Nonlinear programming solutions to the nonstationary markov model

A nonstationary Markov process model with embedded explanatory variables offers a means to account for underlying causal factors while retaining unrestrictive assumptions and the predictive ability of a stochastic framework. We find that a direct search algorithm requiring minimal user preparation is a feasible computational procedure for estimating such a model. We compare this method with several others using factorially designed Monte Carlo simulations and find evidence that a small state space and a long time series lead to better algorithmic performance.     

The Definition and Treatment of Bulimarexia in College Women — A Pilot Study

Abstract

In this study of college women we defined “bulimarexia” as a cyclical eating disorder characterized by bingeing/purging behaviors and abnormally low self-esteem. Binge-ing was the presenting symptom rather than starvation, as is the case with primary anorexia-nervosa. A new experiential-behavioral approach adapted to a feminist perspective was utilized. Improvements in the experimental group on Body Cathexis scores and on a number of personality dimensions from Cattell's 16 PF questionnaire were found. Binge-ing behavior was eliminated or attenuated in 10 of 12 cases. However, follow-up testing revealed a tendency to drift back to pretest levels attitudinally, indicating that this syndrome is extremely persistent. Results underline the importance of socio-cultural factors in female role-definition and reinforce the view of bulimarexia as related to the struggle to achieve a “perfect” stereotyped female image in which women surrender most of their self-defining power to others.     

Physical activity patterns in healthy middle-aged women

ABSTRACT

Exercise in healthy female adults around the menopausal transition has been routinely examined in leisure activities alone, potentially discounting the physical activity (PA) that is accumulated in household and outdoor domains. The purpose of this study was to quantify PA in healthy middle-aged women and to examine the extent to which the Center for Disease Control (CDC) PA guidelines were met through leisure, household, and outdoor activities. Methods: 440 healthy women, 51–64 years old, BMI ≥18.5 or < 40 kg/m², participated in the study using the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire (LPAQ) to quantify PA. Results: 25.91% met the CDC PA guidelines if leisure time alone was examined. When multiple domains were included, 73.41% of the women met the PA guidelines. This percentage is much higher than the reported 20.6% of U.S. adults who met the guidelines in 2011. PA in women may be underrepresented in data limited to leisure time PA.     

Divorcing Abused Latina Immigrant Women's Experiences With Domestic Violence Support Groups

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of Latina immigrants who are divorcing and in domestic violence support groups (DVSGs). To gain an understanding of the client perspective, an ex-post facto research design was utilized with the data collection taking place after the members had terminated with the DVSG services. The convenience sample consisted of 15 Latina women. A questionnaire was used to determine the women's satisfaction with the group services. Results indicated that overall the group experience was positive, with 80% of the women reporting an overall “excellent” experience and 20% reporting an overall “good” experience.     

Financing Long-Term Care: Examining Decision Outcomes and Systemic Influences from the Perspective of Family Members

This study examined financing long-term care from a micro-level family perspective. Qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with 45 families coping with paying for an elder's long-term care provided insight into what decisions were made as well as what factors influenced those decisions. Family members articulate systemic factors within and outside of the family system influencing three decision making outcomes: (a) using and preserving private resources, (b) Medicaid estate planning and (c) deciding not to decide. Case examples and a discussion of the emerging framework provide insight for researchers working to inform long-term care issues and for educational focused practitioners.     

A Case Study Perspective: The Experiences of Young Persons Testifying to Child Sexual Exploitation in British Criminal Court

Three young persons who gave evidence about child sexual exploitation in criminal court using various testimonial supports were interviewed about their testimony experiences. The witnesses reported that they felt extreme pressure to remember events accurately and cared greatly about being believed. None reported their own coping strategies to alleviate stress and took comfort breaks only after they cried on the stand. Defense attorney questions were reportedly repetitive, rapid, confusing, and focused on secondary content rather than the central criminal acts. The witnesses mentioned dissatisfaction in having supportive social workers whom they trusted leave the case and be replaced.     

From Classroom to Dyad: Actor and Partner Effects of Aggression and Victim Reputation

This study examined whether early adolescents’ classroom aggression predicted their aggression in a one‐on‐one dyadic setting, and whether early adolescents’ classroom victimization predicted their victimization in the dyadic setting. After completing peer nominations for aggression and victimization, 218 early adolescents (M age = 11.0 years) participated in a dyadic paradigm in which they were led to believe that they played against a same‐sex classmate for whom they could set the intensity of noise blasts. Analyses with the actor–partner interdependence model by Olsen and Kenny showed that peer‐nominated physical aggression for boys and relational aggression for girls predicted noise blast aggression in the dyadic setting. For girls but not boys, peer‐nominated victimization predicted victimization in the dyadic setting.     

Organisational Identity of Social Enterprises: A Taxonomic Approach

VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations - This paper describes an exploratory study aiming to investigate the existence of distinct groups of social enterprises...