Variability In Volunteers Research Articles

Bridging Divides or Reinforcing Distance? The Interplay of Individual and Organizational Factors in Shaping Volunteers’ Relationships with Criminalized Women

Abstract As governments cut funding for social welfare programs and shift toward neoliberal, marketized alternatives, non-profits have taken on a large and growing role in the provision of services to marginalized people. This paper examines how volunteers approach their relationships with service users in non-profits, as well as the consequences of and explanations for variation in their approaches. This research explores these questions ethnographically within Canadian non-profits offering social services to criminalized women. This paper offers three interrelated contributions. The first is a typology of different volunteer approaches within the penal voluntary sector—constructing volunteers as bystanders, tourists, visitors, or apprentices in their relationships with criminalized women. The second highlights how some of these approaches entrench social distance and inequality, whereas others encourage greater proximity and equity between volunteers and criminalized women. The third demonstrates how variation in volunteers’ approaches is the product of a dynamic interplay of individual and organizational factors. Together, these findings provide new insights about the conditions under which volunteers can do “good” or “bad” within non-profits. These insights could enhance the quality of volunteer work, reduce the reproduction of inequalities, and support the operation of organizations delivering vital services to marginalized people.

The Role of Volunteer Experience on Performance on Online Volunteering Platforms

Online volunteering platforms allow humanitarian organizations (HOs) to recruit volunteers to work remotely on projects. While the removal of time and space constraints enables HOs to scale up their volunteer force, HOs must manage greater variation in volunteers’ experience. In this study, we investigate the relationship between volunteers’ experience levels and two performance metrics on these platforms: project completion and volunteer retention. Moreover, we study when experience becomes more relevant to project completion depending on a project’s urgency (i.e., disaster response vs. development). To test these relationships, we collected a novel panel dataset from the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team Tasking Manager, on which volunteers contribute to mapping projects. Our dataset includes 5,162 online volunteering projects with 2,169,683 contributions by 96,450 volunteers. Using panel regression models, we show that a project’s completion rate significantly depends on the number of volunteers at each experience level (i.e., beginner, intermediate, advanced). Interestingly, we find that the counts of intermediate and advanced volunteers are equally valuable to project completion. Our analysis further indicates that beginner volunteers should be channeled to development projects and intermediate volunteers to disaster response projects to enhance project completion. For volunteer retention, we use parametric hazard models and find that volunteers are incentivized to return to online volunteering platforms more quickly when they are closer to attaining the next experience-based status. However, this effect weakens as volunteers reach higher statuses. Overall, our study sheds light on online volunteer management and offers operational insights for HOs as well as for online volunteering platforms.

Ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic radiation modulates cardiac rhythm variability in volunteers

The objective of the present work was to study variability of cardiac rhythms developing under the influence of the 10 day-long course of low-intensity ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic radiation (UHF EMR). It was shown that the courses of UIHF EMR have corrective effect on the cardiovascular system of the volunteers, in the first place by means of reducing the level of centralization of the regulatory mechanisms. The intensity of the influence of this therapy on the cardiac rhythm variability depends on the number of treatment courses and the initial functional state of the volunteers. Moreover, low-intensity ultrahigh frequency electromagnetic radiation decreases the intergroup dispersion of the characteristics of cardiac rhythm variability in the volunteers of different groups.

