bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell volume and the metabolic actions of insulin
Authors: Zhande Rachel , Brownsey Roger W.
Published: December 2009

Insulin increases the volume of isolated hepatocytes and cells in perfused livers, but effects of the hormone on the volume of fat or muscle cells have not been demonstrated. Exogenous amino acids may stimulate swelling of liver cells and induce insulin-like effects on hepatic protein metabolism; however, swelling of liver cells can be induced by some treatment that do not induce insulin-like metabolic responses. Exogenous amino acids also influence protein metabolism of fat and muscle cells, but no relationship with cell volume has been established and no corresponding effects on metabolism of carbohydrates or lipids have been observed. Three families of mitogen-activated protein kinases are activated after changes in extracellular osmolality but they appear to play little or no role in the metabolic actions of insulin. Direct evidence against a metabolic role for the extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK-1 and ERK-2 is discussed. The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (also called stress-activated protein kinases) and the mammalian homologs of the yeast Hog protein kinase are strongly activated by environmental stresses associated with catabolic metabolism. We conclude that cell volume and protein metabolism may be correlated in liver but there is no compelling evidence that the effects of insulin on metabolism of liver, fat, or muscle cells can be accounted for by changes in cell volume. The effects of insulin on cell volume may represent a discrete aspect of the complete physiological response rather than an obligatory intermediate step in metabolic signalling.Key words: insulin action, cell volume, osmolality, metabolic regulation, MAP kinases.
Of mice and women: the β3-adrenergic receptor leptin and obesity
Authors: Bégin-Heick Nicole
Published: December 2009

The metabolic response of adipose tissue to stimuli leading to lipid mobilization is important in determining the direction of metabolism and the degree to which adipose tissue can store lipids and release fatty acids in times of need. The lipolytic machinery is controlled by the activity of hormone-sensitive lipase, which in turn is controlled by the cellular levels of cAMP. The production of cAMP is abnormal in the adipose tissue of some animal models of obesity. In the ob/ob mouse, the defective cAMP production has been associated with deficient levels of some of the isoforms of the guanine nucleotide transducing G-proteins and also with the low expression and functionality of the β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR). The recent discovery of the ob gene product leptin calls into question the role of the ob gene in the regulation of the cAMP cascade in adipose tissue. The importance of the β3-AR and leptin in regulating human adipose tissue metabolism remains to be clarified.Key words: ob gene, lipolysis, adenylyl cyclase, G-proteins, obesity, adipose tissue, beta-adrenergic receptor.
Regulation of extracellular matrix synthesis by mechanical stress
Authors: Chiquet Matthias , Koch Manuel , Matthisson Mark , Tannheimer Michael , Chiquet-Ehrismann Ruth
Published: December 2009

The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides mechanical support to tissues and is a substrate for cell adhesion and differentiation. Cells bind to ECM via specific cell surface receptors such as integrins. When engaging with ECM ligands, these receptors can activate signal tranduction pathways within the cells and may act as mechanochemical transducers. Thus, interaction of cells with ECM can modulate gene expression although the exact mechanisms are not known. Among the genes that are, in part, controlled by cell–ECM interactions are those for certain ECM components themselves. Bone cells, for example, remodel their matrix and reorient bone trabeculae in response to mechanical strain. Recently, we found that fibroblasts attached to a strained collagen matrix produce more of the ECM glycoproteins tenascin and collagen XII than cells in a relaxed matrix. In vivo, these two proteins are specifically expressed in places where mechanical strain is high. We also showed that the chick tenascin gene promoter contains a novel cis-acting, "strain-responsive" element that causes enhanced transcription in cells attached to a strained collagen matrix. Similar enhancer elements might be present in the promoters of other genes induced by mechanical stress. It can be speculated that connective tissue cells sense force vectors in their ECM environment and react to altered mechanical needs by regulating the transcription of specific ECM genes; tins process is a prerequisite for matrix remodeling.Key words: extracellular matrix proteins, integrins, mechanical stress, gene regulation.
Collagenase: a key enzyme in collagen turnover
Authors: Shingleton W. D. , Cawston T. E. , Hodges D. J. , Brick P.
Published: December 2009

The primary agents responsible for cartilage and bone destruction in joint diseases are active proteinases that degrade collagen and proteoglycan. All four main classes of proteolytic enzymes are involved in either the normal turnover of connective tissue or its pathological destruction. These proteinases are made by different cells found within the joints. Both extracellular and intracellular pathways exist and individual enzymes can be inhibited by specific proteinaceous inhibitors that block their activity. Recent research has implicated the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in many of the processes involved in joint diseases. The metalloproteinases are capable of degrading all components of the extracellular matrix. This family of proteinases contains a group of at least three collagenases that are capable of degrading native fibrillar collagen. Collagen degradation within joint disease is recognized as the irreversible step in the destruction of cartilage that leads to a failure in joint function. The collagenases are the enzymes necessary to initiate collagen turnover in normal connective tissue turnover and in disease.Key words: cartilage, collagen, collagenase, connective tissue, structure.
Tumor progression and angiogenesis: cathepsin B &Co.
Authors: Keppler Daniel , Sameni Mansoureh , Moin Kamiar , Sloane Bonnie F. , Mikkelsen Tom , Diglio Clement A.
Published: December 2009

Experimental and clinical evidence reveals that the growth of solid tumors is dependent on angiogenesis. Proteolytic enzymes such as plasminogen activators and matrix metalloproteinases have been implicated in this neovascularization. The role of lysosomal proteases in this process has yet to be explored. Increased expression of the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin B has been observed in many etiologically different tumors, including human brain, prostate, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers. Immunohistochemical and in situ histochemical studies have demonstrated expression of cathepsin B in neovessels induced during malignant progression of human glioblastoma and prostate carcinomas. In these two tumor types, neovessels stain strongly for cathepsin B compared with the normal microvasculature. As an initial point to elucidate whether cathepsin B is an important component of the angiogenic response in tumours, we analyzed expression of cathepsin B in endothelial cells during neovessel formation. We present evidence for strong immunostaining of cathepsin B in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells as they form capillary tubes in vitro. This finding is discussed within the general framework of the role of proteolytic enzymes in tumor invasion and angiogenesis.Key words: proteases, lysosomes, microvasculature, neovessels, tumor invasion.
Molecular regulation of cellular invasion— role of gelatinase A and TIMP-2
Authors: Yu Anita E. , Hewitt Robert E. , Kleiner David E. , Stetler-Stevenson William G.
Published: December 2009

Extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover is an event that is tightly regulated. Much of the coordinate (physiological) or discoordinate (pathological) degradation of the ECM is catalyzed by a class of proteases known as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or matrixins. Matrixins are a family of homologous Zn atom dependent endopeptidases that are usually secreted from cells as inactive zymogens. Net degradative activity in the extracellular environment is regulated by specific activators and inhibitors. One member of the matrixin family, gelatinase A, is regulated differently from other MMPs, suggesting that it may play a unique role in cell–matrix interactions, including cell invasion. The conversion from the 72 kDa progelatinase A to the active 62 kDa species may be a key event in the acquisition of invasive potential. This discussion reviews some recent findings on the cellular mechanisms involved in progelatinase A activation and, in particular, the role of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) and transmembrane containing metalloproteinases (MT-MMP) in this process.Key words: tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, metalloproteinase, gelatinases, extracellular matrix, activation.
A review of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) and experimental analysis of its effect on primary tumor growth
Authors: Anand-Apte Bela , Bao Lere , Smith Roy , Zetter Bruce , Iwata Kazushi , Olsen Bjorn R. , Apte Suneel S.
Published: December 2009

The family of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) presently numbers four distinct gene products that are specific inhibitors of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The local balance between MMPs and TIMPs is believed to play a major role in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling during development and in diseases such as cancer and arthritis. Unlike the other TIMPs, which are soluble, TIMP-3 is unique in being a component of ECM. Mutations in the human TIMP-3 gene cause a dominantly inherited, adult-onset blindness (Sorsby's fundus dystrophy or SFD). In this article, we summarize what is currently known about TIMP-3, discuss possible mechanisms leading up to SFD, and investigate the effect of TIMP-3 on tumor growth. Breast carcinoma and malignant melanoma cell lines were transfected with TIMP-3 expression plasmids and injected subcutaneously into nude mice. Growth curves of the resulting tumors over a period of 6 to 8 weeks demonstrated that increased expression of TIMP-3 resulted in a statistically significant suppression of tumor growth. Deposition of TTMP-3 in the surrounding ECM by tumor cells may inhibit tumor growth by preventing local expansion of tumor, retarding the release of growth factors sequestered in ECM, or inhibiting angiogenesis. TIMP-3 over-expression had no effect on the growth of the two tumor cell lines in vitro. Because recombinant TIMP-3 inhibits endothelial cell migration and tube formation in response to angiogenic factors, we believe that the effect of TIMP-3 on tumor growth seen in this study may be a consequence of its angiostatic action.Key words: TIMP-3, matrix metalloproteinase, cancer, extracellular matrix, retina.
Predicting the elevated dead fine fuel moisture content in gorse (Ulex europaeus L.) shrub fuels
Authors: Anderson Stuart A.J. , Anderson Wendy R.
Published: December 2009

Methods were developed to predict the moisture content of the elevated dead fine fuel layer in gorse ( Ulex europaeus L.) shrub fuels. This layer has been observed to be important for fire development and spread in these fuels. The accuracy of the Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC) of the Canadian Fire Weather Index System to predict the moisture content of this layer was evaluated. An existing model was used to determine the response time and equilibrium moisture content from field data. This response time was incorporated into a bookkeeping model, combining the FFMC and this response time–equilibrium moisture content model. The FFMC poorly predicted the elevated dead fuel moisture content in gorse fuels, and attempts to improve its accuracy through regression modelling were unsuccessful. The response time of the elevated dead fine fuel layer was very fast (38–77 min) and has important implications for fire danger rating. The bookkeeping approach was the most promising method to predict elevated dead fuel moisture content. A limitation was the inability to model fuel-level meteorology. However, this model warrants further validation and extension to other shrub fuels and could be incorporated into existing fire danger rating systems that can utilize hourly weather data.
Examining fuel treatment longevity through experimental and simulated surface fire behaviour: a maritime pine case study
Authors: Fernandes Paulo M.
Published: December 2009

The adequate prediction of fire behaviour characteristics for both scientific and management objectives is deeply impacted by the performance of fire behaviour models. Both the lack of experimentation and limitations in fire modelling constrain current understanding of fuel treatment effectiveness and longevity. The residual effect of a 10-year-old prescribed fire was quantified by both simulating fire behaviour and observing real-world fire behaviour in treated (T10) and untreated (U25) fuels in a 25-year-old maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster Aiton) stand in Portugal. Fire behaviour characteristics were measured in experimental surface fires (n = 36). Surface-fire behaviour was simulated using BehavePlus with custom fuel models for T10, U25, and U15 (the untreated fuel complex when the stand was 15 years old). The T10 fuel complex had significantly less decomposing litter load and shrub cover and load than the U25 fuel complex. The observed rate of fire spread did not differ between fuel complexes after accounting for the effects of other environmental variables, but flame length in T10 was 25% lower than that in U25. BehavePlus simulations contradicted the difference observed in flame length. Inconsistent and misleading assessments of fuel treatment effectiveness with detrimental impacts on the outcomes of fuel management may result from the generalized practice of solely using simulation in lieu of experimental fires.
Spatial variation in reference conditions: historical tree density and pattern on a Pinus ponderosa landscape
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Denton Charles W.
Published: December 2009

