Partner Agreement Research Articles

Group dynamics in inquiry-based labs: Gender inequities and the efficacy of partner agreements

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Instructional labs: Improving traditions and new directions.] Recent studies provide evidence that social constructivist pedagogical methods such as active learning, interactive engagement, and inquiry-based learning, while pedagogically more effective, can enable inequities in the classroom. By conducting a quantitative empirical examination of gender-inequitable group dynamics in two inquiry-based physics labs, we extend results of previous work. Using a survey on group work preferences and video recordings of lab sessions, we find similar patterns of gendered role taking noted in prior studies. These results are not reducible to differences in students’ preferences. We find that an intervention which employed partner agreement forms, with the goal of reducing inequities, had a positive impact on students’ engagement with equipment during a first-semester lab course. Our work will inform implementation of more effective interventions in the future and emphasizes challenges faced by instructors who are dedicated to both research-based pedagogical practices and efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their classrooms. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Explaining uncertainty in women's fertility preferences

People's fertility preferences are often considered an important determinant of fertility. What is often neglected in studies of preferred fertility, is the uncertainty that people may have about their preferences. In this study, using data on Dutch women through the Longitudinal Internet studies for the Social Sciences (collected early 2018), we examined women's fertility preferences and asked detailed questions about the certainty of these preferences. We also examined whether women agreed with their partner on preferred family size, and to what extent partner (dis)agreement shaped uncertainty. We show that Dutch women expressed much uncertainty about their fertility preferences, with only one-third feeling strongly about their preferences. Uncertainty strongly increased when women preferred higher numbers of children, whereas already having children reduced it. Women who wanted no children were most certain about their preference. Higher preferred family sizes also led to more disagreement with the partner about these preferences, and greater partner disagreement, in turn, led to more uncertainty. These findings imply that people are more likely to downgrade their fertility preferences than to increase them, as women are more certain about their preferences for lower numbers of children and are more open to family sizes below than above their preferred choice. Partner disagreement is often resolved by not having (more) children, lowering realised fertility. Hence, these findings provide another explanation for why many people have fewer children than desired.

An Uncertain Future for EU-Level Collective Bargaining: The New Rules of the Game After EPSU

Abstract The General Court of the European Union (GCEU) in EPSU and Goudriaan vs. Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in the subsequent appeal judgment reached an identical conclusion on a key aspect of the system of EU level collective bargaining. The Courts held that Article 155(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) does not impose any obligation on the European Commission to send a social partner agreement to the Council. This is in line with the Commission’s recent interpretation of Article 155(2) TFEU that subordinates the implementation of the European agreements to a positive assessment of their appropriateness. This article critically assesses the GCEU and CJEU rulings in EPSU and argues that they confirm a major break with the praxis of European collective bargaining that will have negative consequences for the social partners’ autonomy and role in the EU. In order to better understand this break, the article examines how and when the Commission changed its approach to European social dialogue, resulting in the new interpretation of Article 155(2) TFEU, and proposes a hypothesis to understand why. The article concludes by describing the consequences of the new reading of Article 155(2) TFEU for the idea of collective autonomy in EU law as well as for the practice of EU level social dialogue and collective bargaining.

Pre-Burn Health-Related Quality of Life: Patient and Partner Perspectives

A proxy-assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQL) may be an alternative for burn patients who are medically unable to self-report shortly after being admitted to the hospital. This study examined the patient–partner agreement on the recalled pre-injury HRQL of burn patients. In a multi-centre study of 117 patient–partner pairs, the recalled pre-burn HRQL was assessed with the EQ-5D-3L + Cognition during the acute phase following the burns. Agreement was evaluated with Kappa and ICC statistics. Burn severity and PTSD symptoms were assessed as potential predictors of disagreement. The results showed that pre-burn EQ-Index scores were similar to population norms, whereas the EQ Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) scores of patients were significantly higher. Agreement varied across EQ-5D domains and, after adjusting for prevalence, was substantial to almost perfect. Average agreement on the EQ-Index and EQ-VAS was, respectively, substantial and moderate, but differences between partners were larger at lower levels of HRQL, and specifically in the pain/discomfort domain. Patient–partner differences could not be explained by the patient’s age or gender, number of surgeries, partner’s presence at the burn event, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of either the patient or partner. In conclusion, patient–partner agreement is substantial and partner–proxy reports of pre-burn EQ-5D domains and EQ-Index scores may be used to complement or serve as a substitute for the patient’s assessment. Given the moderate agreement on the EQ-VAS, it may be less suited for proxy assessment.

