0–1 integer‐programming model. Roth (1969) and Toregas and ReVelle (1973) developed reduction approaches that can systematically eliminate redundant columns and rows as well as identify essential sites. Such approaches can often reduce a problem to a size that is considerably smaller and easily solved by linear programming using branch and bound. Extensions to the Location Set Covering Model have been proposed so that additional levels of coverage are either encouraged or required. This paper focuses on one of the extended model forms called the Multi‐level Location Set Covering Model. The reduction rules of Roth and of Toregas and ReVelle violate properties found in the multi‐level model. This paper proposes a new set of reduction rules that can be used for the multi‐level model as well as the classic single‐level model. A demonstration of these new reduction rules is presented which indicates that such problems may be subject to significant reductions in both the numbers of demands as well as sites.
Assessing the Cluster Correspondence between Paired Point Locations
Authors: Lu Yongmei , Thill Jean‐Claude
Published: November 2010

Some complex geographic events are associated with multiple point locations. Such events include, but are not limited to, those describing linkages between and among places. The term multi‐location event is used in the paper to refer to these geographical phenomena. Through formalization of the multi‐location event problem, this paper situates the analysis of multi‐location events within the broad context of point pattern analysis techniques. Two alternative approaches (Vector autocorrelation analysis and cluster correspondence analysis) to the spatial dependence of paired‐location events (i.e., two‐location events) are explored, with a discussion of their appropriateness to general multi‐location event problems. The research proposes a framework of cluster correspondence analysis for the detection of local non‐stationarities in the spatial process generating multi‐location events. A new algorithm for local analysis of cluster correspondence is proposed. It is implemented on a large‐scale dataset of vehicle theft and recovery location pairs in Buffalo, New York.
Using Fractal Dimensions for Characterizing Intra‐urban Diversity: The Example of Brussels
Authors: De Keersmaecker Marie‐Laurence , Frankhauser Pierre , Thomas Isabelle
Published: November 2010

The objective of this paper is to compare fractal‐based parameters calculated by different fractal methods for urban built‐up areas and to link the observed spatial variations to variables commonly used in urban geography, urban economics, or land‐use planning. Computations are performed on Brussels, Belgium. Two fractal methods (correlation and dilation) are systematically applied for evaluating the fractal dimension of built‐up surfaces; correlation is used to evaluate the fractal dimension of the borders (lines). Analyses show that while fractal dimension is ideal for distinguishing the morphology of Brussels, each estimation technique leads to slightly different results. Interesting associations are to be found between the fractal dimensions and rent, distance, income, and planning rules. Despite its limitations, fractal analysis seems to be a promising tool for describing the morphology of the city and for simulating its genesis and planning. The model is robust: it replicates the urban spatial regularities and patterns, and could hence fruitfully be integrated into intra‐urban simulation processes.
A Spatial Logit Association Model for Cluster Detection
Authors: Lin Ge
Published: November 2010

In this paper, I propose to set out a logit spatial association model for binary spatial events and develop a scan algorithm to search for spatial associations. I extend the traditional logit model with a spatial autocorrelated component so that the model includes not only known risk factors, but also spatially autocorrelated regions as control or explanatory factors. The case study of West Virginia lung cancer shows that the model effectively captures cool and hot spots in lung cancer mortality.
Segmented Paths and the Differential Role of Primate Immigrant Centers
Authors: Newbold K. Bruce
Published: November 2010

New York, Los Angeles, and Miami are primate immigrant centers within the U. S. metropolitan system, attracting new immigrant arrivals as well as serving as focal points for internal migrants. Using the segmented assimilation framework as a foundation, this paper emphasizes the role of geography and migration within the assimilation process. Focusing upon selected origin groups, migrant selectivity and the determinants of migration are evaluated and compared, highlighting the differential role of primate centers. While the New York and Miami metropolitan centers clearly dominate Dominican and Cuban migration systems respectively, the role of primate centers is less clear among other national origin groups.
Simulation Analysis of the Fractality of Cities
Authors: Benguigui L. , Czamanski D.
Published: November 2010