The reference conditions of historical tree density and pattern underpin ecological restoration and management of Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson & C.Lawson forests in western North America, yet the potential spatial variation in these variables across the landscape remains unclear. We reconstructed historical (1880) tree density and spatial pattern on 1 ha plots at 53 sites within a 110 000 ha P. ponderosa landscape in northern Arizona, compared these variables among US Forest Service ecosystem classification units, and modeled spatial variation with environmental variables. Mean tree density differed 19-fold among nine ecosystem types, and regression trees using four soil or climatic variables explained 62%–74% of the variation in density. Although density was more sensitive to environmental variation than was pattern, we did not find the clumped pattern widely described for P. ponderosa forests to be universal across ecosystems. Results suggest that (i) multivariate combinations of soil and climatic properties influenced historical forest structure, (ii) as much variation exists in reference conditions within the study landscape as between P. ponderosa regions, (iii) ecosystem classification is a useful framework for quantifying spatial variation in reference conditions, and (iv) determining spatial variation in reference conditions can assist resource managers in prioritizing areas for management and in developing ecosystem-specific management strategies within landscapes.
Stand structure and dynamics of Picea mariana on the northern border of the natural closed boreal forest in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Rossi Sergio , Tremblay Marie-Josée , Morin Hubert , Levasseur Valérie
Published: December 2009

The boreal forest of higher latitudes constitutes a reservoir of trees of great ecological importance and unknown economic potential, but the stand dynamics in these regions still remain essentially unexplored. This paper examines the change in age and size structures during stand development on the northern border of the natural closed boreal forest in Quebec, Canada. Height, diameter, and age of trees were measured in 18 plots with stand ages between 77 and 340 years. The occurrence, size, and origin (layer or seed) of seedlings and saplings were assessed in subplots. Tree density ranged from 600 to 3750 trees·ha–1. Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP was the dominant species, mainly originating by layering. A cluster analysis segregated plots into even-aged and uneven-aged stands according to tree age, but size distribution of trees, saplings, and seedlings did not differ statistically between the two groups. Even-aged stands exhibited a 60% probability of assuming an uneven-aged structure between 120 and 200 years after stand initiation. At high latitudes, the closed boreal forest of P. mariana appears homogeneously sized, with similar distributions of diameter and height across all stages of stand development.
CHEMICAL BONDING BEHAVIORS OF N—H⋯O HYDROGEN BONDS OF ${\rm{NH}}_4^ + \cdots {\rm{O}}$ SYSTEMS IN INORGANIC CRYSTALS
Authors: ZHANG FANGFANG , XUE DONGFENG
Published: December 2009

The original length d0 of N — H and H ⋯ O bonds in various inorganic [Formula: see text] systems was comprehensively studied from a chemical bond viewpoint. Two linear relationships between d0 and the average bond lengths of each [Formula: see text] system, d0, N - H , versus [Formula: see text] and d0, H ⋯ O versus [Formula: see text] were respectively established. It is indicated that d0 is affected by the crystalline environment evidently, therefore, the valence electron distribution of hydrogen atom which depends on the lengthening degree of the original bond length is strongly affected by the chemical environment of hydrogen atoms. The obtained valence electron distributions of hydrogen are in a good agreement with the bond valence sum rule, and their overall applicability to ammonium ion interactions was discussed.
STRUCTURAL IMPLICATIONS OF O—H⋯O HYDROGEN BONDS IN INORGANIC CRYSTALS
Authors: ZHANG FANGFANG , XUE DONGFENG
Published: December 2009

Structural characteristics of O — H ⋯ O hydrogen bonds in inorganic crystals were comprehensively investigated on the basis of a database study. It is shown that the multi-furcated hydrogen bonds are very common, therefore, the structures of hydrogen bonds in inorganic crystals are extremely flexible. The direction and distance preferences of hydrogen bonds were systematically analyzed through frequency distribution histograms and normalized spatial frequency distribution scatter plot. In addition, new bond valence parameters were proposed for O — H ⋯ O bonds in inorganic crystals fully taking into account the multi-furcated hydrogen bonds, which can be used to properly evaluate hydrogen bond strengths in inorganic crystals. The current work sheds some light on the usage of hydrogen bonds in inorganic crystal design.
自助小组的增权策略: 「参预研究」与「组织发展」
Authors: 莫 邦豪 , 孙 励生 , 邓 志荣
Published: December 2009

本文从「参预研究」和「组织发展」两个视角讨论自助小组的增权策略；并以作者推动的两项实践计划加以阐析。两项计划在个人层面及团体层面的增权皆见成效；但在社会和政策方面的影响却是较为薄弱的。作者指出，香港自助小组的功能仍停留在自助和互助所产生的节省社会资源上；若要达至争取平等、改变权力关系及重新分配资源目标，仍待努力。

This paper discusses the empowerment strategies of self-help groups from the perspectives of "Participatory Research" and "Organisation Development", with two practice projects carried out by the authors as illustrations. Results of the projects indicated that the self-help groups involved were empowered at individual and group levels, but not at social and policy levels. The authors pointed out that the function of self-help groups in Hong Kong is at present limited to saving social resources, resulting from self-help and mutual help. There is still a long way to go for self-help groups to achieve the goals of promoting equality, changing community power relationships and re-distributing social resources.
香港政府的福利信念与医疗融资改革
Authors: 杨罗 观翠 , 余 伟锦
Published: December 2009

本文的目的，是讨论香港政府的福利信念，并探讨其如何表现于香港医疗融资改革的发展。全文共分为两部份。前部份将介绍香港政府的「积极不干预政策」的基本特性及其所志決保卫的四项「社会福利发展禁区」；而后半部份则引用香港政府多项医疗改革的建议为案例，阐释其维持这些「社会福利发展禁区」的策略。

The aim of this paper is to discuss the Hong Kong government's welfare philosophy and how it is manifested in the reforms of the medical finance. It is mainly divided into two parts. The first part introduces the positive non-interventionalism upheld by the Hong Kong government and how it is related to the four "prohibited areas" to the development of social welfare. The second part illustrates the Hong Kong government's strategy for strengthening these "prohibited areas" with reference to the reforms of the medical finance.
社会福利行政的反思
Authors: 徐 明心 , 张 超雄
Published: December 2009

本文检视社会福利行政的理念核心(Concept)，分辨社会福利行政作为一建构(Construct)与工商管理之别，厘清社会福利行政的主要内涵(Content)，并且探索社会福利行政的实践环境(Context)。最后，笔者会就社会福利行政的教学、研究和实践提出意见。

