scholarly journals The German Twin Family Panel (TwinLife)

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 540-547
Author(s):  
Bastian Mönkediek ◽  
Volker Lang ◽  
Lena Weigel ◽  
Myriam A. Baum ◽  
Eike F. Eifler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Report Cards ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Twin Families ◽  
The Life Course

AbstractThe German Twin Family Panel (TwinLife) is a German longitudinal study of monozygotic and dizygotic same-sex twin pairs and their families that was designed to investigate the development of social inequalities over the life course. The study covers an observation period from approximately 2014 to 2023. The target population of the sample are reared-together twins of four different age cohorts that were born in 2009/2010 (cohort 1), in 2003/2004 (cohort 2), in 1997/1998 (cohort 3) and between 1990 and 1993 (cohort 4). In the first wave, the study included data on 4097 twin families. Families were recruited in all parts of Germany so that the sample comprises the whole range of the educational, occupational and income structure. As of 2019, two face-to-face, at-home interviews and two telephone interviews have been conducted. Data from the first home and telephone interviews are already available free of charge as a scientific use-file from the GESIS data archive. This report aims to provide an overview of the study sample and design as well as constructs that are unique in TwinLife in comparison with previous twin studies — such as an assessment of cognitive abilities or information based on the children’s medical records and report cards. In addition, major findings based on the data already released are displayed, and future directions of the study are presented and discussed.

Fears and phobias: reliability and heritability

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. KENDLER ◽  
L. M. KARKOWSKI ◽  
C. A. PRESCOTT
Keyword(s):  
Threshold Model ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Long Term Stability ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
History Of ◽  
Multiple Threshold ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Background. Familial factors, which are partly genetic, influence risk for phobias. Prior family and twin studies, however, were based on a single lifetime assessment, which may be only moderately reliable.Methods. We obtained, 8 years apart, two assessments of lifetime history of five unreasonable fears and phobias (agoraphobia and social, situational, animal and blood-injury phobia) from face-to-face and telephone interviews from 1708 individual female twins from a population-based registry. We also obtained, 1 month apart, test–retest reliability on 192 twins. We fitted, using the program Mx, a measurement model that estimates the role of genetic and environmental risk factors correcting for measurement error.Results. Short-term reliability of the five phobias was modest (mean κ=0·46), but higher than long-term stability (mean κ=0·30). Unreliability occurred both for subject recall of unreasonable fears and for interviewer assessment of which fears constituted phobias. Examining fears and phobias together, in a multiple threshold model, results suggested that twin resemblance was due solely to genetic factors, with estimated total heritabilities, corrected for unreliability, of: any 43%, agoraphobia 67%, animal 47%, blood/injury 59%, situational 46% and social 51%. With the exception of animal phobia, similar results were obtained analysing phobias alone.Conclusions. Lifetime histories of unreasonable fears and phobias assessed at personal interview have substantial unreliability. Correcting for unreliability, the liability to fears and their associated phobias is moderately heritable. Individual-specific environmental experiences play an important role in the development of phobias, while familial–environmental factors appear to be of little aetiological significance.

scholarly journals What Drives the Development of Social Inequality Over the Life Course? The German TwinLife Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 659-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Hahn ◽  
Juliana Gottschling ◽  
Wiebke Bleidorn ◽  
Christian Kandler ◽  
Marion Spengler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Family Study ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Social Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Origin ◽  
Adolescence And Young Adulthood ◽  
Twin Families ◽  
The Life Course

The German twin family study ‘TwinLife’ was designed to enhance our understanding of the development of social inequalities over the life course. The interdisciplinary project investigates mechanisms of social inequalities across the lifespan by taking into account psychological as well as social mechanisms, and their genetic origin as well as the interaction and covariation between these factors. Main characteristics of the study are: (1) a multidimensional perspective on social inequalities, (2) the assessment of developmental trajectories in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood in a longitudinal design by using (3) a combination of a multi-cohort cross-sequential and an extended twin family design, while (4) capturing a large variation of behavioral and environmental factors in a representative sample of about 4,000 German twin families. In the present article, we first introduce the theoretical and empirical background of the TwinLife study, and second, describe the design, content, and implementation of TwinLife. Since the data will be made available as scientific use file, we also illustrate research possibilities provided by this project to the scientific community.

scholarly journals Comparing Blood Pressure of Twins and Their Singleton Siblings: Being a Twin Does Not Affect Adult Blood Pressure

Twin Research ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 385-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eco J.C. de Geus ◽  
Danielle Posthuma ◽  
Richard G. IJzerman ◽  
Dorret I. Boomsma
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Twin Studies ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Sibling Pairs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Twin Families ◽  
Mz Twins

