bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Political Strategies in U.S. Multinationals
Authors: Hillman Amy J.
Published: April 2004

This study focuses on the determinants of political strategies used by U.S. multinationals (MNCs) in Europe. Empirical support is found for Hillman and Hitt’s taxonomy of political decisions—that is, approach, participation level, and strategy. The role of institutional- versus firm-level variable determinants of these choices is explored as are the relative effects of firm versus industry variables within differing political contexts. Results based on a survey sample of 169 U.S. MNC subsidiaries within 14 European countries support the finding that both institutional- and firm-level variables are important determinants of political strategy approach, participation level, and strategy.
Stakeholder Salience, Structural Development, and Firm Performance: Structural and Performance Correlates of Sociopolitical Stakeholder Management Strategies
Authors: Mattingly James E.
Published: April 2004

This study attempts to establish the importance of firm-level interactions with sociopolitical stakeholders in explaining firms prospects for survival. Institutional arguments are proposed to explain the effects of internal structures-both organizational and phenomenological-on firms sociopolitical relational strategies, whereas arguments grounded in the stakeholder view of the firm are advanced to explain effects of sociopolitical stakeholder relations on firm performance. Findings indicate that firms tended to adopt cooptative relationships with sociopolitical stakeholders. Furthermore, firms cooperativeness toward sociopolitical stakeholders had little effect on financial performance but, under some conditions, had positive effects on social performance. Implied is that markets may not be an effective governance mechanism to ensure firms alignment with democratic institutions in a plural society and that public policies may be needed to address these failures.
Mental Illness in One District of Uganda
Authors: Kasoro S. , Sebudde S. , Kabagambe-Rugamba G. , Ovuga E. , Boardman A.
Published: April 2004

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of psychiatric disorder in one district of Uganda.

Methods: Data were collected from a survey of a random sample of households in Kabarole, West Uganda. Interviews were carried out with household members. Further information was obtained from interviews of key community informants and from Focus Group discussions conducted in each Parish.

Results: Some 384 households were surveyed. Of these, 99 households identified members with a mental illness in the previous year and a total of 130 individuals were identified, 12 of whom were children. Few individuals had been seen by formal mental health services and traditional methods of treatment were commonly used.

Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of 30.7% in adults is higher than that of 25.3% found in the only other community based survey of mental illness previously conducted in Uganda. A well conducted study using modern case defining methods needs to be carried out in Uganda.
Quality of Life and Other Characteristics of Viennese Mental Health Care Users
Authors: Lang Andrea , Steiner Egbert , Berghofer Gerlinde , Henkel Helga , Schmitz Margot , Schmidi Friedrich , Rudas Stephan
Published: April 2004

Background: The purposes of this study are (1) to characterise patients with different treatment experiences, (2) to evaluate differences in quality of life (QoL) among patients with different treatment experiences, (3) to evaluate changes in QoL following community resettlement, and (4) to find predictors of overall life satisfaction (OLS).

Methods: Treatment experiences are defined according to service use as follows: (a) user of inand outpatient services (overall users), (b) user of inpatient (inpatients) or (c) outpatient facilities only (outpatients). Demographic and clinical data of 425 psychiatric patients are analysed cross-sectionally in relation to their treatment experiences. QoL of former inpatients is followed up after hospital discharge.

Results: Long-term `overall users' have a significantly higher QoL than long-term `outpatients' or `inpatients'. QoL of former inpatients increases after discharge. Predictors of higher OLS are high income, high subjective social functioning (SFQ), good self-rated health, satisfactory QoL domains as well as being single or cohabiting, diagnosis of schizophrenia, `outpatients', and `overall users'. Together they explain 63% of the variance in patients' subjective OLS.

Conclusion: QoL is independent of illness severity. Deinstitutionalisation improves QoL and OLS is mainly predicted by subjective variables.
Pharmacoepidemiological Patterns of Antidepressant Prescribing in Primary Care in Rural Spain (1995-1999)
Authors: Ruiz-Doblado Sergio , De La O Caraballo-Camacho María
Published: April 2004

Background: The prescribing of psychoactive drugs is increasing progressively in western countries. The new psychiatric care modalities, in contact with the primary care centres and closer to the population, might be determining this increase in a major way.

Methods: Official data of prescription were collected from the Public Primary Care Department of Pharmacy, to monitor the use of antidepressants during a five year period in a rural health area (140,359 inhabitants). Daily defined dosage (DDD) was used as the measuring unit.

