bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Involvement, Family Influence, and Family–Centered Non–Economic Goals in Small Firms
Authors: Chrisman James J. , Chua Jess H. , Pearson Allison W. , Barnett Tim
Published: September 2010

Using behavioral and stakeholder theories, we suggest that family firms may have family–centered non–economic goals and that these goals could influence firm behaviors. This study extends the literature by hypothesizing that the essence of family influence partially mediates the relationship between family involvement and family firms’ adoption of family–centered non–economic goals. The results using 1,060 small firms support the hypotheses. Aside from contributing to family business theory by explaining and testing mediating variables as sources of goal heterogeneity among family firms, our findings also imply that the involvement and essence approaches to defining family businesses may be hierarchically reconciled.
Law Enforcement Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Rojek Jeff , Smith Michael R.
Published: September 2010

Major disasters represent infrequent events that often require response organizations to vicariously learn from the experiences of others in order to improve their operations. A primary mechanism for such knowledge diffusion is the different practitioner and empirical journals for the organizational fields that comprise disaster response. A review of the literature for the law enforcement field, however, reveals that little attention is given to how these organizations manage actual disasters. In particular, the presentation of organizational experiences, whether through case studies or other methodologies, is very limited in the practitioner and empirical literature of this field. This represents a considerable problem for improvements of disaster response operations given that law enforcement agencies represent a key component in such efforts. The research presented in this article is an effort to fill this knowledge gap and thereby facilitate organizational learning to improve future law enforcement disaster response activities. The authors traveled to Mississippi and Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina to examine the response efforts of state and local law enforcement agencies to the storm. The findings from this research are reported here in a lessons‐learned format to inform law enforcement disaster response policy.
Contribution à une analyse juridique de la crise économique de 2008
Authors: SUPIOT Alain
Published: September 2010

L'implosion des marchés financiers en 2008 n'est que le symptôme d'une crise plus profonde du droit et des institutions, due à l'utopie néolibérale du «marché total»– dépolitisation «scientifique» de l'économie, déréglementation et assimilation complète du travail, de la terre et de la monnaie à des marchandises. La concurrence sans bornes fait des systèmes juridiques nationaux les objets d'un law shopping. De par leur déréglementation absolue, les marchés financiers ont été les premiers à s'effondrer, les contribuables payant l'addition. Mais les marchés des ressources naturelles et “humaines” sont aussi en danger. L'auteur plaide pour la restauration du rule of law pour en finir avec la subordination du genre humain à l'efficacitééconomique, dans l'esprit de la Déclaration de Philadelphie de 1944.
Des réponses partielles à la crise: coûts socio‐économiques et implications pour l'action publique
Authors: TORRES Raymond
Published: September 2010

Cet article traite des effets pervers de réactions trop partielles face à la crise. Dans un premier temps, l'accent mis sur le rôle des gouvernements – mesures budgétaires coordonnées pour stimuler l'économie, limiter les pertes d'emplois et aider les groupes vulnérables – a été efficace pour prévenir une nouvelle “grande dépression”, mais en creusant les déficits publics. Cependant, une erreur a été commise lorsque l'on a renfloué les banques sans corriger les dysfonctionnements d'un système financier à l'origine même de la crise. Les craintes quant à la réaction des marchés financiers face à l'aggravation de l'endettement public ont conduit à adopter une approche plus traditionnelle, centrée sur le marché: consolidation budgétaire, contraction du rôle des pouvoirs publics et affaiblissement de la protection sociale; au risque d'aggraver les inégalités et l'instabilitééconomique.
A legal perspective on the economic crisis of 2008
Authors: SUPIOT Alain
Published: September 2010

The 2008 global financial meltdown was the symptom of an underlying crisis in law and institutions caused by the neoliberal utopia of Total Market –“scientific” depoliticization of the economy, full commodification of labour, land and money, and all‐out competition, with even legal systems subject to “law shopping”. Financial markets were so successfully deregulated, they were the first to collapse: taxpayers are now paying the bills. But the markets for natural and “human resources” are also at risk. In the spirit of the 1944 Declaration of Philadelphia, Supiot argues, the rule of law must be reinstated to end human subordination to economic efficiency.
Ocular hypertension: 12 years' follow‐up
Authors: Giraldi J. Pecori , Repossi A. , de Benedetti G. , Cordiani B. , Paone E.
Published: September 2010

A retrospective 12‐year study on 35 patients having IOP values higher than 21 mmHg in repeated tonometric curves with no clinical glaucomatous‐type signs was carried out with the aim of discovering the incidence of the eyes which evolved towards the glaucomatous disease, to evaluate the role of the preventive therapy and to observe how reponse to the ibopamine provocation test (which assesses outflow pathway compromission) was modified with time.

