bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV Testing Preferences Among Young Men of Color Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Cohall Alwyn , Dini Sheila , Nye Andrea , Dye Bonnie , Neu Natalie , Hyden Christel
Published: January 2010

Objectives. We assessed awareness of and preferences for rapid HIV testing among young, urban men of color who have sex with men and are engaged in high-risk behaviors for HIV.

Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in New York City among 177 young men who have sex with men (MSM).

Results. Among the 85% of the participants who had previously undergone HIV testing, 43% reported rapid testing at their most recent test. In terms of future tests, 64% would seek rapid testing, as compared with 36% who preferred traditional testing. Those who preferred rapid testing were significantly more likely to have attended at least some college, to have discussed HIV testing with a sexual partner, to be aware of rapid testing, and to have had a previous HIV test.

Conclusions. In general, young MSM of color seem aware of rapid testing. However, our results indicate the need to carefully consider the unique needs of those who are particularly disenfranchised or engaged in high-risk behaviors and who may need concerted efforts around HIV counseling and testing. Likewise, our findings point to a need for more effective education and social marketing strategies.
Sexual Offender Laws and Prevention of Sexual Violence or Recidivism
Authors: Bonnar-Kidd Kelly K.
Published: January 2010

Sexual violence is a significant public health problem in the United States. In an effort to decrease the incidence of sexual assault, legislators have passed regulatory laws aimed at reducing recidivism among convicted sexual offenders. As a result, sex offenders living in the United States are bound by multiple policies, including registration, community notification, monitoring via a global positioning system, civil commitment, and residency, loitering, and Internet restrictions.

These policies have led to multiple collateral consequences, creating an ominous environment that inhibits successful reintegration and may contribute to an increasing risk for recidivism. In fact, evidence on the effectiveness of these laws suggests that they may not prevent recidivism or sexual violence and result in more harm than good.
Sexual Partner Selection and HIV Risk Reduction Among Black and White Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Eaton Lisa A. , Kalichman Seth C. , Cherry Chauncey
Published: January 2010

Objectives. We examined differences in sexual partner selection between Black and White men who have sex with men (MSM) to better understand how HIV status of participants' sexual partners and related psychosocial measures influence risk taking among these men.

Methods. We collected cross-sectional surveys from self-reported HIV-negative Black MSM and White MSM attending a gay pride festival in Atlanta, Georgia.

Results. HIV-negative White MSM were more likely than were HIV-negative Black MSM to report having unprotected anal intercourse with HIV-negative men, and HIV-negative Black MSM were more likely than were HIV-negative White MSM to report having unprotected anal intercourse with HIV status unknown partners. Furthermore, White MSM were more likely to endorse serosorting (limiting unprotected partners to those who have the same HIV status) beliefs and favorable HIV disclosure beliefs than were Black MSM.

Conclusions. White MSM appear to use sexual partner–related risk reduction strategies to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection more than do Black MSM. Partner selection strategies have serious limitations; however, they may explain in part the disproportionate number of HIV infections among Black MSM.
Examining the Role of Gender in Career Advancement at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Roy Kakoli , Gotway Crawford Carol A.
Published: January 2010

During the past decade, efforts to promote gender parity in the healing and public health professions have met with only partial success. We provide a critical update regarding the status of women in the public health profession by exploring gender-related differences in promotion rates at the nation's leading public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Using personnel data drawn from CDC, we found that the gender gap in promotion has diminished across time and that this reduction can be attributed to changes in individual characteristics (e.g., higher educational levels and more federal work experience). However, a substantial gap in promotion that cannot be explained by such characteristics has persisted, indicating continuing barriers in women's career advancement.
Off-Premise Alcohol Sales Policies, Drinking, and Sexual Risk Among People Living With HIV
Authors: Collins Rebecca L. , Taylor Stephanie L. , Elliott Marc N. , Ringel Jeanne S. , Kanouse David E. , Beckman Robin
Published: January 2010

Drinking among HIV-positive individuals increases risks of disease progression and possibly sexual transmission. We examined whether state alcohol sales policies are associated with drinking and sexual risk among people living with HIV. In a multivariate analysis combining national survey and state policy data, we found that HIV-positive residents of states allowing liquor sales in drug and grocery stores had 70% to 88% greater odds of drinking, daily drinking, and binge drinking than did HIV-positive residents of other states. High-risk sexual activity was more prevalent in states permitting longer sales hours (7% greater odds for each additional hour). Restrictive alcohol sales policies may reduce drinking and transmission risk in HIV-positive individuals.
Disparities in Health Insurance Coverage, Access, and Outcomes for Individuals in Same-Sex Versus Different-Sex Relationships, 2000–2007
Authors: Buchmueller Thomas , Carpenter Christopher S.
Published: January 2010

Objectives. We used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to compare health insurance coverage, access to care, and women's cancer screenings for individuals in same-sex versus different-sex relationships.