Making the Informal Formal: Discussing and Completing Advance Care Plans in Care Dyads with Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Discussing advance care planning (ACP) with care partners may be a steppingstone to the completion of advance directives (ADs) for persons with cognitive impairment (PwCIs). Objectives: To examine whether PwCI-reported occurrence of and PwCI-care partner agreement about ACP discussions are associated with completion of ADs. Design and Subjects: We conducted a secondary, cross-sectional analysis of data from 1672 PwCI-care partner dyads in the BLINDED study. PwCIs were Medicare beneficiaries in the US, aged >65 years, and diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Care partners were identified by PwCIs as being most involved in their health care. Measurements: PwCIs' completion of ADs was determined by 1 or more affirmative responses to dichotomous indicators for formalizing a living will, medical directive, or durable power of attorney for health care. Discussion occurrence was based on PwCI reports and agreement between PwCI and care partner reports of prior conversations about PwCIs' ACP preferences between PwCIs and care partners. Results: In logistic regression models adjusted for PwCI and care partner characteristics, PwCIs who had (vs. had not) discussed ACP were 10% more likely to complete ADs. PwCIs from dyads agreeing (vs. disagreeing) a discussion occurred were 7% more likely to complete ADs. PwCIs from care dyads in agreement (vs. disagreement) about non-discussion were 11% less likely to formalize ADs. Conclusions: Discussing ACP with care partners plays a direct, positive role in completing ADs among PwCIs. Health care providers who approach ACP as a dyadic, communicative decision-making process from the outset may facilitate PwCIs' uptake of ADs.

Alfa Laval teams up with EasyMining on separation

Alfa Laval has formed a partner agreement with EasyMining, part of the Swedish Ragn-Sells Group, to develop new processes and technologies to extract commercially valuable products from waste materials and enable circular solutions.

RAZLIKE U PROCENI ZADOVOLJSTVA ŽIVOTOM IZMEĐU OSOBA KOJE IMAJU I KOJE NEMAJU ČLANA PORODICE KOME JE POTREBA POSEBNA NEGA

Estimation of life satisfaction is an important indicator of mental health. In families where one member needs intensive care and attention, many mental health parameters start to decline, even life satisfaction. In line with that, we conducted research with a goal to explore the role of marriage quality, job satisfaction, altruism, age, education, and gender in life satisfaction in individuals that have a family member in need of intensive care or additional support (N=98) and individuals that who do not have (N=793). The instruments used were the DAS scale, a combination of the Altruism scale and Alzam scale. Life satisfaction and job satisfaction were evaluated on 10-point scale. All participants were married or in a romantic relationship at the time of research. It showed that there is a significant difference in life satisfaction between these two groups of individuals – a lower level of life satisfaction was identified in a group of individuals that has a family member in need of intensive care. Important predictors of life satisfaction in the first group of individuals were job satisfaction and risks for marriage stability, and in the second job satisfaction, partner agreement and age. Life satisfaction is higher among people who have a university degree and/ or higher education than those who have completed high school in both groups. In both groups, job satisfaction represents an important predictor of life satisfaction. Still, we noticed differences when it comes to the quality of marriage – risks of marriage stability decrease life satisfaction in a group that has a family member in need of intensive care, whereas agreement with partner contributes to life satisfaction in the second group of participants.

Practical issues of partner agreement

თავისი სამართლებრივი ბუნებით პარტნიორთა შეთანხმება კერძოსამარ-თლებრივი გარიგებაა, რაც იმას ნიშავს, რომ აღნიშნულთან დაკავშირებული სამართლებრივი საკითხების მომწესრიგებელი ბაზა სამოქალაქო სამართალი და უფრო კონკრეტულად ვალდებულებითი სამართალია, თუმცაღა აღსანიშნავია, რომ მისი პრაქტიკული გამოყენების სფერო და მოწესრიგების საგანი საკორპო-რაციოსამართლებრივი ურთიერთობებია, სახელდობრ კი, შიდა საკორპორაციოსა-მართლებრივი ურთიერთობები.

