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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymerization thermal stability and runaway behavior.

Evaluation of thermal stability and runaway behavior of any exothermic chemical system is of great importance for the design and operation of a chemical process. The evaluation process should be based on a thorough investigation of the reaction chemistry including reaction pathways, thermodynamic, and kinetic parameters. When addressing the reactivity hazards of any reacting system, the dominant pathway(s) should be identified. Identifying the main reaction pathway under specific conditions will lead to a better thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of the reacting system. In this article, the thermal stability and runaway behavior of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymerization reaction system in bulk is evaluated. Traditional thermal analysis techniques (calorimetric analysis) are combined with computational quantum chemistry methods and empirical thermodynamic-energy correlations. Reaction pathways are identified from the theoretical approach and verified by experimental measurements. The results of this analysis are compared to literature data for this system.

Acrylonitrile↗

Patterns of runaway behavior within a larger systems context: the road to empowerment.

Runaway behavior is a common problem in residential treatment settings for youth. This paper looked at Orten and Soll's runaway typology and Homer's conceptualization of runaways as "running from" or "running to" something and expanded the context to include interactions with family and professionals. A case study and a survey of nine adolescent runaways from a residential setting were used to explore several hypotheses. A discussion of the results and practical applications illustrated ways to empower therapists and other professionals to deal with runaways more effectively.

Adolescent↗

A family systems approach for preventing adolescent runaway behavior.

A family therapy approach, combining the conceptual frameworks of the Bowen model and Olson's Circumplex model, was used to restructure family relationships in order to prevent further runaway behavior of a 15-year-old Mexican-American female. A structured family interview was conducted to identify problems, a genogram was used to obtain the family's history, and therapy (family, individual, and mother-daughter) was provided to change the family system. The Family Satisfaction Scale was administered to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach.

Adolescent↗

Pathways and cycles of runaways: a model for understanding repetitive runaway behavior.

Based on information provided by 149 runaways staying in a Canadian shelter, the authors developed a model that explains repititious running away as the result of youths' cognitive confusion and unrealistic beliefs. The majority of the youths, who had run away an average of 8.9 times, felt that the events that led them to run away were unpredictable, yet 54 percent blamed only themselves for what happened. The paper describes the pathways, cycles, and outcomes of running away; analyzes the relationship between the youths' experiences with prostitution, delinquency, and sexual and physical abuse and the length of time they had been away from home; summarizes the youths' reasons for running away; compares the beliefs of runaways with and without a history of sexual abuse; and discusses interventions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

The first 900: a nine-year longitudinal analysis of consecutive adolescent inpatients.

Data for the presenting complaints, average age and sex distribution, average length of stay and the discharge diagnosis for 900 consecutive adolescents treated at the Adolescent Center of Houston International Hospital between 1974 and 1982 were reviewed. The number of cases remained fairly constant over the 9 years. As the males and females showed an increase in age, the increase in age for males (13.4 years to 15.2 years) was greater than that for females (14.4 years to 15.0 years). The average age for male admissions during 1974-1976 was significantly lower than 1980-1982 (p less than 0.03). The average length of stay for males during 1980-1982 was significantly greater than 1974-1976 (p less than 0.05). The most frequent presenting symptoms in decreasing order for 1974-1982 were depression, school problems, family problems, threatening behavior, runaway behavior, and suicidal ideation. Depression increased from 15.6% in 1974-1976 to 29.6% of presenting symptoms. Substance abuse increased from 4% (1974-1976) to 8.8% (1980-1982). Suicidal ideation increased three-fold over the same period (3.3% to 10.6%). A significantly greater number of males presented with 1) impulsivity, 2) aggressiveness, 3) withdrawal behavior, 4) stealing, and 5) disruptive behavior. A significantly greater number of females presented with 1) runaway behavior, and 2) suicidal ideation. The 10 most frequent discharge diagnoses are listed. Depression as a diagnosis increased almost four-fold between 1977-1979 and 1980-1982 (7.6% versus 27.5%).

Adjustment Disorders↗

Alcohol and drug use and sexual behaviors placing runaways at risk for HIV infection.

Lifetime and current alcohol and drug use and sexual risk acts were examined among 154 male and 148 female runaways, aged 11-19, predominantly Black and Hispanic, residing at four residential shelters in the New York City area. Most runaways reported alcohol (71%) and drug use (46%), with about a quarter (27%) using either alcohol or drugs at least once a week during the past 3 months. Physical symptoms of substance abuse were reported by 47%; 17% reported addiction. Current substance use was higher among males and Hispanics, and increased with age. Substance use was significantly related to reporting more sexual partners and less frequent condom use. The results suggest that HIV/AIDS prevention programs must target the reduction of alcohol and drug use as well as sexual risk acts.

