Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper reports on the International Self-Report Study (ISRD-2) conducted in Venezuela.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: In this paper we examine biological, chemical, and nuclear warfare preparedness exercises in the United States. We argue that not only are biological warfare preparedness exercises designed to test for weaknesses in the internal security and public health apparatus, but are also explicitly designed forms of information warfare and perception management. As such they are targeted at both reassuring the population of the ability of the state to respond to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents, and at communicating a message of deterrence to potential enemies, be they domestic or transnational terrorist networks, criminal organizations, or states. We locate the current counterterror and homeland security mobilization in a broader historical context by comparing current preparedness exercises and guidelines to civil defense exercises during the Second World War and Cold War.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: One of the most challenging diabetes-related behavior changes is adhering to a healthful diet. Drawing on the social support literature, this qualitative study explores how spousal support influences diet changes following a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older adults. The study sample included married couples, in which both adults were age 50 and older, and at least one of whom was diagnosed by a physician with diabetes at least one year previously. Participating couples completed survey questionnaires on their general health, diet-related diabetes management, social support, and marital quality, and attended follow-up focus group meetings. The study aimed: (1) to discern the role of spouses in the link between diabetes diagnosis and adherence to recommended diet changes; (2) to assess what other individual, behavioral, and environmental factors are associated with the links; and (3) to determine if men or women benefit more from the effects of the identified factors. Results on 30 couples show: (1) commitment to the spousal relationship and open communication increases self-efficacy in diabetes management; (2) perceptions of higher marital quality is associated with more positive spousal support; (3) women offer more self-care behavioral support to men diagnosed with diabetes; and (4) men diagnosed with diabetes appear to benefit more from spousal support than do women. Our findings highlight the complex and varied challenges facing adults living with diabetes. Implications from the focus group data may inform the development of more effective, targeted nutrition messages and programs to provide specific knowledge and skills.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Despite decades of research on the “new immigration,” we know little about how states and communities where Latino immigrants have recently settled respond to the arrival of these newcomers. Most research still highlights the experiences and problems of immigrant newcomers themselves; we have learned relatively little about the culture and institutions of long established residents in host states and communities. Based on a 2-year ethnographic study, this paper illuminates how 2 Indiana communities responded to the relatively sudden arrival of significant numbers of Latino immigrant newcomers, from 1995-2005. In one community, corporate and philanthropic elites determined the direction and tenor of the community response; organizations and resources that were developed for integration were subject to limiting criteria of “self-sufficiency.” In the other community, decentralized networks and fractious university groups combined to provide highly empathetic, but sporadic services; advocacy burnout, and a pervasive “multicultural complacency,” combined to limit the deeper institutionalization of newcomer integration efforts. Such findings make us skeptical that well-intended efforts at integrating Latino immigrant newcomers will persist over time; rather, our evidence suggests that current forms of community response have trajectories which will further marginalize Latino newcomers and their children in coming years.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to provide the reader with the latest conceptual and methodological developments in the field of assessing the linkage between peacebuilding and development. The paper presents an eight step Peace and Conflict Intervention Assessment Systems (PCIAS) model that aims to overcome the shortcomings in this field and give a contribution to a systematic and potentially standardized systems approach to assessing the peacebuilding relevance, impact and sustainability of interventions taking place in conflict prone areas. The PCIA-System as a comprehensive, holistic model also includes the most important existing methodologies in the field from different conflict analysis tools to the above mentioned assessment approaches: it helps to position these different approaches into the PCIA-System and raises awareness of their best utilization. Moreover, the model has elaborated additional, new methodologies and also focuses on the ways and means to enhance institutional and personal learning processes.