Social indicators and social development

This paper concerns the use of social indicators to improve social development and the happiness of populations. A distinction will be drawn between the traditional indicators of wealth and health and the new subjective social indicators. These latter measures concern the subjective side of life quality, or happiness, which in contemporary science is more commonly referred to as subjective wellbeing (SWB). The SWB construct is described within the theoretical context of SWB homeostasis. This is a proposed management system which has the role of maintaining a positive view of the self. It will be described how the homeostatic system can be challenged by hardship and defended by a variety of resources. Recommended forms of SWB measurement will be considered. It is concluded that both objective and subjective social indicators should be consulted by policy makers in order to plan the most effective initiatives to enhance population wellbeing.

Increasing population happiness through the distribution of resources

This paper concerns the ways in which public policy regarding the distribution of resources might be used to increase the happiness of the Thai population. The term happiness refers to the subjective side of life quality, which in contemporary science is more commonly referred to as subjective wellbeing (SWB). The SWB construct is described within the theoretical context of SWB homeostasis. This is a proposed management system which has the role of maintaining a positive view of the self. It will be described how the homeostatic system can be challenged by hardship. The resources that the system requires to manage such challenges will also be described. Recommended forms of SWB measurement will be considered. It is concluded that public policy which directs resources to disadvantaged population sectors may be one of the most effective initiatives to enhance population wellbeing and national productivity.

It's the economy : the effect of macroeconomic variables of the rate of suicide

Background. There are a large number of factors mediating suicide. Many studies have searched for a direct causal relationship between economic hardship and suicide, however, findings have been varied.

Method. Suicide data was obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the period between January 1968 and August 2002. These were correlated with a suite of macroeconomic data including housing loan interest rates, unemployment rates, days lost to industrial disputes, Consumer Price Index, gross domestic product, and the Consumer Sentiment Index.

Results. A total of 51 845 males and 16 327 females committed suicide between these dates. There were significant associations between suicide rates and eleven macroeconomic indicators for both genders in at least one age range. Data was divided into male and female and five age ranges and pooled ages. Analyses were conducted on these 132 datasets resulting in 80 significant findings. The data was generally stronger for indices measuring economic performance than indices measuring consumers’ perceptions of the state of the economy. A striking difference between male and female trends was seen. Generally, male suicide rates increased with markers of economic adversity, while the opposite pattern was seen in females. There were significantly different patterns in age-stratified data, with for example higher housing loan interest rates having a positive association with suicide in younger people and a negative association in older age groups.

Conclusion. Macroeconomic trends are significantly associated with suicide. The patterns in males and females are very different, and there are further substantial age-related differences.

A framework to understand depression among older persons

Aims and objectives.  To develop an explanatory framework to understand depression among community-dwelling Chinese older persons in Macau.

Background.  Depression has been described as the most common psychological problem among Chinese older persons. Dominant psychosocial theories are derived from research conducted mainly in western societies and similar research in Chinese populations is scant.

Design.  Mixed methods.

Methods.  Qualitative and quantitative methods (mixed methods) were employed to collect data from 31 participants between 2007–2009 in Macau.

Results.  Four categories of factors related to depression emerged: (1) negative thinking, (2) physical limitations and complaints, (3) present living conditions and social support and (4) past experiences. Each category interacts with the others and, consequently, one category both affects and is affected by others. The categories captured participants’ life-long hardship and bio-psycho-social-cultural disability that lay at the root of their negative thinking. The consequences and impacts of their negative thinking appear to feed and sustain depression.

Conclusion.  The framework offers a deeper understanding of the nature and meaning of the experiences of depressed older persons in a Chinese context.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings have several implications for clinical practice. First, the cultural context of Chinese older persons should be emphasised in nursing practice. Second, the root of depression among Chinese older persons is seen to lie in their social, family, cultural and day to day living issues. Finally, this study illustrates the potential for incorporating psychosocial nursing interventions as a therapeutic approach on its own or as an adjunct to other therapy.