This paper reviews the key concept of social welfare administration. The authors differentiate social welfare administration, as a social construct, from business administration, identify its major content, and explore the context for practising social welfare administration. The implications for teaching, research and practice will also be discussed.
CHALLENGES OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: KHINDUKA SHANTI K.
Published: December 2009

Despite tremendous progress in the 20th century in increasing life expectancy and spreading freedom and democracy, serious problems of poverty, environmental degradation, gender discrimination, racial and ethnic discord, and social inequality persist in most parts of the world as we enter the 21st century. A dynamic profession of social work, committed internally to knowledge development and to furthering the competence of its members and externally to high quality care giving and to substantive institutional reform, must carve out a role for itself in meeting the great challenge of our time, viz. balancing economic development with social equity.
Book Review: 青少年与家庭治疗，马丽庄著
Authors: SIM TIMOTHY , CHAN CHUNG MING
Published: December 2009

未提供摘要。
THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL WORK IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: O'CONNOR IAN
Published: December 2009

This article identifies the key challenges confronting social work and human services in Australia. The implications of such challenges, in particular, managerialism, on the social work profession are examined. Future viability of the profession depends on its capacity to re-invent itself and engage in these fundamental contextual changes. Such a move necessitates the social work profession to adopt a change in its culture and orientation.

O'Connor 在〈 澳 洲 社 会 工 作 未 来〉 一 文 中 检 视 了 社 工 专 业 面 对 的 重 大 挑 战， 其 中 尤 以 管 理 主 义 的 影 响 最 大。 社 工 专 业 是 否 能 延 续 它 对 社 会 的 贡 献， 则 有 赖 社 工 专 业 是 否 能 在 它 的 文 化 和 取 向 方 面， 作 出 基 本 的 改 变； 从 而 使 专 业 提 升 自 我 更 生 的 能 力。
MANAGERIALISM AND STATE SOCIAL WORK IN BRITAIN
Authors: MORGAN STEVE , PAYNE MALCOLM
Published: December 2009

Two forms of managerialism are distinguished: generalist managerialism, that which affects the daily experience of social work practice and policy managerialism, that which affects the development of policy. The development of social work in Britain led social workers to adopt the role of bureau-professionals, mitigating the inflexibility of the bureaucratic provision of welfare in state social services. However, through case studies of local government social services and probation services, the impact on this conception of social work managerialism through its adoption by new Right governments during the 1980s and 90s is demonstrated. It is argued that distinguishing the impact of inflexibility in services through bureaucratisation from the impact of policy managerialism, the inclusion of a wide range of stakeholders and ensuring advocacy for the voices of service users and the community mitigates the effects of managerialist bureaucratisation.

作者认为管理主义普遍理论对社会工作日常运作的影响有别于管理主义理论应用于公共行政的范畴上。作者以英国的地区社会福利服务及感化工作的展为案例，指出社工专业需要对管理主义对不同服务的影响，先作检视，然后作出适当的回应。 总的来说， 社工可以联系著不同背景及业的人士，与服务使用者一起去倡导及争取他们的权益。 积极参与公共政策的厘订， 来减低管理主义对社工服务的不良影响。
DETERMINING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICE IN HONG KONG
Authors: CHAN CHARLES C. , WAN DEBORAH L. Y. , LUI WACY W.S.
Published: December 2009

With the new managerial system of Funding and Service Agreement (FSA) in Hong Kong, the performance standards in social welfare services are still difficult to define. In this paper, the problems and difficulties arising from the current method of determining performance standards in the Supported Employment Service (SES) were first examined. The current formulation was also considered inadequate for the consideration of the actual service recipient outcomes. Research data from a university and a rehabilitation organisation partnership revealed the complex relationship among service quality, service output and service recipient outcomes. A conceptual model with variables considered as crucial by service operators and researchers was mapped out for better service accountability. This "percentage of best fit" model which was formulated by the empirically derived typologies of SES pathways and service recipients was suggested to form the performance standards. Significant implications include offering a workable alternative to the over-reliant, yet unsatisfactory use of mean discharge rates as the major performance standard in FSAs. This model also helps clarify information on who would fit into what kind of SES modules and for how long they would produce the best outcomes. The applicability of this empirically derived model to other social services should be further explored. Finally, this paper should be regarded as a practical response to the present demands for service quality and best value outcomes, based on an integrated use of clinical social work skills and empirical research methods.

香港社会服务界于一九九九年引入了一些带有管理主义色彩的新制度， 但在与服务提供者共同制订服务表现标准上， 社会 服务界却遇上重重困难。 本文先论述现制度下服务表现标准的限制与不足之处。该标准既未能保证服务质素 ，也未能反映接受服务者在不同阶段的特殊需要及服务成效。 这制度明显不能达致以接受服务者为中心及专注服务成效的两项重要目标。 本文建基于一份大学与康复机构的夥伴研究成果， 并以辅助就业服务为例， 详细阐释了一个以「数据为本」的服务表现标准模式。 此模式的优越性， 在于能以服务数据来厘定一个衡量服务成效的最恰当百分比。 此模式的制订， 将极具深远影响。 首先， 这模式突破了多年来只可用平均值作划一基准的种种限制。 其次是能够厘定服务成效与质素的 关系。 香港社会服务界将可利用此模式作为日后替不同服务制订个别表现标准之参考。 最后， 本文结合了实证研究的技术及社会工作中的临床知识， 为回应香港社会服务界迈进对服务质素及成效有要求的年代所作出的一可行例证 。
INTERPRETING WORKERS' RESISTANCE TO WELFARE "REFORM"
Authors: CHAN FUNG YI , CHU SHUK FAN
Published: December 2009

This article presents and analyses the background to the resistance of many frontline welfare practitioners against the recent introduction of reforms to the welfare management and subvention system and process in Hong Kong. The "progress" discourse optimistically engaged in by the government is challenged by a rather pessimistic assessment by workers, accompanied by a strong critique of the compromises welfare management groups have agreed to when accepting the Lump Sum Grant proposal. The context of the reform is interpreted as a strategic repositioning by the post-1997 government, intent at rebuilding its legitimacy and re-assigning the role of the welfare sector within its vision for the future. In the course of a long conversation between the two authors, one an academic, the other a core organiser in the "Alliance for the Protection of Welfare" several important areas of discourse were touched upon: the nature of welfare and its normative underpinning; social workers' struggle to relocate themselves within the emerging managerial paradigm; the search for an environment in which dialogue between the various parties would allow open negotiation about a more positive reform of the welfare system. The relationships among workers, management, government and service users are interpreted within a historical perspective, looking back at the constitution of the problem on both the level of Hong Kong as well as, more theoretically, on the level of (Western) welfare states.

