The Psychology of Eco-Consumption.

Information programs to promote cellulosic biofuels may not achieve their objectives unless consumers can be induced to care about the information presented to them. The social psychology literature highlights two commonly used models to link psychological variables to environmentally related behaviors: the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Norm Activation Theory (NAT). Other studies have compared the strength of these models or have adapted these models by adding additional variables, but few have compared across the alternative variable combinations noted in the literature. That is, most studies have added one or two psychological variables to the NAT or TPB models and have found that the additional variable is a significant factor influencing behavior. However, we are unfamiliar with any study that has included the full suite of examined variables within one model. This could be a problem in that the psychological variables are likely to be correlated. In turn, the output of these models may suffer from omitted variable bias; which could lead to erroneous conclusions about the importance of any specific variable. Previous findings that individual variables are significant in influencing behaviors may be incorrect. One objective here then is to start examining whether these \u27significant findings\u27 are robust, and if not, whether we can be more parsimonious in future modeling efforts. Economists often assume preferences are adequately proxied by the person\u27s socioeconomic characteristics or by the person\u27s participation in some environmental behavior. Recently, economists have begun to recognize that these characteristics are poor proxies especially since the proxies commonly used are binary (0/1) variables that provide relatively little detail, are usually not policy or program relevant and lack a theoretical justification. Thus, another objective is to compare the performance of models that incorporate these proxy variables with models incorporating psychological variables. Our results suggest: that a combined TPB and NAT model may be more effective than either model alone; that many variables seen as important in the literature may be less important than previously thought (allowing for more parsimonious models - resulting in less costly data collection); and that common proxy variables like membership in an environmental group may not work that well

Biofuels Development in Maine: Using Trees to Oil the Wheels of Sustainabilty

As national standards require increased use of renewable transportation fuels by 2022, Maine is positioned to be a leader in wood-based cellulosic ethanol production and use. Caroline Noblet, Mario Teisl, Katherine Farrow, and Jonathan Rubin consider Mainers’ willingness to accept and use biofuels. They document the current level of consumer knowledge and behavior and identify factors (environmental, economic, and energy security) that may assist or constrain drivers from purchasing biofuels

Sustainable Transportation for Maine’s Future

Maine is dependent on its transportation infrastructure for continued economic strength and growth, particularly on the 22,670 miles of public roads. Maine ranks fourteenth in the nation for the largest number of highway miles traveled annually per capita - 14,912 per year. Maine is highly reliant on its road system because large areas of the State lack transportation alternatives. This means that the current and future condition of the roadways is a major concern. How such a crucial infrastructure will continue to be supported and enhanced financially to meet the growing needs of the State must be considered carefully

Relacionamento Mãe-Primogênito durante a Gestação do Segundo Filho

The present study investigated impressions and feelings of eight mothers who were interviewed concerning the relationship with their firstborn child during the pregnancy of their second child. Based on content analysis, the results indicated that the new pregnancy required a redefinition of mother’s relationship with her firstborn child and of her maternal identity. Because mother was emotionally involved with the baby, as well as physical restrictions of the pregnancy, limitations of the interaction between the mother and her firstborn child during play and in daily care were reported. The results suggest the importance of the family’s social network and, eventually, the necessity of intervention programs for families involved in the transition process of having a second child.  O presente estudo investigou as impressões de oito mães, que responderam a uma entrevista sobre seu relacionamento com o primogênito durante a gestação do segundo filho. A partir de uma análise de conteúdo, os resultados revelaram que a nova gestação trouxe-lhes a necessidade de uma redefinição em sua identidade materna e em sua relação com o primogênito. Além de voltar-se emocionalmente para o bebê, as restrições físicas da gestação trouxeram limitações à interação mãe-primogênito, tanto em brincadeiras como nos cuidados diários. Destaca-se ainda o aumento no apoio fornecido pelo casal parental ao primogênito. Os resultados sugerem a importância da rede de apoio e de programas de intervenção para famílias envolvidas na transição para o nascimento do segundo filho. &nbsp

The importance of early arthroscopy in athletes with painful cartilage lesions of the ankle: a prospective study of 61 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND Ankle sprains are common in sports and can sometimes result in a persistent pain condition. PURPOSE Primarily to evaluate clinical symptoms, signs, diagnostics and outcomes of surgery for symptomatic chondral injuries of the talo crural joint in athletes. Secondly, in applicable cases, to evaluate the accuracy of MRI in detecting these injuries. Type of study: Prospective consecutive series. METHODS Over around 4 years we studied 61 consecutive athletes with symptomatic chondral lesions to the talocrural joint causing persistent exertion ankle pain. RESULTS 43% were professional full time athletes and 67% were semi-professional, elite or amateur athletes, main sports being soccer (49%) and rugby (14%). The main subjective complaint was exertion ankle pain (93%). Effusion (75%) and joint line tenderness on palpation (92%) were the most common clinical findings. The duration from injury to arthroscopy for 58/61 cases was 7 months (5.7–7.9). 3/61 cases were referred within 3 weeks from injury. There were in total 75 cartilage lesions. Of these, 52 were located on the Talus dome, 17 on the medial malleolus and 6 on the Tibia plafond. Of the Talus dome injuries 18 were anteromedial, 14 anterolateral, 9 posteromedial, 3 posterolateral and 8 affecting mid talus. 50% were grade 4 lesions, 13.3% grade 3, 16.7% grade 2 and 20% grade 1. MRI had been performed pre operatively in 26/61 (39%) and 59% of these had been interpreted as normal. Detection rate of cartilage lesions was only 19%, but subchondral oedema was present in 55%. At clinical follow up average 24 months after surgery (10–48 months), 73% were playing at pre-injury level. The average return to that level of sports after surgery was 16 weeks (3–32 weeks). However 43% still suffered minor symptoms. CONCLUSION Arthroscopy should be considered early when an athlete presents with exertion ankle pain, effusion and joint line tenderness on palpation after a previous sprain. Conventional MRI is not reliable for detecting isolated cartilage lesions, but the presence of subchondral oedema should raise such suspicion