The data obtained showed that, in 39.13% of the eyes, there was an evolution towards the disease. The ibopamine test was positive at time “0” (study begins) in 48.14% in the evolutive eyes and in 66.66% of the eyes which remained stable, while, at time “12” (study ends), almost all of the eyes (92–95%) had become positive.

The role of precociously initiated ocular hypotensive therapy concurring with the test positivity is put in evidence.
Evidence for two independent functional variants for androgenetic alopecia around the androgen receptor gene
Authors: Cobb Joanna E. , Zaloumis Sophie G. , Scurrah Katrina J. , Harrap Stephen B. , Ellis Justine A.
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: Evidence for two independent functional variants for androgenetic alopecia around the androgen receptor gene. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 1026–1028.

Abstract:  The gene encoding the androgen receptor (AR) is associated with male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia – AGA). In case–control and family analyses, we mapped AR and the adjacent intergenic regions. We found evidence for association with two independent loci, one upstream and previously described and the other downstream and apparently novel. The haplotype comprising these SNPs was strongly associated with AGA (P = 3.75 × 10−5) in 1195 men. We also replicated association with a recently reported non‐coding region on chromosome 20 and found that its association with AGA was less strong and independent of that of AR. Our results will help focus future efforts to further define AGA genetic risk.
Social buffering in adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): Effects of stressful events in single vs. pair housing
Authors: Gilbert Margaret H. , Baker Kate C.
Published: September 2010

Background  The purpose of this study was to test whether long‐term pair housing of male rhesus macaques ameliorated negative responses to stressful events that can occur in the course of routine husbandry or research procedures.

Methods  Twelve singly housed individuals were videotaped during two potentially stressful events before and after social introduction into pairs. During each stressor, abnormal behavior and anxiety‐related behavior were quantified from videotape.

Results  When visually exposed to the restraint and anesthesia of other monkeys, subjects showed significantly reduced frequencies of abnormal behavior when pair‐housed in comparison to their reactions when housed singly. Noisy and disruptive conversation between technicians standing immediately in front of the subjects’ cage did not elicit the same reduction in abnormal behavior. Neither test showed a significant difference across housing settings for anxiety‐related behaviors.

Conclusions  These findings suggest that pair housing buffers adult male rhesus macaques against common stressors in the laboratory setting.
Reduction in plasma leucine after sprint exercise is greater in males than in females
Authors: Esbjörnsson M. , Rooyackers O. , Norman B. , Rundqvist H. C. , Nowak J. , Bülow J. , Simonsen L. , Jansson E.
Published: September 2010

There is a pronounced gender difference in the accumulation of plasma ammonia after sprint exercise. Ammonia is a key intermediate in amino acid metabolism, which implies that gender‐related differences in plasma and muscle amino acid concentrations after sprint exercise exist. To study this, three bouts of 30‐s sprint exercise were performed by healthy females (n=8) and males (n=6). Blood leucine and muscle leucine were collected over the exercise period. Basal arterial plasma and skeletal muscle leucine were 40% higher in males than females (P<0.010 and P<0.020). Plasma, but not muscle, leucine decreased by sprint exercise and more so in males than females (g × t: P=0.025). Increase in ammonia was higher in males than females in both plasma and muscle (g × t: P<0.001 and P=0.003). An opposite pattern was shown for plasma glutamine, where an increase was found in females (P<0.001), but not in males. In conclusion, the lower plasma ammonia after sprint exercise in females seems to be explained by a lower accumulation of ammonia in skeletal muscle and by a buffering of ammonia in the form of glutamine in females. The greater reduction in plasma leucine in males seems to be related to their greater increase in muscle ammonia after sprint exercise.
Paraffinoma
Authors: Pónyai Katinka , Marschalkó Márta , Hársing Judit , Ostorházy Eszter , Kelemen Zsolt , Nyirády Péter , Várkonyi Viktória , Kárpáti Sarolta
Published: September 2010