近日香港政府提出社会福利管理及津助制度的「改革」，受到前线同工大力反对。 本文旨在勾画出相关的背景脉络，以助了解同工的「悲 观」判断怎样质疑官方铺陈的乐观「进步」论，及批评管理阶层在接纳一笔过拨款上的妥协态度， 展示当中蕴含的重要议题。 改革的背景被理解作九七后特区政权的策略性再定位，在新的发展远景下以重建管治的合法性，亦重新厘订社会福利的角色。 本篇文稿是由学院成员与「捍卫社会福利大联盟」的组织者合撰，透过真诚的详谈，尝试剖析以下范畴： 福利的性质及价值规范、 在管理典范逐渐形成下前线社会工作员的挣扎、 及寻求一个有利对话的环境，以促进开放的态度磋商较具积极意义的福利改革。 在探讨前线同工、 管理阶层、 政府及服务使用者的多角关系时，更从历史的进程思考如何构成现今的问题， 当中涉及香港的独特环境及西方社会福利国家的理念性讨论。
HOW DO HONG KONG CHILDREN REACT TO MATERNAL I-MESSAGES AND INDUCTIVE REASONING?
Authors: CHEUNG SIU-KAU , KWOK SYLVIA Y.C.
Published: December 2009

The study investigated the affective reactions (unhappiness, animosity and compassion) and behavioural tendencies (antagonistic and conciliatory) of Chinese children to four kinds of maternal communicative behaviours, namely, I-message revealing primary feelings, I-message revealing anger, You-message implying moralising, and You-message implying criticising. The sample was composed of 527 Chinese students studying at primary four to form three in Hong Kong. Participants rated their affective reactions and behavioural tendencies to videotaped parent disciplinary messages. Results showed that children are most receptive to mothers' I-messages revealing parental distress, next comes You-messages in the form of inductive reasoning, then I-messages revealing anger whereas they are most antagonistic towards You-messages implying criticising. Implications for parent education practice are discussed.

本 研 究 探 讨 本 港 儿 童 对 母 亲 在 管 教 时 所 采 用 的 不 同 说 话 方 式 的 情 绪 反 应 和 行 为 倾 向。 研 究 所 指 的 说 话 方 式 包 括 母 亲 向 子 女 表 达 内 心 困 扰 的 话 语、 母 亲 表 达 内 心 愤 怒 的 话 语、 母 亲 理 谕 教 诲 子 女 的 话 语 和 母 亲 批 评 子 女 的 话 语。 受 测 者 包 括 527 名 就 读 小 四 至 中 三 的 儿 童 青 少 年。 他 们 在 聆 听 一 名 母 亲 的 录 音 话 语 后， 评 估 自 己 的 情 绪 反 应 和 行 为 倾 向。 结 果 显 示， 受 测 者 对 母 亲 表 达 内 心 困 扰 的 话 语 最 为 正 面， 其 余 依 次 为 母 亲 教 诲 子 女 的 话 语、 母 亲 表 达 内 心 愤 怒 的 话 语 和 母 亲 批 评 子 女 的 话 语。 文 章 最 后 讨 论 结 果 对 亲 职 教 育 工 作 的 启 示 。
TOWARD AN INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY
Authors: MOHAN BRIJ
Published: December 2009

The chimeras of hope are fraught with delusions. In a post-ideological world, theories and constructs that shaped social realities in the past have undergone a metamorphosis of intent and content. The treacherous 9-11 debris, unfortunately, seems to herald the end of a civil society. However, social work education can truly universalise basic constructs of a society that transcends national boundaries toward world citizenship.
INTEGRATED TEAM MODEL FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES: YES OR NO?
Authors: LEE FRANCIS W.-L.
Published: December 2009

From ten Integrated Teams (ITs) established in late 1994 for the provision of children and youth services, with some eight years of development, in 2001 there were more than 60 ITs in the territory. At the end of June 2003, there were 130 ITs (or Integrated Children and Youth Service Centres — ICYSCs) in the territory. It seems that employing an "Integrated Team Model" of the provision of children and youth services has gained the faith and confidence from the authority. However, the strengths and limitations encountered by youth workers in ITs have not been systematically explored. The present study, a questionnaire survey with all IT workers as target, has mainly explored the workers' opinions on the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing ITs, the difficulties/limitations they have encountered and the suggested ways for improvement. Based on the findings, recommendations are made so that further development of the IT model for children and youth services could be more promising.

於一九九四年尾成立的十支 "青少年综合服务队" ，在短短八年内，已增至超过六十支，在全港不同地区为青少年提供服务。二00三年六月尾，全港已有一百三十支 "青少年综合服务队" 。有关当局似乎对以 "综合服务队" 的模式来提供青少年服务充满信心，但目前探讨以该模式提供青少年服务的强弱、利弊及其有效性的研究十分缺乏。本文透过以 "综合服务队" 的工作人员为研究对象，探讨有关工作人员队以 "综合服务队模式" 提供青少年服务的有效性及可行性的意见。他们在提供服务期间遇到的困难或局限，及认为可如何提高 "青少年综合服务队" 的成效也是研究的内容。基於研究所得的发现，本文亦提出一些建议，希望能有助於 "青少年综合服务队" 的发展。
GROUP WORK WITH DISAFFECTED STUDENTS: A REALITY THERAPY APPROACH
Authors: NGAI SEK-YUM STEVEN
Published: December 2009

This study evaluates a reality therapy group for students enrolled in the Form 1 classes of a low-band secondary school in Hong Kong who have exhibited signs of disaffection such as apathy toward study and school activities, repeated academic failure and disruptive classroom behaviour. The results, based on interviews with members and their teachers, indicate significant improvements in the self-esteem, life satisfaction and school performance of the adolescent participants. The results from a self-report evaluation questionnaire also show the members' satisfaction and their positive perceptions of the group in terms of goal attainment and the impact the group has had on them. The implications of these findings for future practice and research are discussed.