Results and conclusions: The total use of antidepressants increased progressively during the period studied from 10.47 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in 1995 to 18.50 in 1999 (an increase of 77.08%). The majority of this increase is explained by the greater use of SSRIs for which prescribing multiplied by 2.5. It is significant that the figure for the use of tricyclics has not fallen parallel to the increase of SSRIs. General practitioners might be losing their fear of diagnosing and treating mood disorders. Probably a pool of patients is included who were not receiving the correct treatment a few years ago, but to what level are we going to lower the symptomatic threshold for prescribing antidepressants?
Trauma and the Kanun: Two Responses to Loss in Albania and Kosova
Authors: Littlewood Roland
Published: April 2004

Social anthropology has proposed that social institutions and psychological reactions may at times be alternative ways of dealing with similar situations; and that at a high level of generality, they may be conceived of as variants of similar (psycho-social) phenomena. Response to sudden bereavement in Albanian Kosova may follow two routes: the customary law arguing stoicism but retribution, and the psychological idiom of `trauma' recently introduced by Western European aid agencies. Similarities and differences between what at first appear two quite distinct responses are outlined.
Psychiatric Units in Brazilian General Hospitals: A Growing Philanthropic Field
Authors: Botega Neury Jose
Published: April 2004

Background: Some countries, mainly in North America and Europe, have adopted psychiatric wards in the general hospital as an alternative to the classic psychiatric hospital. In Brazil there are 6, 169 general hospitals, 1.3% of which with a psychiatric unit. This service strategy is scarcely developed in the country and comprises only 4% of all psychiatric admissions. There was no information on the facilities and functioning of the psychiatric units in general hospitals.

Objective: To determine the main characteristics of psychiatric units in Brazilian general hospitals and to assess the current trends in the services provided.

Method: A mailing survey assessed all 94 Brazilian general hospitals which made psychiatric admissions. A two-page questionnaire was designed to determine the main characteristics of each institution and of the psychiatric unit.

Results: Seventy-nine (84%) questionnaires were returned. In contrast to the 1970s and 1980s, in the last decade the installation of psychiatric units has spread to smaller philanthropic institutions that are not linked to medical schools. A fifth of hospitals admit psychiatric patients to medical wards because there is no specialist psychiatric ward. They try to meet all the local emergency demands, usually alcohol-dependent patients who need short term admission. This could signal the beginning of a program through which mental health professionals may become an integral part of general health services.

Conclusion: The inauguration of psychiatric wards in philanthropic hospitals, as well as the admission of psychiatric patients in their medical wards, is a phenomenon peculiar to this decade. The installation of psychiatric services in these and other general hospitals would overcome two of major difficulties encountered: prejudice and a lack of financial resources.
Psychiatric Emergencies and the Millennium: an International Study
Authors: Sauer Justin , Ayonrinde Oyedeji , Lawal Rahman , Finn Michael , Ojo Abayomi
Published: April 2004

Background: The millennium posed an unknown challenge to mental health services worldwide. In anticipation, contingencies were implemented in preparation for the unexpected impact on psychiatric morbidity.

Results: This study evaluates the impact of the millennium on psychiatric emergency service utilization in the Northern and Southern hemispheres the UK, Nigeria and Australia. Findings did not demonstrate a notable “millennium effect” on mental health services. A number of patients presented psychopathology incorporating millennium themes. A post-Christmas and post-New Year increase in presentation was observed.

Conclusion: There was no change in service needs.
Abuse of Carers by Relatives with Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Vaddadi Krishna S. , Gilleard Chris , Fryer Helen
Published: April 2004

Background: Relatives often experience considerable problems looking after a family member with severe mental illness. The problems arising from verbal and physical abuse are not well researched or acknowledged.

Aims: To examine the frequency with which family carers experienced verbal and physical abuse from relatives who were being looked after by a community mental health service and to identify the correlates and consequences of that abuse.

Method: Interviews with all the clients of a community mental health service in suburban Melbourne who had regular contact with a family carer together with interviews with the carers.

Results: One hundred and one clients and their family carers were interviewed. Supporting a previous study of patients on an acute admission ward, the experiences of verbal and physical abuse were positively correlated. Higher rates of abuse were associated with poor relationships between patients and their families and a history of poly-drug misuse and previous criminal offences on the part of the patient. Relatives experiencing higher levels of abuse were more likely to have symptoms of emotional distress and were rated as experiencing more burden.

Conclusions: Verbal and physical abuse are not infrequent problems facing family members caring for a relative with severe mental illness. Some of the risk factors for such abuse can be identified. Care plans for family carers could usefully target risk reduction strategies to minimise the occurrence of abuse.
Mental Health Services in Slovenia
Authors: Švab Vesna , Tomori Martina
Published: April 2004

Background: Development of mental health services in Slovenia has some originalities described in the present article. Slovenia is a small Central European country with a population of 2 million. Its mental health system has been influenced by the western de-institutionalization movement and eastern models of care which are predominately institutional.