The subcutaneous infiltration of liquid paraffin is still used for penile enlargement. The procedure has many complications. A late problem is the development of foreign body granulomas known as paraffinomnas. They may be necrotic and ulcerated, requiring acute, radical surgical excision.
Routine skin cancer screening in Germany: First data on the impact on health care in dermatology
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Blome Christine , Rustenbach Stephan Jeff , Reusch Michael , Radtke Marc
Published: September 2010

Background: On July 1st 2008, community skin cancer screening (cSCS) was established in routine care of the German statutory health insurances (SHI). This study aimed at gathering preliminary data on the impact of community SCS on health care provision in German dermatology practices.

Patients and methods: Standardized questionnaires were sent to about 2,000 German dermatology practices. Data were analyzed descriptively and with bivariate tests.

Results: In total, 693 (34.7 %) questionnaires were returned. Each practice performed an average of 354 SCS per quarter, the mean payment being €21.50. About 78 % named an increase in SCS with an average increase of 36.7 %. About 54 % of practices performed SCS under SHI payment combined with individual health services paid by the patients (“IGeL”), 38 % only as SHI and 8 % exclusively as “IGeL”. In 85 % of practices, the number of surgical procedures had increased since the start of community SCS. 40 % had an increase in drug prescriptions related to SCS. 32 % were satisfied with SCS, while 40 % were unsatisfied. 29 % would prefer SCS only as covered by SHI, 29 % only as IGeL, and 42 % in a combined fashion. 70 % regarded the quality of health care of patients with skin cancer in Germany better since the introduction of cSCS.

Conclusions: Dermatologists in Germany have mainly accepted their role in providing skin cancer as standard care covered by SCS. The regulatory and economic conditions for this need further improvement.
Liposuction is an effective treatment for lipedema–results of a study with 25 patients
Authors: Rapprich Stefan , Dingler Anne , Podda Maurizio
Published: September 2010

Background: Lipedema is a painful, genetically induced abnormal deposition of subcutaneous fat in the extremities of almost exclusively women. The pathogenesis is unknown and no curative treatment is available. Conservative therapy consisting of lymphatic drainage and compression stockings is often recommended, but is only effective against the edema. Some patients show a short‐term improvement when treated in this way. The removal of the increased fat tissue of lipedema has become possible by employing advanced liposuction techniques which utilize vibrating microcannulas under tumescent local anesthesia. The effectiveness of this approach to lipedema is the subject of this study. Patients and Methods: 25 patients were examined before liposuction and six months thereafter. The survey included the measurement of the volume of the legs and several parameters of typical pain and discomfort. The parameters were measured using visual analogue scales (VAS, scale 0–10). Results: The volume of the leg was reduced by 6.99 %. Pain, as the predominant symptom in lipedema, was significantly reduced from 7.2 ± 2.2 to 2.1 ± 2.1 (p < 0.001). Quality of life as a measure of the psychological strain caused by lipedema improved from 8.7 ± 1.7 to 3.6 ± 2.5 (p < 0.001). Other parameters also showed a significant improvement and the over‐all severity score improved in all patients.

Conclusion: Liposuction reduces the symptoms of lipedema significantly.
Neonatal vitamin K prophylaxis in Denmark: three years' experience with oral administration during the first three months of life compared with one oral administration at birth
Authors: Hansen K Nørgaard , Ebbesen F.
Published: September 2010

A Danish surveillance group established after the introduction of oral vitamin K prophylaxis monitored Danish cases with late onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding by regular questionnaires to all paediatric departments. Six cases were reported, one of whom died and three are severely handicapped. All cases occurred among an estimated 134,500 infants given a single oral 1 mg vitamin K' dose at birth. No cases have been reported so far during the existent regimen: 2 mg at birth and 1 mg weekly orally administered vitamin K during the first 3 months of life, given to at least 163,000 infants. The present study is concordant with the only other study on weekly peroral prophylaxis published. We consider the mentioned weekly regimen safe and appropriate.
N‐nitrosodimethylamine, nitrate and nitrate‐reducing microorganisms in human milk
Authors: Uibu J. , Tauts O. , Levin A. , Shimanovskaya N. , Matto R.
Published: September 2010