此研究評估一項爲就讀於香港某間低組別中學，對學習及校內活動感覺冷漠，在學業上遭遇重覆失敗，以及經常擾亂課堂的一年級學生而設之現實治療小組計劃。從訪問組員及他們的老師得來的結果顯示，青少年參加者的自尊感、生活滿意度和校內行爲均獲顯著改善。由自填問卷得來的結果亦顯示，組員在小組目標達成、參加者滿意度、以及小組對他們的影響等方面，對小組都有很正面的評價。本文並討論上述發現對未來實務及研究的含義。
"STRENGTH" COMMUNITY — THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES IN SARS
Authors: FUNG KWOK-KIN , HUNG SUET-LIN
Published: December 2009

Studies on disaster have been criticised as putting too much emphasis on individual therapy. The community perspective highlights the significance of the sociopolitical factors in causing disasters and intervention at the community level. This paper, examining the contribution of community development services during the SARS epidemic in Hong Kong, reveals the significance of establishing an extensive network of vulnerable groups and community organising groundwork in times of crisis. Intervention during the SARS crisis included crisis intervention, providing community education, promoting community care, community participation and supporting the unemployed. After SARS, the focus was on reinforcing the spirit of mutual help, anti-discrimination and reconstructing positive shared meanings of the disaster. In mobilising community resources, the concept of the "strength" community has been confirmed. The SARS experience has revealed that, although disasters are becoming complex and global, remedies can be found in the local community. Community is an important disaster resource.

本文檢視社區發展服務在“非典型肺炎”期間的貢獻：危機介入、社區教育、社區照顧、社區參與及支援失業人士。“非典”之後，服務集中於強化互助、反歧視及建構災難的正面意義。介入的過程引證了“力量”社區的概念。
“類風濕性關節炎患者自我管理課程”的成效研究和啓示
Authors: 徐 英賢 , 游 達裕
Published: December 2009

這項研究，主要是探討病患者在參加“類風濕性關節炎患者自我管理課程”後，在自我療理行為、心理狀態及健康狀況等方面的成效及持續效果。研究採用單組活動前後的比較與設計，共有70名病患者參與是次研究。結果顯示，類風濕患者在療理病徵的信心、建立自我療理炎病的行為、心理狀態以及健康狀況方面，當課程結束時和結束後的1個月，均有顯著進步，並且於結束後6個月，開始達致穩定狀態。參加者在課程結束時和結束後的6個月，亦顯著地減少了使用醫療服務。研究結果更發現早期類風濕患者在課程裏能得到較大益處和進步。由於這許多方面的成果和持續效果，“病人自我療理教育”應加以大力推廣，以彌補傳統醫療的不足，並配合現有醫療制度，發揮更大的治療效果。

This study examines whether the Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-Management Course is effective in, as well as being able to achieve stabilizing effect on, enhancing participants' perception of control over the symptoms, improving health behaviours and health status, and reducing use of health care resources. This is a single group pre-and-post design with a sample of 70 participants. After the intervention and at 1 month follow up, participants show significant improvements in arthritis self-efficacy, self-management behaviour (exercise, cognitive symptoms management and communication with doctors), psychological well-being (sense of helplessness, mood and anxiety) and health status (pain and fatigue). These improvements become stabilized at 6 months follow-up after completion of the program. In addition, the program is found effective in reducing visits to general physician on problems related to arthritis. The results in this study clearly indicate that this community based patient education program can offer substantial benefits for the participants, particularly in terms of perceived self-efficacy on managing various aspects of arthritis, the establishment of positive health behaviour and its stabilizing effects. Therefore the complementary role of patient self-management education to traditional disease-oriented medical services can offer a valuable adjunct to medical care and we strongly advocate for its full implementation.
國際反校園欺凌之適切性
Authors: 秦 炳傑 , 鄭 之灝 , 陳 沃聰
Published: December 2009

Both local and overseas studies affirm that bullying in schools is very prevalent. The overseas experiences in response to bullying are invaluable for local reference. There is a consensus that a whole-school approach and a live policy against bullying are essential for successful intervention. There are different strategies in responses to cases of bullying including the No Blame Approach, the Method of Shared Concern, the Restorative Justice Approach and the Use of Logical Consequences. The authors argue for a mixed approach. Special issues in tackling bullying in Hong Kong are raised. Finally, it is advocated that a safe school is a prerequisite for a harmonious school.

海外和香港的調查研究都說明校園欺凌是一個十分普遍的問題。海外回應欺凌的經驗極具參考價值。“全校參與方法”和反欺凌政策的貫徹和執行是有效介入的必要條件。根據海外的經驗，處理欺凌個案策略有“不責難方法”，“共同關注方法”，“復和公義方式”和“邏輯後果方法”。作者支持使用“混合方法”，認爲更可因時制宜，取長補短。本文同時提出在香港處理欺凌時所需要注意的地方。最後，並認爲建立安全校園是達到和諧校園的先決條件。.
澳門社會福利模式: 一個生産主導福利模式
Authors: 賴 偉良
Published: December 2009

本文的目標是分析澳門社會福利體系的特徵及探討它的模式。它的特徵包括偏低水平的社會福利開支，福利混合主義之供應模式，較低水平的社會權發展，有限度減少社會分層化，福利發展主要被政治經濟因素所主導。其實，澳門的社會福利體系擁有其他東亞地區福利體制之主要特徵，故它亦屬於生産主導福利模式。