Methods. We estimated logistic regression models by using data on 5265 individuals in same-sex relationships and 802 659 individuals in different-sex relationships.

Results. Compared with women in different-sex relationships, women in same-sex relationships were significantly less likely to have health insurance coverage, were less likely to have had a checkup within the past year, were more likely to report unmet medical needs, and were less likely to have had a recent mammogram or Pap test. Compared with men in different-sex relationships, men in same-sex relationships were significantly less likely to have health insurance coverage and were more likely to report unmet medical needs, although they were more likely to have had a checkup in the past year.

Conclusions. In the largest and most recent nationally representative sample, we found important differences in health insurance coverage and access to care between individuals in same-sex relationships and those in different-sex relationships for both men and women.
Glen or Glenda: Reported Gender of Sex Partners in Two Statewide HIV Databases
Authors: Torrone Elizabeth A. , Thomas James C. , Kaufman Jay S. , Pettifor Audrey E. , Leone Peter A. , Hightow-Wiedman Lisa B.
Published: January 2010

Objectives. We assessed agreement of reported gender of sex partners in 2 statewide HIV databases linked by client identifiers.

Methods. Counseling, testing, and referral (CTR) records on all men aged 18 to 30 years who tested newly positive for HIV in North Carolina between 2000 and 2005 were matched to data abstracted from partner counseling and referral services (PCRS) records. We compared client-reported gender of sex partners at the time of testing (CTR records) with those reported during postdiagnosis partner notification (PCRS records).

Results. PCRS records appeared to be a more complete measure of the gender of sex partners. Of the 212 men who told their HIV test counselor that they had only had female sex partner or partners in their lifetime, 62 (29.2%) provided contact information for male sex partner(s) during partner notification.

Conclusions. During the test counseling risk assessment, many men did not fully report the gender of their sex partners; this suggests that CTR data may not fully capture clients' risk behaviors.
Gender Differences in the Association Between Perceived Discrimination and Adolescent Smoking
Authors: Wiehe Sarah E. , Aalsma Matthew C. , Liu Gilbert C. , Fortenberry J. Dennis
Published: January 2010

Objectives. We examined associations between perceived racial/ethnic discrimination, gender, and cigarette smoking among adolescents.

Methods. We examined data on Black and Latino adolescents aged 12 to 19 years who participated in the Moving to Opportunity study (N = 2561). Perceived discrimination was assessed using survey items asking about unfair treatment because of race/ethnicity in the prior 6 months. We used logistic regression to investigate associations between discrimination and smoking, stratified by gender and controlling for covariates.

Results. One fourth of adolescents reported that discrimination had occurred in at least 1 location. Discrimination was associated with increased odds of smoking among boys (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 3.0) and decreased odds among girls (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.3, 1.1). Discrimination at school or work contributed to associations for girls (OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.1, 0.9), and discrimination at shops (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.1, 3.8) and by police (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.2, 3.4) contributed to associations for boys.

Conclusions. Associations between discrimination and smoking differ by gender. Girls’ decreased smoking in higher-discrimination settings may be a result of protective factors associated with where they spend time. Boys’ increased smoking in higher-discrimination settings may reflect increased stress from gender-specific targeting by police and businesses.
Self-Evaluated Effects of Web-Based Portfolio Assessment System for Various Student Motivation Levels
Authors: Chang Chi-Cheng
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to explore the self-evaluated effects of a web-based portfolio assessment system on various categories of students of motivation. The subjects for this study were the students of two computer classes in a Junior High School. The experimental group used the web-based portfolio assessment system whereas the control group used traditional assessment. The result reveals that the web-based portfolio assessment system was more effective or useful in the most of self-evaluated learning effects for low motivation students.
Students' Perceptions of the Appropriateness and Usefulness of the Internet for Schoolwork and the Value of School
Authors: Kolikant Yifat Ben-David
Published: January 2010

We examined students' perceptions of the appropriateness and usefulness of the Internet for schoolwork and its impact on their views on the value of school learning. We were motivated by the debate in the literature as to whether today's students are different because of the Internet, and consequently whether schools should change. An analysis of questionnaires completed by 262 students in public post-primary schools, with high access to the Internet at home and little opportunity to use it at school, revealed that most of the students use the Internet for schoolwork. In addition, most consider a bricolage-oriented work process to be useful and appropriate, and this perception correlates negatively with statements regarding the value of school learning. These results support the theoretical claim that there is a disconnect between students and schools.
Time to Call it Quits? The Safety and Health of Older Workers
Authors: Bohle Philip , Pitts Claudia , Quinlan Michael
Published: January 2010

