Problematic Sexual Beliefs and Behaviors in the Church: A Content Analysis of Faith-Based Curricula Related to Evidence-Based Interventions

Internet pornography use, sexual problems, and sexual addiction are problematic not only for society but also for the church. The religious community needs interventions that can effectively treat sexually addictive and non-addictive problems that do no harm to individuals. The purpose of this study was: (a) to examine five faith-based curricula available for use in churches to determine whether they include key evidence-based treatment (EBT) components found effective in treating sexual addiction, and (b) to determine whether these curricula differentiate between addictive versus non-addictive sexual behaviors. Because no known studies have been conducted to examine faith-based treatment (FBT) curricula for EBT key components, the research design for this study was a qualitative inductive content analysis. The results showed that all five FBT curricula include EBT key components but the FBTs varied in how many EBT components they contained. The results also showed that only one of the five FBTs differentiates between and offers different treatment approaches for addictive versus non-addictive sexual behaviors. The recommendations were that the FBTs should expand their curricula to incorporate more EBT components, implement assessment measures to differentiate between addictive versus non-addictive sexual behaviors, and provide approaches that differentiate between sexual addiction, non-sexual addiction, and moral/sin issues. With these added components, the FBT curricula can make a significant difference in helping the church deal with sexual addiction, which can also positively influence the spiritual climate in the church

Becoming a professional: The five pillars of identification in Occupational Psychology in the UK

This study aims to explore how professional identification occurs in Occupational Psychology (OP) in the UK. Professional identification is a sense of belonging and individual feelings towards a group. In OP, competition for jobs is high and availability of roles with the title of “Occupational Psychologist” is low. Thus, many OPs are self-employed and multiple terms are used to describe the profession. Twenty working individuals, with a BPS accredited entry-level and master’s qualification in OP, participated in narrative interviews. Thematic analysis led to the development of five ‘pillars’ of professional identification: a) education and learning; b) networking; c) managing challenges; d) career-crafting; and e) professional recognition and authenticity. Each of the five pillars have a unique role to play in supporting professional identification in OP. Strong professional identification requires sustained effort in all pillars. Practitioners supporting the careers of Occupational Psychologists, and Occupational Psychologists themselves must develop stronger opportunities for networking and relationship building to enable individual development through multiple and diverse experiences. Furthermore, routes to accredited professional practice must be diversified and a positive rhetoric constructed around the achievement of Chartered status. Suggestions for future research are presented providing clear actions for the practitioner community

The Type Ia Supernova Rate in Redshift 0.5--0.9 Galaxy Clusters

Supernova (SN) rates are potentially powerful diagnostics of metal enrichment and SN physics, particularly in galaxy clusters with their deep, metal-retaining potentials and relatively simple star-formation histories. We have carried out a survey for supernovae (SNe) in galaxy clusters, at a redshift range 0.5<z<0.9, using the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) on the Hubble Space Telescope. We reimaged a sample of 15 clusters that were previously imaged by ACS, thus obtaining two to three epochs per cluster, in which we discovered five likely cluster SNe, six possible cluster SNe Ia, two hostless SN candidates, and several background and foreground events. Keck spectra of the host galaxies were obtained to establish cluster membership. We conducted detailed efficiency simulations, and measured the stellar luminosities of the clusters using Subaru images. We derive a cluster SN rate of 0.35 SNuB +0.17/-0.12 (statistical) \pm0.13 (classification) \pm0.01 (systematic) [where SNuB = SNe (100 yr 10^10 L_B_sun)^-1] and 0.112 SNuM +0.055/-0.039 (statistical) \pm0.042 (classification) \pm0.005 (systematic) [where SNuM = SNe (100 yr 10^10 M_sun)^-1]. As in previous measurements of cluster SN rates, the uncertainties are dominated by small-number statistics. The SN rate in this redshift bin is consistent with the SN rate in clusters at lower redshifts (to within the uncertainties), and shows that there is, at most, only a slight increase of cluster SN rate with increasing redshift. The low and fairly constant SN Ia rate out to z~1 implies that the bulk of the iron mass in clusters was already in place by z~1. The recently observed doubling of iron abundances in the intracluster medium between z=1 and 0, if real, is likely the result of redistribution of existing iron, rather than new production of iron.Comment: Accepted to ApJ. Full resolution version available at http://kicp.uchicago.edu/~kerens/HSTclusterSNe

The hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova iPTF 13ajg and its host galaxy in absorption and emission

We present imaging and spectroscopy of a hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova (SLSN) discovered by the intermediate Palomar Transient Factory, iPTF 13ajg. At a redshift of z = 0.7403, derived from narrow absorption lines, iPTF 13ajg peaked at an absolute magnitude of M u, AB = -22.5, one of the most luminous supernovae to date. The observed bolometric peak luminosity of iPTF 13ajg is 3.2 × 1044 erg s-1, while the estimated total radiated energy is 1.3 × 1051 erg. We detect narrow absorption lines of Mg I, Mg II, and Fe II, associated with the cold interstellar medium in the host galaxy, at two different epochs with X-shooter at the Very Large Telescope. From Voigt profile fitting, we derive the column densities log N(Mg I) =11.94 ± 0.06, log N(Mg II) =14.7 ± 0.3, and log N(Fe II) =14.25 ± 0.10. These column densities, as well as the Mg I and Mg II equivalent widths of a sample of hydrogen-poor SLSNe taken from the literature, are at the low end of those derived for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) whose progenitors are also thought to be massive stars. This suggests that the environments of hydrogen-poor SLSNe and GRBs are different. From the nondetection of Fe II fine-structure absorption lines, we derive a lower limit on the distance between the supernova and the narrow-line absorbing gas of 50 pc. The neutral gas responsible for the absorption in iPTF 13ajg exhibits a single narrow component with a low velocity width, ΔV = 76 km s-1, indicating a low-mass host galaxy. No host galaxy emission lines are detected, leading to an upper limit on the unobscured star formation rate (SFR) of SFR. Late-time imaging shows the iPTF 13ajg host galaxy to be faint, with g AB 27.0 and R AB ≥ 26.0 mag, corresponding to M B, Vega ≳ -17.7 mag. © 2014. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.

Proceedings of the Sixth Caldwell Conference, St. Catherines Island, Georgia, May 20-22, 2011.

494 pages : illustrations (some color), maps (some color) ; 26 cm. Conference sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History and the St. Catherines Island Foundation.Although this volume covers a broad range of temporal and methodological topics, the chapters are unified by a geographic focus on the archaeology of the Georgia Bight. The various research projects span multiple time periods (including Archaic, Woodland, Mississippian, and contact periods) and many incorporate specialized analyses (such as petrographic point counting, shallow geophysics, and so forth). The 26 contributors conducting this cutting-edge work represent the full spectrum of the archaeological community, including museum, academic, student, and contract archaeologists. Despite the diversity in professional and theoretical backgrounds, temporal periods examined, and methodological approaches pursued, the volume is unified by four distinct, yet interrelated, themes. Contributions in Part I discuss a range of analytical approaches for understanding time, exchange, and site layout. Chapters in Part II model coastal landscapes from both environmental and social perspectives. The third section addresses site-specific studies of late prehistoric architecture and village layout throughout the Georgia Bight. Part IV presents new and ongoing research into the Spanish mission period of this area. These papers were initially presented and discussed at the Sixth Caldwell Conference, cosponsored by the American Museum of Natural History and the St. Catherines Island Foundation, held on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, May 20-22, 2011. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Revising the ¹⁴C reservoir correction for St. Catherines Island, Georgia / David Hurst Thomas, Matthew C. Sanger, and Royce H. Hayes -- An assessment of coastal faunal data from Georgia and northeast Florida / Alexandra L. Parsons and Rochelle A. Marrinan -- Archaeological geophysics on St. Catherines Island : beyond prospection / Ginessa J. Mahar -- Paste variability and clay resource utilization at the Fountain of Youth site, St. Augustine, 8SJ31 / Ann S. Cordell and Kathleen A. Deagan -- Petrographic analysis of pottery and clay samples from the Georgia Bight : evidence of regional social interactions / Neill J. Wallis and Ann S. Cordell -- Past shorelines of the Georgia coast / Chester B. DePratter and Victor D. Thompson -- Coastal landscapes and their relationship to human settlement on the Georgia coast / John A. Turck and Clark R. Alexander -- The role of small islands in foraging economies of St. Catherines Island / Matthew F. Napolitano -- Ever-shifting landscapes : tracking changing spatial usage along coastal Georgia / Matthew C. Sanger -- A paleoeconomic model of the Georgia coast (4500-300 B.P.) / Thomas G. Whitley -- A survey of Irene phase architecture on the Georgia coast / Deborah A. Keene and Ervan G. Garrison -- Life and death on the Ogeechee : a view from the Redbird Creek village / Ryan O. Sipe -- Mission San Joseph de Sapala : mission-period archaeological research on Sapelo Island / Richard W. Jefferies and Christopher R. Moore -- The Guale landscape of Mission Santa Catalina de Guale : 30 years of geophysics at a Spanish colonial mission / Elliot H. Blair -- Missions San Buenaventura and Santa Cruz de Guadalquini : retreat from the Georgia coast / Keith H. Ashley, Vicki L. Rolland, and Robert L. Thunen -- Entangling events : the Guale coastal landscape and the Spanish missions / Victor D. Thompson, John A. Turck, Amanda D. Roberts Thompson, and Chester B. DePratter -- Island and coastal archaeology on the Georgia Bight / Scott M. Fitzpatrick