Fractality in cities implies that a city possesses a similar structure at several different scales. Its existence is of great significance because it suggests the presence of some hidden process that operates at different urban scales and generates similarity. Recently, we studied the Tel Aviv metropolis at the levels of the entire metropolis and of one of its constituent towns. We concluded that the apparent growth mechanism (called leapfrogging) operates at these two levels. We hypothesized that since it appears at several levels, growth by leapfrogging may be one the fundamental processes that generates urban fractality. In this paper we present results of simulations used to verify this assumption in the case of randomly generated structures.
A Spatial Mixture Model of Innovation Diffusion
Authors: Smith Tony E. , Song Sangyoung
Published: November 2010

The diffusion of new product or technical innovation over space is here modeled as an event‐based process in which the likelihood of the next adopter being in region r is influenced by two factors: (i) the potential interactions of individuals in r with current adopters in neighboring regions, and (ii) all other attributes of individuals in r that may influence their adoption propensity. The first factor is characterized by a logit model reflecting the likelihood of adoption due to spatial contacts with previous adopters, and the second by a logit model reflecting the likelihood of adoption due to other intrinsic effects. The resulting spatial diffusion process is then assumed to be driven by a probabilistic mixture of the two. A number of formal properties of this model are analyzed, including its asymptotic behavior. But the main analytical focus is on statistical estimation of parameters. Here it is shown that standard maximum‐likelihood estimates require large sample sizes to achieve reasonable results. Two estimation approaches are developed which yield more sensible results for small sample sizes. These results are applied to a small data set involving the adoption of a new Internet grocery‐shopping service by consumers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Optimal Sampling Design for Variables with Varying Spatial Importance
Authors: Rogerson Peter A. , Delmelle Eric , Batta Rajan , Akella Mohan , Blatt Alan , Wilson Glenn
Published: November 2010

It is often desirable to sample in those locations where uncertainty associated with a variable is highest. However, the importance of knowing the variable's value may vary across space. We are interested in the spatial distribution of Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), a measure of the signal strength from a cell tower received at a particular location. It is crucial to estimate RSSI values accurately in order to evaluate the effectiveness of mayday systems designed for rapid emergency notification following vehicle crashes. RSSI estimation is less important for locations where the probability of a crash is low and where the likelihood of call completion is either close to zero or one. We develop a method for augmenting an initial spatial sample of RSSI values to achieve a high‐precision estimate of the probability of call completion following a crash. We illustrate the approach using data on RSSI and vehicle crashes in Erie County, NY.
A Bayesian Approach to Modeling Binary Data: The Case of High‐Intensity Crime Areas
Authors: Law Jane , Haining Robert
Published: November 2010

This paper reports the fitting of a number of Bayesian logistic models with spatially structured or/and unstructured random effects to binary data with the purpose of explaining the distribution of high‐intensity crime areas (HIAs) in the city of Sheffield, England. Bayesian approaches to spatial modeling are attracting considerable interest at the present time. This is because of the availability of rigorously tested software for fitting a certain class of spatial models. This paper considers issues associated with the specification, estimation, and validation, including sensitivity analysis, of spatial models using the WinBUGS software. It pays particular attention to the visualization of results. We discuss a map decomposition strategy and an approach that examines properties of the full posterior distribution. The Bayesian spatial model reported provides some interesting insights into the different factors underlying the existence of the three police‐defined HIAs in Sheffield.
A Geostatistical Framework for Area‐to‐Point Spatial Interpolation
Authors: Kyriakidis Phaedon C.
Published: November 2010