The workforces of many countries are aging, creating pressure for older workers to retire later despite greater vulnerability to various occupational safety and health (OSH) risks. Some specific risks to older workers arise from age-related physical or psychological changes, while others reflect exposures to poor work organization or employment conditions. This article reviews evidence on the nature of the OSH risks faced by older workers, focusing on work ability, contingent work, and working hours. Work ability, the capacity to meet the physical, mental, and social demands of a job, has been linked to positive health outcomes for older workers. However, work characteristics seem to be more critical than workers' individual capacities. Contingent work is generally associated with poorer OSH outcomes, and older workers are more likely to be contingent, with special implications for their safety and health. There has been limited research on age and working hours, but risks for many physical and mental health problems are known to increase with shift work experience, and physiological and psychosocial changes associated with age may also increase injury risks. The authors discuss organizational practices and regulatory policies to protect and enhance the OSH of older workers.
Occupational Health and Safety in China: The Case of State-Managed Enterprises
Authors: Chen Meei-Shia , Chan Anita
Published: January 2010

The widely held image, inside and outside China, of the total absence of an occupational health and safety (OHS) system in that country is not an accurate picture. This article argues that the unsafe working conditions and prevalent occupational diseases and injuries widely reported in the Chinese and foreign media occur mostly in private mines and in the Asian foreign-funded and domestic private manufacturing sectors. In contrast, the capital-intensive, larger state-owned enterprises and enterprises that have been transformed from state enterprises generally have better OHS systems. An in-depth study of two such enterprises reveals viable OHS systems, worker-management OHS committees, regular health and safety inspections, and trade unions' and workers congresses' oversight and supervision. Above all, there is an enterprise culture that regards accidents as avoidable, and both workers and management feel distressed and guilty when accidents happen. The authors believe it is important to acknowledge and champion these positive examples of “best practices” that can be emulated in workplaces throughout China, which is under great pressure from competitive domestic and global forces to relax its OHS standards.
Inequality as a Cause of Social Murder
Authors: Chernomas Robert , Hudson Ian
Published: January 2010

The conservative attack on the poor draws from a long intellectual history. More modern conservative opponents of income redistribution have ceased to claim that the poor are somehow inferior beings to the rich. However, they share with their more strident predecessors a belief that redistribution is entirely unnecessary, due to the ability of the market to justly and efficiently allocate income among members of society. Further, they argue that state redistribution is damaging both to society as a whole and to those low-income people that income transfers are designed to help. The authors contrast the myth of conservative economic policy with the reality.
Visits to Family Physicians or Specialists by Elderly Persons in Canada and the United States: An Exploratory Comparative Study
Authors: Kaplan Mark S. , Huguet Nathalie , Feeny David , McFarland Bentson H. , Williams Stacey S.
Published: January 2010

The objective of this exploratory study was to compare elderly persons' likelihood of visiting a family doctor/general practitioner or a medical specialist and the association of that likelihood with socioeconomic factors and health-related quality of life (a measure of perceived need) in Canada and the United States. The data were obtained from the 2002–2003 Joint Canada/United States Survey of Health. The main dependent measure was whether respondents saw a medical specialist or a general practitioner during their last health care visit. U.S. patients in the highest household income group were more likely to have seen a specialist during their last health care visit, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Further, visits to a specialist in Canada were determined by need rather than by household income. In Canada, likelihood of specialist visits by elderly persons is systematically related to the burden of illness (need) and not systematically related to income. In the United States, the opposite is the case. These results suggest that there may be important lessons from Canada on the organization of health care services.
Small-Business Employment in 22 Rich Economies
Authors: Schmitt John , Lane Nathan
Published: January 2010

Opponents of health care reform in the United States have often argued that such reform will be detrimental to small and medium-sized enterprises. The authors review the most recent data from a sample of 22 rich countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), all of which, except the United States, have universal health care systems. By every measure of small-business employment, the United States has among the world's smallest small-business sectors (as a proportion of total national employment). These findings hold for self-employed workers and across all industry groups for which the Paris-based OECD publishes internationally comparable data, including manufacturing, computer-related services, and research and development.
The Need to Include Health Impact Assessment at the International Monetary Fund
Authors: Cave Ben , Birley Martin
Published: January 2010

