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Social Implications (social + implication)
Selected AbstractsSocial Implications of Hyperfunctional Facial LinesDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2003J. Charles Finn MD The face is the focus of human interactions, and facial appearance profoundly affects self-esteem. Facial appearance is not only a compilation of the dimensions of the primary morphologic features but is also a direct result of the emotional expressions exhibited on the face. Facial expressions are central in the communication of emotions, as well as in signaling characteristics such as age. The repeated expression of emotions produces hyperfunctional facial lines, and the presence of these lines when the face is at repose may give an erroneous impression of emotions or personality characteristics. These lines are also perceived as a sign of aging. Treatment of hyperfunctional facial lines is beneficial for patients who believe that their faces are not communicating their emotions properly, who want to delay the outward appearance of aging, or who simply want to look their best. [source] Book review: The Ethics of Protocells: Moral and Social Implications of Creating Life in the LaboratoryAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Juli Peretó No abstract is available for this article. [source] The next exclusion debate: Assessing technology, ethics, and intellectual disability after the human genome projectDEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 2 2007Kelly M. Munger Abstract Recent scientific discoveries have made it much easier to test prenatally for various genetic disabilities, such as Down syndrome. However, while many observers have heralded such "advances" for their effectiveness in detecting certain conditions, others have argued that they perpetuate discrimination by preventing the birth of children with disabilities. This article examines the ethical and social implications of the Human Genome Project for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. It details the critique of prenatal testing articulated by many disability rights activists as well as scholarly and professional responses to that critique. A review of the pertinent research literature includes perspectives of genetic professionals, ethicists, disability studies scholars, parents of children with disabilities, and disabled individuals themselves. Finally, the article explores how future research endeavors, policies, and practices may more effectively integrate and respect the positions of these various stakeholders. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:121,128. [source] Identity affirmation and social movement supportEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Bernd Simon It is argued that the power of collective identification to mobilize people for collective action such as social movement support derives at least partly from processes of identity affirmation. The hypothesized identity-affirming function of social movement support is tested in two laboratory experiments which revolve around collective identity as a supporter of the peace movement. In Experiment 1, we predicted and found that people who strongly identified with the peace movement showed more movement support (i.e. made more monetary donations to the peace movement) under conditions of uncertain as opposed to certain possession of identity as a movement supporter. In Experiment 2, we replicated this finding, but also found, in accordance with the notion of substitution, that the mobilizing effect of uncertain collective-identity possession was undermined when an identity symbol was available that could function as a surrogate for more costly identity-affirming behaviour. Further conceptual and social implications of the identity-affirming function of social movement support are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Smoothing Mechanisms in Defined Benefit Pension Accounting Standards: A Simulation Study,ACCOUNTING PERSPECTIVES, Issue 2 2009Cameron Morrill ABSTRACT The accounting for defined benefit (DB) pension plans is complex and varies significantly across jurisdictions despite recent international convergence efforts. Pension costs are significant, and many worry that unfavorable accounting treatment could lead companies to terminate DB plans, a result that would have important social implications. A key difference in accounting standards relates to whether and how the effects of fluctuations in market and demographic variables on reported pension cost are "smoothed". Critics argue that smoothing mechanisms lead to incomprehensible accounting information and induce managers to make dysfunctional decisions. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these mechanisms may vary. We use simulated data to test the volatility, representational faithfulness, and predictive ability of pension accounting numbers under Canadian, British, and international standards (IFRS). We find that smoothed pension expense is less volatile, more predictive of future expense, and more closely associated with contemporaneous funding than is "unsmoothed" pension expense. The corridor method and market-related value approaches allowed under Canadian GAAP have virtually no smoothing effect incremental to the amortization of actuarial gains and losses. The pension accrual or deferred asset is highly correlated with the pension plan deficit/surplus. Our findings complement existing, primarily archival, pension accounting research and could provide guidance to standard-setters. [source] Craniofacial trauma in the Prehispanic Canary IslandsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 5 2007L. S. Owens Abstract The current project is a study of craniofacial trauma in a large sample (n,=,896) of Prehispanic Canary Islanders (PCIs). The possible causes and social implications of the trauma found are considered, with reference to archaeological and historical data. Variables include the island, period and ecology, the sex and age of the individuals, the distribution of lesions across the skull (by side and by individual bone) and ante-mortem tooth loss. The results show a fairly high trauma rate (16%), a low prevalence of peri-mortem trauma (3.8% of all lesions), higher prevalence of trauma in males than in females (25% vs. 13% of all individuals), more cranial than facial lesions (8.9% vs. 3.5% of all elements) and more lesions on the left side of the skull (6.7% vs. 4.5% of all elements) which suggests that the lesions were sustained through intentional rather than accidental agency. There was no correspondence between trauma prevalence and ecology. The archaeological and historical data support the assertion that the lesions may be the result of skirmishing between groups, using weapons such as slingshots, stones and staves. The presence of edged-weapon lesions on some individuals suggests that these may have been the victims of contact-period European groups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Spiritual Seeking, Narcissism, and