bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Alchemy to Atomic War: Frederick Soddy's "Technology Assessment" of Atomic Energy, 1900-1915
Authors: Sclove Richard E.
Published: March 2007

In 1915, Frederick Soddy, later a winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, warned publicly of the future dangers of atomic war. Hisforesight depended not only upon scientific knowledge, but also upon emotion, creativity, and many sorts of nonscientific knowledge. The latter, which played a role even in the content of Soddy's scientific discoveries, included such diverse sources as contemporary politics, history, science fiction, religion, and ancient alchemy. Soddy's story may offer important, guiding msights for today's efforts in technology assessment.
Electronic Data Bases and Privacy: Policy for the 1990s
Authors: Gray Susan H.
Published: March 2007

This article reviews the debate over electronic data bases and privacy, with an emphasis on the United States since the Privacy Act of 1974. Proposals that have value for the 1990s, both nationally and internationally, are synthesized. Some current controversies are discussed, including some of the reasons for the failure of previous privacy legislation. The way social values affect both statistical and intelligence systems is reviewed, and the debate over organizational necessity and computerization is examined. Some controversial systems and programs are described, along with suggestions designed to move closer to state-of-the-art privacy oversight.
Controlling the Qualitative Arms Race: The Primacy of Politics
Authors: Lakoff Sanford , Bruvold Erik
Published: March 2007

Despite progress in negotiating treaties to ban deployment of particular classes of weapons, such as the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, the "qualitative" arms race remains largely uncontrolled. Supposed theoretical obstacles, based on various versions of technological determinism, need not be a barrier to practical efforts, however. The reasoning usually cited to explain the competition does not preclude agreement to control it. The varcous perspectives on weapons procurement—realist, action-reaction, bureaucratic politics, technological imperative, and economic—are, as the case of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) indicates, all subordinate to the "primacy of politics. " Given political will, even the qualitative arms race is amenable to control.
Constructive Technology Assessment and Technology Dynamics: The Case of Clean Technologies
Authors: Schot Johan W.
Published: March 2007

A synthesis of neo-Schumpeterian evolutionary, sociological, and historical coevolution ary models could be used for constructive technology assessment, aimed at the active management of the process of technological change. This article proposes a synthetic quasi-evolutionary model, in which variation and selection are neither independent nor coincidental processes. Variation and selection are linked by actors, resulting in the actor role labeled technological nexus. On the basis of the quasi-evolutionary approach, three constructive technology assessment strategies are proposed: stimulating alternative variations, changing the selection environment, and creating or utilizing technological nexus. The usefulness of these concepts is demonstrated for the case of clean technolo gies. Ultimately, a conscious application of these strategies could result in a new actor role for government as a creative social regulator of technological change.
Lay Discourses of Science: Science-in-General, Science-in-Particular, and Self
Authors: Michael Mike
Published: March 2007

The understanding of science by members of the public has been of increasing concern to social scientists. This article argues that such understanding, or the ostensible lack of it, is structured by discourses that address science both as an abstract entity or principle (science-in-general) and as an activity directed at specific phenomena or problems (science-in particular). Drawing upon a wide range of interviews about various sources of ionizing radiation, it is suggested that understanding is tied to questions of social identity that encompass relations of differentiation from and identification with science and the institutions in which it is embedded
Cultural History of Science
Authors: Dear Peter
Published: March 2007

The increased popularity of the label "cultural" within science studies, especially in relation to "cultural studies, " invites consideration of how it is and can be used in historical work. A lot more seems now to be invested in the notion of "cultural history. " This article examines some recent historiography of science as a means of considering what counts as cultural history in that domain and attempts to coordinate it with the sociologically informed studies of the past ten orfifteen years. The label "sociocultural" seems a more useful term by which to capture recent developments.
Curriculum Bias
Authors: Essex Diane L. , Sorlie William E.
Published: March 2007

The present study was designed to investigate the potential bias of' a commonnli developed certifi'ing examination administered to students enrolled at the parent and regional schools of a basic medial science program. Data were collected from 260 first-year basic medical science students who took a basic science comprehensix'e in June of 1977; 180 students were enrolled at the parent campus and 80 were enrolled at the regional campus. Items were cross-classified by the discipline to which they were relevant and hi the (ampus affiliation of the author. Two total scores were generated for each student: one represented the student's per brmance on items authored b h faculty at the parent campus, while the second represented performance on items authored byf(culty' at the regional campus. Five discipline scores (two suibscores per discipline) were similarli generated. From the discriminant analyses it was found that students at the parent campus performed significantly better on items written by faculty at their campus, while students at the regional campus performed significantly better on items written by faculty at the regionally located campus. It was concluded that curriculum bias did exist and that the test construction procedures and exchange and review of items by both faculties were inadequate to prevent the occurrence of a curriculum dependence effect.
Does Student Age Predict Preclinical Medical School Achievement?
Authors: Tucker Jane W. , Mcgaghie William C.
Published: March 2007

