Longitudinal data analysis for generalized linear models with follow‐up dependent on outcome‐related variables

In longitudinal studies, observation times are often irregular and subject‐specific. Frequently they are related to the outcome measure or other variables that are associated with the outcome measure but undesirable to condition upon in the model for outcome. Regression analyses that are unadjusted for outcome‐dependent follow‐up then yield biased estimates. The authors propose a class of inverse‐intensity rate‐ratio weighted estimators in generalized linear models that adjust for outcome‐dependent follow‐up. The estimators, based on estimating equations, are very simple and easily computed; they can be used under mixtures of continuous and discrete observation times. The predictors of observation times can be past observed outcomes, cumulative values of outcome‐model covariates and other factors associated with the outcome. The authors validate their approach through simulations and they illustrate it using data from a supported housing program from the US federal government.     

Diasporas and transitional justice: transnational activism from local to global levels of engagement

Scholarship on transitional justice, transnational social movements, and transnational diaspora mobilization has offered little understanding about how memorialization initiatives with substantial diaspora involvement emerge transnational and are embedded and sustained in different contexts. We argue that diasporas play a galvanizing role in transnational interest‐based and symbolic politics, expanding claim‐making from the local to national, supranational, and global levels of engagement. Using initiatives to memorialize atrocities committed at the former Omarska concentration camp in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we identify a four‐stage mobilization process. First, initiatives emerged and diffused across transnational networks after a local political opportunity opened in the homeland. Second, attempts at coordination of activities took place transnational through an NGO. Third, initiatives were contextualized on the nation‐state level in different host‐states, depending on the political opportunities and constraints available there. Fourth, memorialization claims were eventually shifted from the national to the supranational and global levels. The article concludes by demonstrating the potential to apply the analysis to similar global movements in which diasporas are directly involved.     

‘Kids’ Skills’ and ‘Mission Possible’ Innovations: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Models for Working with Children and Adolescents Revised and Expanded

This article explores the ‘Kids’ Skills’ and ‘Mission Possible’ models of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with children and adolescents. Both models are presented, compared, revised, and expanded with further ideas and therapeutic tools in three crucial areas: 1. Future direction, 2. Resources, and 3. Initiation of change (action). Future direction is expanded by preferred future, skill(s), and goal(s). Resources is expanded by ‘small talk,’ progress and confidence scales, exceptions, metaphors, and engagement of supporters. Initiation of change (action) goes beyond practicing the skill to experiments or steps towards the goal. This gives more flexibility to therapists using SFBT with their clients. All this is illustrated with case examples.     

Comparing the Incomparable? Migrant Integration Policies and Perplexities of Comparison

This article examines the level of development of integration policies in the European Economic Area and the attempts to compare and standardize them. We discuss national integration models and policies based on the results of the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) and OECD/EU indicators of integration. Indicating the possible pitfalls of measuring and comparing integration policies, the results of researches into labour mobility and access to citizenship are examined. This comparative study shows that the indicators of immigrant integration are often at odds with the development level of integration policies, which results in their inadequate implementation in practice. Furthermore, EU countries face different challenges in the enactment of integration policies which spring from diverse (im)migration experiences, the scope of past migrations, and recent migratory flows. This is why integration policies should be re‐indexed, taking into consideration the particularities of (im)migration flows, the size of the immigrant population and other relevant factors.