A experiência da maternidade pela primeira vez: as mudanças vivenciadas no tornar-se mãe

Este estudo buscou conhecer as mudanças percebidas pelas mães primíparas em si, em seus relacionamentos e na rede de apoio a partir da vivência da maternidade. Integraram o estudo seis mães primíparas, cujos bebês tinham entre sete e 12 meses de idade, participantes do Programa da Criança de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de uma cidade do interior do Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil). A pesquisa teve caráter qualitativo, utilizando-se de uma entrevista semiestruturada como instrumento de coleta de dados. Os resultados obtidos pela análise de conteúdo apontaram o predomínio de sentimentos de insatisfação diante das mudanças percebidas no corpo e a presença de mudanças positivas no modo de ser da mulher após a maternidade. Além disso, destaca-se a presença de uma rede de apoio e o papel desempenhado pelo pai do bebê como suporte tanto instrumental como emocional à mãe.Palavras-chave: Relações mãe-criança. Relações familiares. Maternidade

Prevalence and associated factors with depression and anxiety in prisoners in South of Brazil

Background: Brazil has the third largest prison population in the world. Research in the world has confirmed a high prevalence of mental disorders in this population. Objective: To identify prevalence and associated factors with depression and anxiety in prisoners of the closed prison system. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 643 prisoners were interviewed in six prisons in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. To evaluate depression and anxiety, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0 (MINI) was used and sociodemographic, inprisonment and lifestyle habits variables were also collected. Results: The prevalence of depression found in the study was 20.6% (95% CI: 17.5-23.8) and of anxiety was 19.9% (95% CI: 16.8-23.0). The following were identified as risk factors for depression: being female, having a history of mental illness, non-white skin color, having a religion, not receiving visits, smoking, using drugs and not performing physical activities. Risk factors for anxiety were: being female, having a history of mental illness, a family history of mental illness, smoking and using drugs. Discussion: The study confirmed the high rates of depression and anxiety in the population deprived of liberty. In addition, women were twice as likely to have both disorders compared to men

Experiências de mulheres companheiras de homens presos dentro e fora das prisões

This study aimed to understand the repercussions of prison for female companions of imprisoned men. Twelve female companions of male prisoners participated in the study. Data were collected through a sociodemographic data questionnaire and a semi-structured interview, and submitted to Thematic Analysis. There was an important change in the women’s entire lives after the arrest of their partners, considering experiences directly related to prison, as well as repercussions on their lives in general, which went beyond direct contact with the prison context. It is considered necessary to highlight the processes to which these women are exposed, as well as to legitimize their experiences, intertwined in a process of significant increase in incarceration in Brazil.Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender las repercusiones de la prisión para las mujeres acompañantes de hombres encarcelados. Doce compañeras de presos varones participaron del estudio. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos y una entrevista semiestructurada, y sometidos al Análisis Temático. Hubo un cambio importante en toda la vida de las mujeres después de la detención de sus parejas, considerando experiencias directamente relacionadas con la prisión, así como repercusiones en sus vidas en general, que iban más allá del contacto directo con el contexto penitenciario. Se considera necesario resaltar los procesos a los que están expuestas estas mujeres, así como legitimar sus experiencias, entrelazadas en un proceso de aumento significativo de encarcelamiento en Brasil.Cette étude visait à comprendre les répercussions de la prison pour les compagnes d’hommes incarcérés. Douze compagnes de détenus masculins ont participé à l’étude. Les données ont été recueillies au moyen d’un questionnaire de données sociodémographiques et d’un entretien semi-structuré, et soumises à une analyse thématique. Il y a eu un changement important dans la vie entière des femmes après l’arrestation de leurs partenaires, compte tenu des expériences directement liées à la prison, ainsi que des répercussions sur leur vie en général, qui sont allées au-delà du contact direct avec le contexte carcéral. Il est jugé nécessaire de mettre en évidence les processus auxquels ces femmes sont exposées, ainsi que de légitimer leurs expériences, entrelacées dans un processus d’augmentation significative de l’incarcération au Brésil.Este estudo objetivou conhecer as repercussões da prisão para mulheres companheiras de homens presos. Participaram do estudo doze mulheres companheiras de homens presos. Os dados foram coletados através de um questionário de dados sociodemográficos e de uma entrevista semiestruturada, e submetidos à Análise Temática. Constatou-se uma modificação importante de toda a vida das mulheres a partir da prisão de seus companheiros, considerando experiências diretamente relacionadas à prisão, assim como repercussões em sua vida de modo geral, que extrapolavam o contato direto com o contexto prisional. Considera-se necessário evidenciar os processos a que essas mulheres são expostas, bem como legitimar suas vivências, imbrincadas em um processo de aumento significativo do encarceramento no Brasil