Adolescent↗

Reducing HIV sexual risk behaviors among runaway adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Reductions in runaways' sexual risk behaviors were evaluated in response to an intensive program to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: In a nonrandomized control trial, sexual risk behaviors among 78 runaways at one residential shelter who received up to 30 HIV/AIDS intervention sessions were compared with 67 runaways at a nonintervention shelter with sexual behaviors assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months. SETTING: Runaways were recruited from the only two publicly funded shelters in New York, NY. PARTICIPANTS: The runaways were aged 11 to 18 years, 64% female, and predominantly black or Hispanic. INTERVENTION: The intervention addressed general knowledge about HIV/AIDS, coping skills, access to health care and other resources, and individual barriers to safer sex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Consistent condom use, a high-risk pattern of sexual behavior, and sexual abstinence over a 3-month time frame were assessed. MAIN RESULTS: As the number of intervention sessions increased, runaways' reports of consistent condom use increased significantly (at 3 months, unique R2 = .06, P less than .05; at 6 months, unique R2 = .09, P less than .05), and their reports of engaging in a high-risk pattern of sexual behavior decreased significantly (at 3 months, unique R2 = .03, P = .06; at 6 months, unique R2 = .04, P less than .05). Abstinence did not change. CONCLUSIONS: The demonstrated effectiveness of the intensive HIV/AIDS program highlights the importance of enlarging the scope of most current HIV/AIDS prevention programs.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and adolescents. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of runaway and homeless youths.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of runaway and homeless youths regarding infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive. SETTING: A crisis shelter for runaway and homeless youths. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred one residents, aged 13 to 20 years, of a shelter for homeless and runaway youths in Houston, Tex. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS/MAIN RESULTS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of these youths regarding infection with HIV. Nearly one fourth had injected illegal drugs; one fifth had shared needles for other purposes. Sixteen percent had had anal intercourse, 19% had engaged in prostitution, and 67% of all subjects reported having four or more sexual partners. One fifth reported that they always use condoms. While quite knowledgeable about means of transmission, they held prevalent misconceptions about casual contact and risk reduction. Youths perceive few barriers to condom use, have fairly high intentions to practice preventive behavior, and have high self-efficacy to do so. Most believe they are at little or no risk for acquiring HIV. These findings support the need for medical, educational, and social service programs to reduce the risk of HIV among these youths. CONCLUSION: Runaway and homeless youths practice behaviors that place them at high risk for acquisition of HIV infection. Risk reduction is imperative and will require programs that address the educational, psychological, social, and medical needs of these youths.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

The challenge of changing drug and sex risk behaviors of runaway and homeless adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess HIV-related drug and sex risk behaviors and evaluate factors associated with change in risk behaviors among runaway and homeless adolescents, 244 street youth were recruited from a community drop-in center serving high-risk youth. METHOD: Using a cross-sectional design, approximately half of study participants received training in a peer-based intervention that included principles derived from the health belief model, while the remaining subjects received no intervention. Subjects were interviewed at baseline, immediately following the intervention (for those receiving the training) and 3 months later. Logistic regression and analysis of covariance were used to analyze intervention effects. RESULTS: Compared to youth in the control condition, runaways receiving the intervention significantly increased their knowledge about HIV. Contrary to the health belief model, in multivariate analyses knowledge and greater perceived chance for HIV were associated with high risk behavior. On the other hand, lower concern about HIV infection was also associated with high risk behavior, supporting the health belief model. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the intervention's success in increasing knowledge of HIV and AIDS, the association between knowledge, perceived likelihood of infection and high risk behaviors suggest that, without other alternatives, runaways will maintain their risks. The association noted between lower concern and high risk behaviors underscores the challenge faced in developing effective interventions with this population.

Adolescent↗

Social network characteristics associated with risky behaviors among runaway and homeless youth.

Runaway and homeless youth are at high risk for substance abuse and unsafe sexual behavior. Our study describes the personal social networks of these youth and examines network characteristics associated with risky behaviors. In 1995 and 1996, we interviewed a purposive sample of youth aged 14 through 21 who were living in Washington, DC and were identified on the streets or through shelters or other service agencies (N = 327). Although we found that most youth reported current social relationships, a significant minority (26%) did not. Youth without a social network were significantly more likely to report current illicit drug use, multiple sex partners, and survival sex than youth with a network. For youth with a network, the networks were small, strong in affective and supportive qualities, comprised primarily of friends, typically included an alcohol or illicit drug user, and usually were not a source of pressure for risky behaviors. Our results indicate that networks had risk-enhancing and risk-decreasing properties in that network characteristics were associated in both positive and negative directions with risky behaviors.