This article is aimed to outline the features of Macao's social welfare system and identify its welfare model. The analysis shows that the welfare system is characterized by its low social welfare expenditure, mixed economy of welfare, underdevelopment of social rights, restricted impact on social stratification and the dominant role of the political-economic factors in social policy-making. It is argued that Macao's social welfare system has shared most of key features of other East Asian welfare regimes and therefore it can be regarded as a productivist welfare model.
以《感化犯人條例》爲基礎的法庭頒令施虐者服務
Authors: 陳 沃聰 , 林陳 蘭德
Published: December 2009

強制性施虐者服務是現時香港家庭暴力防 治 服務缺少的一環。根據國外的經驗，本文展示強制性輔導的優點，並討論在現時的法律框架下，香港可以如何通過香港法例第298章《感化犯人條例》去展開法庭頒令的施虐者輔導服務。
COPING WITH MULTIPLE FAMILY TRANSITIONS: EXPERIENCES OF STEPCHILDREN IN HONG KONG
Authors: TAI LIANNE YAU-YEE , WAN CHRISTINA WAI-KUEN , YAN PHYLLIS FUNG-LING
Published: December 2009

This qualitative study explores the experiences of young adult stepchildren who have gone through multiple family transitions of parental divorce and remarriage in their childhood or adolescence. The findings reveal that the stepchildren experienced an unsettling life in multiple homes. Despite having no choice or control over the family events, they seemed to have accepted well their role as passive participants, and perceived having both gains and losses in the process. Having a stable significant figure as well as something to look forward to seem to have brought them a sense of stability that was so important in helping them survive the serial changes in their lives. Various types of coping strategies have been identified as having contributed to the amazing resilience shown by the stepchildren in this study.

本研究的對象是曾在兒童或少年期經歷過父母離婚及再婚，並曾跟隨再婚父母居住的年青人。研究發現他們雖然缺乏穩定的家庭，甚至感到寄人籬下，但是他們仍能夠接受現實，體會到有失也有得，亦在轉變中尋找到一絲安穩。本文除了闡述受訪者的經歷，並集取及分析了一些有助他們從艱難中站起來的方法。
中國大學生情緒表達性之探索性研究
Authors: 蘇 細清
Published: December 2009

The present research is an exploratory research focused on emotional expressivity of university students in China. The methodology of the research combined quantitative and qualitative, including Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire (BEQ, Gross & John, 1995) drawn from U.S.A., and in-depth interview. 1531 participants from 13 universities in Beijing with 829 females and 702 males were invited to participate in the research, and 15 students with 7 females and 8 males (about 1% of Ss) received the in-depth interview. In this research, data shows that Chinese university students are highly in emotional expressivity generally, especially in positive emotional expressivity (M=5.25, SD=.80), while relatively low in negative emotional expressivity (M=4.02, SD=.99). Significant differences are found in Chinese students' emotional expressivity in gender, and major (p<.05). Females are higher than males, and students who study Arts display higher emotional expressivity than students who study Science. From in-depth interview data analysis, strong Chinese culture characteristics can be found in students' emotion expressivity, including relation-focus, the doctrine of the medium, and family-value-focus, etc. Gender difference in emotional expressivity can be tracked to Chinese traditional concept of gender expectation as "Male dominate outside while female dominate inside" (男主外女主內). Since most of the Arts students are female, they higher in emotional expressivity may also be tracked to gender expectation of emotional discourse. The present research is to present some principle of emotional expressivity of university students in China, and the finding of the research can be the empirical basis for university students' emotional education, psychological counseling and the further research, not only in practice but also in future researches.

本文是關於中國大學生情緒表達性的探索性研究，研究方法採用了質性研究和量化研究，包括了採用伯克利大學的情緒表達性量表 (Gross & John, 1995) 和深入訪談方法。參加此次的問卷調查是來自北京13所大學 (約占北京市高校13%) 的1531位大學生 (829女702男) ，從中抽取15位學生 (7女8男，約占總數1%) 進行深入訪談。結果表明中國大學生情緒表達性總體而言並不低，尤其積極情緒的表達傾向性較高(M=5.25, SD=.80)，消極情緒表達性相對較低(M=4.02, SD=.99)。性別和學生所學專業較明顯地影響學生的情緒表達性(p<.05)，總體而言，女生高於男生，而文科類學生高於理工科類學生。從訪談的結果可以看出，學生的情緒表達性深受中國文化的影響，包括維護人際關係和諧、中庸之道以及家庭價值為中心等傳統文化與價值。性別的差異可以追溯到中國傳統文化對不同性別在情緒上的不同期望，尤其受 "男主外女主內" 的傳統文化影響較多。本研究首次描述了中國大學生情緒表達性的現狀，研究結果希望為大學生的情緒健康教育、心理輔導等在實踐和研究提供實證性基礎。
THE IDEOLOGICAL ORIENTATION OF THE NEW DAWN PROJECT
Authors: YU SAM WAI-KAM
Published: December 2009

This paper is concerned with the ideological dimension of the New Dawn project. It focuses on two analytical tasks. The first is to show that this project is not an independent reform measure. Instead it is a part of a series of pro-market welfare-to-work programmes launched by the Government to tackle social exclusion. The second is concerned with the debate on the desirability of this project in reducing social exclusion. As the design of this project is heavily indebted to market values, it is highly supported by those analysts and policy-makers who stress the importance of the labour market in helping socially excluded groups achieve social inclusion but it receives criticisms from those analysts who question the ability of the private market in tackling social exclusion. By carrying out these two tasks, the paper raises our awareness of the fact that whether people support the New Dawn project or not reflects not only their judgment on the effectiveness of this project in meeting the needs of single parents and carers on the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance scheme but also their views on market ideologies.
香港三至十二歲兒童與父母親之遊戲時間模式 — 家長意見調查研究
Authors: 鄧 衍瑋
Published: December 2009

未提供摘要。
TEENAGE DRUGS SUBCULTURE: IMPLICATIONS FOR PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
Authors: LAI KWOK-HUNG
Published: December 2009

Rapid social change due to the emigration and development of new towns, has weakened parental bonds and the social support networks of families and clans. These changes may lead to an immense increase in teenage drug abuse and suicide. The drug dependence of teenagers is not simply a result of curiosity, but a reflection of stress management in the form of escape from reality. This paper gives an account of the stages of adolescent drug dependence, and the levels of intervention where social work practitioners can play a more active role in drug prevention. Strategies related to primary, secondary and tertiary prevention are discussed.