The James Webb Space Telescope Mission

Twenty-six years ago a small committee report, building on earlier studies, expounded a compelling and poetic vision for the future of astronomy, calling for an infrared-optimized space telescope with an aperture of at least $4m$. With the support of their governments in the US, Europe, and Canada, 20,000 people realized that vision as the $6.5m$ James Webb Space Telescope. A generation of astronomers will celebrate their accomplishments for the life of the mission, potentially as long as 20 years, and beyond. This report and the scientific discoveries that follow are extended thank-you notes to the 20,000 team members. The telescope is working perfectly, with much better image quality than expected. In this and accompanying papers, we give a brief history, describe the observatory, outline its objectives and current observing program, and discuss the inventions and people who made it possible. We cite detailed reports on the design and the measured performance on orbit.Comment: Accepted by PASP for the special issue on The James Webb Space Telescope Overview, 29 pages, 4 figure

Taking Calls to Newcastle: The Regional Implications of the Growth in Call Centres

RICHARDSON R., BELT V. and MARSHALL N. (2000) Taking calls to Newcastle: the regional implications of the growth in call centres, Reg. Studies 34, 357-369. The growth of white-collar jobs in call centres has been a significant feature of the last decade. Local and regional economic development agencies have sought to attract call centres because they are a source of new jobs, and help to ameliorate the decline in employment, especially in the manufacturing sector. This paper examines the work provided in call centres, based on a case study of North East England. Call centres are characterized by a narrow range of occupations and skills, and the work regime in them is intense. The majority of the jobs are taken by women. An assessment of the long term sustainability of call centre work also highlights threats to employment from technical developments in the industry. Nevertheless, there is some evidence of limited improvements taking place in training and work practices in call centres. RICHARDSON R., BELT V. et MARSHALL N. (2000) Faisant appel ¤ a Newcastle: les retombées régionales de la croissance des centres d'appel, Reg. Studies 34, 357-369. La croissance du nombre des employés de bureau dans les centres d'appel constitue un trait majeur des dernières dix années. Les agences de développement économique locaux et régionaux ont cherché ¤ a séduire les centres d'appel parce qu'elles représentent un vivier de nouveaux emplois et aident ¤ a freiner le déclin de l'emploi, surtout dans l'industrie. A partir d'une étude de cas réalisée dans le nord-est d'Angleterre, cet article examine le travail disponible au sein des centres d'appel. Ces derniers se caractérisent par des catégories socio-professionnelles et des compétences peu diverses dont les cadences sont soutenues. La plupart des emplois sont occupés par des femmes. Un bilan de la pérennité du travail dans les centres d'appel met l'accent sur les menaces pour l'emploi qui résultent des avancées techniques dans cette industrie. Cependant, il y a des preuves qui démontrent que les centres d'appel font des progrès limités dans les domaines de la formation et des pratiques sur le lieu de travail. RICHARDSON R., BELT V. und MARSHALL N. (2000) Anruf für Newcastle: Die Rolle der Anrufzentralen in der regionalen wirtschaftlichen Entwicklung im Nordosten Englands, Reg. Studies 34 , 357-369. Die zunehmende Beschäftigung von Angestellten in Anrufzentralen hat sich als bezeichnender Zug des letzten Jahrzehnts erwiesen. Wirtschaftsentwicklungszentren haben sich am Ort und auf regionaler Ebene bemüht, Anrufszentralen anzulocken, weil sie eine Quelle neuer Arbeitsplätze darstellen, und dazu beitragen, den Rückgang an Erwerbtsstellen wettzumachen, besonders im herstellenden Sektor. Auf eine Studie des Falles Nordostengland gestützt, untersucht dieser Aufsatz die Erwerbsstellen, die Anrufzentralen anbieten. Charakteristisch für Anrufzentralen ist der beschränkte Arbeitsbereich und entsprechend geringe Fächerung der Fähigkeiten, während ihre Werksordnung intensive Konzentration verlagen. Stellen werden in der Mehrzahl der Fälle an Frauen vergeben. Eine Beurteilung der langfristigen Dauerhaftigkeit der Erwerbsstellen in Anrufzentralen beleuchtet auch ihre Bedrohung durch technische Entwicklung innerhalb der Industrie. Nichtsdestoweniger gibt es Anzeichen, daß in Anrufzentralen begrenzte Verbesserungen in Ausbildung und Arbeitsverfahren stattfinden.Call Centres, Technical Change, Regions, Jobs,