Effects of Upper and Lower Cervical Spinal Manipulative Therapy on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variability in Volunteers and Patients With Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled, Cross-Over, Preliminary Study

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to examine autonomic nervous system responses by using heart rate variability analysis (HRV), hemodynamic parameters and numeric pain scale (NPS) when either upper (C1 and C2) or lower (C6 and C7) cervical segments were manipulated in volunteers, and whether such response would be altered in acute mechanical neck pain patients after spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). MethodsA randomized controlled, cross-over, preliminary study was conducted on 10 asymptomatic normotensive volunteers and 10 normotensive patients complaining of acute neck pain. HRV, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), and NPS were recorded after upper cervical and lower cervical segments SMT in volunteer and patient groups. ResultsThe standard deviation of average normal to normal R-R intervals (SDNN) increased (83.54 ± 22 vs. 105.41 ± 20; P = .02) after upper cervical SMT. The normalized unit of high frequency (nuHF), which shows parasympathetic activity, was predominant (40.18 ± 9 vs. 46.08 ± 14) after upper cervical SMT (P = .03) with a significant decrease (109 ± 10 vs. 98 ± 5) in systolic BP (P = .002). Low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio, which shows predominance of sympathetic activity increased (1.05 ± 0.7 vs. 1.51 ± 0.5; P = .02) after lower cervical SMT in the healthy volunteers group. However, there was an increase in SDNN (70.48 ± 18 vs. 90.23 ± 20; P = .02 and 75.19 ± 16 vs 97.52 ± 22; P = .01), a decrease in LF/HF ratio (1.33 ± 0.3 vs. 0.81 ± 0.2; P = .001 and 1.22 ± 0.4 vs. 0.86 ± 0.3; P = .02), which was associated with decreased systolic BP (105 ± 10 vs. 95 ± 9; P = .01 and 102 ± 9 vs. 91 ± 10; P = .02) and NPS scores (3 ± 1 vs. 0; P = .01 and 3 ± 1 vs. 1 ± 1; P = .03) following both upper and lower cervical SMT in the patient’s group. The baseline HR was 67 ± 9 vs 64 ± 5 (upper cervical) and 65 ± 7 vs 69 ± 11 (lower cervical) in both the healthy volunteer’ and patient’ groups. ConclusionUpper cervical SMT enhances dominance of parasympathetic and lower cervical SMT enhances dominance of sympathetic activity in this young volunteer group. However, dominance of parasympathetic activity was found in patients with neck pain that received both upper and lower cervical SMT.

A Human Volunteer Study to Identify Variability in Performance in the Cognitive Domain of the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale

The Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale found lower than anticipated recovery in the cognitive domain. The definition of cognitive recovery did not allow for performance variability, and may have been too sensitive. This study aimed to examine variability in cognitive performance in volunteers. One hundred forty-three volunteers completed the cognitive domain questions at baseline, after 15 min and 40 min, and on days 1 and 3. Delivery via face-to-face interview was conducted for the first three measurements, and then randomized for day 1 and 3 measurements (face-to-face only, telephone only, telephone then face-to-face, face-to-face then telephone). All volunteers answered orientation correctly. Mean change scores for other tests were positive, indicating a modest learning effect. There were no significant differences between methods of delivery (all P > 0.05). Due to variability in volunteers' performances, the authors propose a new scoring system to introduce a tolerance factor in scoring cognitive recovery. The proposed revised change from baseline scores are: orientation 0 or higher, digits forward -2 or higher, digits back -1 or higher, word recall -3 or higher, and word generation -3 or higher. This resulted in approximately 95% volunteers classed as "recovered" for each test item, and recovery for the domains ranged from 82.6 to 89.1%. The initial feasibility study was reanalyzed and cognitive recovery increased at all assessment times. At 3 days, cognitive recovery was found to increase from 33.5 to 86.4%. The authors recommend adoption of the new method for scoring cognitive recovery in the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale. Telephone or face-to-face delivery was equivalent and either method can be reliably applied.