The spatial prediction of point values from areal data of the same attribute is addressed within the general geostatistical framework of change of support; the term support refers to the domain informed by each datum or unknown value. It is demonstrated that the proposed geostatistical framework can explicitly and consistently account for the support differences between the available areal data and the sought‐after point predictions. In particular, it is proved that appropriate modeling of all area‐to‐area and area‐to‐point covariances required by the geostatistical frame‐work yields coherent (mass‐preserving or pycnophylactic) predictions. In other words, the areal average (or areal total) of point predictions within any arbitrary area informed by an areal‐average (or areal‐total) datum is equal to that particular datum. In addition, the proposed geostatistical framework offers the unique advantage of providing a measure of the reliability (standard error) of each point prediction. It is also demonstrated that several existing approaches for area‐to‐point interpolation can be viewed within this geostatistical framework. More precisely, it is shown that (i) the choropleth map case corresponds to the geostatistical solution under the assumption of spatial independence at the point support level; (ii) several forms of kernel smoothing can be regarded as alternative (albeit sometimes incoherent) implementations of the geostatistical approach; and (iii) Tobler's smooth pycnophylactic interpolation, on a quasi‐infinite domain without non‐negativity constraints, corresponds to the geostatistical solution when the semivariogram model adopted at the point support level is identified to the free‐space Green's functions (linear in 1‐D or logarithmic in 2‐D) of Poisson's partial differential equation. In lieu of a formal case study, several 1‐D examples are given to illustrate pertinent concepts.
A Critical Comment on the Taylor Approach for Measuring World City Interlock Linkages
Authors: Nordlund Carl
Published: November 2010

In the study of economic‐geographic structures, the shifting focus from the national state to the city and its region has highlighted the lack of reliable interurban data sets. The abundance of usable data sets on international structures and flows has no counterpart when studying interurban relations, which makes it hard to draw any extensive conclusions regarding the structure of world city networks.

Instead of relying on available data sets, Peter Taylor has developed a method for generating data sets that, it is argued, can be used in research on the structure of the world city network. In this approach, actors are defined as cities with internal attribute service values, values reflecting the presence of different transnational service‐producing corporations in each city. The structural values between each pair of cities are then established by a mathematical formula based on the service value of each firm in each pair of cities.

This procedure can be criticized on two accounts. First, although internal attributes on exceptional occasions can be used as a proxy and as a rough estimate for structural values, such studies must have a firm theoretical underpinning in order to be valid from a network‐analytical perspective. If not, such generated structural values become nothing more than a function of internal attributes, thus losing the whole basic idea of social network analysis. Second, the Taylor function used for generating structural values can be questioned. Why should a large presence of TNC offices in a pair of cities imply a larger city interlock link than would be the case between a high‐ranked city and a low‐ranked city, as the city with the larger service value probably serves cities with a lower service value with economic command, control, and support functions?
Reply to “A Critical Comment on the Taylor Approach for Measuring World City Interlock Linkages” by C. Nordlund
Authors: Taylor Peter J.
Published: November 2010

I do not treat cities as agents. I do not claim to be an alchemist. I do not consider my original illustrative data set to be an adequate basis for discussing actual intercity relations. Theoretical elaboration was not part of the remit of my original paper.
Behavioral Couples Therapy for the Treatment of Substance Abuse: A Substantive and Methodological Review of O'Farrell, Fals‐Stewart, and Colleagues' Program of Research
Authors: RUFF SARALYN , McCOMB JENNIFER L. , COKER CASEY J. , SPRENKLE DOUGLAS H.
Published: November 2010

All abstracts are available in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese on Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1545‐5300). Please pass this information on to your international colleagues and students.

Behavioral couples therapy (BCT) is an evidence‐based couple therapy intervention for married or cohabitating substance abusers and their partners. This paper provides readers with a substantive and methodological review of Fals‐Stewart, O'Farrell, and colleagues' program of research on BCT. The 23 studies included in this review provide support for the efficacy of BCT for improving substance use behavior, dyadic adjustment, child psychosocial outcomes, and reducing partner violence. This review includes a description of BCT, summaries of primary and secondary outcomes, highlights methodological strengths and weaknesses, notes barriers to dissemination, suggests future research directions, and provides clinical implications for couple and family therapists. Although there are several versions of BCT developed for the treatment of substance abuse this paper focuses on the version developed by O'Farrell, Fals‐Stewart, and colleagues.
A Multilevel Mediation Model of Stress and Coping for Women with HIV and Their Families
Authors: BRINCKS AHNALEE M. , FEASTER DANIEL J. , MITRANI VICTORIA B.
Published: November 2010

All abstracts are available in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese on Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1545‐5300). Please pass this information on to your international colleagues and students.