Factors associated with the preference of institutional delivery after antenatal care attendance in Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundEven though maternal mortality during the time of delivery can be prevented with proper medical care in the health facilities with skilled healthcare professionals, unexpectedly death is still high and is a persistent challenge for low-income countries. Therefore identifying factors affecting the preference of institutional delivery after antenatal care service attendance is a key intervention to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using face to face using interviewer-administered questionnaire from a total of 528 women who gave their last birth within 12 months prior to the study period who attended antenatal care (ANC) services. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions analysis were performed. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05 and odds ratio with 95% CI were calculated to examine factors associated with institutional delivery.ResultsOf the 528 pregnant women attending ANC services, 250 (47.3%) gave birth in health facilities (95% CI: 43.2, 51.7%). Urban residence [AOR = 7.8, 95% CI: 4.1, 15.6], four or more ANC visits [AOR = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.6, 12.3], those who got health education on ANC [AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.5, 5.6] and decision on place of delivery with her partner agreement [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3, 8.7] were found to be contributing factors for the preference of institutional delivery.ConclusionInstitutional delivery was not adequate. Residence, number of antenatal care visits, health education, decisions making on a place of delivery and having awareness of the difference of place of delivery were contributing factors for the preference of institutional delivery.

Alfa Laval partners with Bühler on insect plant solutions

Alfa Laval has entered into a partner agreement with Bühler Insect Technology Solutions, a provider of integrated solutions for insect rearing and processing, to offer modular insect plant solutions to the emerging and growing insect industry.

Alfa Laval partners with Bühler on insect plant solutions

Alfa Laval has entered into a partner agreement with Bühler Insect Technology Solutions, a provider of integrated solutions for insect rearing and processing, to offer modular insect plant solutions to the emerging and growing insect industry.

Financialisation meets collectivisation: occupational pensions in Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses three cases where unions and employers have embraced financialisation in occupational pension provision. The widespread use of funded occupational pensions in Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden is rooted in social partner agreement that collectively organised, capital funded pensions can be harnessed to generate secure income. External funding (legal separation of pension reserves from the employer) and administration were key elements in strategies to provide secure occupational pensions. The introduction of funded occupational pensions took place in the context of meagre and/or incomplete statutory provision and before the expansion of generous basic pension coverage starting in the 1930s. This sequencing had a ‘crowding in’ effect, because well-paid workers sought collective solutions to their pension gap. Over time, these arrangements came to encompass nearly the entire labour market. Unions and employers have developed distinctive strategies for limiting investment risks, limiting the involvement of private financial actors, and ensuring that the interests of plan participants and investment managers are aligned.

An ecological perspective on risk factors for repeat induced abortion in China

IntroductionRepeated induced abortion (RIA) is a challenging public health issue. Although many studies have investigated the characteristics of women who experience multiple abortions, most have focused only on limited intrapersonal variables. To frame the analysis, this study used an ecological model integrating intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental variables to explore factors associated with RIA. MethodsSingle-site (Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Hubei, China) cross-sectional data were collected from 405 women between July 2015 and November 2015 using a self-administered questionnaire. Characteristics of women who experienced only one abortion were compared to those who had RIA (≥2 abortions). ResultsAmong the 316 eligible women who completed the questionnaire, 110(34.8%) experienced one abortion, 206 (65.2%) experienced two or more. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed a higher odds of RIA among women who were older, reported earlier age at sexual debut and reported higher abortion frequency among close female friends. Factors appearing to protect against RIA included higher frequency of partner agreement to women’s contraceptive preference. ConclusionsAdapting an ecological perspective, this study examined social and environmental factors related to RIA. Our findings emphasize the importance of developing interventions that target both women and their male partner. Group norms relating to contraceptive use also need to be addressed to improve contraceptive use and reduce the risk of repeat abortions.