Psychotherapy: How Are They Related?JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION, Issue 2 2005PAUL WINK This study used data from a long-term longitudinal study of men and women to examine the relations among spirituality, narcissism, and psychotherapy. The findings indicated that in late adulthood (age late 60s/mid 70s) spirituality was related to autonomous or healthy narcissism but was unrelated to willful (overt) or hypersensitive (covert) narcissism, two pathological forms of the construct. Autonomy in early adulthood (age 30s) was a significant predictor of spirituality in late adulthood (a time interval of close to 40 years) and this relation was mediated by involvement in psychotherapy in midlife. Autonomy was related positively, and hypersensitivity was related negatively, to concern for the welfare of future generations. These findings are discussed in light of current concerns about the social implications of the therapeutic culture. [source] Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and implications for nursing practice: narrative reviewJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2010Elizabeth Kathryn Bancroft bancroft e.k. (2010) Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and implications for nursing practice: narrative review. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 710,737. Abstract Title.,Genetic testing for cancer predisposition and implications for nursing practice:narrative review. Aim., This paper is a report of a review of literature on the psychological and social implications of genetic testing for cancer predisposition and how recent developments in knowledge about genetics may affect clinical practice. Background., Knowledge about the genetics of disease has grown since the completion of the Human Genome Project. Many common genetic changes that predispose to cancer have been found. Identifying genetically ,at risk' individuals is going to become a feature of healthcare and nursing practice over the next decade. The psychological and social effects of this knowledge on patients and their families are important considerations. Data sources., A search of the British Nursing Index, CINAHL, EMBASE and PUBMED databases was conducted between June 2007 and December 2008 without date limits. Grey literature was sought using search engines and through searching relevant websites. Review methods., A narrative review of studies published in English was conducted. The studies were reviewed for relevance and inclusion criteria; their methodological quality was not evaluated. Results., Seventy-eight papers met the inclusion criteria and fell into three thematic categories: social impact, psychological impact and interest in and uptake of genetic testing. To date, research has focussed on high-risk cancer genes. Conclusion., Genetic testing raises social, ethical and psychological concerns. Further research is required to determine how healthcare professionals can support the integration of genetics into clinical practice. Nurses will become increasingly involved in genetic testing and will play a key role in providing information, support and follow-up for individuals identified as being at higher risk. [source] New frontiers of assisted reproductive technology (Chien Tien Hsu Memorial Lecture 2007)JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2009P. C. Ho Abstract Many significant advances have been made in assisted reproductive technology since the birth of the first baby conceived with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The development of recombinant gonadotropins and gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists helps to simplify the ovarian stimulation. Excessive ovarian stimulation should be avoided because of the risks of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and reduction in endometrial receptivity. Maturation of oocytes in vitro has been developed in some centers. It is still uncertain whether techniques such as assisted hatching, blastocyst transfer and pre-implantation aneuploidy screening can improve the live birth rates in assisted reproduction. The introduction of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis for selection of human lymphocyte antigens (HLA) compatible embryos for treatment of siblings has raised ethical concerns. There is a higher risk of obstetric complications and congenital abnormalities even in singleton pregnancies achieved with assisted reproduction. Because of the risks of multiple pregnancies, elective single embryo transfer is increasingly used in good-prognosis patients. With a good freezing program, the cumulative pregnancy rate (including the pregnancies from subsequent replacement of frozen-thawed embryos) is not adversely affected. Improvement in cryopreservation techniques has made it possible to cryopreserve slices of ovarian tissue or oocytes, thus helping women who have to receive sterilizing forms of anti-cancer treatment to preserve their fertility. It is important that the development of the new techniques should be based on good scientific evidence. Ethical, legal and social implications should also be considered before the introduction of new techniques. [source] Privatize your name: Symbolic work in a post-Soviet linguistic marketJOURNAL OF SOCIOLINGUISTICS, Issue 3 2000Alexei Yurchak This paper analyzes the new names given to Russian private businesses that have appeared after the collapse of the Soviet State in 1991. By naming new private ventures their owners members of the new business class attempt to privatize public space not only legally but also symbolically and linguistically. They strive to construct their particular new version of social reality, to represent it as positive and meaningful, and to impose themselves publicly as legitimate authors, owners, and masters of this new reality. This paper proceeds on several distinct levels of analysis. First, it analyzes a number of discourses, representing various subcultures and periods of Soviet and Russian history, from which new business names draw their complex meanings. Second, it considers concrete linguistic and semiotic techniques that are employed by the new names in this process. Third, it examines the cultural and social implications of this process of nomination for post-Soviet developments in the Russian society. [source] Gaps in Service in the Recognition and Treatment of Depression and Suicidal Ideation Within a Four-County AreaPERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHIATRIC CARE, Issue 4 2003Bonnie Raingruber PhD PURPOSE To examine gaps in service in the treatment of depression and suicidal ideation. METHODS A phenomenological investigation of clients' (n = 10) and service providers' (n = 40) perspectives. FINDINGS Compartmentalized systems of care and lack of continuity between inpatient and outpatient treatment contributed to a sense of frustration in both groups. Receiving mental health care was likened to being given a brokenapart puzzle with individual pieces shuffling around in a box. Little bits of help are available, but none of them mesh. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive solutions are needed if the human and social implications of depression are to be addressed. [source] Survival and expansion: migrants in Greek rural regionsPOPULATION, SPACE AND PLACE (PREVIOUSLY:-INT JOURNAL OF POPULATION GEOGRAPHY), Issue 6 2008Charalambos Kasimis Abstract Migratory movements towards southern Europe have increased considerably in the past 20 years. An important aspect of this process is connected to the agricultural sector and rural regions , a development connected to agriculture's particular weight in the economies and societies of all southern European countries. However, their role is not restricted to agriculture. They are also related to non-agricultural economic activities and the overall support of aged populations, especially in marginal or mountainous rural areas. This paper draws on the qualitative and quantitative findings of two research projects carried out in three exemplar rural regions of Greece and over two different periods: 2000,2002 and 2004,2006. The aim of the research was the empirical investigation of the economic and social implications of the settlement and employment of migrant labour in rural Greece. The paper moves from the presentation of the theoretical and methodological framework to the presentation of the main findings for each period of the research. The socioeconomic implications of migrant employment and settlement in the regions studied are revealed in the light of the recent Common Agricultural Policy changes, and the changes following the implementation of ,regularisation programmes'. Additionally, the characteristics of migration trends in these regions are identified and the formation of new migrant social groups, with different prospects of social integration and mobility, is revealed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Wiki a la carte: Understanding participation behaviorsPROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2007Pnina Shachaf Organizer This panel focuses on trends in research on Wikis. Wikis have become prevalent in our society and are used for multiple purposes, such as education, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and coordination. Similar to other popular social computing tools, they raise new research questions and have attracted the attention of researchers in information science. While some focus on the semantic web, the automatic processing of data accumulated by users, and tool improvements, others discuss social implications of Wikis. This panel presents five studies that address the social uses of Wikis that support information sharing. In their studies, the panelists use a variety of novel applications of research methods, such as action research, and online ethnography, site observation, survey, and interviews. The panelists will present their findings: Shachaf and Hara will discuss Wikipedians' norms and behaviors; Bonk will present collaborative writing on Wikibook; Mackey will discuss authorship and collaboration in PBwiki.com; Hemminger will share results from the early use of wikis for conference communications; and Stvilia will outline the community mechanism of information quality assurance in Wikipedia. [source] Computatonal Intelligence: The Grid as a Post-Human NetworkARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, Issue 5 2006Philippe Morel Abstract Research and design collaborative EZCT Architecture & Design Research has adopted grid computing to produce a series of furniture systems and other small-scale prototypes using genetic algorithms in combination with automated fabrication technologies. Here, cofounder Philippe Morel relates this design practice to the broader technical and social implications of various grid-computing projects, such as the online organisation Folding@Home, which utilises grid computing and distributed communities for the production and exchange of postindustrial knowledge. He argues that these ,knowledge farms' which create an ,ambient factory', are perhaps the ultimate form of social-economic production, transforming not only the evolution of design but of the communities that produce and eventually consume its products. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] What does the community think about lifespan extension technologies?AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 4 2006The need for an empirical base for ethical, policy debates Objectives:,This paper examines public understandings of possibilities for increasing life expectancy, interest in taking up lifespan-extending interventions, and motivations influencing these intentions. Methods:,Structured interviews were conducted with 31 adults, aged 50 and over. Results:,Participants believed that technological advances would increase life expectancy but questioned the value of quantity over quality of life. Life in itself was not considered valuable without the ability to put it to good use. Participants would not use technologies to extend their own lifespan unless the result would also enhance their health. Conclusions:,These findings may not be generalisable to the general public but they provide the first empirical evidence on the plausibility of common assumptions about public interest in ,anti-ageing' interventions. Surveys of the views of representative samples of the population are needed to inform the development of a research agenda on the ethical, legal and social implications of lifespan extension. [source] OUTLINING ETHICAL ISSUES IN NANOTECHNOLOGIESBIOETHICS, Issue 7 2009ANTONIO G. SPAGNOLO ABSTRACT Nanotechnologies are an expression of the human ability to control and manipulate matter on a very small scale. Their use will enable an even and constant monitoring of human organisms, in a new and perhaps less invasive way. Debates at all levels , national, European and international , have pointed out the common difficulty of giving a complete, clear definition of nanotechnologies. This is primarily due to the variety of their components, to the fact that there is not just one technology but several. The most significant medical applications of nanotechnologies are in the diagnostic and the therapeutic fields, eg biosensors and molecular imaging, providing diagnosis and drug delivery with no invasive methods involved. Like any other emerging field, such technologies imply new possibilities for improving health but, on the other hand, they are still at an experimental stage and therefore should be implemented under rigorous safety testing before going on general release. For this purpose, the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of nanotechnologies have been elaborated by study groups, in order to develop solutions before the results of the tests are diffused into medical practice. The aim of this paper is to define some of the ethical issues concerning biomedical applications and to evaluate whether there is a need for new or additional guidelines and regulations. [source] | |||||||||||||