Aims: Mental health reform in the 1970s was a silent one with displacement of long-term psychiatric patients to old-people's homes, asylums and to their families. During the last decade community mental health services have been established in the non-government sector, primarily as social institutions providing support to patients with severe mental illness. Psychosocial rehabilitation movement changed some therapeutic approaches in hospitals and has been gaining more and more influence in the NGO services.

Results: The article describes Slovene psychiatric hospitals and community rehabilitation services. Mental health services in Slovenia are compared to services in Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

Conclusions: The authors are proposing guidelines for future development of mental health services for the severely mentally ill in our country in order to improve the present deficient state of care.
An Evaluation of Two Screening Methods to Identify Cases with Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders in a Community Survey in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Shibre T. , Kebede D. , Alem A. , Negash A. , Kibreab S. , Fekadu A. , Fekadu D. , Jacobsson L. , Kullgren G.
Published: April 2004

Background: Detecting cases with psychiatric disorders in the general population is costly and it is not clear which is the method of choice for community surveys in low-income countries.

Aim: To compare the performance of a standardized diagnostic layman interview instrument-the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 2.1) versus the Key Informant method in identifying cases with schizophrenia and major affective disorders in a community survey.

Method: Both screening methods were tested against an expert interview the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN 2.1) in a rural district in Ethiopia with 25,632 inhabitants.

Result: CIDI identified 524 and key informants 192 individuals as probable cases who were invited for a further SCAN interview. Seventy-two individuals were identified by both methods. Of those identified as probable cases by either method, a total of 481 volunteered the SCAN interviews. The Key Informant method alone detected more cases of schizophrenia, 59 vs. 29 for CIDI, whereas CIDI alone detected more cases of affective disorders, 45 vs. 30. Key informants performed better in detecting chronic cases.

Conclusion: For community surveys, which aim at identifying cases with major mental disorders in low-income countries like Ethiopia, the combined use of both CIDI and the Key Informant method is recommended.
Investigating the Stigma of Prison Classification:An Experimental Design
Authors: Bench Lawrence L. , Allen Terry D.
Published: April 2004

In spite of the widespread use of objective classification systems as a tool for effective prison management, little is known about the relationship between the classification label and inmate behavior. This study uses an experimental design to assign inmates to either maximum security (control group)or medium security (experimental group). Inmate disciplinary activity was monitored for a period of 1 year. Results indicate that there is no statistical difference between the experimental and control groups for disciplinary activity. These findings suggest that the classification label may be a determinant of behavior rather than a reflection of inmate characteristics.
Amity Prison-Based Therapeutic Community: 5-Year Outcomes
Authors: Prendergast Michael L. , Hall Elizabeth A. , Wexler Harry K. , Melnick Gerald , Cao Yan
Published: April 2004

Few studies have examined outcomes of prison-based treatment programs over a 5-year observation period. The present analysis was based on a sample of 715 prisoners randomly assigned either to the Amity therapeutic community program or to a notreatment group. At 5-years postrelease, 90% of the original participants were located and 81% were interviewed. The main findings were based on a conservative intent-to-treat approach. On measures of recidivism, the Amity treatment group had significantly lower rates of reincarceration than the control group, but in multivariate analysis of time to first reincarceration, this main treatment effect disappeared and other factors (age and postrelease treatment) became significant predictors of delayed time to reincarceration. As in previous reports on this cohort, those who attended aftercare had lower levels of reincarceration, longer time to reincarceration, and higher levels of employment.
Estimation of Compensatory and Noncompensatory Multidimensional Item Response Models Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Bolt Daniel M. , Lall Venessa F.
Published: April 2004

Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation is investigated for multidimensional compensatory and noncompensatory item response models. Simulation analyses are used to evaluate parameter recovery for the multidimensional two-parameter logistic model (M2PL) and the multidimensional latent trait model (MLTM) under varying conditions of sample size (1,000, 3,000), number of items (25, 50), and correlation between abilities (.0, .3, and .6). Results suggest that an MCMC procedure using a Metropolis-Hastings algorithm can recover the parameters of both models but is less successful for the MLTM as the correlation between abilities increases. In general, estimation is more accurate for the M2PL than the MLTM. A Bayes factor criterion for comparing the relative .t of the models to a common data set is investigated using simulated data. Using real data, the M2PL is found to be the superior model for a test of English usage.
Person Fit in Order-Restricted Latent Class Models
Authors: Emons Wilco H. M. , Glas Cees A. W. , Meijer Rob R. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: April 2004