AbstractThe hypothesis was tested that monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins, with their lower average birth weight, have higher adult blood pressure than their singleton brothers or sisters. From the Netherlands Twin Registry, 261 twin families were recruited from a young adult and an older adult cohort with mean ages of 26.2 and 50.4 respectively. These families yielded 204 MZ twins with 71 singleton siblings and 271 DZ twins with 103 of their singleton siblings. Anti-hypertensive medication use of these 649 participants was assessed twice with a two-year interval. Resting blood pressure was measured thrice during a standardized laboratory protocol. In spite of a significant difference in birth weight (1036 gram), no differences were found in anti-hypertensive medication use at both time points between twins and singletons nor between their resting laboratory diastolic or systolic blood pressure. These results applied to each gender and to both age cohorts. Limiting the analyses to matched twin-sibling pairs of the same families and taking current weight and height into account did not change the results; no evidence was found for a twin-singleton difference. It was concluded that estimates of genetic and environmental contributions to blood pressure deriving from twin studies do not appear to be biased and may be generalized to singletons. Our results suggest that the lower birth weight in twins does not reflect the intrauterine disadvantage described by the Barker hypothesis.

Trade statistics capacity building beyond borders

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Onno Hoffmeister ◽  
Barbara D’Andrea Adrian ◽  
Mark Assaf ◽  
Nour Barnat ◽  
Dominique Chantrel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
International Organisations ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Global Coverage ◽  
Satisfaction Rates

We report on five years of capacity building designed to improve the skills of producers and users of international trade statistics all over the world, with a particular focus on developing countries. This training programme is a joint activity between UNCTAD, UNSD and WTO, based on an innovative (Blended Learning) approach, combining e-learning and face-to-face workshops. It is adapted to local needs, uses the pool of experts working at international organisations, and ensures continuous review and enhancement of the applied methods and tools. The results reviewed in this paper confirm that the program has reached the target population. Furthermore, it has global coverage and is gender-balanced. During the five years since the programme has begun, participation in the courses has increased considerably; success rates have risen from 72% to 79% and satisfaction rates from 77% to 88%. Plans for the future include delivering training in additional languages, increasing interactivity, and adding new components addressing specific training needs.

scholarly journals Online Assessment of Cognitive Functioning: A Reliable Alternative to Laboratory Testing?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 576-577
Author(s):  
Maximilian Haas ◽  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
David Framorando ◽  
Elissa El Khawli ◽  
Susanne Scheibe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Adult Lifespan ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Online Tools

Abstract As the population ages, risks for cognitive decline threaten independence and quality of life for older adults. Classically, psychological assessment tools to evaluate cognitive functioning are administered in face-to-face laboratory sessions, which is time- and resource-consuming. With the aim of reducing such costs, the present study set out to develop and validate two new online tools, allowing a rapid assessment of general cognitive abilities and of prospective memory. We collected data from 250 participants equally spread across the adult lifespan (aged 18 – 86). Results suggest that performance assessed via these newly developed online tools is comparable to performance in face-to-face laboratory settings. Our findings thereby indicate that these online tools can reliably measure cognitive functioning across the lifespan at a reduced cost, which may help detect individuals at risk of developing age-related cognitive disorders.

How Does the Inclusion of Twins Conceived via Fertility Treatments Influence the Results of Twin Studies?

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 746-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Alexandra Burt ◽  
Kelly L. Klump
Keyword(s):  
Twin Studies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
State University ◽  
Behavioral Differences ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Twin Families

Rates of twinning have risen dramatically over the last 30 years, from 1 in 53 births in 1980 to 1 in 30 births in 2009 (Martin et al. (January 2012). Three decades of twin births in the United States, 1980–2009. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics). This increase is largely attributable to increases in the use of fertility treatments (i.e., ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization) combined with delays in parenthood. Although this increase means that more twins are available for recruitment into twin studies, it also has potential consequences for the heritability estimates obtained in these studies. This study sought to evaluate this possibility, making use of the ongoing Michigan Twins Project (N = 7,261 families with twins aged 3–17 years), an arm of the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Results revealed that, on average, twins conceived via fertility treatments had lower rates of behavior problems than those conceived naturally, although these behavioral differences could be explained largely by demographic and socio-economic differences across the two types of twin families. Twin similarity did not meaningfully differ across fertility treatment status. We thus conclude that estimates of genetic and environmental influences obtained from twin studies over the last 10–15 years are more or less unaffected by the inclusion of twins conceived via fertility treatments in their samples.