Female and male decision-making regarding whether to continue or abort an unintended pregnancy: a secondary analysis of the FECOND study

Objective: We aimed to explore partner agreement in unintended pregnancy decisions and to describe predictors of female and male perceived agreement with their partner regarding the decision to continue or terminate the pregnancy.Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the FECOND study, a population-based probability telephone survey conducted in France in 2010 comprising 8645 respondents aged 15–49 years. Pregnancy data were reported by individuals (not couple-level data). For female- and male-reported unintended pregnancies, we used generalised estimation equation models to estimate the odds of a female-only (disagreement) versus a joint (agreement) decision to continue or terminate an unintended pregnancy.Results: The decision to continue an unintended pregnancy was reported as joint in 82% of female- and 88% of male-reported pregnancies. Pregnancy continuation was more likely to be perceived as female-only versus a joint decision if men perceived initial pregnancy intention disagreement (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.9; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 2.0, 16.9), if women indicated finances were very difficult at the time of conception (aOR 3.0; 95% CI 1.7, 5.2) and if women or men reported an unstable relationship at the time of conception (aOR 10.0; 95% CI 6.1, 16.4; aOR 55.3; 95% CI 15.8, 193.0). The decision to terminate an unintended pregnancy was reported as joint in 61% of female- and 74% of male-reported pregnancies. Pregnancy termination was more likely to be perceived as a female-only decision if women reported an unstable relationship at the time of conception (aOR 3.8; 95% CI 2.3, 6.2).Conclusion: Pregnancy intention disagreement and finance/relationship status at the time of conception inform partner agreement about the decision to continue or end an unintended pregnancy.

Agreement on reporting acts of aggression in couples in a community sample.

Agreement about acts of aggression in couples on the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS-2) was evaluated. We conducted a quota sampling method to recruit a community sample of 590 heterosexual adult couples from the Region of Madrid (Spain). Prevalence rates based on the maximum dyadic report identified more aggressive behaviors than did individual reports of perpetration and victimization in men and women. Partner agreement about physical and psychological aggression was significant and moderate. However, partners agreed that Negotiation of Conflicts and Positive Behaviors assessed with the Dyadic Adjustment Scale were higher than the behaviors of the Physical Assault Scale. Correction factors are provided to estimate the prevalence of aggressive behavior and injuries when we only had individual reports of aggression. Partner agreement reveals the existence of variables at the individual level that significantly influence the assessment of aggression in the couple.

Attitudes and experiences of swinging couples

ABSTRACTSwinging involves emotionally committed romantic partners engaging in sex with others, typically in the presence of one’s partner. Previous studies of the demographics, attitudes and behaviours of those involved in swinging are largely from the 1970s and tended to focus on obtaining information from only one member of a romantic pair. In the present exploratory, descriptive study of swingers, we endeavoured to obtain a contemporary sample to document demographics, to elucidate gender similarities and differences with respect to motivations and attitudes regarding swinging, and to gauge self- versus partner perceptions of this shared activity. We administered a questionnaire to 34 heterosexual couples attending a swinging club. Demographics match those found in previous studies of swingers. As expected, participants engaged in swinging for enjoyment and fantasy fulfilment and reported low jealousy from themselves and their partners. Results show few gender differences in attitudes toward swinging and consistent partner agreement of the motivations and parameters of participation in swinging. However, participants’ assessments of why their partners engaged in swinging were not consistent with their partners’ reports. Results and limitations are discussed.

A Generalized Framework for E-Contract

With the growth of internet technologies, e-commerce activities are growing exponentially. It is being used in different IT applications. Electronics contracting is a major part of the e-commerce activity. Contract between the exchanging sides have been adopted as a solution that guarantees the right of participants and increases mutual trust. Electronic contract (e-contract) or Trading Partner agreement (TPA) can be done between the stakeholders involved including the payment authority, buyer &amp; seller. Since the year 1998, open buying on the internet (OBI) protocol is being used for business to business(B2B) internet commerce. XML based frameworks such as BizTalk, commerce XML, eXML, eCo frameworks are increasingly being used to bridge the gap between the buyer and seller. Multiple e-commerce standards need to be integrated in order to have a standard framework. In this paper, the authors have proposed a generalized framework for e–contract considering the domain of e-commerce like B2B, B2C &amp; C2C into consideration.