Past research suggests that as a single variable, student age exerts a significant negative influence on medical school achievement, particularly in regard to preclinical sub jects. This studi' employs multiple regression procedures to assess the unique ejlfect of student age on preclinical achievement in the context of eight other predictor variables. Results indicate that student age fails to contribute to the explanation of preclinical achievement after the influence of the other variables is taken into account.
Quality Assessment and Monitoring
Authors: Donabedian Avedis
Published: March 2007

A commentary on the papers in the two special issues on Quality Assurance which shows how they contribute to some important conceptual, methodological, andpolicy issues. These issues pertain to the definition of quality; the distinction between quality assessment and program evaluation; the role of the market in regulating the quality of care; the role of more direct consumer participation in defining and assessing quality; professional responsibility for quality; the applicability of the structure-processoutcome paradigm to quality assessment; the format, methods of formulation, and validity of the criteria;probability sampling and purposive selection of the topics to be assessed; problems of scaling and measurement; the applicability of industrial control methods to quality monitoring; bringing about behavior change in response to the findings of quality monitoring; measuring the costs and benefits of quality assessment methods, including a consideration of their screening efficiency; and the relationship between quality monitoring and cost containment through competition or by other means.
Monitoring Simultaneously Two or More Indices of Health Care
Authors: Knapp Rebecca Grant , Miller M. Clinton
Published: March 2007

Often the data collected in a health care evaluation program consist of a number of indices, each of which represents a different component of a health care process. The question, "Is the health care process in control, " to be answered effectively, must be answered in terms of the effect of the several indices considered jointly rather than in terms of each variable considered separately. This article describes the nature of the problem ofmonitoringjointly several indices of health care and presents two quality control methods, the control ellipse and Hotelling's 72, which are applicable to the multivariable setting. The discussion focuses on the case of monitoring simultaneously two related indices of health care, and extension of the two techniques to more than two indices is discussed briefly.
Teaching with Simulated Patients
Authors: Gerber Walter L. , Albanese Mark , Brown Don , Matthes Sandra
Published: March 2007

Previous reports have detailed the efficacy of simulated patients as instructors, giving immediatefeedback on genital/ rectal examination techniques. This prospective study compares the long-term retention of technical and interpersonal skills learnedfrom simulated patients versus traditional methods. The members of a sophomore medical school class were randomly assigned to one of two instructionalprograms during their Introduction to Clinical Medicine course. A random sample from each group was evaluated shortly afterwards. Significant differences were found for 22 of 27 items rates. A similar evaluation was repeated when the students became seniors. The two groups were still different in 13 areas. The results demonstrate the superiority ofsimulated patient training for long-term retention of instructional material. Even 18 months of intervening clinical exposure could not compensatefor initial differences.
Data Discrepancies and Their Origins
Authors: Bussigel Margaret , Filling Constance
Published: March 2007

The results of an evaluation of a family practice residency program are presented. Theprogram evaluation employed a naturalistic inquiry paradigm and a variety of qualitative methods to ensure credibility of results. An important outcome of the data collection and analysis was the identification of significant discrepancies between data collected from interviews with residents and from direct observations of a variety of the educational components of the program. Two major explanations are proposed for interpreting these discrepancies: variations in standards and variations in definition of goals and clients. The discussion supports the position that naturalistic inquiry promotes expansionist rather than reductionist outcomes, which are particularly appropriate for formative program evaluation goals.
Missing Data in Evaluation Research
Authors: Raymond Mark R.
Published: March 2007

Although research conducted in applied settings is frequently hindered by missing data, there is surprisingly little practical advice concerning effective methods for dealing with the problem. The purpose of this article is to describe several alternative methodsfor dealing with incomplete multivariate data and to examine the effectiveness of these methods. It is concluded that pairwise deletion and listwise deletion are among the least effective methods in terms of approximating the results that would have been obtained had the data been complete, whereas replacing missing values with estimates based on correlationalprocedures generally produces the most accurate results. In addition, some descriptive statistical procedures are recommended that permit researchers to investigate the causes and consequences of incomplete data more fully.
Satisfaction with Medical Services in a Low-Income Brazilian Community
Authors: Paine Patricia , Wright Maria da Gloria
Published: March 2007