Analysis of pulse wave velocity in the thoracic aorta by flow‐sensitive four‐dimensional MRI: Reproducibility and correlation with characteristics in patients with aortic atherosclerosis

To measure aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) using flow-sensitive four-dimensional (4D) MRI and to evaluate test-retest reliability, inter- and intra-observer variability in volunteers and correlation with characteristics in patients with aortic atherosclerosis. Flow-sensitive 4D MRI was performed in 12 volunteers (24 ± 3 years) and 86 acute stroke patients (68 ± 9 years) with aortic atherosclerosis. Retrospectively positioned 28 ± 4 analysis planes along the entire aorta (inter-slice-distance = 10 mm) and frame wise lumen segmentation yielded flow-time-curves for each plane. Global aortic PWV was calculated from time-shifts and distances between the upslope portions of all available flow-time curves. Inter- and intra-observer variability of PWV measurements in volunteers (7% and 8%) was low while test-retest reliability (22%) was moderate. PWV in patients was significantly higher compared with volunteers (5.8 ± 2.9 versus 3.8 ± 0.8 m/s; P = 0.02). Among 17 patient characteristics considered, statistical analysis revealed significant (P < 0.05) but low correlation of PWV with age (r = 0.25), aortic valve insufficiency (r = 0.29), and pulse pressure (r = 0.28). Multivariate modeling indicated that aortic valve insufficiency and elevated pulse pressure were significantly associated with higher PWV (adjusted R(2) = 0.13). Flow-sensitive 4D MRI allows for estimating aortic PWV with low observer dependence and moderate test-retest reliability. PWV in patients correlated with age, aortic valve insufficiency, and pulse pressure.

Volunteer Management in Boards of Probation

A statewide “Reparative Probation” intervention was evaluated in Vermont in which volunteers serve on local Boards and meet with probationers to negotiate a “reparative contract.” Our sample (n = 229) was drawn from the universe of Vermont volunteers who completed a 54-question instrument measuring perceived equity, efficiency, and reciprocity in the program. Subscales for the questionnaire showed alpha levels from .43 to .77. OLS regression results found that education, reported religiosity, political conservatism, length of time as a member of a Reparative Board, and number of cases managed as a Reparative Board member explained significant variation in volunteers' perceptions of equity, efficiency, and reciprocity. We believe our results generalize to the universeof Vermont volunteers and provide a basis for replication in other samples.

Pain Tolerance Threshold: A Pilot Study of an Objective Measurement of Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Results

There is a lack of objective measurements of the spinal cord stimulator (SCS) trial results, which leads to increased number of failed permanent placements. Certain modes of sensory functions were tested as possible correlates with trial success. A convenience sample of 44 patients undergoing SCS trial underwent current perception threshold (CPT), pain perception threshold (PPT) and pain tolerance threshold (PTT) testing before and after the procedure. PPT and PTT were also recorded twice at the same period of time in 9 volunteers. PPT, but not PTT, showed an unacceptably high level of intra-individual variability in volunteers. CPT measurements did not produce significant changes after SCS use. PTT not only showed significant changes after SCS trial, but also correlated with the results of the trial and success of the permanent implantation. PTT may possibly serve as an objective measurement of the SCS trial outcome.