Injecting content into the mirage that is proportionality in sentencing

Sentencing involves the deliberate infliction of harm by society on individuals. It is the most coercive means through which the community imposes its collective (albeit civilised) displeasure at harmful conduct. It is an important and complex process, which involves balancing fundamental interests of victims and the community on the one hand and offenders on the other. The single most important determinant in setting criminal sanctions is the principle of proportionality, which provides that the harshness of the penalty should match the seriousness of the offence. The principle is intuitively appealing but in reality is an illusion, and hence the reason why penalties for criminal offences vary enormously within and across jurisdictions. The main reason is because there is no agreement regarding the considerations that inform offence severity or sanction hardship. This article injects content into the proportionality principle by suggesting that both limbs of the principle should be informed by the extent to which the crime and the sanction set back the well-being of victims and offenders, respectively. These interests are not conclusively mapped. However, a methodology is set out for establishing these interests. This will lead to greater consistency in sentencing and provide a sounder, normative foundation for the manner in which society deals with criminals.

Economic impact of advanced pediatric cancer on families

Despite emerging evidence of substantial financial distress in families of children with complex illness, little is known about economic hardship in families of children with advanced cancer.

Sentencing: from vagueness to arbitrariness - the need to abolish the stain that is the instinctive synthesis

Criminal sanctions involve the deliberate infliction of hardship on offenders. In sentencing, the state acts in its most coercive and decisive manner: ‘the state may use its most awesome power: the power to use force against its citizens and others’. Despite the importance of the interests at stake in the sentencing realm,sentencing is arguably the least coherent, predictable and principled area of law. The High Court of Australia has not facilitated attempts to inject clarity and precision into sentencing determinations. It has repeatedly endorsed the ‘instinctive synthesis’ approach to sentencing, emphasising the need for ‘individual justice’ over the need for transparency and a step-wise systematic approach to sentencing.

The Psychometric Equivalence of the Personal Wellbeing Index for Normally Functioning and Homeostatically Defeated Australian Adults

Understanding subjective wellbeing (SWB) at the population level has major implications for governments and policy makers concerned with enhancing the life quality of citizens. The Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) is a measure of SWB with theoretical and empirical credentials. Homeostasis theory offers an explanation for the nature of SWB data, including the distribution of scores, maintenance and change over time. According to this theory, under normal conditions, the dominant constituent of SWB is Homeostatically Protected Mood (HPMood), which is held within a genetically determined range of values around a set-point. However, in extreme circumstances (e.g., financial hardship, chronic illness), HPMood may dissociate from SWB, as cognitive/emotional reactions to the cause of homeostatic challenge assume control over SWB. This study investigates two groups as people scoring in the positive range for SWB and people who are likely to be experiencing homeostatic defeat/challenge. We test whether the reduced influence of HPMood on SWB due to homeostatic defeat has implications for the validity of SWB measurement. Participants were 45,192 adults (52 % female), with a mean age of 48.88 years (SD = 17.35 years), who participated in the first 23 surveys of the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index over the years 2001–2010. Multiple regression analysis, multiple group confirmatory factor analysis, and Rasch modelling techniques were used to evaluate the psychometric performance of the PWI across the two groups. Results show that while the PWI functioned as intended for the normal group, SWB in the challenged group was lower across all PWI domains, more variable, and the domain scores lacked the strength of inter-correlation observed in the normal, comparison group. These changes are consistent with predictions based on homeostasis theory and one major implication of the findings is that SWB measures may not function equivalently across the entire spectrum of possible domain satisfaction scores.

Unmet needs and distress in people with inoperable lung cancer at the commencement of treatment

Purpose : People with lung cancer report a higher burden of unmet needs, specifically psychological and daily living unmet needs. They experience more psychological distress and more physical hardship than other tumour sites. This study examined the levels of unmet need and psychological distress in inoperable lung cancer patients at the start of treatment.

Methods : A cross-section survey methodology was employed using baseline data from a randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate a supportive care intervention. Eligible lung cancer patients were approached to participate at the start of treatment. Consenting patients completed questionnaires prior to or just after the commencement of treatment. Reliable and valid measures included Needs Assessment for Advanced Lung Cancer Patients, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Brief Distress Thermometer.

Results : Of the 108 patients participating, the top unmet need was ‘Dealing with concerns about your family’s fears and worries’ (62%); with the next four also coming from the psychological/emotional domain, but, on average, most needs related to medical communication. Thirty two percent of patients reported clinical or subclinical anxiety and 19% reported HADS scores suggestive of clinical or subclinical depression. Moreover, 39.8% of the sample reported distress above the cut-off on the distress thermometer and this was associated with higher needs for each need subscale (p < 0.05).

Conclusions : People with lung cancer have high levels of unmet needs especially regarding psychological/emotional or medical communication. People with lung cancer who are classified as distressed have more unmet needs.