Quantitation of mitral regurgitation after percutaneous MitraClip repair: comparison of Doppler echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Objective: Percutaneous valve intervention for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) using the MitraClip is a novel technology. Quantitative assessment of residual MR by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is challenging, with multiple eccentric jets and artifact from the clips. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the reference standard for left and right ventricular volumetric assessment. CMR phase-contrast flow imaging has superior reproducibility for quantitation of MR compared to echocardiography. The objective of this study was to establish the feasibility and reproducibility of CMR in quantitating residual MR after MitraClip insertion in a prospective study

Rapid Molecular Genotyping and Clonal Complex Assignment of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates by PCR Coupled to Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry▿

We describe a high-throughput assay using PCR coupled to electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) to determine the genotypes of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The primer sets used in the PCR/ESI-MS assay were designed to amplify the same genes analyzed in multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The method was used to identify the clonal complex and USA type of each isolate and is suitable for use in a clinical or public-health setting. The method was validated using a panel of diverse isolates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that were previously characterized by MLST and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Clinical isolates from two geographically distinct hospitals were characterized, and the clustering results were in agreement with those for repetitive-element PCR and PFGE. The PCR/ESI-MS method enables genotyping of over 180 samples of S. aureus per day in an automated fashion

Pathogen Profiling: Rapid Molecular Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus by PCR/Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry and Correlation with Phenotype▿

There are few diagnostic methods that readily distinguish among community-acquired methicillin (meticillin)-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, now frequently transmitted within hospitals. We describe a rapid and high-throughput method for bacterial profiling of staphylococcal isolates. The method couples PCR to electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and is performed on a platform suitable for use in a diagnostic laboratory. This profiling technology produces a high-resolution genetic signature indicative of the presence of specific genetic elements that represent distinctive phenotypic features. The PCR/ESI-MS signature accurately identified genotypic determinants consistent with phenotypic traits in well-characterized reference and clinical isolates of S. aureus. Molecular identification of the antibiotic resistance genes correlated strongly with phenotypic in vitro resistance. The identification of toxin genes correlated with independent PCR analyses for the toxin genes. Finally, isolates were correctly classified into genotypic groups that correlated with genetic clonal complexes, repetitive-element-based PCR patterns, or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types. The high-throughput PCR/ESI-MS assay should improve clinical management of staphylococcal infections