The lending and technical support provided by the International Monetary Fund affect the determinants of health and healthy equity. Most health determinants lie outside the control of the health sector, and thus non-health-sector policies have profound positive and negative effects on population health. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is an instrument for identifying the effect of policies, plans, programs, and projects on population health and health equity. It is a feasible, cost-effective, and transparent process that has been adopted by several financial institutions, including members of the World Bank Group. Adopting HIA would assist the IMF in ensuring that the potential health consequences of its policies are identified and addressed.
Prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter spp isolated from pigs reared under antimicrobial-free and conventional production methods in eight states in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Rollo Susan N. , Norby Bo , Bartlett Paul C. , Scott H. Morgan , Wilson David L. , Fajt Virginia R. , Linz John E. , Bunner Christine E. , Kaneene John B. , Huber John C.
Published: January 2010

Objective—To compare apparent prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter spp in feces collected from pigs reared with antimicrobial-free versus conventional production methods in 8 states in the Midwestern United States.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population—95 swine farms that used antimicrobial-free (n = 35) or conventional (60) production methods.

Procedures—Fecal samples from 15 pigs/farm were collected. Biochemical and multiplex-PCR analyses were used to identify Campylobacter spp. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of erythromycin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, gentamicin, and tetracycline for these organisms were determined by use of a commercially available antimicrobial gradient strip. The data were analyzed by use of population-averaged statistical models.

Results—Campylobacter spp were isolated from 512 of 1,422 pigs. A subset (n = 464) of the 512 isolates was available for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The apparent prevalence of Campylobacter spp isolates from pigs on conventional farms (35.8%) and antimicrobial-free farms (36.4%) did not differ significantly. Resistances to azithromycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline were significantly higher on conventional farms (70.0%, 68.3%, and 74.5%, respectively) than antimicrobial-free farms (20.1%, 21.3%, and 48.8%, respectively). Resistances to azithromycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline declined as the number of years that a farm was antimicrobial-free increased.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Production method did not affect the apparent prevalence of Campylobacter spp on swine farms. However, antimicrobial-free farms had a significantly lower prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Although cessation of antimicrobial drug use will lower resistance over time, investigation of other interventions designed to reduce resistance levels is warranted.
Links between Theory of Mind and Executive Function: Towards a More Comprehensive Model
Authors: Putko Adam
Published: January 2010

Links between Theory of Mind and Executive Function: Towards a More Comprehensive Model

This paper addresses the problem of relationships between the development of theory of mind (ToM) and executive function (EF). An overview of empirical findings leads to the conclusion that the complex picture of the relations between EF and ToM development may result from the intertwining of different types and levels of reciprocal influences. It is, on the one hand, the level of emergence-type vs. expressive-type influences, and, on the other hand, direct vs. indirect ones. Data from longitudinal and training studies suggest the asymmetry of reciprocal influences between EF and ToM, with the stronger impact of EF on ToM development, which supports the view that EF is a prerequisite of ToM development. A model is proposed that explains how different EF and ToM skills are involved in the specific types and levels of influences. The issue of disentangling in the analysis the different types of reciprocal impacts is also discussed.
Beyond Citizens and Consumers? Publics and Public Service Reform
Authors: Clarke John
Published: January 2010

Beyond Citizens and Consumers? Publics and Public Service Reform

The article explores some of the issues associated with the rise of the consumer as a focal point for public service reform. In the first section, there are considered the ways in which the consumer has been counterposed to the citizen in recent political developments, while suggesting that this opposition may conceal other important processes and identities. In the second section, a brief history of the image of the consumer in public service reform in the UK is sketched, particularly associated with the New Labour governments of 1997-2010. Following that, a research project conducted among users, workers and managers in three public services in the UK is drawn. It focuses on how users identify themselves and their relationships to public services.
Post-transformational Trends in Hungarian Sport (1995-2004)
Authors: Földesi Gyöngyi
Published: January 2010

Post-transformational Trends in Hungarian Sport (1995-2004)

The radical political and economic changes of 1989-1990 in Hungary affected all societal subsystems. In sport there was neither revolution from below nor relevant reforms from above prior to the regime change. The aim of this paper is to present the further development that are the post-transformational trends in Hungarian sport. The topic is approached from modernization perspectives. The information for the study was gained by various methods, such as analysis of documents, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. The results are analysed by three major dimensions: over-politicization, re-centralization, and paternalism. The findings show that the changes in sport were undergone in a very controversial manner, they were rather incremental than discontinuous. Neither a modernized sport model nor a national sport strategy on the basis of which a new model should have been built was founded. In Hungarian sport there seems to be an aversion and resistance to modernization. In conclusion the author states that Hungarian sport won a few battles, but it lost the war. A more democratic and a truly modern turnaround in the institution of sport is still expected. The transformation of Hungarian sport is continuing.
Social and Structural Changes in Hungarian Talent Care: The case of a sports club
Authors: Attila Velenczei , Árpád Kovács , Tamás Szabó
Published: January 2010