Collaboration in the context of micro businesses

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Duarte Alonso ◽  
Alessandro Bressan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
External Pressures ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Collaboration among businesses, particularly in the current global economic downturn, can be a key strategy contributing to their survival. This study examines the case of micro firms involved in Terracotta art in Impruneta, Italy, and the extent to which collaboration occurs among the local artisans. In doing so, the study aims to consider collaboration theory in the context of micro firms. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured, face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted among the owners and managers of ten of Impruneta's 16 Terracotta firms. Findings – Whilst much of the academic literature highlights the multiple benefits of collaborative relationships, most participants acknowledge very limited engagement in collaboration. From the comments gathered, two distinct groups emerged, one composed of members of the local Terracotta association, who to some extent collaborate with one another, and the second, the non-members, who pursue their interests individually, or marginally collaborate outside Impruneta. Further, a number of barriers preventing collaboration were identified. Practical implications – The apparent weak collaborative relationships among respondents may have ramifications for the further development of their sector, for instance, restricting innovation and marketing know-how, both of which could help address such external pressures as competition. The involvement of third parties, such as the local town hall or chambers of commerce, was suggested by several participants to help increase collaboration. Originality/value – The study focuses on micro firms, a group that, despite its relevance for many countries' economies, has received limited attention from academic research, including with regard to collaboration and collaboration theory.

scholarly journals Towards Semantic Interoperability for Electronic Health Records

2007 ◽  
Vol 46 (03) ◽  
pp. 332-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Knaup ◽  
E. J. S. Hovenga ◽  
S. Heard ◽  
S. Garde
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Domain Knowledge ◽  
Semantic Interoperability ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Development Organisation ◽  
Knowledge Governance ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
Definition Of

Summary Objectives: In the field of open electronic health records (EHRs), openEHR as an archetype-based approach is being increasingly recognised. It is the objective of this paper to shortly describe this approach, and to analyse how openEHR archetypes impact on health professionals and semantic interoperability. Methods: Analysis of current approaches to EHR systems, terminology and standards developments. In addition to literature reviews, we organised face-to-face and additional telephone interviews and tele-conferences with members of relevant organisations and committees. Results: The openEHR archetypes approach enables syntactic interoperability and semantic interpretability – both important prerequisites for semantic interoperability. Archetypes enable the formal definition of clinical content by clinicians. To enable comprehensive semantic interoperability, the development and maintenance of archetypes needs to be coordinated internationally and across health professions. Domain knowledge governance comprises a set of processes that enable the creation, development, organisation, sharing, dissemination, use and continuous maintenance of archetypes. It needs to be supported by information technology. Conclusions: To enable EHRs, semantic interoperability is essential. The openEHR archetypes approach enables syntactic interoperability and semantic interpretability. However, without coordinated archetype development and maintenance, ‘rank growth’ of archetypes would jeopardize semantic interoperability. We therefore believe that openEHR archetypes and domain knowledge governance together create the knowledge environment required to adopt EHRs.

scholarly journals Estimation of the Active Social Network of Street Children in Shiraz (A City of Iran)

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasrin Motazedian ◽  
Mehrab Sayadi ◽  
Somaye Oboodi ◽  
Hassan Joulaei
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Street Children ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Hidden Population ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Social Network Size

: Street children are a hard-to-reach population. Since the direct method is not feasible and has some limitations, we utilized the network scale-up (NSU) as an indirect method. This study was conducted in Shiraz municipalities. Our target population was Iranian boys between 10 to 18 years of age during the years 2014 to 2016. Three trained psychologists conducted face to face interviews with 86 street children (boys) on the streets, through the convenience sampling technique. The social network size of street boys in Shiraz was estimated at 17 persons (ranging from zero to 92 people, mean = 17 ± 17, median = 13). Overall, the network size of the hidden population might be smaller than the general population, due to the stigmatized nature of their behavior and place of work.

Customer care practices at the University of Nairobi (UON), Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library (JKML), Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 142-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine Orayo ◽  
Jane Maina ◽  
Jotham Milimo Wasike ◽  
Felicitas Ciabere Ratanya
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Customer Care ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the customer care practices at the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library (JKML), Kenya. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive research design was used. Simple random sampling technique was used to derive at an appropriate sample from the target population. A structured questionnaire and face-to-face interview was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 384 questionnaires were distributed to students and library staff. Face-to-face interview was conducted among five section heads. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in tabulated summaries and figures. Findings JKML had not only put in place customer care practices but had also provided reliable services with notable professionalism among staff. Users were satisfied with the attention and information resources provided. Challenges encountered related to inadequate ICT infrastructure, lack of a written policy, lack of customer care skills among library staff and lack of managerial support. The study recommended inclusion of customer care in the mainstream of the strategic plan of the university. Research limitations/implications The major implication for this study is that sustainable customer care self-assessment needs to be explored in national and private libraries in Kenya. Practical implications This study provides a significant practical outlook on marketing-savvy approaches toward customer care and efforts made toward the achievement of the goals of the university. Originality/value This study provides insights on good practices on customer care which can be emulated by other academic libraries and adds value to the knowledge base.

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