Of 54 milk samples from 54 healthy nursing women analysed for volatile N‐nitrosamines, 42 appeared negative. Trace amounts (below the detection limit 0.5 μgl−1) of N‐nitrosodimethylamine were detected in the milk of 10 mothers and two samples contained this compound at 1.1 and 1.2 μgl−1 respectively. Almost all samples investigated contained nitrate (mean 2.9 ± 2.3 mgl−1) and nitrate reducing microorganisms (mean 4.2 ± 1.0 log ml−1). The recent finding of N‐nitrosodimethylamine in human milk gives evidence of the continuous endogenous formation of N‐nitrosamines.
Symptomatology of Helicobacter pylori infection in children
Authors: Blecker U. , Hauser B. , Lanciers S. , Keymolen K. , Vandenplas Y.
Published: September 2010

In a retrospective evaluation we reviewed the symptomatology of 143 children (age 2–15 years, mean 8.9 years) who were referred to us for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of recurrent abdominal pain with a duration of 6 weeks or longer. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed in 36 out of 143 patients (25.2%). No statistically significant differences could be detected between the symptoms experienced by the 36 H. pylori‐infected children and those experienced by the remaining 107 H.pylori‐negative pediatric patients (p = 0.18–0.60). We conclude that no specific symptoms are associated with H. pylori gastritis in children. Our observations suggest that the recurrent abdominal complaints found in children with H. pylori infection seem to be caused by the secondary gastroduodenal pathology, rather than by H. pylori infection itself.
Occurrence of diarrhoeal diseases in relation to infant feeding practices in a rural community in West Bengal, India
Authors: Mondal SK , sen Gupta PG , Gupta DN , Ghosh S. , Sikder SN , Rajendran K. , Saha MR , Sircar BK , Bhattacharya SK
Published: September 2010

In a rural community‐based prospective study, diarrhoea in relation to the feeding patterns of a cohort of infants was studied. A total of 148 infants between the ages of 0 and 2 months were enrolled and followed until the completion of 1 year of age. Survival analysis showed that by the fourth month of age exclusive breastfeeding dropped by 75%. The proportion of complementary breastfeeding increased from 18.6 to 52.9% during the same period and to 83.7% by the eighth month. This study clearly highlights the tendency for early switch over from exclusive breastfeeding to complementary breastfeeding. Early weaning was associated with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 3.02 (95% CI 1.043–8.802). The IRR of 3.02 and its confidence limits (1.043–8.02) suggest a significant protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against diarrhoea in infants. The results of this study indicate that promotion of exclusive breastfeeding has a potential role to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea amongst infants. The findings of this study will be useful for Diarrhoeal Disease Control Programme in reducing diarrhoeal morbidity.
Changes in bone markers in children with asthma during inhaled budesonide and nedocromil treatments
Authors: Sorva R. , Tähtelä R. , Turpeinen M. , Juntunen‐Backman K. , Haahtela T. , Risteli L. , Risteli J. , Sorva A.
Published: September 2010

We evaluated serum and urinary markers of bone turnover in 14 children with asthma during inhaled budesonide and nedocromil treatments. Both the markers of formation (serum carboxy‐ and aminoterminal propeptides of type I procollagen and serum osteocalcin) and the markers of degradation (serum carboxy‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and urinary pyridinium cross‐links) decreased (p < 0.05) during budesonide treatment for 6 months. During inhaled nedocromil treatment (for the following 6 months), the markers returned to the normal levels. These transient decreases in the markers of both formation and degradation of bone suggest that inhaled budesonide may slightly decrease the bone turnover rate. However, normal “coupling” between formation and degradation seemed to operate, e.g. a change in one resulted in a corresponding change in the other, so that net bone loss did not necessarily occur.
Is breastfeeding beneficial and maternal smoking harmful to the cognitive development of children?
Authors: Niemelä A. , Järvenpää A‐L
Published: September 2010