Social and Structural Changes in Hungarian Talent Care: The case of a sports club

Sociology of sport lacks information on the proper demographic description of athletes who are selected into a national sport talent care program. Therefore, the current study attempted to fill the gap in this area. Research from abroad has demonstrated that whilst sport appears to be a democratic social environment, the initial opportunities are not exactly equal. The majority of elite athletes come from the upper-middle class rather than the lower social classes (Coakley 1997, Eitzen & Sage 1997). The objective of the current study was to identify the social status of young athletes, from the Central School of Sports in Budapest, who took part in a Hungarian government-sponsored national sports talent care program. Another objective of the study was to assess possible changes on the social ladder with time. We were able to address the second issue through the examination of data collected 30 years ago in the same milieu and to compare it - with certain precautions - with a similar dataset obtained in the course of the current work. The interpretation of the data was based on the statistical analysis of the examined periods. The main findings indicate that most athletes in the Central School of Sports come from an upper-middle class social background, but there were some differences in the various types of sport. For example, pentathletes and water polo players come from the most advantaged social class. It appears then, that membership in a given social class is more important than the fair skill-based selection process.
Oarsmen's Views about the Effects of Training on their Daily Lives. Applying Goffman's Theory in the Rowing Communes.
Authors: Koukouris Konstantinos , Panagiotis Gounaropoulos , Nikos Veinoglou
Published: January 2010

Oarsmen's Views about the Effects of Training on their Daily Lives. Applying Goffman's Theory in the Rowing Communes.

Research on the social dimension of rowing is underrepresented in the coaching science literature. It is well known in rowing circles that many problems arise from the training process in the rowing communes. The complaints of the oarsmen regarding specific problems during the training process in rowing communes were examined in this study. Fourteen oarsmen from Northern Greece with experience from rowing communes were selected and gave in-depth interviews. The complaints expressed by the oarsmen in interviews include the following: Athletic failure in major international events, as expressed subjectively by the oarsmen, results from fatigue prior to events, the incorrect timing of competitive goals (selection in the national team versus success in the international events) and the lack of meritocracy in the selection of oarsmen for the national team. Oarsmen of the national team neglect their studies and their professional future. During their stay in rowing communes the oarsmen are cut off from their social contacts. All oarsmen agreed that competing for a place in the team is a greater source of stress than the actual competition itself. Oarsmen believe that the presence of Greece in international competitions results from the efforts of athletes rather than those of coaches and administrators.
Equal Opportunities in the Field of Sports - An Investigation of History, Environmental Factors, Facility Network and Organisational Circumstances in Cross-Country Skiing and Canoeing in Finland
Authors: Pavelka Béla , Suomi Kimmo , Tietäväinen Hanna
Published: January 2010

Equal Opportunities in the Field of Sports - An Investigation of History, Environmental Factors, Facility Network and Organisational Circumstances in Cross-Country Skiing and Canoeing in Finland

Services in the field of sports as a public service and as a voluntary-based civil initiative are developing on the grounds of national, regional history, environmental factors, and governmental policy, which then educate expert personnel, provide directly or induce indirectly finance for operation and facility construction. In this article the authors analyse whether equal opportunity exists in practising cross-country skiing or canoeing in Finland. Finland is one of the richest countries in Europe when it comes to natural space. The legislative basis to practice nature-based, outdoor recreational and competitive sports is laid down in the "Everyman's Right". Both of the examined sports have a long history in Finland. The weather and environment are more than suitable for practising either of these sports. The facility network is well developed for cross-country skiing but insufficient for canoeing. A magnitude difference to be found in the popularity of the two sports. By utilising the historical and natural resources and bettering organisational effectiveness, development has broad perspectives in canoeing.
Elite Young Team Players' Coping, Motivation and Perceived Climate Measures
Authors: Gábor Géczi , Géza Vincze , Miklós Koltai , József Bognár
Published: January 2010