The consumer's feelings and opinions about medical care are important in determining timely utilization and compliance. However, low-income Brazilians have rarely been consulted about their expectations and satisfaction with health services. A 10% household survey in a dormitory town near Brasilia showed more dissatisfaction with accessibility of services than with physicians' role performance. However, some skepticism toward physicians, related to poor patient-physician communication and the social distance between client and practitioner was evidenced. Poor diffusion of hours and services available resulted in underutilization of the community health center.
Content Validity Revisited
Authors: Lunz Mary E. , Stahl John A. , James Karen
Published: March 2007

This article describes a process for linking job analysis data to test specifications. Rasch rating scale analysis is used to order the ratings of importance assigned to task and content items by practicing laboratory managers. This ordering produces variables representing the range of task and content items from most to least important. The variables also provide an objective frame of reference for review of the data by the experts. The Rasch calibrations for each task and content item are transformed to percentages based on useful limits. From the transformed percentages, test specifications reflecting practice patterns in the field of laboratory management are developed.
A Validity Study of Part III of the National Board Examination
Authors: Veloski J. Jon , Hojat Mohammadreza , Gonnella Joseph S.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of Part III of the National Board Examination, a certifying examination of medical knowledge and patient management abilities. The subjects were 1,866 first-year resident physicians who graduated from Jefferson Medical College between 1970 and 1984. Statistically significant correlations were found between scores on this examination on the one hand and measures of basic and clinical sciences in medical school and Parts I and II of the National Board Examination on the other hand. Also, graduates who were rated high on supervisors' ratings of clinical competence areas in residency obtained higher scores on the examination than those rated low on this scale even when their baseline knowledge (scores on Part II) was controlled by employing analysis of covariance. In addition, assumptions were made that graduates who were offered further residency training and those who pursued broader, less-specialized careers would score higher on this examination. Both assumptions were confirmed. This 15-year study not only provides unique information about the validity of one certifying examination, but it also presents a model that might be used to evaluate other certification tests. Improvements in validity produced by new testing methods, such as computerized administration, could be put into perspective by using similar validity studies.
Assessing Employee Attitudes in a Community-Based Aids Service Organization
Authors: Liou Kuotsai Tom , Cruise Peter L.
Published: March 2007

This study surveyed employees of the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, Florida, a community-based AIDS service organization, to understand employees'motives for working for the organization and their attitudes toward theirjobs, the organization, its clients (persons withAIDS), and governments. The study revealed that the primary reasons employees work for the organization are a desire for personal involvement in the AIDS fight and the personal lifestyle and/orfeeling of each employee. These employees were highly motivated, showing some very positive attitudes toward theirjobs, organization, and clients. On the otherside, these employees reported concern for future funding of their organization and unhappiness with both federal and state governments' role in the fight against AIDS. Based on these findings, the authors discuss implications for the management of AIDS service organizations, the quality of the AIDS sevice delivery system, and the future development of AIDS service organizations.
A Climate Survey for Medical Students
Authors: Bergen Merlynn R. , Guarino Cassandra M. , Jacobs Charlolte D.
Published: March 2007

An instrument was developed to assess the perceptions of students regarding six aspects of school climate and their experience of and attitudes toward sexual harassment and gender insensitivity. During clerkship orientation, 77 students (92% return rate), half female, were given the survey. Cronbach alpha reliabilities for the six scales ranged from .71 to .85. One significant female/male difference among the three scales of general school climate was observed; two signizfcantfemale/ male differences occurred among the three scales relating to gender concerns. Seventy percent of both males and females reported having observed sexually harassing behavior during the previous year; 46% offemales and 15% of males reported experiencing sexually harassing behavior during the year Observing and/or personally experiencing sexual harassment was associated with a decrease in positive climate ratings and an increase in negative climate ratings.
Housestaff Social History Knowledge
Authors: Griffith Charles H. , Haist Steven A. , Wilson John F. , Rich Eugene C.
Published: March 2007

It was hypothesized that internal medicine housestaff who inquire into their hospital patients' social histories would be rated by nurses and attendings as having better interpersonal skills. Thirty-seven internal medicine housestaff were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding the social history of up to three of their hospital patients. The score on these questionnaires was then compared to evaluations by nurses and attendings of housestaffs'interpersonalskills. Wefoundthat nurses' evaluations of housestaff interpersonal skills correlated with performance on the social history questionnaire, while attendings' evaluations did not. Social history inquiry by housestaff may be a marker for housestaff humanistic and interpersonal skills.
Overcoming Barriers to Evaluating Federal Health Education and Training Programs
Authors: Baumgartner Lacinda , Stenersen Stan , Campbell Kelly
Published: March 2007