The effects of breastfeeding on cognitive, visuomotor and language development were examined in healthy children born at full term, after they had reached 56 months of age. Three hundred and sixty‐three children were breastfed for less than 5 months, and 363 for 5 months or more. The groups were matched pairwise having regard to maternal education and sex of the child. Significant differences were found in relation to scores reflecting general cognitive capacity, and the results of the visuomotor integration test between children breastfed for less than 5 months and those breastfed for 5 months or more, and between children of mothers who had smoked during pregnancy and non‐smoking mothers. In multiple linear regression analysis prolonged breastfeeding was significantly related to scores reflecting general cognitive capacity and results of the visuomotor integration test. However, smoking by mothers during pregnancy was not significantly related to scores in cognitive tests. Biological factors, and factors such as lifestyle and social background, may be more important determinants of a child's development than breastfeeding.
Primary prevention in a high‐risk group: smoking habits in adolescents with homozygous alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency (ATD)
Authors: Thelin T. , Sveger T. , McNeil TF
Published: September 2010

The serious form of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency (ATD) Pi ZZ strongly predisposes the individual for pulmonary emphysema and premature death in adulthood, especially if exposed to tobacco smoking. General screening of all new‐born children was conducted in Sweden during 1972–1974, the major purpose being to reduce exposure of the child to parental smoking while growing up and to prevent the child from starting to smoke. Sixty‐one children with ATD neonatally identified through mass‐screening, and their families, have been compared with a demographically matched control group regarding smoking habits, as studied through interviews and questionnaires on two occasions. When the children were 5–7 years old, the smoking rates among parents of the ATD children and especially among the ATD fathers exceeded smoking rates for controls. Thirteen years later no differences in parental smoking were found between the groups. At 18–20 years of age the ATD children reported smoking significantly less than the control children (p < 0.05). From the perspective of prevention, the goal of the neonatal screening to reduce the smoking rates among the parents of the ATD children was not attained, while it was achieved among the ATD children. The results indicate that a screening program with early detection of ATD effectively prevents adolescent children from starting to smoke. From ethical, medical and psychological points of view, a voluntary screening program for ATD in pre‐adolescence is recommended.
Attractiveness of amniotic fluid odor: evidence of prenatal olfactory learning?
Authors: Varendi H. , Porter RH , Winberg J.
Published: September 2010

Human infants are responsive to maternal odors beginning shortly after birth. In several non‐human mammals, the fetus is capable of olfactory learning and in some species neonates are attracted to the odor of amniotic fluid (AF). The present study examined the responses of newborn babies to AF in a biologically relevant context, i.e. during their initial attempt to locate the mother's nipple/areola. We observed newborns' spontaneous choice between a breast with the nipple/areola moistened with AF and an untreated breast; 23 of 30 infants chose the AF‐treated breast. All babies had been washed before the observations, and only 12/30 sucked their hands/fingers prior to approaching the nipple/areola. In a previous study with unwashed newborns, the corresponding proportion was 27/30 (p < 0.001). We tentatively suggest that the observed attraction to AF odor may reflect fetal exposure to that substance (i.e. prenatal olfactory learning). Because of the salience of biological odors for neonates, products that eliminate or mask such cues should be avoided during the perinatal period.
Markers of oxidative stress before and after exchange transfusion for neonatal sepsis
Authors: Kokk T. , Talvik R. , Zilmer M. , Kütt E. , Talvik T.
Published: September 2010

Oxidative status before and after ET was assessed in eight septic newborns who received exchange transfusion (ET). Short‐term elevations of conjugated dienes (CDs) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) (p < 0.05) and increased serum antioxidant capacity (AOC) (p = 0.06) were noted. Chromatographic migration of the red blood cells (CM RBCs), a measure of RBC deformability, also improved after ET. ET for neonatal sepsis does not cause significant oxidative stress; rather, it may help to restore the antioxidant depots and improve RBC deformability and microcirculation.
Foetal supraventricular tachycardia and cerebral complications
Authors: Sonesson S‐E , Winberg P. , Lidegran M. , Westgren M.
Published: September 2010