Person-fit analysis revolves around fitting an item response theory (IRT) model to respondents’ vectors of item scores on a test and drawing statistical inferences about fit or misfit of these vectors. Four person-fit measures were studied in order-restricted latent class models (OR-LCMs). To decide whether the OR-LCM fits an item score vector, a Bayesian framework was adopted and posterior predictive checks were used. First, simulated Type I error rates and detection rates were investigated for the four person-fit measures under varying test and item characteristics. Second, the suitability of the OR-LCM methodology in a nonparametric IRT context was investigated. The result was Type I error rates close to the nominal Type I error rates and detection rates close to the detection rates found in OR-LCMs. This means that the OR-LCM methodology is a suitable alternative for assessing person fit in nonparametric IRT models.
Kernel-Smoothing Estimation of Item Characteristic Functions for Continuous Personality Items: An Empirical Comparison with the Linear and the Continuous-Response Models
Authors: Ferrando Pere J.
Published: April 2004

This study used kernel-smoothing procedures to estimate the item characteristic functions (ICFs) of a set of continuous personality items. The nonparametric ICFs were compared with the ICFs estimated (a) by the linear model and (b) by Samejima’s continuous-response model. The study was based on a conditioned approach and used an error-in-variables kernel model. The assumptions of the model were approximately correct in the present conditions. The results obtained with the kernel procedure suggested that (a) the ICFs of these items were essentially sigmoid curves, as is usually assumed in parametric item response theory, and (b) for most of the items, these curves were well approximated by both the linear and the continuous-response model.
Person Reliability in Personality Measurement: An Item Response Theory Analysis
Authors: Ferrando Pere J.
Published: April 2004

This article discusses the rationale of an item response theory (IRT) model, based on Thurstone scaling, for personality measurement and suggests procedures for (a) estimating the location and slope parameters of the person response curve (PRC), (b) assessing the precision of the estimates, and (c) assessing the model-data fit. The relations between the PRC parameters and the l0 and lz person-fit measures are also discussed. The procedures described and the relations discussed are illustrated using empirical data.
Computerized Adaptive Testing With Multiple-Form Structures
Authors: Armstrong Ronald D. , Jones Douglas H. , Koppel Nicole B. , Pashley Peter J.
Published: April 2004

A multiple-form structure (MFS) is an orderedcollection or network of testlets (i.e., sets of items).An examinee’s progression through the networkof testlets is dictated by the correctness of anexaminee’s answers, thereby adapting the test tohis or her trait level. The collection of pathsthrough the network yields the set of all possibletest forms, allowing test specialists the opportunityto review them before they are administered. Also,limiting the exposure of an individual MFS to aspecific period of time can enhance test security.This article provides an overview of methods thathave been developed to generate parallel MFSs.The approach is applied to the assembly of anexperimental computerized Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Modeling Dynamic Effects in Repeated-Measures Experiments Involving Preference/Choice: An Illustration Involving Stated Preference Analysis
Authors: DeSarbo Wayne S. , Lehmann Donald R. , Hollman Frances Galliano
Published: April 2004

Preference structures that underlie survey orexperimental responses may systematically varyduring the administration of such measurement.Maturation, learning, fatigue, and responsestrategy shifts may all affect the sequentialelicitation of respondent preferences at differentpoints in the survey or experiment. Theconsequence of this phenomenon is that responsesand effects can vary systematically within the dataset. To capture these structural changes, the authorspresent a maximum likelihood–based change-pointmultiple regression methodology that explicitlydetects discrete structural changes at various pointsin time/sequence in regression coefficients bysimultaneously estimating the number of changepoints, their location and duration in the sequenceof data points, and the respective regressioncoefficients for each subset of the data defined bythe change points. An application involving astated preference or conjoint analyses study ofstudent apartment choices illustratesthat the structure of preferences changessignificantly over the sequence of profileresponses.
Communication Paralysis During Peer-Group Exclusion
Authors: Sunwolf  , Leets Laura
Published: April 2004

Although successful entry into childhood peer groups is a prerequisite for development of self-concept, social skills, and school successes, little is known about real-world attempts to penetrate social group boundaries. The authors collected more than 600 adolescent accounts of group rejections, as well as regrets concerning the failure to voice disagreement. Narrative accounts revealed six reasons for failing to voice disagreement with the social exclusion of others: (a) group dynamics, (b) social fears, (c) uncertainty, (d) social inadequacies,(e) qualities of the excluded individual, and (f) low motivation. Seventy percent of these adolescents shared specific language they now regretted not using at the time. Two cognitive frameworks emerged: (a) group membership was perceived as fragile and (b) rejection stigma was perceived as contagious. A model describing negative social reasoning used by those who remain silent during the rejection of others is offered, as well as intervention strategies to stimulate prosocial group inclusion.
Beyond “Contextualization”
Authors: Chan Brian (Hok-Shing)
Published: April 2004