新移民流入和新市镇的发展，减弱了家庭和亲族的社交支援网络和家长的约束。这些改变令少年滥用药物和自杀的个案大增。少年依赖药物问题并非单纯是好奇的结果，其实亦反映了以逃避现实来处理压力的方式。这篇文章细述青少年依赖药物的阶段，与及社工可以更主动的角色介入预防药物滥用。文中并讨论基层、中层和深层的预防工作。
SOCIAL WORK WITH THE ADDICTIONS – CAN THE PROFESSION DELIVER?
Authors: NG HO-YEE
Published: December 2009

This paper reviews the way in which the problems of drug addiction have been managed in Hong Kong. Given the lip service paid so far to social work input in the drug rehabilitation scene, an argument is made for an expansion of the role of social work. But it is contended that social work will only be relevant if addiction work is placed squarely within the totality of an individual's life functioning, the area of concern to social work. This would entail, however, a reconceptualisation of addiction from that of the prevailing medical view, which sees it as a disease process, to that of seeing addiction as a cognitive choice.

本文回顾香港之戒毒治疗及康复工作，发现社会工作之参予未如理想，原因乃由於滥用药物问题一直被定义为一种病态，因而治疗工作倚重於医疗界之服务。但研究指出滥用药物实应视为应付生活之惯性行为。重新定义滥用药物问题後，社会工作之介入变 为极适当，极需扩张。
A STUDY OF THE ATTITUDES OF PRE-MARITAL COUPLES TOWARD MARRIAGE IN HONG KONG
Authors: YEUNG CAROLINE S. T. , KWONG WAI-MAN
Published: December 2009

This paper presents the findings of a survey study on pre-marital couples in Hong Kong. It is part of a research project to investigate the attitude of young people toward sex, love, marriage, and lifestyle choice in adulthood. The survey sample was a convenient sample. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from prospective participants of marriage preparation programmes of the collaborating agency. A total of 284 valid questionnaires were collected. The major findings were presented around several thematic areas and implications for family life education were discussed.

本文目的，旨在分享一个探讨香港准婚男女婚姻观念的调查结果。这是一个有关青年人对性、爱、婚姻和成年期不同的生活方式研究计划的其中一个调查。是项调查的样本是便利样本，对象是参与合办机构婚前服务的准婚人士。调查采用问卷来搜集资料，由作答者自行填写。我们共收回二百八十四份有效的问卷。本文把主要结果归纳为几项主题，遂一介绍，并讨论有关结果对家庭生活教育的含义。
危机青少年之越轨过程: 个案追踪研究
Authors: 黄 成荣
Published: December 2009

为了解青少年犯罪之起始及延续因素，研究员进行了一项追踪研究，获取了五个时段的资料。研究对象是19名有一定程度越轨行为的外展队个案，结果显示社会联系、朋辈关系及负面标签等因素与犯罪行为是明显地交互影响的。基于案主之犯罪动机及越轨途径，研究更找出了四种越轨行为类型。基于资料分析，研究员建议一些可行之办法协助危机青少年。

To understand the factors which lead to the on-set and continuation of delinquency, a longitudinal case study, with data collected at five points of time, was launched. Nineteen outreach clients, who have exhibited some sorts of deviant behaviour, were selected as research targets. The results show that interactive effects between elements of social bonds, elements of peer influence, negative labelling and delinquent behaviour were apparent. The study also identifies four different delinquent typologies based on the client's motivation and path to deviation. Based on the analysis, the investigator suggests possible solutions for helping the youths at risk.
Book Review: 离婚妇女自强训练手册, 罗慧芳、陈瑜
Authors: 马 丽庄
Published: December 2009

未提供摘要。
THE "NEW OPIUM WAR": WELFARE DEPENDENCY OF LONE MOTHERS IN HONG KONG?
Authors: LEUNG LAI CHING , CHAN KAM WAH
Published: December 2009

Welfare dependency is becoming a conspicuous problem in Hong Kong. Welfare claimants are accused of being overly dependent on welfare and lacking incentive to work. Welfare is even equated with "spiritual opium", that which erodes work incentive. Lone parents and the unemployed are among the groups blamed the most. This paper produces evidence, based on our research on lone mothers in Hong Kong, to refute the accusation of welfare dependency. The arguments that lone mothers are consciously maximising their social security benefits and that they are better off on benefit, as postulated in rational choice theory, is fallacious. We should therefore try to understand the welfare dependency of lone mothers not by reference to an alleged "dependency culture", but rather through a more holistic appreciation of the interactions among a variety of structural forces such as discrimination in the labour market, gender inequality in marital relation, low wages, inadequate child care facilities and the poverty traps within the social security system.

近年福利开支的增长逐渐成为香港社会的热门话题，有人提出「综援养懒人」的论说，甚至有立法局议员将社会福利等同于「精神鸦片」，批评福利发展会削弱人的工作意愿，以致过分依赖社会福利。在这个讨论中有些社群成为被攻击的对象，例如单亲家庭、失业人士等，因为这些社群领取综援的增幅较大。本文作者曾进行几项有关单亲母亲的研究。建基于这些研究，本文铺陈出有关理据驳斥单亲母亲过分依赖综援的论说，资料显示单亲母亲并非福利太好而作出放弃工作、依赖综援的「理性选择」。反之，因为种种结构性的因素如传统的性别观念、缺乏工作机会、低工资、缺乏劳工保障、性别及年龄歧视、家庭责任歧视、缺乏幼儿服务、家庭支援服务不足、缺乏房屋服务等，以致单亲母亲被困于贫穷中。要解决这个问题，我们需要改善有关服务及各服务间的相互配合，而非靠削减综援金额。