The effectiveness offederal programs is often difficult to measure because many are authorized to support a broad range of objectives without common outcome goals, measures, and reporting requirements. When direct program evaluation is not possible, it may be possible instead to evaluate how well the strategies thatfederal programs support have worked to achieve certain objectives. This alternative to direct program evaluation was demonstrated in a General Accounting Office review of federal health professions education and training programs within Titles 7 and 8 of the Public Health Service Act.
Characteristics of Physicians Who Frequently Prescribe Long-Acting Benzodiazepines for the Elderly
Authors: Moneyite Johanne , Tamblyn Robyn M. , McLeod Peter J. , Gayton David C.
Published: March 2007

Long-acting benzodiazepines (LABZs) are relatively contraindicatedfor elderly patients because they increase the risk of impaired cognitive function, falls, and hip fractures. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of physicians who frequently prescribe LABZs for elderly patients. The authors examined the prescribing profile of 4,976 physicians who saw at least 20 elderly Quebec medicare registrants in 1990. Physicians who frequently prescribed LABZs for their elderly patients were more likely to have graduated before 1979, to be general practitioners as opposed to specialists, to practice in long-term care settings, and to have graduated from a medical school in Quebec as opposed to other schools in Quebec, in other provinces, or in other countries. The authors have identified several characteristics ofphysicians whofrequently prescribed LABZsfor the elderly. Strategies to improve prescribing in this field should target this group of physicians.
Quality of Care Improvements for Patients with Pneumonia
Authors:   Florida Medical Quality Assurance, Inc.
Published: March 2007

Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly. Previous studies have shown that timely antibiotic administration on hospitalization can improve patient outcomes and shorten hospital stays. Antibiotic administration within 4 hours of admission has been recommended in national guidelines. We initiated a project with eight Florida hospitals to improve the timely delivery of antibiotics to pneumonia patients. Secondary goals were the collection of sputum and blood samples prior to antibiotic therapy. After gathering baseline data from review of pneumonia patient charts, participating hospitals initiated various interventions aimed at improving their processes of care. Reevaluation after implementation of the interventionsfound thata significantly largerfraction of patients received antibiotics within 4 hours of admission (a 62% improvement), and the median time of antibiotic administration was also significantly decreased. No significant changes were observed in the rates of sputum or blood collection.
Telling stories: the epistemological value of anecdotes in Ghanaian communication research
Authors: Kwansah-Aidoo Kwamena
Published: March 2007

Telling stories and/or anecdotes is a normal part of everyday life and communication in Ghana. Consequently, using anecdotes narrated by participants in research on people's attitude towards the environment and the role of the media in encouraging environmental awareness, this article argues that anecdotes can be used as epistemological tools which can inform ways of knowing and doing communication research in Ghana. In particular, it is noted that telling stories or anecdotes has important implications for those telling them, other participants in the discussion, in the case of focus groups, and also the communication researcher. The ultimate value lies in the fact that through documenting and analysing anecdotes, the accumulated experiences of people can serve as evidence that can inform and positively influence policy-makers. In the context of media studies, it will also enrich the literature on the relationship between media, public opinion and environmental issues.
Media discourse and the Danish monarchy: reconciling egalitarianism and royalism
Authors: Phillips Louise
Published: March 2007

This article investigates the role of the mass media as the dominant form of publicness in contemporary western societies, through a theoretical analysis of the impact of mediated publicness on relations between the state and the people, and an empirical study of a particular media event: the media representation of the wedding of the younger son of the Queen of Denmark, Prince Joachim, to Alexandra Manley on 18 November 1995. I analyse the wedding as a media construction based on a particular type of royalist discourse. This discourse is fundamentally modern in its incorporation of elements of egalitarian discourse and high modern or postmodern in its use of irony. Within the terms of the discourse, it is possible to express mild critique from a position of ironic distance, but open resistance lies outside its bounds. The media construction of the wedding within this discourse, therefore, provides part of the answer to the anomaly of the continued popularity of the monarchy in Denmark, a country with a strongly egalitarian political culture.
Shopping for community: the transformation of the bookstore into a vital community institution
Authors: Miller Laura J.
Published: March 2007