Families are influential systems and may be an important context in which to consider the stress and coping process. To date, many studies have focused on modeling the stress and coping process for the individual, isolated from the family. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to investigate a cross‐sectional stress and coping model for HIV‐positive African‐American mothers recruited from HIV service facilities in South Florida (n=214) and their family members (n=294). Avoidance coping was hypothesized to mediate the relationship between stress and psychological distress. In addition, the family average of individual stress was hypothesized to moderate the relationship between avoidance coping and psychological distress. For all constructs, individuals reported on themselves and multilevel modeling techniques were used to account for similarities between members of the same family. The estimated mediation effect was significant. Aggregated family stress significantly moderated the relationship between avoidance coping and psychological distress. This study suggests that individuals exhibit different relationships between avoidance coping and psychological outcomes and that average stress reported by members of a family moderates the relationship between avoidance coping and psychological distress.
Perceptions of Coparenting in Foster Care
Authors: LINARES LOURDES ORIANA , RHODES JENNIFER , MONTALTO DANIELA
Published: November 2010

All abstracts are available in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese on Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1545‐5300). Please pass this information on to your international colleagues and students.

Although literature supports the association between harmonious coparenting practices and lowered child problems, little is known about coparenting influences among family constellations in the foster care system. Via a compilation of a new coparenting practices measure, we examined similarities and differences on foster parent‐derived perceptions of support/flexibility, shared communication, conflict/triangulation, and total coparenting between foster and biological parents and their independent contribution to child internalizing and externalizing problems. Self‐reports were gathered from foster parents (N=80) in 2 groups: kin and nonkin. As compared with nonkin, kin foster parents reported higher perceived support/flexibility, shared communication, and total coparenting. A tendency for higher conflict/triangulation among kin foster parents was also found. After considering foster parent group, psychological distress, and harsh discipline, hierarchical regression analyses revealed that perceived total coparenting and conflict/triangulation contributed to child internalizing and externalizing problems. Results support the linkage between perceptions of coparenting and child problems among caregivers (foster and biological alike) in kin and nonkin arrangements and highlight training in coparenting in general, and conflict management in particular, as an important intervention focus to reduce the high level of child problems in this vulnerable population.
Microscopic Region Effect on the Dielectric Property of the Diffused Phase Transition Ferroelectrics: A Reasonable and Effective Diffuseness Characterizing Parameter
Authors: Mao Chaoliang , Dong Xianlin , Wang Genshui , Cao Sheng , Yao Chunhua , Uchino Kenji
Published: November 2010

Based on the microscopic composition fluctuation model and phenomenological theory, a reasonable and effective characterizing parameter of the diffuseness degree of the diffused phase transition (DPT) was defined. The parameter equals to the temperature interval of  and which correspond to the temperatures when  reaches the minimum and maximum, respectively. The parameter reflects the diffuseness degree macroscopically and can be easily calculated. This characterizing parameter has been proved to be useful for ferroelectric materials including normal ferroelectrics, common DPT ferroelectrics, and typical relaxor ferroelectrics.
Low‐Temperature Sintering of CuO‐Doped 0.94(K0.48Na0.535)NbO3–0.06LiNbO3Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Huang Rongxia , Zhao Yuzhen , Zhang Xiaowen , Zhao Yongjie , Liu Rongzheng , Zhou Heping
Published: November 2010

