Jaccard-Spline index of structural proximity in contact networks

Network analysts are increasingly being called upon to apply their expertise to groups for which the only available or reliable data is a contact network. With no opportunity to gather additional data, the merits of such applications depend on empirical studies that validate the employment of structural constructs based on contact networks. Fortunately, we possess such studies in abundance. One of the strongest research traditions in social network analysis is the development of formal constructs that may be employed in analyses of networks. I suggest that greater insight into predictive success of network constructs may be acquired by addressing the following question: what features of the contact network in which a dyad is situated allow the prediction of other relations with an accuracy that validates the imputation of the latter given data on the former? In this article, I present findings on the structural contexts of dyads in contact networks and the relationship of these contexts with two fundamental forms of cohesive cognitive relations—accorded interpersonal influence and perceived interpersonal agreement. Based on these findings, I formalize a measure of structural proximity in contact networks with values that correspond to the conditional probabilities of these two forms of cohesive cognitive relations. The substantive settings of this analysis are policy groups with members who are embedded in contact structures based on regular interpersonal communication on policy issues and cognitive structures based on perceived interpersonal agreement and accorded interpersonal influence.     

临床技能培训中心的建设尝试

医学生的临床基本技能培养,一直是各个医学院校教育中的薄弱环节。由于近些年来国家进行一系列医疗体制改革和颁布《医疗事故处理条例》,加之志愿人员的严重缺乏,让学生像过去那样进行实习已然不符合实际,临床技能培养的教育工作面临尴尬的局面。因此,寻找一条行之有效的培养医学生临床动手能力的途径已经迫在眉睫。     

从语言接触看蒙古语科尔沁土语的演变发展

科尔沁土语是中国境内蒙古语方言、土语当中,使用人口最多,分布地域最广的较特殊的一种土语。在其语音、词汇、语法各领域都表现出与标准语不同的一些特点。从语言接触看,这些特点的形成跟汉族人频繁接触,受到汉语的影响有密切的关系。     

Asymptotic Results for the MPL Estimators of the Contact Process of Order p

Let X be a discrete time contact process (CP) of order p on Z ² as defined by Durrett and Levin (1994 Durrett , R. , Levin , S. A. ( 1994 ). Stochastic spatial models: a user's guide to ecological applications . Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. Lond. B 343 : 329 – 350 .[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), that is a CP where the function of birth takes p different values. We study the maximum marginal pseudo-likelihood (MPL) estimator of the model based on space-time evolution of X, that is, T + 1 successive observations of X on a finite subset S of sites. When T → ∞, this estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal for a non vanishing supercritical CP. We also propose a statistical test for the parameters of the model and verify the asymptotic results by some simulation studies.     

Russian Social Science in Transition: Applied Political Research and Social Criticism

One means by which the Soviet state maintained hegemony was through control over the production and movement of information. This function created ambiguity, on the one hand, and contradiction on the other, as sociological inquiry progressed within the Soviet system. This circumstance extended to both the appropriate subject matter and the methodology of sociological research. While sociology practiced in the West operated more or less within broad boundaries of free inquiry, such was not the case for most of twentieth century Russia. This paper explores this history of permissible sociological research in Russia, and then turns an eye on the more recent developments in sociology in light of the new Russian state. In particular, the development of democratic processes in Russia have led to a concomitant growth in research centers, institutes, and consultancies, all of which have significant practical and applied objectives for the sociological product. A listing of Russian research centers on the web is included.     

The impact of Arab-Israeli culture on the characteristics of the therapeutic encounter between women social workers and fathers in Arab parent–child centers

Summary: The aim of the study was to present the impact of the Arab-Israeli culture on the therapeutic encounter between women social workers with fathers in Arab parent–child centers in Israel. The research was qualitative, and was based on in-depth interviews with 15 Arab women social workers employed in nine parent–child centers, where they treat Arab fathers. Findings: The social workers’ perceptions about the fathers’ perceptions of the therapeutic encounter has an impact on the professional encounter. In some cases, these perceptions were a hindrance to the treatment and necessitated work to help the father overcome these perceptions and to reduce his potential resistance to the treatment. In other cases, the social workers’ perceptions about the fathers’ perceptions advanced the treatment. A supportive attitude toward the treatment meant a better starting point, which was reflected throughout the therapeutic process, when the father believed in the treatment and accepted the idea of asking for help. Application: The study findings show the importance of the social workers’ awareness of the fathers’ cultural stance, as well as of the similarities and differences between their own cultural perceptions and that of the fathers.     

Missing Grandchildren: Grandparents’ Lost Contact and Implications for Social Work

The critical importance of maintaining family contact and intergenerational relationships for ongoing wellbeing is known to social work. Equally known is the damage caused by severed relationships. Recent literature has suggested an increased incidence of grandparents raising their grandchildren, often after family breakdown. Less evident in the literature is grandparents’ experience of reduced, lost, or denied contact with their grandchildren. In the qualitative, exploratory study reported here, the lived experiences of 21 Queensland grandparents were documented through in-depth interviews. The overall findings suggest that disrupted, lost, or denied contact with grandchildren was very distressing and impacted on grandparents’ health; that seeking to safeguard and support grandchildren could result in damaged family relationships and denied contact; and that a cycle of lost and regained contact can occur in some circumstances. These findings indicate that an increased role for social workers may be warranted, in listening to and including grandparents when working with families, and recognising grandparents’ need for support.     

The DASH Pilot Project: Developing Community-Based Nutrition Education for Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Nutrition-related chronic health conditions among older adults are a growing concern. In this study, nutrition education materials were created for use in senior centers by graduate nutrition students. After the materials were presented, focus groups were conducted with participants (n = 62) to obtain feedback on the content and presentation. Findings related to the participant’s knowledge of nutrition-related information, strategies to improve future class sessions, and participant recruitment will be discussed. These findings will be useful to program administrators as they develop nutrition programs for older adults who are vulnerable to nutrition-related health problems.     

领导力评估理论研究述评

在当今竞争极其激烈的时代,领导力成为企业竞争力的重要来源,对领导力进行可量化评估的重要性便凸显出来。通过阐述领导力及其评估的重要性,论述了既有的领导力评估的方法和模型,包括传统评估法、360度评估法、自我评估法、评估中心法、领导力效力法和加里.尤克尔的三变量模型,认为领导力评估还没有建立起一个完整的体系,此方面研究还有待深入。