This article examines the symbolic power of the concept of community in American culture by analyzing its use as a marketing device within the retail book trade. Drawing on data gathered from interviews with book industry members and bookstore customers, and from the book industry trade literature, the article explores how the appeal to community has arisen within the context of competition between independent and chain booksellers. It discusses the limitations of positing a for-profit business as a centre of community life, but also argues that retail businesses do have consequences for a locale's economic and cultural life.
Factors Affecting Utilization of Health Services and Home- and Community-Based Care Programs by Older Taiwanese in the United States
Authors: Kuo Tsuann , Torres-Gil Fernando M.
Published: March 2007

This article examines factors that affect the utilization of health care services and home- and community-based care (HCBC) programs by older Taiwanese, a rapidly growing and newly arrived immigrant group. Currently, knowledge about the health status and utilization of health-related services among newly arrived Asians is limited. This article analyzed data from the 1994 Southern California Taiwanese American Elderly Survey ( n = 240) based on a modified Andersen behavioral model that included both cultural and structural variables. Significant variables included health needs, cultural beliefs, and socioeconomic and structural variables; however, variables predicting utilization of health services and HCBC programs were different. Implications for both gerontological research and practice include the following: (1) Future programs addressing service utilizations by older Taiwanese should be culturally sensitive and consider family as a unit of intervention, and (2) more multidisciplinary research should explore how cultural and structural variables contribute to service utilization among newly arrived elderly Asian immigrants.
Race Relations and Caregiving Relationships
Authors: Berdes Celia , Eckert John M.
Published: March 2007

This study explored the effects of racial differences between nursing home residents and nurse’s aides. One-third of residents exhibited race-related attitudes. This took two forms: “anachronistic racism,” language not acceptable today, used in a context not intended to be offensive, and its opposite form, “malignant racism.” Three-quarters of the aides had experienced racism on the job. They distinguished the two forms of racism and discounted racist comments by residents they judged to be mentally incompetent but held others—competent residents, family members, and fellow staff—to a higher standard. In this way, they were able to maintain a caring attitude in their work. Foreign-born aides were more likely to experience racism on the job than African American aides were. They also experienced prejudice against immigrants; they interpreted it as such because it sometimes came from people of their own race.
Gender’s Effect on the Relationships Linking Older Americans’ Resources and Financial Satisfaction
Authors: Danigelis Nicholas L. , McIntosh Barbara R.
Published: March 2007

This article tests the assumptions that the effect of resources on the financial satisfaction of older Americans is consistent (1) for different measures of income and wealth and (2) for men and women. Data are from a weighted subsample of those 65 and older from Waves I (1986) and II (1989) of the Americans’ Changing Lives Panel Study. Multivariate analyses contradict both assumptions with the following statistically significant findings: (1) Financial satisfaction in 1986 and not receiving food stamps are stronger predictors of financial satisfaction for men, whereas having interest and retirement/pension incomes are more important for women; and (2) a lowered number of chronic ailments is more important for women, whereas having a surviving spouse is more important for men. Findings support both George’s ideas of “control” and “illusion of control” and Moen’s ideas about gender-specific patterns of status transitions.
Primary Groups in Old Age
Authors: Dono John E. , Falbe Cecilia M. , Kail Barbara L. , Litwak Eugene , Sherman Roger H. , Siegel David
Published: March 2007

The effects of aging and its correlates on the structure and function of primary groups in a modern industrial society are examined using the theoretical framework suggested by Litwak and Szelenyi (1969). After a brief summary of the basic theoretical assumptions, a series of factors are discussed that affect primary group structure and function in old age in unique ways. Alternative theories are reviewed. Some measurement issues are examined, and problems for future research are suggested.
Migration of the Aged
Authors: Lee Everett S.
Published: March 2007

This article is restricted to a consideration of the reasons why migration of the elderly has increased over time, why it will increase still further, and why the migration of the elderly proceeds from diffuse points of origin to quite specific destinations.
Late Life Health Behavior
Authors: Rakowski William , Hickey Tom
Published: March 2007

This article outlines psychosocial model for studying health behavior in later adulthood. Fundamental elements from the Health Belief Model are integrated with concepts of temporal perspective, forming the basis of process-oriented stages which compose the proposed framework. Considerations relating to the older adult's family support network are incorporated at selected points in the decision-making process. Indications in theory and research suggest the potential feasibility of such an integration and its relevance for older adults. Provision for a focus upon long-term treatment of chronic conditions occurs through inclusion of feedback from successive contacts with the health care system. Special attention should be given to the perceived severity of a target condition, since actual or perceived time pressure to seek treatment may have significant impact on the complexity and scope of one's decision process.
The Dependent Elderly Population
Authors: Anderson Trudy B.
Published: March 2007