Adolescent↗

Impact of family abuse on running away, deviance, and street victimization among homeless rural and urban youth.

PROBLEM: Various demographic and familial risk factors have been linked to runaway behavior. To date, there has not been a systematic investigation of the impact of size of community on runaway behavior. This study will compare runaways from smaller cities and rural areas to their urban counterparts. METHODS: A convenience sample of 602 adolescents was interviewed between 1995 and August of 1996 in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, USA. Multiple regression was used to examine the association between gender, neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, geographic and family structure change, and community size of first runaway to predict age at first runaway, deviant subsistence strategies, and street victimization. RESULTS: Findings indicate that adolescents exposed to neglect (beta=-.20) and sexual abuse (beta=-.16) ran away sooner and were more likely to be victimized on the street. Rural adolescents who experienced higher levels of physical abuse relied more heavily on deviant subsistence strategies (beta=.15) and remained in abusive homes longer (beta=.15) than their similarly situated urban counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Rural youth who have been subjected to elevated levels of familial abuse are at greater risk of deviant subsistence strategies, which increase the likelihood of street victimization.

Adolescent↗

Conduct disorder and HIV risk behaviors among runaway and homeless adolescents.

This study was designed to assess the prevalence of conduct disorder (CD) among runaway and homeless adolescents and to investigate associations between CD and HIV risk behaviors. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children and a standardized HIV risk assessment questionnaire were administered to 219 runaway and homeless adolescents recruited from a drop-in center serving high-risk youth. One-half of the males and 60% of the females were diagnosed with CD. In multivariate analyses, CD was the strongest predictor of lifetime use of heroin and/or cocaine and exchanging sex for money, drugs, food or shelter, as well as the number of drugs used and the number of sex partners in the 3 months preceding the interview. The high rate of CD in this population, and the association between CD and both drug and sex-related HIV risk behaviors, indicate a need for interventions that consider the influence of this psychiatric diagnosis on high-risk behaviors.

Adolescent↗

The effectiveness of residential care facilities for adolescent boys.

This article reports the findings of a 1984 study evaluating the effectiveness of a well-established residential child-care facility for adolescent boys. Program outcomes for 101 males between the ages of eleven and seventeen were examined in relation to a wide range of demographic, social history, and program participation variables. Characteristics found to be significantly associated with program outcome included: race; probation; drug abuse; program intervention; home visits; and runaway behavior. In a separate analysis, three factors were found to be significantly related to runaway behavior, the chief cause of program failure: race; placement under court supervision; and program intervention.

Adolescent↗

Calorimetric studies on the thermal hazard of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide with incompatible substances.

In Taiwan, Japan, and China, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO) has caused many severe thermal explosions owing to its thermal instability and reactivity originating from the complexity of its structure. This study focused on the incompatible features of MEKPO as detected by calorimetry. The thermal decomposition and runaway behaviors of MEKPO with about 10wt.% incompatibilities, such as H(2)SO(4), HCl, NaOH, KOH, FeCl(3), and FeSO(4), were analyzed by dynamic calorimeter, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and adiabatic calorimeter, vent sizing package 2 (VSP2). Thermokinetic data, such as onset temperature, heat of decomposition, adiabatic temperature rise, and self-heat rate, were obtained and assessed. Experimental data were used for determining the incompatibility rating on hazards. From the thermal curves of MEKPO with assumed incompatible substances detected by DSC, all the onset temperatures in the other tests occurring earlier advanced, especially with alkaline or ferric materials. In some tests, significant incompatible reactions were found. Adiabatic runaway behaviors for simulating the worst case scenario were performed by using VSP2. These calorimetric data led to the same results that the alkaline or ferric solution was the most incompatible with MEKPO.

Butanones↗

Runaway adolescents' perceptions of parents and self.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between runaway behavior in adolescence and an adolescent's self-concept and antecedent parental treatment. The Cornell Parent Behavior Questionnaire and the Adjective Check List were used to assess 47 runaways and a matched group of non-runaways. Analyses of the data indicated: (a) runaway adolescents report more punishment and less support from their parents; (b) runaway girls report the most and runaway boys the least degrees of parental control; (c) runaways hold a less favorable self-concept, specifically on the dimensions of anxiety, self-doubt, poor interpersonal relationships, and defensiveness; (d) runaways also manifest, as an aspect of the self, a readiness for counseling.

Adolescent↗