“Contextualization cue” seems to be the one notion that has been unanimously accepted in recent literature on the pragmatic motivations of code-switching. This article argues that in view of the wealth of new data analyzed the original conception of contextualization cue can no longer be taken for granted. In particular, it is argued here that code-switching does not necessarily “index” or “signal” certain contextual presuppositions. In addition, some instances of code-switching do not seem to be contextualization cues at all. It is then suggested that code-switching is better characterized as a “textualization cue”: The speaker hints that the listener has to interpret the forthcoming message somewhat differently. Finally, the implications of this analysis, in particular the full range of possible meanings conveyed pragmatically by code-switching, will be discussed.
Different Beliefs
Authors: Gibbons John , Ramirez Elizabeth
Published: April 2004

This article examines Spanish maintenance in a group of Hispanic teenagers in Sydney. In particular, it looks at the relationship between various attitude clusters and the development/maintenance of various aspects of proficiency. Both open and closed items were used, which permitted the emergence of unexpected attitude clusters. The proficiency measures examined a range of aspects of proficiency. Beliefs in favor of bilingualism and a determination to resist the hegemony of the dominant language are significantly related to proficiency, as well as the more familiar affect, pride, status and instrumental beliefs. Vitality beliefs concerning Spanish in the local community seem to be relatively unimportant. Clusters of beliefs are also found to be related to different aspects of proficiency.
A Sociocognitive Model of Bilingual Development
Authors: Hamers Josiane F.
Published: April 2004

The present article proposes a theoretical approach to bilingual development that is in line with general guidelines on language behavior. Aswe view bilingual development as a particular case of language development we first present a general approach to language development. We argue that language development is dependent upon a number of prerequisites; this includes socialization processes, the development of the functions for which language will be used, and the existence of language-behavior models in the child’s environment. The principal feature of this model is that it attempts to take simultaneously into account a macrological analysis at the societal level, a micrological analysis at the individual level and the interface between both. In accordance with the Bates and MacWhinney approach, we suggest that language develops through a constant formfunction, form-form, and function-function mapping. We apply this approach to bilinguality and analyze a number of case studies of bilingual development.
Normative and Instrumental Perspectives on Public Participation
Authors: Moynihan Donald P.
Published: April 2004

A normative literature in political science and public administration calls for enhanced citizen participation in public decisions. However, this approach overlooks the environment that shapes administrative behavior, an oversight likely to hamper reform efforts targeted at achieving the normative goals of participation. The administrative perspective is important because public managers shape participation forums and determine whether public input has an impact on decisions. In organizing participation, administrators are likely to be guided by an instrumental view of relative costs and benefits. Washington, D.C.’s Citizen Summit illustrates the primacy of the instrumental perspective but demonstrates conditions of compatibility with normative goals. In this case, public managers perceived administrative costs to be low relative to instrumental benefits, such as the quality of public input and a need to increase governmental legitimacy. They also applied innovative participation technologies to reduce administrative costs and raise instrumental benefits, reinvigorating the frequently criticized public hearing.
Quality-of-Life (QOL) Marketing: Proposed Antecedents and Consequences
Authors: Lee Dong-Jin , Sirgy M. Joseph
Published: April 2004

This article builds on a program of research in quality-of-life (QOL) marketing by reviewing the research literature dealing with this construct and proposing a set of antecedents and consequences of that construct. QOL marketing is defined as marketing practice designed to enhance the well-being of customers while preserving the well-being of the firm’s other stakeholders. The authors refer to the dimension pertaining to the enhancement of customer well-being as the beneficence component of QOL marketing, while the preservation of the well-being of the firm’s other stakeholders is referred to as the nonmaleficence component. The authors propose that the consequences of marketing beneficence and nonmaleficence are high levels of customer well-being, customer trust and commitment, and positive corporate image and company goodwill. They also propose that the beneficent and nonmaleficent components of QOL marketing are influenced by a set of environmental factors, organizational factors, and individual factors.
A Study of Flexural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beam Strengthened with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)
Authors: Ng S. C. , Lee S.
Published: April 2004

This paper presents an analytical study on the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with externally bonded carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates. Different failure modes of these strengthened reinforced beams have been reported and these failure modes are generally referred to as brittle failure or ductile failure involving the compression crushing of the concrete, debonding or rupture of the composite laminate and yielding of the steel reinforcement. For the analysis, the stresses and strains of all the components of the beam are related by the material properties, including the stress-strain curves for the concrete, steel and CFRP laminate. The strain distribution is assumed to be compatible within the distorted shape of the cross-section of the concrete beam. The resultant forces on the cross section are balanced with the applied loads for static equilibrium. The analytical solution is derived from the equilibrium equations and the compatibility of the strains, and it is applicable to both singly and doubly reinforced concrete beams strengthened with multi-layers of CFRP laminates. In this study, a simple and direct analytical procedure has been developed to evaluate the flexural capacity of concrete beams strengthened with CFRP and to predict their failure modes. An example is presented to illustrate the computational procedures. For design purposes, the upper and lower limits of CFRP cross-section areas are established to ensure that reinforced concrete beam strengthened with advanced composite materials will fail in a ductile manner. A comparison between the analytical results and the data obtained from the literature has been made and the agreement is very good.
Mode-II Fracture at the Interface between a Base and a Repair Graphite/Epoxy Laminates
Authors: Jarrah M. A. , Tahat M. S. M. , Hoa S. V.
Published: April 2004