Madison House: Riley Carter

This two-part negotiation exercise is used in Negotiations electives at both the Darden School of Business and the McIntire School of Commerce. Together the cases provide the background for a scorable, bilateral, multi-issue negotiation in which there are congruent, distributive, and integrative issues. People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry (PACEM) was a nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless adults in the Charlottesville, Virginia, community find shelter during the cold months. Reliant upon volunteers, PACEM had partnered for the previous five years with Madison House, a nonprofit organization run by students at the University of Virginia that coordinated student volunteers, developed student leaders, and built community partnerships. In preparation for the return of Madison House volunteers to PACEM, Kennedy Brooks, PACEM's executive director and community partner, was going to meet with Riley Carter, Madison House's newly appointed program director, to develop and sign the Community Partner Agreement, which detailed the volunteer experience and logistics for the upcoming school year. Brooks and Carter also had to agree on training and communication procedures for the year, which had historically included mandatory training at Madison House and weekly site e-mail updates. All aspects of the volunteer experience were subject to change each year, and Carter had expressed an interest in making a few changes, but Brooks believed the current structure was ideal. How would the discussion go, and what would the outcomes be? Excerpt UVA-QA-0803 Rev. Jan. 12, 2015 MADISON HOUSE: RILEY CARTER Riley Carter, Madison House's program director for People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry (PACEM), was excited about the upcoming meeting with Kennedy Brooks, PACEM's executive director and community partner. Carter, a fourth-year student at the University of Virginia (U.Va.), had recently been chosen as the program director for PACEM and hoped this year to overhaul and expand the volunteer experience at PACEM. The previous week, in anticipation of the meeting with Brooks, Carter had sent an e-mail outlining the topics of discussion (Exhibit 1). Madison House Madison House was a student-run nonprofit organization that coordinated U.Va. student volunteers, developed student leaders, and built community partnerships. It served as the unofficial community service hub for U.Va. students. Over 3,000 students volunteered their time each week within the Charlottesville, Virginia, community, and they accounted for over 110,000 hours of service each year. . . .

Pacem: Kennedy Brooks

This two-part negotiation exercise is used in Negotiations electives at both the Darden School of Business and the McIntire School of Commerce. Together, the cases provide the background for a scorable, bilateral, multi-issue negotiation in which there are congruent, distributive, and integrative issues. People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry (PACEM) was a nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless adults in the Charlottesville, Virginia, community find shelter during the cold months. Reliant upon volunteers, PACEM had partnered for the previous five years with Madison House, a nonprofit organization run by students at the University of Virginia that coordinated student volunteers, developed student leaders, and built community partnerships. In preparation for the return of Madison House volunteers to PACEM, Kennedy Brooks, PACEM's executive director and community partner, was going to meet with Riley Carter, Madison House's newly appointed program director, to develop and sign the Community Partner Agreement, which detailed the volunteer experience and logistics for the upcoming school year. Brooks and Carter also had to agree on training and communication procedures for the year, which had historically included mandatory training at Madison House and weekly site e-mail updates. All aspects of the volunteer experience were subject to change each year, and Carter had expressed an interest in making a few changes, but Brooks believed the current structure was ideal. How would the discussion go, and what would the outcomes be? Excerpt UVA-QA-0802 Rev. Jul. 30, 2014 PACEM: KENNEDY BROOKS Kennedy Brooks, executive director and community partner of People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry (PACEM), was looking forward to the return of Madison House volunteers. Brooks believed the current structure of the volunteer experience was ideal and was confident that the meeting with Riley Carter, the new program director from Madison House, would solidify that sentiment. Reflecting with a smile on the five-year partnership between Madison House and PACEM, Brooks prepared for a quick meeting with Carter by reviewing an e-mail Carter had sent the previous week (Exhibit 1). PACEM PACEM was a nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless adults in the Charlottesville, Virginia, community find shelter during the cold months (October through March). PACEM opened its doors in 2004 and had given or coordinated over 43,000 nights of shelter to homeless adults within the community. PACEM's mission was to engage the community of the greater Charlottesville area in providing shelter, compassionate support, and access to services for homeless people. . . .

Implications of Partner Agreement of IPV for the Gender Symmetry Controversy

Because romantic partners frequently disagree on the violence in their relationship, relying on nondyadic data for perpetration and victimization rates, especially to inform the gender symmetry controversy, is problematic. In order to have a more nuanced understanding of gender symmetry, we urge researchers to be cautious when drawing symmetry conclusions from non-dyadic samples. Furthermore, using both partners, we suggest that researchers employ more qualitative approaches to ascertain IPV agreement, note times in which either partner reports IPV as an indicator of the presence of violence, and investigate the extent to which conclusions regarding gender symmetry stem from participant selection bias.