Lead‐free 0.94(K0.48Na0.535)NbO3–0.06LiNbO3–xmol%CuO ceramics were synthesized by conventional ceramics processes. The doping of CuO can decrease the sintering temperature to 890°C and effectively promote the densification of 0.94(K0.48Na0.535)NbO3–0.06LiNbO3ceramics. X‐ray diffraction result reveals that doping of CuO induces lattice distortion. Homogeneous grain growth is observed, due to the presence of liquid phase that resulted from the addition of CuO. The ceramics sintered at 890°C show fairly good properties with the planar electromechanical coupling factorkp=34.8%, piezoelectric constantd33=157.5 pC/N, dielectric constant ɛ33T/ɛ0=391, and mechanical quality factorQm=173.5.
Evaluation of Grain‐Boundary Conduction of Dense AlN–SiC Solid Solution by Scanning Nonlinear Dielectric Microscopy
Authors: Kobayashi Ryota , Tatami Junichi , Wakihara Toru , Komeya Katsutoshi , Meguro Takeshi , Tu Rong , Goto Takashi
Published: November 2010

Dense and elemental homogeneous 2H AlN–SiC solid solution doped with Al and C was fabricated by using spark plasma sintering. The p‐type electrical conduction of the sample was confirmed by measurements of electrical conductivities and Seebeck coefficient. Dopant profiling of the sample by scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy showed that the AlN–SiC grains respond to p‐type electrical conduction. These results indicated that added Al and C were dissolved to the grains and acted as p‐type dopants. In contrast, the grain boundaries did not show any response, suggesting the presence of depletion layer in the boundary.
Pyroelectric Properties of Highly Ordered Pb(Sc0.5Ta0.5)O3 Ceramics by a Two‐Step Sintering Technique
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Genshui , Cao Sheng , Mao Chaoliang , Yao Chunhua , Cao Fei , Dong Xianlin
Published: November 2010

Dense Pb(Sc0.5Ta0.5)O3 (PST) ceramics were fabricated by a two‐step sintering technique. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the order of degree is 0.91 and micrograph indicated that the grain size is 1–3 μm. Under dc bias of 700 V/mm, the detective figure of merit reaches over 70 × 10−5 Pa−1/2, where the pyroelectric coefficient, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss are 650 × 10−8 C·(cm2·K)−1, 6600, and 0.019, respectively. Such superior pyroelectric properties and fine grain size give it a particular advantage in application for uncooled focal plane array detectors.
Seeking Food Security: Environmental Factors Influencing Home Food Preservation and Wellness, Part I: 1910–1959
Authors: Nickols Sharon Y. , Andress Elizabeth L. , Peek Gina G. , Nickols‐Richardson Sharon M.
Published: November 2010

Concerns about food scarcity, quality, and safety and the ability to maintain family wellness have arisen episodically throughout the last century. Major developments that triggered these concerns occurred in the natural environment, the economy, and technology along with changes in family roles and resources. In this two‐part study, relationships among environmental crises and trends and strategies undertaken by households and federal agencies seeking to achieve food security and wellness in the United States were examined for the years 1910–1959 (Part I) and 1960–2010 (Part II). Using multidisciplinary historical research, recent survey data, and an ecosystem theoretical framework, the interrelationships among key historical events and wellness‐ and food‐related responses were described. From 1910 to 1959, industrialization, world wars, drought, and technology substantially influenced home food preservation practices and governmental standards for food safety and human nutrient requirements for achieving wellness.
Food Insecurity and Out‐of‐Pocket Medical Expenditures: Competing Basic Needs?
Authors: Nielsen Robert B. , Garasky Steven , Chatterjee Swarn
Published: November 2010

Resource‐constrained families face difficult choices when attempting to meet their basic needs and enhance their health and wellness. This research investigated the relationship between a family’s efforts to access enough food and pay their medical bills through an examination of data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation. The data provided information on out‐of‐pocket medical expenditures and responses to an abbreviated version of the U.S. Department of Agriculture food insecurity module for nearly 50,000 people in more than 16,000 U.S. families. A two‐stage probit‐least squares procedure accounted for the endogeneity of food and medical care expenditures, providing insight into the decisions that families make when allocating resources to food and medical care. The results indicated that the probability of experiencing food insecurity increased as out‐of‐pocket medical expenditures increased. Notably, there was no evidence for the reverse relationship—food security status did not affect medical expenditures. The results suggest that programs that seek to help families reduce out‐of‐pocket medical costs may indirectly improve access to food and nutrition.
Promoting Youth Physical Activity in the Classroom Through a Comprehensive Walking Program
Authors: Cirignano Sherri M. , Du Lidan , Morgan Kathleen T.
Published: November 2010

