Weight matrices for social influence analysis: An investigation of measurement errors and their effect on model identification and estimation quality

Weight matrices, such as used in network autocorrelation models, are useful to investigate social influence processes. The objective of this paper is to investigate a key topic that has received relatively little attention in previous research, namely the issues that arise when observational limitations lead to measurement errors in these weight matrices. Measurement errors are investigated from two perspectives: when relevant ties are omitted, and when irrelevant ties are erroneously included as part of the matrix. The paper first shows analytically that these two situations result in biased estimates. Next, a simulation experiment provides evidence of the effect of erroneously coding the weight matrix on model performance and the ability of a network autocorrelation test to identify social influence effects. The results suggest that depending on the level of autocorrelation and the topology attributes of the underlying matrix, there is a window of opportunity to identify and model social influence processes even in situations where the ties in a matrix cannot be accurately observed.     

Prenatal Development of Interlimb Motor Learning in the Rat Fetus

The role of sensory feedback in the early ontogeny of motor coordination remains a topic of speculation and debate. On E20 of gestation (the 20th day after conception, 2 days before birth), rat fetuses can alter interlimb coordination after a period of training with an interlimb yoke, which constrains limb movement and promotes synchronized, conjugate movement of the yoked limbs. The aim of this study was to determine how the ability to express this form of motor learning may change during prenatal development. Fetal rats were prepared for in vivo study at 4 ages (E18–21) and tested in a 65‐min training‐and‐testing session examining hind limb motor learning. A significant increase in conjugate hind limb activity was expressed by El9, but not El 8 fetuses, with further increases in conjugate hind limb activity on E20 and E21. These findings suggest substantial development of the ability of fetal rats to modify patterns of interlimb coordination in response to kinesthetic feedback during motor training before birth.     

Status and Solidarity: A Reformulation of Early Durkheimian Theory*

Previous scholars have charged that Durkheim provides an inadequate theory of inequality, that the concept of organic solidarity is not well supported, and that egoistic and anomic suicide cannot be adequately distinguished. Although these problems appear distinct, they each arise because Durkheim naturalized inequality and ignored social status. Introducing a concept of status permits a reconceptualization of the types of suicide and creates new analytic connections between The Division of Labor and Suicide. Social solidarity and status hierarchies are presented as variations in the relationship between social integration and social regulation. The interplay between status and solidarity influences the expression of social practice, power, belief, and justice.     

The promise of non-profits in Poland and Hungary: an analysis of third sector renaissance

The non-profit sector arising in Poland and Hungary bears little resemblance to its pre-war ancestors. The new non-profits are shaped by social and economic forces brought about by the state socialists. State socialist service policies have left the non-profits with substantial need for their services, but the organisations face several major constraints in meeting that demand. Current government policies towards services and non-profits are discussed. Government and foreign funders can play a significant role in fostering the new non-profits, but a careful prioritisation of objectives is necessary. The present situation shows that many theories about non-profit organisations are not internationally cross-applicable, although several hypotheses have partial relevance.The author recently submitted a longer version of this paper to the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He is currently studying in the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, New York.     

Emerging organizational forms: Work and organization in the 21st century

This article begins with the premise that there is continuous and accelerating change in the Western World in the nature of work and how it is organized. An important contributory force is information technology — itself changing rapidly.When the dynamics of the external environment of organizations are added to changes in IT, we will see new forms of organizations evolving in the business world, such as the ‘starburst’ and ‘internal market’ structures.Michael Scott Morton supplies a diagram to illustrate the framework of research which the ‘1990s’ program at MIT is following — how to balance the dynamic tension between external forces and the internal dimensions of organizations to reward shareholders adequately. He refers to one of Peter Senge's ideas in The Fifth Dimension which is central in creating an organization which learns how to innovate constantly: System Thinking — the search for systemic patterns. It reinforces Scott Morton's argument, and seems a particularly appropriate discipline in a continuously turbulent business environment.     

Development of Risk-Based Ranking Measures of Effectiveness for the United States Coast Guard's Vessel Inspection Program

This paper describes the results of an analysis of the effectiveness of the U.S. Coast Guard's efforts to promote the safety of life and property at sea through its program to inspect large, ocean-going vessels. The effectiveness of specific U.S. Coast Guard vessel inspection activities was evaluated using risk-based metrics that linked categories of root causes of accidents to the particular inspection activities designed to reduce the risk of each root cause category. The results demonstrate a risk-based ranking of USCG inspection activities. These metrics, describes as measures of effectiveness (MOEs), yield insights regarding the most beneficial areas in which to concentrate inspection resources. Insights regarding quality of vessel casualty investigation data and database design as related to risk-based importance analysis are also discussed. The MOEs constructed in this study are specific to the USCG's Marine Inspection and Boarding Program, but the methodology of the study is based on sound theoretical principles that are probably applicable to a range of maritime safety activities. Hence the methodology applies equally to other important governmental regulatory programs and can be similarly used to measure their effectiveness and as an aid to decision-making.     

Strengthening Social Work Approaches Through Advancing Knowledge of Early Childhood Intervention

Early childhood professionals—social workers, educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pediatricians, and others—create the foundation for a life-long duration of experiences that families, who have children with disabilities, will have with various professional groups. The nature of the early childhood interventionists' interaction, treatment, services or supports of the child and the attitudes conveyed to families during these critical early years may be a significant factor in the willingness of families and young adults to continue to pursue therapeutic and supportive services. With insights into early intervention best practices, social workers are likely to find themselves in a preferred position to plan appropriate family-focused intervention strategies that may encourage success and prevent complications or a worsening of specific initial conditions among children with disabilities.     

Extended Dialogue About Significant Developments: Manualising Systemic Family Therapy: The Leeds Manual

Steve Allison and Amaryll Perlesz review a systemic family therapy manual developed at the Leeds Family Therapy and Research Centre. Responding to the critique, Helen Pote gives an account of the manual's history, and its reception in the UK.