Abecarnil in Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Abecarnil is a β-carboline partial benzodiazepine agonist which may be selective for certain subpopulations of benzodiazepine receptors. It has greater affinity for central benzodiazepine receptor sites than diazepam, but low affinity for peripheral benzodiazepine, adrenergic, dopaminergic, opiate and serotonergic receptors. At present, virtually all published pharmacodynamic data for abecarnil are derived from animals studies. Abecarnil is active in a number of animal models of anxiety and is generally more effective than diazepam. It also attenuated some, but not all, chemically- or electrically-induced seizures in animals (diazepam antagonised most types of induced seizures) and was protective in genetic models of epilepsy. In most instances, its anticonvulsant activity did not appear to be attenuated during long term administration. Although some sedation occurs with abecarnil administration to animals, the drug is associated with less sedation, muscle relaxation, ataxia and impairment of memory than are several benzodiazepines. It also produces less potentiation of the effects of ethanol and hexobarbital than diazepam. In animals, the withdrawal syndrome after abecarnil discontinuation or administration of the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil is generally reduced or absent compared with benzodiazepines, suggesting that abecarnil has a low dependence potential. Abecarnil appears to have less propensity to induce tolerance than diazepam; it may also have a reduced abuse liability compared with benzodiazepines, as suggested by limited evidence in animals. The pharmacokinetic profile of abecarnil has yet to be investigated in patients with generalised anxiety disorder. Although pharmacokinetic parameters showed great intra- and interindividual variability in volunteers, the mean oral bioavailability of abecarnil 5 or lOmg was 39% in older volunteers and 55 to 65% in younger volunteers, and maximum plasma concentrations and AUC values after a single dose or at steady-state were dose-proportional. Abecarnil is predominantly metabolised, with less than about 10% of the drug being excreted unchanged. The main metabolite is the glucuronide conjugate of abecarnil, although 4 metabolites have been identified. Only one clinical trial assessing the efficacy of abecarnil in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder has been published in full. Low dosages of the drug (3 to 9 mg/day) were significantly more effective than placebo and produced few serious adverse effects with no significant withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation of 3 weeks of treatment. However, higher dosages of abecarnil (15 to 30 mg/day, and to a lesser extent 7.5 to 15 mg/day) produced a high incidence of adverse CNS effects [including drowsiness (71 and 51%), a loss of equilibrium (26 and 11 %), confusion (24 and 3%), amnesia (15 and 3%), fatigue (15 and 17%), lethargy (18 and 3%), insomnia (15 and 6%) and dizziness (18 and 11%)] which caused discontinuation of treatment in 29% of patients receiving abecarnil 15 to 30 mg/day. Higher drug dosages were also associated with some withdrawal signs upon discontinuation of therapy. In addition, there appeared to be some loss of efficacy with all tested dosages of abecarnil in comparison with placebo during the third week of treatment. Other trials of abecarnil, published collectively in abstract form with little detail, have suggested that 4 to 6 weeks of treatment with the drug had efficacy similar to benzodiazepines and produced a similar number of adverse effects or withdrawal symptoms as placebo when discontinued in a tapered fashion. In conclusion, experimental evidence to date suggests that abecarnil may be a valuable alternative to currently used agents for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder, particularly if efficacy is maintained at lower dosages. However, clinical trials, including comparisons with benzodiazepines, will first need to demonstrate the potential advantages (reduced adverse effects, dependence and abuse potential) observed with abecarnil in animal models.

Optic nerve head analyser and Heidelberg retina tomograph: accuracy and reproducibility of topographic measurements in a model eye and in volunteers.

The accuracy and reproducibility of the optic nerve head analyser (ONHA) and the Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) were compared and the performance of the HRT in measuring fundus elevations was evaluated. The coefficient of variation of three repeated measurements in a model eye and in volunteers and the relative error in a model eye was calculated. With ONHA measurements the pooled coefficient of variation in volunteers was 9.3% in measuring cup areas and 8.4% in measuring the cup volume. In a model eye the pooled coefficient of variation was 7.6% for the parameter 'cup area' and 9.9% for the parameter 'cup volume'. The pooled relative error in the model eye was 6.6% for the parameter 'cup area' and 5.1% for the parameter 'cup volume'. With HRT measurements in volunteers the pooled coefficient of variation of both the parameters 'volume below contour' and 'volume below surface' was 6.9%. In the model eye the pooled coefficient of variation was 2.4% for the 'volume below contour' and 4.1% for the parameter 'volume below surface'. The pooled relative error in the model eye was 11.3% for the 'volume below contour' and 11% for the 'volume below surface'. The pooled relative error in measuring retinal elevations in the model eye was 3.8%. The coefficient of variation was 3.5%. The accuracies of the HRT and ONHA were similar. However, as the ONHA 'cup volume' is unreliable in patients because of the design of the ONHA whereas the HRT volume parameters are reliable it seems reasonable to assume that the HRT is superior to the ONHA. Only the HRT is capable of quantifying retinal elevations.