Through use of the double-decrement life table technique, the relative impact of changing retirement and mortality schedules on male departure from the labor force is examined for the years 1970 and 1975. The results reveal that the influence of retirement behavior on the labor force participation rate is much greater than that of mortality. In spite of modest declines in the mortality rates between 1970 and 1975, greater retirement rates in 1975 consistently reduced the proportion in the labor force and significantly lowered the average number of working years left at every age interval but one. While the increase in the proportion of the population over 65 is an unavoidable certainty based on previous fertility behavior, it appears that an important element of the problem of the dependent elderly is the result of voluntary individual actions that are manageable through public policy.
Attitudes toward the Aged
Authors: Palmore Erdman B.
Published: March 2007

A review of past research shows that negative stereotypes and attitudes about the aged are widespread. We need theoretically oriented research to specify what determines the stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminations against the aged. This research should be based on probability samples and use scales tested for reliability and validity. In order to reduce ageism and thus improve the quality of life among our elders, controlled experiments are needed to determine which methods of reducing ageism are most effective and efficient.
Decision and Adaptation
Authors: Gratton Brian , Haug Marie R.
Published: March 2007

Review of the literature shows that while women's adaptation to retirement has been closely studied, little is known of the female retirement decision. No gender differences in adaptation have been demonstrated. Hampered by poor data sets and design, and responsive to the prejudicial assumption that women had low work commitment, early adaptation studies found that women workers adjusted poorly to retirement, often more poorly than men. However, these results have not been confirmed. Recent research shows that most women adjust well, and no consistent gender differences have been found. Gender differences are much more likely to be observed in the decision to retire. Analysis of the timing of retirement among married couples indicates that the characteristics of the spouse influence individual retirement decisions. The effects of these characteristics differ in strength and direction, depending on gender. Future research on female retirement should focus on decision making in the marital unit.
Discontinuity and Identity
Authors: Hazan Haim
Published: March 2007

This article discusses the dilemma of continuity versus discontinuity in the life of the aged. The contradiction that seems to exist between structural discontinuity and personal continuity may be resolved by suggesting that the need for continuity is neither a universal nor a necessary characteristic of identity formation in the elderly. An ethnographic study of the social reality of an English day center for Jewish residents of an impoverished neighborhood provides a case study wherein discontinuity of ties and past involvements serves as a viable resource in the construction of new identities.
National Elderly Migration Patterns and Selectivity
Authors: Biggar Jeanne C. , Cowper Diane C. , Yeatts Dale E.
Published: March 2007

The study of trends in elderly migration patterns and selectivity found that local mobility rates declined, while migration rates increased between 1960 and 1970. The top ten destination states receiving interstate migrants were similar in both time periods, but there was a discernible swing to the Sunbelt except for California and Mississippi. Intrastate and interstate flows became more selective in terms of household independence measures over the period.
Intergenerational Cohesion
Authors: Mangen David J. , McChesney Kay Young
Published: March 2007

This article compares the information provided by linear correlational techniques with that provided by hierarchical clustering models. These techniques are applied to a sample of 254 older parent-adult child dyads, with analysis focusing on the nature of the intergenerational relationship. Linear correlation results indicate a substantial degree of relationship among the intergenerational measures. Hierarchical clustering reveals, however, that less than half of the sample is accurately represented by the linear model. This suggests that a better explanation of the inter-generational relationship may be obtained by examining the pattern of scores across the different measures of cohesion.
The Role of Demographic Factors in the Institutionalization of the Elderly
Authors: Dolinsky Arthur L. , Rosenwaike Ira
Published: March 2007

This study, based on data from the 1980 census, is concerned with clarifying the relation of demographic factors to institutionalization of the very old. Particular scrutiny was given to the role of close kin, especially spouses and children, as explanatory variables. Factors significantly associated with institutionalization, as determined through a logit regression model, included the absence of a spouse, the absence of a child, advanced age, and the presence of a disability. Marital status was a more significant factor for males than for females in determining institutionalization.
A Comparison of Employed Caregivers of Cognitively Impaired and Physically Impaired Elderly Persons
Authors: Scharlach Andrew E.
Published: March 2007

An employee survey found that 32% of caregiving respondents were providing assistance to cognitively impaired older persons. These employees were more likely than those caring for physically impaired elders to report high levels of emotional, physical, and financial strain, and they more often reported that caregiving had a negative effect on their personal lives and on their work. Programs considered particularly helpful by caregivers of cognitively impaired elders included information about community resources, personal counseling, and support groups. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for program development and for further research regarding the interface between working and caregiving.
Family Caregivers and Limitations in Social Activities
Authors: Miller Baila , Montgomery Andrew
Published: March 2007