Elite Young Team Players' Coping, Motivation and Perceived Climate Measures

The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast coping skills, motivational profiles and perceived climate in elite young ice hockey, soccer, water polo and volleyball players. It was also our aim to examine how male and female athletes differ in the above mentioned psychometric measures. Men's soccer (n=23) and ice hockey (n=20), and also women's volleyball (n=15) and water polo (13) players ranged in age from 16 to 18 years (M age=17.17, SD=.85). Each team was a finalist in last year's national championship for their age group. The instruments used in this study included the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2), The Sport Motivation Scale (SMS), and the Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28 (ACSI-28). Cooperative learning does not tend to be high, as one would expect in elite team players. Ice hockey and soccer players usually had higher psychometric measures than water polo and volleyball players. Also, male athletes demonstrate better ACSI-28, PMCSQ-2, and SMS measures than their female counterparts in many of the variables. Amotivation seems to be the most important decisive factor both among team sports and male and female participants. Also, our results prove that there are major differences between young elite male and female team players, so coaches' work in most aspects of their work should be gender-specific. Coaches of youth teams have to understand the motivational factors and coping strategies their athletes demonstrate in order to optimally organize and plan the teaching-learning process in their exercises, especially focus on cooperative task-solving exercises.
Industrial Heritage Tourism: a Regional Perspective (Warsaw)
Authors: Pawlikowska-Piechotka Anna
Published: January 2010

Industrial Heritage Tourism: a Regional Perspective (Warsaw)

When touring a region, one of the things previous generations certainly overlooked were the industrial areas. With the exception of the old saltmine "Wieliczka" in the south of Poland, industrial heritage was mainly unknown. Industrial landscape (mills, factories with chimneys emitting all-blackening smoke, poverty-stricken workers' houses) have been regarded with dislike and considered grim.

Using the example of Warsaw's industrial heritage revitalization projects, we examined already modernized historic buildings, which sought to respond to tourist and leisure needs (museums, art galleries, cultural centres). We were interested in their new functions and meanings for urban space quality. We wanted to consider how much revitalized architecture help to change (socially, culturally, economically) declining areas and their painful "inner-city" image (Thorns 2001). Our research (carried out in 2005-2006) covered nine historic industrial compounds, already converted and having new functions. Results of our inquiry polls (taken in 2005-2006) confirmed the thesis, that revitalized historic industrial architecture might enrich urban space with values visible in many dimensions: social, historical, aesthetical and economic (Evans 2005). Although selected and studied cases in Warsaw were not completed equally successfully, due to the objective barriers or carelessness in the planning process, all show good results in space quality and cultural services improvement, appreciated by the local community members and visitors relevantly.

Once neglected run-down Warsaw districts (Wola, Praga) now draw benefits from new identities, attracting tourists and enhancing the local community's sense of belonging and well-being. Similar cases were described by scholars after studies in other European cities (Jones 2006).
Validating Self-Report Measures of Pain and Function in Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Stratford Paul W. , Dogra Moneet , Woodhouse Linda , Kennedy Deborah M. , Spadoni Greg F.
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To investigate the factorial and construct validity of a four-item pain intensity scale, the P4, in patients awaiting primary total hip or knee arthroplasty secondary to osteoarthritis.

Method: A construct validation design was applied to a sample of convenience of 117 patients (mean age 65.6 [SD = 11.2] years) at their preoperative visit. All patients completed the P4 and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine the factorial structure of the P4 and WOMAC. To evaluate construct validity, we examined the correlation between the P4 and WOMAC pain sub-scales and the ability of the P4 to differentiate between patients awaiting hip and knee replacement.

Results: Two distinct factors consistent with the themes of pain and function were identified with P4 and WOMAC physical function items, but not with the WOMAC pain and physical function items. The P4 correlates more with the WOMAC pain scores (r = 0.67) than with the WOMAC physical function scores (r = 0.60).

Conclusion: The P4's validity was supported in this patient group. The use of the P4 with the WOMAC physical function sub-scale provides a more distinct assessment of pain and function than the WOMAC pain and physical function scales.
Regional Muscle and Whole-Body Composition Factors Related to Mobility in Older Individuals: A Review
Authors: Kidde Jason , Marcus Robin , Dibble Lee , Smith Sheldon , LaStayo Paul
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To describe previously reported locomotor muscle and whole-body composition factors related to mobility in older individuals.

Methods: A narrative review of the literature, including a combination of search terms related to muscle and whole-body composition factors and to mobility in older individuals, was carried out. Statistical measures of association and risk were consolidated to summarize the common effects between studies.

Results: Fifty-three studies were reviewed. Muscle and whole-body factors accounted for a substantial amount of the variability in walking speed, with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.30 to 0.47. Muscle power consistently accounted for a greater percentage of the variance in mobility than did strength. Risks associated with high fat mass presented a minimum odds ratio (OR) of 0.70 and a maximum OR of 4.07, while the minimum and maximum ORs associated with low lean mass were 0.87 and 2.30 respectively. Whole-body and regional fat deposits accounted for significant amounts of the variance in mobility.