According to current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, youth should be active for at least 60 min each day. This study investigated the effects of a 6‐week in‐school walking program. The outcomes of interest were the weekly and daily steps that students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 walked as recorded on pedometers. Evaluations were sent to parents before and after the walking program and exit interviews were provided to students and teachers to obtain their perceptions on program effectiveness. Average daily and weekly steps showed an overall upward trend for all students. The largest increase in steps was found among the fourth graders. Six months after the intervention, almost 40% of parents who completed the postevaluation reported that their child continued to use the pedometer. Almost 90% of parents who completed the postevaluation reported that they felt the program was beneficial in promoting physical activity in their child.
Contested Change and Choice: Infertility in Ireland
Authors: Allison Jill
Published: November 2010

Fertility has long been part of a complex analysis of economics, social values, family formation and community in Ireland; yet little attention has been focused on the meaning of childlessness and infertility in relation to those same values and social institutions. Couples struggling to conceive are widely assumed to have chosen their childlessness. This paper argues that such assumptions in Ireland are now part of a wider social narrative in which reproductive choice has become a metaphor for social change. The paper shows how political, moral and religious meanings for family formation and motherhood have been re‐articulated in new economic, material and medical ideals in the guise of individualism and choice, sometimes increasing the burden of individual responsibility in the process. Moreover, people are expected to consider costly and invasive assisted reproduction technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) as part a repertoire of reproductive options for infertility. The research took place against a backdrop of immense social and economic change in Ireland—something the 40 women and 10 men in the study reflected upon almost universally within their narratives on their inability to conceive.
Coming to terms through Cinema:The Lives of Othersin Germany's Cultural Landscape of Memory
Authors: James Jason
Published: November 2010

This article analyzes the popular, award‐winning German film The Lives of Others as an intervention in memory politics focused on the socialist German Democratic Republic (GDR). Confronting the crimes of the East German regime has been framed as coming to terms with Germany's “second dictatorship,” suggesting an equivalence not only between the Nazi and socialist states and their abuses, but also the moral and historical stakes of facing up to the two legacies. The Lives of Others reinforces the “second dictatorship” discourse and fails to provide a nuanced portrayal of the GDR, opting instead for a moral drama that elides the political world it claims to represent. Drawing on ethnographic research on identity in Eastern Germany and critical readings of recent public discourse, I analyze claims about the film's authentic portrayal of GDR repression and its importance as a corrective to Ostalgie by situating The Lives of Others as a text and cultural phenomenon within the cultural landscape of post‐socialist memory in Germany. This landscape, in turn, must be placed within the still broader context of national unification, identity, and memory in unified Germany.
Back to the Future of Ethnography: Internal User Research at a Consumer Internet Company
Authors: MOED ANDREA
Published: November 2010

The Advertising Products research team at Yahoo! is building an internal research practice within an organization that is user‐centered, but optimized for consumer product development. While our fellow researchers observe millions of consumers on our websites, we study our coworkers: their experiences with the tools of online advertising, and how those experiences shape the service that our advertiser customers receive. Adopting methods such as task‐oriented interviewing and extended observation, we are reconnecting with a tradition of ethnographic inquiry in the workplace that is largely unknown at consumer Internet companies. This paper describes how we have re‐learned and built company support for this approach. I describe our work with Yahoo!'s advertising sales and operations staff, highlighting the structural challenges of conducting and applying this research. I conclude by reflecting on how qualitative research can help a company bridge the gap between product design capacity and the ability to produce great services.