Longitudinal non-euclidean networks: Applying Galileo

This article discusses the theoretical utility of using a non-Euclidean spatial manifold when describing social networks. It proposes that a variant of metric MDS, the Galileo System, can be particularly useful in analyzing social networks and their changes over time, partially because it does not impose Euclidean assumptions on the data. Two sets of longitudinal network data are examined with Galileo. One is the American air traffic network from 1968–1981. The other is ten groups engaged in a computer conference over a 24 month period. In both cases, the results indicate that a Riemannian spatial manifold is required to describe the network structure. Consistent theoretically valid results based upon the non-Euclidean components of spatial manifold are obtained. Further, they could be readily explained by exogenous factors. The implications of these results for network analysis are discussed.     

Bringing social worlds together: computers as catalysts for new interactions in health care organizations.

In this case study, computer systems are explored as catalysts for new interactions between departments in health care organizations. Hypotheses investigated changes in the extent to which members of different departments (1) exchange information and (2) understand each other's work following implementation of an integrated medical information system. Analyses showed that communication-based forms of involvement in implementation (communicating with systems personnel and trainers, communicating about new ways to use the system, and receiving support from supervisors for doing so) were overwhelmingly more important than either general participation or computer use in predicting increases in interdepartmental interaction. Changes in tasks and roles also led to new, informal, face-to-face contacts to support computer system use, as well as greater administrative control over the organization as a whole. In addition, results of interviews and observations over the two-year study period illustrate the importance of work group identification in predicting changes accompanying computerization.     

A forum for foster children

As part of a joint conference, foster children from five to 20 years of age attended a group session to explore their thoughts and feelings about foster care. The professional leaders reported their observations to a subsequent meeting of foster parents and caseworkers. The comments and behaviors of the children at this meeting were both illuminating and moving. Foster children must be heard.     

The Narrowing Regional Gap in Church Attendance in the United States1

Abstract Students of the South have postulated that southern distinctiveness is eroding. Using General Social Survey data for 1972–1991, the convergence hypothesis is tested for regular church attendance. Regional convergence is found, but only for the rural South. Also, narrowing of regional differences in church attendance is especially pronounced among the young, indicating that the convergence is likely to continue. Despite these results, present church attendance levels remain significantly higher in the South than in the non South.     

Exploring the Association Between Dispositional Cancer Worry,Perceived Risk,and Physical Activity Among College Women

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the authors explored the association between dispositional cancer worry (DCW), risk perceptions (RP), and physical activity (PA) among college females. Participants: Four hundred fifty-one females from a midwestern university completed an online survey in September/October 2012. Methods: DCW severity, DCW frequency, RP, and PA were measured along with qualitative data about PA as cancer prevention. Results: Sixty-nine percent of participants did not meet PA recommendations. DCW severity was a significant predictor of meeting PA recommendations (odds ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval [1.00, 1.38]; p = .05). Qualitative data revealed a lack of knowledge about breast cancer risk and PA as cancer prevention. Conclusions: College women do not engage in enough PA nor feel at risk for developing breast cancer. A lack of knowledge exists about the cancer prevention benefit of PA. Results indicate a need for PA interventions that both educate breast cancer risk and motivate health protective behaviors.