Jail up; crime down does not justify Australia becoming an incarceration nation

The imprisonment rate in Australia is at unprecedented high levels, both interms of actual prisoner numbers and the rate at which it is increasing. Forthe first time in recorded history the incarceration rate in Australia has morethan doubled in less than 25 years. Prison is the harshest form ofpunishment in our system of justice and imposes considerable hardship onoffenders. It also comes at a considerable financial cost to the community.Accordingly, the surge in prisoner numbers is a significant macro social,economic and legal development. The increase did not occur pursuant to anoverarching strategic plan and is an area that is under-researched. Theprison population increase has arisen as a result of a ‘tough on crime’approach that continues without any sign of abatement. The use ofimprisonment should only be increased if there is a demonstrable benefit tothe community. This article examines whether there is a sound rationalebehind the rising trend in prison numbers. The increasing incarceration ratehas coincided with a significant reduction in the crime rate. A causalconnection between the two events (increased prisoner numbers andreduced crime) could constitute a powerful argument in favour of the surgein prison numbers. However, an examination of the empirical data inAustralia fails to demonstrate even a tenable link between these events. Wealso conclude that at the theoretical level there is no rationale for theincreased use of imprisonment. If the imprisonment rate continues to rise,there is a risk of a prison and financial crisis similar to that currently beingexperienced in the United States, which has resulted in an extremecounter-reaction in the form of a retrospective reduction of some prison terms.

From the Hill

Q&A: Tashia Bradley on Kentucky, Tortola, The Pugh Center mission, and the mild winter she brought with her to Maine Weather Report: Senior speaks at meteorological meeting, challenges historians' take on the history of forecasting Finding Community: Projects for Peace documentary explores a different, and for many, more rewarding way of life Literary Peaks: At Whitefish Review, Colby trio (plus one) gives art and literature a mountain home Sadoff Invites Us To Love Life Despite Hardship and Injustice (Review) Marketing Experts Say Plain Talk Beats Social Media Considering Life's Stepping Stones: For Debra Spark's characters, it's the journey, not the destination (Review) Finding Home Amid Myth and Mystery (Review) Recent Releases Concussion Impact: Colby-based project helps Maine schools reduce sports injuries Quiet Powerhouse: Rachael Mack ends career with 1,241 points, leads team turnaround Sports Shorts The Nation's Fastest: Dominique Kone '13 wins NCAA DIII 60-meter dash, coming back from 2011 injury

A utilização dos fundos de investimento imobiliários como veículos na gestão de ativos das empresas

No Brasil, historicamente, as companhias sempre detiveram ativos imobiliários (sede social, plantas fabris, galpões, etc.), influenciadas pela instabilidade macroeconômica, o que acarretava a dificuldade em estimar o preço do dinheiro. Com o controle inflacionário, foi possível expandir formas de financiamento de longo prazo, permitindo que as empresas passassem a realizar a alocação de recursos financeiros com mais eficiência, direcionando-os para as suas atividades principais. Assim, a discussão sobre a propriedade imobiliária pelas empresas é recente. E, há menos tempo ainda é que foram elaboradas novas alternativas, como os fundos de investimento imobiliário que tornaram-se mais representativos nos últimos três anos. Este trabalho visa analisar sobre as razões que permitem aos fundos de investimento imobiliário serem propostos como uma opção para as empresas realizarem a gestão de seus ativos imobiliários, quando estas buscarem não imobilizar recursos, mas sim, a locação do imóvel. Para alcançar este objetivo, o trabalho fará uma abordagem qualitativa, apresentando as características operacionais e tributárias dos fundos imobiliários e dois estudos de casos de empresas que promoveram a desmobilização de ativos por meio de fundos imobiliários. O primeiro caso é a venda de um centro de distribuição do Magazine Luiza, uma das maiores redes varejistas no Brasil, para o fundo Kinea Renda Imobiliária. O segundo exemplo é o processo de desmobilização do Banco do Brasil e o desenvolvimento do fundo BB Progressivo II. Será verificado que os objetivos das empresas foram alcançados nos dois casos e que, de fato, os fundos imobiliários podem ser considerados como uma alternativa. Entretanto, não é possível a conclusão de que ele produza os melhores resultados e que exista alguma atividade empresarial que tenha maior propensão a sua utilização. A pesquisa aborda os fundos de investimento imobiliário com o foco no locatário e possibilita que sejam aprimorados estudos quantitativos, identificando reações do mercado brasileiro ao aumento na quantidade de operações, e outras pesquisas qualitativas que envolvam novas estruturas de financiamento.