Constriction of social and personal activities is one of the most frequently noted consequences of caring for a frail elder. This study analyzed the correlates of perceived limitations in social activities using data from a national sample of the frail elderly and their caregivers. Two research issues were addressed: 1) What differences in demographic, family, and caregiving attributes are associated with variation in perceived restricted social activities? and, 2) How does the process influencing restriction of social activities vary by family relationship of the caregiver? Higher levels of elder dependency and task demands were characteristic of those who reported social limitations, and daughters and wives were more likely to report such limitations than sons and husbands. Subjective assessment of time and task demands, however, were more important influences than objective caregiving activities for all family caregivers.
Stress, Social Support, and Negative Interaction in Later Life
Authors: Krause Neal , Jay Gina
Published: March 2007

The aim of this research is to examine the impact of stress on supportive social relationships in later life. Although a number of researchers propose that exposure to life stress increases the amount of assistance provided by significant others, findings from studies with older adults are equivocal. Three potential explanations for these contradictory findings are examined. The results, which are based on a nationwide survey of older people, reveal that the relationship between stress and social support is contingent upon the nature of the stressor as well as the source of support. It was further predicted that negative interaction would play an important role in this process, but consistent findings failed to emerge from the data. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Determinants of Divorced Older Women's Labor Supply
Authors: Loew Rebecca M.
Published: March 2007

Unmarried older women, especially older divorcées, face a disproportionate risk of poverty. Despite the potential ameliorative effect of wages in addressing economic need, few studies have investigated the work behavior, retirement, and retirement income of unmarried older women. Using a nationally representative sample from the March 1989 Current Population Survey, this study addressed two research questions: What factors significantly affect divorcées', aged 55 and older, labor supply? Are these effects different for divorced as compared to other unmarried women? A sample selection model of labor supply indicated that wages, education, pension wealth, and asset wealth are significant predictors of labor supply for both the divorced and the other unmarried women, although the strength of these effects differed. Medicaid coverage had a significant effect for the divorced women only. The results suggest that wages are a limited, yet important, resource for unmarried older women, especially for older divorcées.
Family Caregiver Perceptions of Benefits and Barriers to the Use of Adult Day Care for Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Beisecker Analee E. , Wright Linda J. , Chrisman Susan Kasal , Ashworth Janet
Published: March 2007

To determine the perceived benefits and barriers to the use of adult day care (ADC) by family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 104 family caregivers (52 users of ADC and 52 nonusers) were interviewed by telephone using a semistructured interview protocol. Comparisons were made between users and nonusers of ADC. Analysis of the qualitative data identified seven categories of barriers to ADC and seven categories of benefits to ADC. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed no significant differences in reported barriers to ADC use by users and nonusers. Both users and nonusers reported barriers; more users overcame the barriers to use the service. Both users and nonusers saw benefits to the caregiver from using ADC; only users saw ADC as primarily benefiting the patient. ADC users also used other respite services more than nonusers.
Predicting Specific Service Awareness Dimensions
Authors: Calsyn Robert J. , Winter Joel P.
Published: March 2007

Nearly 5,000 older adults provided data for this study, which used factor analysis to identify the following four dimensions of agency awareness: in-home services, aging network services, financial services, and other services. Then, 18 variables assessing the various dimensions of the behavioral model were included in multiple regression equations predicting each of the awareness dimensions. The regression equations only accounted for 7% to 13% of the variance of the various service awareness dimensions.
Distance and Foreign Policy: a Political Geography Approach
Authors: Henrikson Alan K.
Published: March 2007

Global politics and local politics, though interlinked today by processes of globalization, remain separated by the phenomenon of distance. Sheer physical distance, with its associated geography, assumes mainly a causal importance. It determines the way a policy is implemented practically, and can affect the outcome of policy. Planning and strategizing, especially in the sphere of foreign policy, are shaped by three other “distances” as well, each with a distinctive logic. The first is gravitational distance, according to which political and other power is thought to “decay” with increasing distance, although the “mass,” or size, of countries can modify this assumed attenuation of influence. The second is topological distance, according to which any two countries may seem more remote from one another if there are other countries located in between them, the number and arrangement of these intervening country-spaces—the configuration of the political map—being the key variable. The third is attributional distance, according to which countries seem more distant from or, conversely, nearer to one another owing to their political or cultural characteristics. For example, democracies feel closer to each other than they do to non-democratic states. When all of these three schemes of non-physical “distance” coincide, the resulting pattern of international relationships, whatever the actual distances between nations, is thereby strengthened.
Asia, Europe, North America, and the “Asian Capitalist Miracle”: Changing “Power Cycles” and Evolving Roles in Regional and International Structures
Authors: Schmidt Gustav
Published: March 2007