Conclusion: Muscle power accounts for a greater amount of the variance in the level of mobility in older individuals than does muscle strength. Whole-body fat accounts for a greater amount of the variance in level of mobility than does whole-body lean tissue. Fat stored within muscle also appears to increase the risk of a mobility limitation in older individuals.
Strategic Responses to Fiscal Constraints: A Health Policy Analysis of Hospital-Based Ambulatory Physical Therapy Services in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Authors: Landry Michel D. , Verrier Molly C. , Williams A. Paul , Zakus David , Deber Raisa B.
Published: January 2010

Purpose: Ambulatory physical therapy (PT) services in Canada are required to be insured under the Canada Health Act, but only if delivered within hospitals. The present study analyzed strategic responses used by hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to deliver PT services in an environment of fiscal constraint.

Methods: Key informant interviews (n = 47) were conducted with participants from all hospitals located within the GTA.

Results: Two primary strategic responses were identified: (1) “load shedding” through the elimination or reduction of services, and (2) “privatization” through contracting out or creating internal for-profit subsidiary clinics. All hospitals reported reductions in service delivery between 1996 and 2003, and 15.0% (7/47 hospitals) fully eliminated ambulatory services. Although only one of 47 hospitals contracted out services, another 15.0% (7/47) reported that for-profit subsidiary clinics were created within the hospital in order to access other more profitable forms of quasi-public and private funding.

Conclusions: Strategic restructuring of services, aimed primarily at cost containment, may have yielded short-term financial savings but has also created a ripple effect across the continuum of care. Moreover, the rise of for-profit subsidiary clinics operating within not-for-profit hospitals has emerged without much public debate and with little research to evaluate its impact.
Postgraduate Physiotherapy Training: Interest and Perceived Barriers to Participation in a Clinical Master's Degree Programme
Authors: Sran Meena M. , Murphy Sue
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To (1) assess whether physiotherapists in a large Canadian province support the offering of a clinical master's degree programme; (2) identify what sector of this population is interested in participating in a clinical master's degree programme; (3) identify the most common personal/professional reasons for enrolling; (4) identify the type of programme that would appeal; and (5) assess barriers to participation in such a programme.

Methods: The survey and accompanying cover letter explaining the study were sent by postal mail to all 2,552 physiotherapists registered with the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia (CPTBC).

Results: The response rate was 17%; 90% of respondents support offering this type of physiotherapy degree in BC, and 14% reported that they were likely to enrol. Orthopaedics/manual therapy (41%) was the clinical area of most interest.

Conclusions: There is strong support for a clinical master's degree in orthopaedic manual therapy in BC. There is greater support for a part-time programme with an inter-professional component, using a combination of e-learning and classroom teaching to reduce travel time and time away from family.
“I Think It, but Don't Often Write It”: The Barriers to Charting in Private Practice
Authors: Harman Katherine , Bassett Raewyn , Fenety Anne , Hoens Alison
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To describe barriers to charting identified by physiotherapists working in private practice in New Brunswick.

Method: Physiotherapists were invited to focus-group interviews to discuss the results of a comprehensive chart audit. Sixty-nine physiotherapists who responded were assigned to nine focus groups. Seven of nine audiotaped interviews (49 participants) were of sufficient quality to be transcribed and imported into qualitative data analysis software for thematic analysis.

Results: Participants described the challenges of including charting in their routine client care. Barriers included the disjuncture between charting and thinking, the translation of impairment goals to functional goals, the time it takes to chart, fear of failure, and the difficulty of predicting length of treatment. Strategies to facilitate charting were suggested by participants.

Conclusion: Understanding barriers to charting in private practice is necessary to improve the quality of documentation. Barriers described are related to the fast-moving nonverbal, kinaesthetic, and cognitive process that is clinical reasoning in physiotherapy. This tacit, implicit process is mismatched with the charting task, which requires that the implicit become explicit in written form. Strategies to facilitate charting noted by participants address some of these issues; however, a broader, profession-wide discussion is necessary.
CityMobil
Authors: Toffetti Antonella , Wilschut Ellen S. , Martens Marieke H. , Schieben Anna , Rambaldini Amon , Merat Natasha , Flemisch Frank
Published: January 2010