Diagnóstico da cadeia produtiva de rochas ornamentais e de revestimento do Estado do Ceará: mineração, serrarias, marmorarias e desafios do setor

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Pobreza, privação e transferência de renda na várzea amazônica: um estudo de caso para Sirituba em Abaetetuba, Pará

A pobreza é um problema multidimensional que se traduz em termos de privações e insuficiência de capacidades básicas. Os índices multidimensionais permitem uma análise apurada da qualidade de vida relacionada com a pobreza, considerando algumas dimensões importantes e representam um grande avanço na problemática do planejamento do desenvolvimento. O objetivo geral dessa pesquisa foi o de analisar as privações enfrentadas pelas famílias na comunidade Sirituba em Abaetetuba/PA, de acordo com as dimensões e indicadores do Índice de Pobreza Multidimensional (IPM) e analisar o impacto de transferências de renda em bens duráveis domésticos das famílias. A análise com famílias que recebem e não recebem transferências de renda mostrou que a duas tem a mesma quantidade de bens duráveis domésticos. A análise adaptada do IPM para Sirituba constatou que algumas famílias sofrem privações devido à baixa escolaridade dos chefes de família, à falta de acesso seguro água potável, à falta de saneamento básico e ao método rústico para cozinhas. Verificou-se também uma tendência de melhora no Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM) de Abaetetuba. O município evoluiu da faixa de “muito baixo desenvolvimento humano” para o “médio desenvolvimento humano”, isso representa uma evolução nos indicadores de educação, longevidade e renda. No entanto, sabe-se que a área urbana de Abaetetuba não apresenta os mesmos serviços públicos de uma área rural como Sirituba. O Censo 2000 e 2010 consideram dados diferentes para cada uma dessas áreas demonstrando que os serviços de energia elétrica e abastecimento de água, prestados na área rural, são menos disponíveis em comparação a área urbana de Abaetetuba.

A dor que ressoa nos contos pós-64: aspectos de uma ficcionalização do testemunho

A presente dissertação enfoca as relações entre a literatura e a história, tendo por objetivo identificar e analisar os aspectos recorrentes em contos que ficcionalizam o relato da tortura ligada ao Regime Militar brasileiro de 1964. Para tanto, elegemos como corpus desta pesquisa os textos “Acudiram três cavaleiros”, de Marques Rabelo (1967); “O mar mais longe que vejo”, de Caio Fernando Abreu (1970); “Pedro Ramiro”, de Rodolfo Konder (1977); “O jardim das oliveiras”, de Nélida Piñon (1980); “Saindo de dentro do corpo”, de Flávio Moreira da Costa (1982); “O leite em pó da bondade humana”, de Haroldo Maranhão (1983); “Não passarás o Jordão”, de Luiz Fernando Emediato (1984); e “A mancha”, de Luis Fernando Veríssimo (2003). Tais narrativas apresentam como núcleo narrativo cenas de tortura relacionadas à ditadura civil-militar instalada no Brasil em 1964. Partimos da hipótese de que esses contos se apropriam de aspectos composicionais do testemunho verídico e os reelaboram esteticamente nos textos, muitas vezes, rompendo o que se teoriza sobre o testemunho verídico, na tentativa de se traduzir em palavras as aporias da rememoração do trauma provocado pela tortura. Para dar conta de tais proposições, elegeu-se como percurso a contextualização histórica realizada no primeiro capítulo, com o intuito de pontuar as relações existentes entre as produções e o contexto histórico. Em seguida, no capítulo dois, realizou-se a revisão do referencial teórico que baseia a pesquisa, centrando nas formulações propostas acerca da teoria do testemunho. Por fim, no terceiro capítulo, realizou-se a análise do corpus, com base em três aspectos recorrentes nas narrativas: a composição dos personagens, a organização da narrativa e a seleção vocabular. Para tal análise iremos nos pautar, principalmente, nas formulações de Seligmann-Silva (2003; 2008), Valeria de Marco (2004) e Elcio Loureiro Cornelsen (2011), acerca do testemunho de catástrofes históricas e da dimensão ficcional dessas produções; nas proposições de Maria Rita Kehl (2004) sobre o corpo torturado; e nas considerações de Sigmund Freud (1920), sobre trauma.