Experimental investigation of the characteristics of the interface between a base laminate [08] T and a repair laminate [08] T was carried out through Mode II fracture tests, compliance calibration tests, and microscopic observations. The material used for manufacturing the test samples is unidirectional carbon fiber prepreg (Newport Composites NCT-301 graphite/epoxy). The laminate lay-up used in all experiments was [016] T.The specimens were subjected to variations in the autoclave pressure in the repair curing cycle. A standard sample (reference) was subjected to the manufacture recommended cure cycle. The repair samples were subjected to the manufacturer recommended curing cycle (for temperature) with different values for pressure.

Results show a significant effect of pressure. However, the effect of the magnitude of the pressure is not significant after some threshold values. More than 28% drop in the fracture toughness is experienced by the lack of bonding between the older previously cured matrix and the newly added composite laminate. There is some difference between the Mode-II test and compliance calibration test, but no preference, in terms of accuracy, can be given to what method to be used to obtain Mode II fracture toughness.
Hygrothermal Effects on RT-Cured Glass-Epoxy Composites in Immersion Environments. Part A: Moisture Absorption Characteristics
Authors: Srihari Shylaja , Revathi A. , Rao R. M. V. G. K.
Published: April 2004

A study on the effect of moisture absorption characteristics of RT-cure glass/epoxy composite and epoxy casting specimens immersed in freshly prepared artificial seawater and distilled water maintained at 333º K are presented in this paper. Results showed that the equilibrium moisture absorption value and the diffusion rate (slope of the moisture absorption curve) are higher in specimens immersed in distilled water than those of artificial seawater. The mixture rule for moisture absorption estimates has been verified for specimens immersed in both environments. These theoretically calculated values compared well with those experimentally obtained. The time of saturation for specimens immersed in seawater was found to be higher than that for those immersed in distilled water.
An Analytical Method for Thermoelastic Analysis of 3D Orthogonal Interlock Woven Composites
Authors: Naik N. K. , Sridevi E.
Published: April 2004

A three-dimensional woven composite thermoelastic model is presented for predicting the thermoelastic properties of three-dimensional orthogonal interlock woven composites. The model is based on two level discretization of the repeating unit cell. The repeating unit cell is discretized into sections, elements, subsections and subelements. Eight number architectures of three-dimensional orthogonal woven composites have been analyzed. Compliance averaging and stiffness averaging schemes have been used for the prediction of thermoelastic properties. For the same fiber volume fraction, three-dimensional orthogonal interlock woven composites show a significant increase in through-the-thickness properties without a comparable reduction in the in-plane properties.
Elastic-Plastic Stress Analysis on Simply Supported Thermoplastic Laminated Plates Under Thermal Loads Varying Linearly
Authors: Bektas Numan B. , Sayman Onur
Published: April 2004

In this study, elastic-plastic stress analysis is carried out on simply supported symmetric cross-ply [0 / 90]2 and angle-ply [30 / 30]2, [45 / 45]2, [60 / 60]2 thermoplastic laminated plates under thermal loads varying linearly through the thickness. An analytical solution is performed for satisfying thermal elastic-plastic stress-strain relations and boundary conditions for small plastic deformations. Tsai-Hill Criterion is used as a yield criterion. The composite material is assumed to be linear hardening. Residual stresses distributions along the thickness of the plates are obtained and presented in figures. All the residual stress moments are in balance with respect to middle plane of the laminates since they are symmetric in opposite signs.
A Dimensionless Mathematical Model for Studying the Physical Parameters of Composite Laminates - Part II
Authors: Yeh Hsien-Liang , Yeh Hsien-Yang
Published: April 2004

In this article, a dimensionless mathematical model for studying the physical parameters of a quasi-isotropic composite laminate is presented. The influence of the various lamina material properties E1, E2, E3, G12, 12, 31, 32 as well as the lamina hygrothermal expansion coefficients 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, and 3 on the physical parameters of the laminate such as the through-the-thickness Poisson’s ratio z, the dilatation D"z of the laminate, the coefficients of hygrothermal expansion of the laminate, and, and the through-thickness coefficients of hygrothermal expansion of the laminate z, and z are studied. The results from this dimensionless mathematical model provide a set of general guidelines for designing the physical parameters of the composite laminates to fit various working and environmental conditions in engineering application.
Marching in the Procession of Precaution?
Authors: Sisneros Anthony
Published: April 2004

In Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), the United States Supreme Court held that it had never ruled that the only governmental use of race that can survive strict scrutiny is remedying past discrimination. The Court also acknowledged the promotion of student body diversity and associated workforce benefits. Public personnel managers have long had available U.S. Supreme Court support in using race and gender preferences. Institutional and organizational entry processes create the university admissions/public employment nexus. Public personnel managers are encouraged to maximize the constitutional cover of Grutter.
Knowing When to Play the Ace: The Use and Under Use of Ace Inhibitors in Primary Practice
Authors: Field Katherine M. , Pepin Jodie L. , Mehta Monica D.
Published: April 2004

The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors has expanded beyond the original indication of hypertension. Landmark studies and practice guidelines recommend the use of ACE inhibitors in patients with heart failure, post-myocardial infarction, and post-cerebrovascular accident to decrease morbidity and mortality. However, despite a sizable amount of literature and presence in treatment guidelines, this class of medications has been traditionally underused in the primary care setting. It is for this reason that pharmacists should play a more active role in increasing appropriate ACE inhibitor usage through interventions. Second, the idea that ACE inhibitors display a “class effect” is often used to justify interchange from one particular medication to another. However, there are structural differences and pharmacokinetic nuances that should not be understated. The objective of this article is to outline uses of ACE inhibitors beyond hypertension, discuss the under use of this class despite existing literature, and touch on the idea of class effect among ACE inhibitors.
New Treatment Options for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Young Sallie K.
Published: April 2004

Heparin, in various forms, is used in a variety of conditions including prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Although the most common adverse effect related to the use of heparin is bleeding, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can also occur. Two types of HIT exist, HIT type I and type II. HIT type I is a mild and self-limiting disease in which the patient’s platelet count may decrease slightly but will recover with continued treatment. This is in contrast to HIT type II, which may lead to potentially devastating complications. Patients with HIT type II are at increased risk for thromboembolic complications that are mediated through autoimmune reactions and therefore require anticoagulation with danaparoid or one of the direct thrombin inhibitors, including lepirudin, argatroban, or bivalirudin. Limited data are available on the use of these agents in special populations including patients who are pregnant or those undergoing procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiopulmonary bypass and dialysis, and pregnancy. Future therapies may include the use of unfractionated heparin in combination with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Role of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Militello Michael A.
Published: April 2004

Nesiritide is a human brain type natriuretic peptide. The addition of nesiritide, a balanced venous and arterial dilator for the treatment of decompensated heart failure, is the first intravenous (IV) therapy developed in the past decade. Nesiritide binds to receptors in the kidneys, vasculature, and other organs to produce vasodilation and natriuresis. These effects act to reduce ventricular filling pressures and rapidly improve symptoms of heart failure. Nesiritide reduces pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and pulmonary artery pressure, improves the cardiac index, and has minimal effects on heart rate. The limiting side effect of nesiritide is dose-related hypotension. It should not be used in patients with suspected or measured low filling pressures or patients with baseline hypotension. Current literature supports the efficacy of nesiritide; however, there are very few outcome data demonstrating the superiority of nesiritide over conventional therapy. Because this vasodilator does not require hemodynamic monitoring for utilization, it may be an attractive agent for a defined group of patients with decompensated heart failure.
New Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Greenlee Katie M.
Published: April 2004

The risk of bleeding, narrow therapeutic index, and need for routine monitoring make oral anticoagulation with warfarin a less than ideal oral anticoagulant. Intravenous therapies such as heparin are not orally bioavailable and have a narrow therapeutic index and high risk of bleeding. New oral antico agulants currently under investigation may have more ideal characteristics for long-term administration. The mechanism of thrombogenesis, limitations of current therapy, and new investigational oral anticoagulants are discussed.
A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Guided Imagery Practice on Outcomes
Authors: Van Kuiken Debra
Published: April 2004

Guided imagery is an intervention used by nurses in a variety of settings. It has been suggested that better outcomes will occur with continued practice. No studies were found that examined the relationship between practice duration and strength of outcomes. The focus of this meta-analysis was the effect size of guided imagery intervention studies with different durations. Statistical findings of 10 studies of various durations were converted to d statistics and plotted against the duration of study. The results show an increase in effect size of guided imagery over the first 5 to 7 weeks; however, the effect was decreased at 18 weeks.
The Locations of Nonprofit Organizations and Their For-Profit Counterparts: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Bielefeld Wolfgang , Murdoch James C.
Published: April 2004