There are several human factor concerns with highly autonomous or semiautonomous driving, such as transition of control, loss of skill, and dealing with automated system errors. Four CityMobil experiments studied the eLane concept for dual-mode cars, and the results of one are described. The open eLane concept brings together road infrastructure and technical developments in vehicle automation to allow automated driving. The goal for the driving simulator experiment was to design and test the difference between a vocal and an acoustic user interface for a dual-mode vehicle driven both manually and automatically. In the experiment ( n = 24), driver behavior was observed with a focus on the transition of control and the occurrence of system errors. Performance of transition of control was adequate for both interfaces at the beginning and end of an eLane. In the case of system failure, 15% of drivers failed to take control of the car in time for both interfaces. However, of those who did regain control, drivers with the vocal interface were faster. Moreover, a subjective questionnaire showed that the vocal interface was perceived as more positive than the acoustic interface. The study suggests that the vocal interface was preferred by participants and can be recommended for the human–machine interface of dual-mode vehicles, especially for providing warnings about system malfunctioning.
Demonstration of Advanced Transport Applications in CityMobil Project
Authors: Benmimoun Ahmed , Lowson Martin , Marques Antonio , Giustiniani Gabriele , Parent Michel
Published: January 2010

CityMobil is an integrated project in the sixth Framework Programme of the European Union. The objective of the project is to achieve a more effective organization of urban transport, resulting in a more rational use of motorized traffic with less congestion and pollution, safer driving, a higher quality of living, and enhanced integration with spatial development. Subproject 1 of CityMobil focuses on demonstration activities with the objective of demonstrating the feasibility of innovative and advanced urban transport solutions and to evaluate the systems according to their impact. Three large-scale demonstrations were carried out. At Heathrow Airport in London, a personal rapid transit system connects the car park to the new terminal building. In Rome, cybercars collect visitors from the car park and bring them to the entrance of the city's new exhibition buildings. In Castellón, Spain, an autonomous guided bus links the university with the city center and the seaside. Other activities (so-called small demonstrations and showcases) are carried out in the framework of the CityMobil project. These additional activities are intended to raise awareness in European cities of innovative forms of urban transportation based on cybercars and advanced city vehicles.
Express Bus versus Rail Transit
Authors: Brown Jeffrey R. , Thompson Gregory L.
Published: January 2010

There is debate about the relative merits of investing in rail or express bus modes to improve regional transit performance. The debate largely assumes that both modes serve a single function of providing higher-speed service to the central business district (CBD) over relatively long travel distances. The debate generally overlooks other functions that might be served by express bus and rail transit modes and thus ignores that the two modes may perform differently depending on the service mission they are assigned. Performance of the two modes is examined in four metropolitan areas with different strategies for providing high-quality, regional transit service: a CBD-focused strategy, a hybrid strategy that serves the CBD and a few other destinations, and a multi-destination strategy that serves a widely dispersed set of destinations. With a combination of route and system performance statistics and qualitative insights derived from key contact interviews, the performance of the express bus and rail transit modes in each metropolitan area, and among the set of metropolitan areas, was evaluated while the service mission to which each mode has been applied was considered. It was found that the combination of a rail transit backbone and a multidestination service strategy leads to better performance than any other marriage of mode and mission.
Transit as Part of the Equation, Revisited
Authors: Hoback Alan
Published: January 2010

Average energy consumed in travel modes is best for rail, then buses, and then cars. This ranking contradicts a presentation at the 87th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, which relied on the Transportation Energy Data Book. In that presentation, cars were shown to have superior energy use to buses and were near the energy use of rail transit. The presentation suggested that technological advances in car efficiency would make them more efficient than all mass transit. Although both cars and mass transit vehicles will improve in efficiency, it is a flawed argument that use of cars will consume less energy. Focusing only on Btu consumed neglects consideration of the purpose of the trip and the effect of embodied energy, which is the energy used to make vehicles and roadways. Additionally, claiming that cars offer greater potential for energy reduction neglects the great capacity in transit systems to accommodate more riders while using no additional energy. Several strategies can be implemented to improve transit energy consumption besides simply gaining riders. There is a wide variability in energy consumed by transit systems. Best energy practices in transit are highlighted.
Extent, Nature, and Covariates of Multitasking of Rail Passengers in an Urban Corridor
Authors: van der Waerden Peter , Timmermans Harry , van Neerven Rob
Published: January 2010

A study of the frequency and nature of multitasking on Dutch trains is described. Descriptive and model analyses were carried out on the basis of field observations on intercity and regional trains. The most frequent task was “doing nothing,” followed by “talking socially” and “reading a newspaper.” On average, most time was spent in “study,” followed by “reading a book,” and “puzzles.” A multinomial logistic regression model that describes the relationship between the probability of conducting a particular task and several personal and travel context variables is estimated. The most important variables that influence probability of the distinguished tasks are the presence of accompanying persons, age of traveler, travel day, type of train, crowdedness of train, and time of day. This type of information is useful for train companies to improve service quality and design marketing efforts and pricing regimes.