Consolidated during the Cold War and reasserted during the 1997-8 crisis, us“primacy” in East Asia is the predominant interpretation associated with the “Making of the East Asian Miracle.” A closer look at the 1950 and 1997 periods yields a different conclusion, supportive of the pluralistic interpretation of “dynamic equilibrium.” At the outset of the Cold War, the us sought to restore the triangular pattern of international trade and finance between North America, Western Europe and Southeast Asia/Japan, necessitating a re-forging of links between Europe and Southeast Asia. What happened to this project? In the recent East Asian economic crisis, the eu-Europeans contributed more to the rescue packages than did the us. This study posits Europe as the third actor in the evolution of a sustainable “capitalist” economy at the international and regional levels. Rejecting a hegemonic economic interpretation for any of the actors, this analysis portrays an emergent commercial and trade linkage among Europe, Asia, and North America that is balanced and never more vital.
Power Cycle Analysis of India, China, and Pakistan in Regional and Global Politics
Authors: Kumar Sushil
Published: March 2007

Structural change in Asia among India, China, and Pakistan has been intense and is directly associated with the instability that has resulted. As these governments move forward on their regional and global power cycles, what points of non-linearity (critical points) yet await the region and the larger system, and with what effect? The article calls for management of the foreign policy role such that comparative calm is sustained in the midst of structural change and uncertainty.
The Causes and Timing of Iraq's Wars: a Power Cycle Assessment
Authors: Parasiliti Andrew T.
Published: March 2007

The application of power cycle theory to Iraq's war decisions reveals the dynamics of an increasingly competitive Middle East system. Iraq's power share rose sharply from 1975 to an abrupt inflection by 1980, just after Iran's inflected decline, an explosive mix that provided the context for Saddam Hussein's decision to invade Iran. Although Iraq gained slowly in relative power during the war with Iran, by 1987 Iraq had entered a period of decline relative to its Gulf rivals that continued through its invasion of Kuwait. The relative power winners, at Iraq's expense, were Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. That Iraq was in relative decline before invading Kuwait reconciles the seeming contradiction of Iraq as both an expansive potential hegemon and a desperate war-exhausted economy.
Sociology of Humanitarian Intervention: Bosnia, Rwanda and Somalia Compared
Authors: Pieterse Jan Nederveen
Published: March 2007

Among the key problems of “humanitarian intervention” in international law and international relations are the dynamics of sovereignty and the question of selectivity in intervention. The causes of conflict in the major cases of “humanitarian intervention,” former Yugoslavia, Somalia and Rwanda, are discussed under several headings: the end of the cold war; economics and scapegoating; ethnic politics?; media war; external influences; and politics of displacement. Ethnicity, although generally considered a cause of conflict, is not an explanation but rather that which is to be explained. The terminology of ethnicity is part of the conflict and cannot serve as a language of analysis. The core causes of conflict are authoritarian institutions and political cultures and the politics of hard sovereignty, while external influences play a significant role. Revisiting “humanitarian intervention” in this light, it clearly provides no solution for structural problems. The crucial problems, democratization and the fundamental restructuring of state-society relations, are not even on the agenda for they fall outside the parameters of conventional wisdom, which is trained to think in terms of state sovereignty, national interest, international security. “Humanitarian intervention” reinforces authoritarianism, hard sovereignty, militarization. For “humanitarian intervention” to contribute to conflict resolution, what is required are postconventional political options such as new types of state, partial forms of sovereignty and democratization. Meanwhile “humanitarian intervention” offers a mirror of global politics as they actually exist.
Urban Politics in the 1990s: The Difficult Renewal of Local Democracy
Authors: Hamel Pierre
Published: March 2007

Over the last fifteen years or so, municipalities in North America have been challenged not only by new issues of local development but also by new requests concerning citizens' participation in urban affairs. For that matter municipal administrations have had recourse to a multiplicity of institutional mechanisms, including public hearings and public consultations, in order to build and develop compromises and consensus. To what extent are these reforms part of a profound transformation of local democracy? The main objective of this article is to highlight the ambivalence found within these reforms and to show how it reflects the tensions and conflicts emerging from the local societies where they are being implemented.