This research examines the utility of spatial analysis for studying nonprofit sectors and the relations between nonprofits and for-profits. Information was obtained on nonprofit and for-profit education and human service providers in six metropolitan areas. Methods of spatial econometrics were used to examine the determinants of nonprofit locational patterns and the degree to which the locations of nonprofits were influenced by the locations of comparable nonprofits and for-profits. Similar nonprofits were found to be clustered, although the pattern differed across metropolitan areas. For the most part, a model of needs and resources explained the clustering. Exceptions were found, however, indicating clustering based on other factors over and above needs and resources. For educational support services, nonprofits were affected by comparable nonprofits in two sites. In youth services, nonprofits tend to locate near comparable for-profits. In Boston, nonprofits clustered with for-profits in a number of service categories.
Nonprofit Arts Organizations: Do Funding Sources Influence Spending Patterns?
Authors: Hughes Patricia , Luksetich William
Published: April 2004

Concern over the funding of nonprofit organizations has raised issues concerning the amount of money available for the provision of services and the potential that changes in the nature of funding will compromise organizational goals. Because of increased competition and government cutbacks, nonprofits will be forced to place more reliance on commercial ventures. This has the potential to negatively affect the behavior of recipient organizations. The question addressed in this article is whether greater reliance on private funding and commercial ventures will ultimately cause nonprofit arts organizations to place less emphasis on program services and more emphasis on fundraising and management expenses. The analysis is focused on three categories of nonprofit arts organizations: museums, performing arts, and media and communications. Overall, the provision of program services appears to be the primary goal of organizations in these three sectors, and greater reliance on private funding does not divert funding from program service delivery.
Confidence in Charitable Institutions and Volunteering
Authors: Bowman Woods
Published: April 2004

Should we be concerned when the public’s confidence in charitable institutions declines? This research fills a gap in the literature regarding the relationship between volunteering and confidence in charitable institutions. It models volunteering as impure altruism—joint consumption of a public good (charity) and a private good (clubbiness). Confidence affects the consumption of the public good but not the private good. The feedback effect of volunteering on confidence is also considered. Low-confidence people may volunteer because they are asked and then gain confidence in charitable institutions by working with them. A two-equation bivariate probit model separately identifies the effect of confidence in charitable institutions on volunteering and the opposite effect of volunteering on confidence. Empirical results support hypotheses that recruiting a person to volunteer overrides a lack of confidence in charitable institutions and volunteering fosters confidence in charitable institutions. The latter effect is stronger thereby suggesting that declining confidence is self-correcting.
Mentoring in the 21st Century: Using the Internet to Build Skills and Networks
Authors: Whiting Vicki R. , de Janasz Suzanne C.
Published: April 2004

Mentoring has transformed from traditional master-apprentice relationships into multiple developmental relationships that extend beyond functional, organizational, and geographic boundaries. The Internet provides one mechanism for protégés to identify mentors to help navigate career opportunities. The online mentor activity presented here requires students to identify successful business leaders who serve as mentors and assist in developing needed skills. Student-protégés utilize mentoring relationships to ask questions and develop networks, while increasing the connection between course concepts and “the real world.” Often students maintain their relationships after the course, and some supplement this relationship with face-to-face contact. Activity mechanics, variations, and benefits are covered.
Journeys to the Self: Using Movie Directors in the Classroom
Authors: Alvarez José Luis , Miller Paddy , Levy Jan , Svejenova Silviya
Published: April 2004

This article suggests that temporary (project based) filmmaking organizations, and film directors as their leaders, lend themselves to examining a plethora of leadership issues, from social sources of power to competencies in network organizations. It advances for classroom discussion and teaching the cases of Almodóvar and Coppola as examples of idiosyncratic filmmakers in a “subsidy-trapped,” craft like European cinema versus a gross and agent-driven Hollywood studio system. The article concludes with a discussion of the journey metaphor as a unique opportunity to look at the philosophical problem of the meaning of life and the achievement of consistency and continuity in one’s trajectory.
How Do We “Dis” Students?: A Model of (Dis)Respectful Business Instructor Behavior
Authors: Buttner E. Holly
Published: April 2004

This study summarizes undergraduate business students’ reports of respectful and disrespectful instructor behaviors. Consistent with the theory of interactional justice, respectful behavior was exemplified by recognition of students’ perspectives and by the treatment of students, including showing concern and sensitivity to students’ situations. Disrespectful instructor behavior was noted in terms of poor treatment of students and unwillingness to provide class-related help. Male students commented on being recognized, on instructor responsiveness to their concerns, and on classroom integrity issues more often than their female counterparts. Female students were more sensitive to treatment issues and affirmative instructor behaviors. Implications are discussed.