Competing risks simulation with the survsim R package

The goal of this work is to describe how the last version available of the survsim R package can be used to simulate a cohort in a competing risks context by means of a cause-specific hazards model following the ideas introduced by Beyersmann in 2009, and also allowing for individual heterogeneity through a random effect. An example of its application based on a real cohort will be discussed.     

Multi‐Family Therapy with a Reflecting Team: A Preliminary Study on Efficacy among Opiate Addicts in Methadone Maintenance Treatment

In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of multi‐family therapy at reducing the addiction severity and at improving the psychological and family dynamics of opiate addicts receiving methadone treatment at a public treatment center. The study compares multi‐family therapy with a reflecting team (MFT‐RT) and a standard treatment following a methadone maintenance treatment program. The results show that multi‐family therapy with a reflecting team effectively reduces the addiction severity in several of the areas evaluated and noted that this effect is superior to standard treatment. The psychotherapy patients showed improvement in the areas of employment and social support; their drug use diminished and their psychiatric condition improved. At the same time, they needed a lower daily dose of methadone. In addition, the group undergoing standard treatment showed a noteworthy deterioration in their medical condition. Both groups showed a significant increase in their alcohol use. When applied to family treatments, the systemic‐constructivist approach by the reflecting team offers combined techniques that can help improve care for the families of patients with addiction problems.     

The ambient intelligence for the sake of accessibility in residential projects: a proper study to the Brazilian scene

The concept of Ambient Intelligence consists of intuitive interfaces embedded in everyday objects that interact with the user and function in an integrated and discrete generating and transmitting information. This article has as objective to present applications that when focused on accessibility criteria, can contribute to the work of architects during the design of residential projects. In Brazil, pioneering projects are already being developed and the use of Ambient Intelligence systems are already widespread, both by private and public, however much care technologies developed in other countries.     

Ergonomic analysis in the bagging of gran equipment: unsuitability of the work stations

This analysis was performed in the industry for bagging grain (granular urea) nitrogen fertilizer factory in order to raise the causes of accidents on the operators. Data collection through direct observation and interviews done with the managers and operators have identified the causes of accidents. The results show an evident fact: the working conditions of bagging grain cause embarrassment to the employee, as well as the emergence of pathophysiology due to overload, then the problems of work organization involving mainly equipment, tools and accessories inadequate. At the end of this work are related suggestions, which has as its goal the reduction or even elimination of accidents involving operators bagging grain.     

Inclusive education: an examination of school relationships and student interactions

The aim of this paper is to examine inclusive education in multicultural contexts from an interaction networks perspective. The paper is based on the idea that inclusive education can be better understood by studying how native and non-native students interact, and what kinds of networks they establish in school. To do so, we assume two premises: (a) class-group dynamics can have a socially inclusive impact and (b) the composition of classroom social networks often plays a significant role in educational achievement, especially in classes with students with different cultural backgrounds. Starting from these premises, we firstly discuss the relevance of research and theory on social and personal networks regarding both social inclusion and academic performance. We subsequently review recent literature on ‘social support’ as a factor that is directly related to the inclusion of minority cultural groups in school. We then discuss the importance of the relationships developed among them and their influence on academic performance. School relationships – student networks in and out of school and classroom dynamics – can be developed and shaped in many different ways and across numerous opportunities to enhance educational performance in inclusive multicultural environments.     

Appraisal of Lifecolon; ``Area' Versus ``Dimension' Conceptualizations

The aim of the present work was to study the relationship between theresponses given by participants from various age groups and situations toa life appraisal questionnaire constructed from an area (work, spouse,family, friends) x dimension (acceptance, autonomy, mastery, purpose)matrix. When subjected to confirmatory factor analyses, the response datawere more supportive of an ``area' model than of a ``dimension' model. Whensubjected to an exploratory factor analysis, they revealed a seven-factorunderlying structure, which was more easily interpreted in terms of areasthan in terms of dimensions, and the effects of age and gender on thesefactors were the expected ones. When this seven-factor structure waslinked to a global measure of well-being, only factors with a clear ``area'definition could explain a significant part of the variance. These factorswere Love life, Family life, Leisure, and Occupational Life.     

A Valuation Based Analysis of the Spanish Accounting Reforms

This paper contrasts the association between security prices and accounting information before and after the Spanish accounting reforms. Spanish regulations were changed during 1989 and 1990 so as to conform with EU requirements, bringing them broadly into line with international standards, although the new system still focuses on compliance with rules rather than reflecting the substance of economic transactions. We model security price as a function of two fundamental accounting variables -- book value of equity per share and earnings per share. The model is estimated using a sample drawn from non-financial companies listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange during the period 1986--1995. Whilst the results demonstrate only a modest improvement in value relevance of accounting information following the reform, they show that the influence of the earnings variable becomes somewhat smaller whilst that on equity is increased. This is consistent with earnings containing a larger proportion of transitory elements following the reform, whilst the equity value appears to have more economic relevance than previously.     

Beyond the Crossroads: Policy Issues for the Philippine Nonprofit Sector

The Philippine nonprofit sector, including nongovernmental organizations, have enjoyed an enabling and facilitative state environment since the People Power Revolution of 1986. It currently faces a legitimacy challenge in terms of its ability to represent the people, to be accountable to them, and to show its autonomy and difference from the state. It also confronts the challenge of how it can deliver services more effectively as it expands and professionalizes. Raising resources through government, philanthropy, and income generation also continue to be major challenges.     

The therapeutic alliance in context: Institutional factors that impact social work with families

The therapeutic alliance is among the factors associated with positive results in therapy and has been extensively studied in psychotherapy. However, it has received less attention in social work and family intervention. Considering that such intervention occurs mainly within the framework of institutions and public policies, this article aims to identify the contextual factors that facilitate or hinder the therapeutic alliance between family members and social workers within the child protection system, taking the Chilean protection system as a case study. This longitudinal study followed six professional–caregiver dyads for 11 months using various qualitative techniques. The facilitating factors included the strengths approach of the child protection agency, family participation, a friendly work environment, and external supervision from a senior social worker. Among the obstacles were the high numbers of cases per professional, the undervaluing of their work, excessive workloads, stigma towards the system, and the mandatory nature of services. Facilitating factors were linked to the initiatives of the protection agency, while limitations were related to the type of welfare system. Similar obstacles and facilitators were found at the international level regardless of the kind of child protection system. The study concludes with recommendations for decision-makers and social worker educators.