We report on two newborn infants with foetal tachycardia and cerebral lesions. Using foetal echocardiography, the diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia in a structurally normal heart was made at 28 and 37 weeks of gestation, respectively. One infant had a 3 week period of foetal tachycardia and hydrops before successful pharmacological cardioversion. Even several weeks after a term birth he remained hypotonic and needed gavage feeding. A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated cerebral lesions indicating a vascular origin. A possible thrombus was found in the heart. The other infant converted to sinus rhythm during birth by Caesarean section on the day after diagnosis. He had convulsions at the second day of life. On CT scan an infarction was found. The observations of this report suggest that cerebrovascular complications to foetal arrhythmias are more common than previously observed and should be considered when managing cases of foetal tachycardia.
Determinants of infant feeding choices by Zambian mothers: a mixed quantitative and qualitative study
Authors: Chisenga Molly , Siame Joshua , Baisley Kathy , Kasonka Lackson , Filteau Suzanne
Published: September 2010

Choosing an infant feeding mode is complex for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected African women. We documented infant feeding choices by 811 mothers of infants aged less than 18 months enrolled in the Chilenje Infant Growth, Nutrition and Infection Study of fortified complementary or replacement foods. We also conducted 20 interviews and 4 focus group discussions among women and nurses to explore the issues in depth. Practices of most HIV‐infected women did not closely follow national or international guidelines: 26% never initiated breastfeeding, and 55% were not breastfeeding by 6 months post partum. Women of lower socio‐economic status and those not meeting criteria for safe replacement feeding were more likely to initiate breastfeeding, to continue longer and to stop at 6 months when provided with free food within the trial. Most HIV‐negative women and women of unknown HIV status continued breastfeeding into the infant's second year, indicating limited ‘spillover’ of infant feeding messages designed for HIV‐infected women into the uninfected population. Qualitative work indicated that the main factors affecting HIV‐infected women's infant feeding decisions were the cost of formula, the advice of health workers, influence of relatives, stigma and difficulties with using an exclusive feeding mode. Rapidly changing international recommendations confused both mothers and nurses. Many HIV‐infected women chose replacement feeding without meeting criteria to do this safely. Women were influenced by health workers but, for several reasons, found it difficult to follow their advice. The recently revised international HIV and infant feeding recommendations may make the counselling process simpler for health workers and makes following their advice easier for HIV‐infected women.
Organizing signal transduction through A‐kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs)
Authors: Logue Jeremy S. , Scott John D.
Published: September 2010

A fundamental role for protein–protein interactions in the organization of signal transduction pathways is evident. Anchoring, scaffolding and adapter proteins function to enhance the precision and directionality of these signaling events by bringing enzymes together. The cAMP signaling pathway is organized by A‐kinase anchoring proteins. This family of proteins assembles enzyme complexes containing the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase, phosphoprotein phosphatases, phosphodiesterases and other signaling effectors to optimize cellular responses to cAMP and other second messengers. Selected A‐kinase anchoring protein signaling complexes are highlighted in this minireview.
TWO‐DIMENSIONAL MAPPING OF SENSORY TEXTURE DESCRIPTORS
Authors: ROHM HARALD , DÜRRSCHMID KLAUS , FORKER ANNE , JAROS DORIS
Published: September 2010

Although language is of great importance in sensory science, there is no reliable descriptor compilation for German language. To evaluate whether there is redundancy in existing descriptor collections, a two‐dimensional mapping technique was applied to texture descriptors within the firmness–brittleness space; this technique does not investigate texture attributes as such but focuses on the consumers' mental reconstruction of texture properties in terms of language. A total of 68 subjects, skilled and unskilled in sensory science, contributed to the tests. The statistics show that there are no significant differences between skilled and unskilled individuals with respect to the location of the descriptors in the firmness–brittleness map. Some descriptors formed pronounced clusters with a high degree of similarity, which, however, does not justify descriptor elimination. Consumers' mental representations of the texture descriptors can be mapped in the frame of mechanical texture attributes, but not in an exhaustive manner; they appear to be multimodal and multidimensional.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The two‐dimensional descriptor mapping technique can be helpful in identifying potentially matching sensory descriptors and in making a set of sensory terms, which is used in descriptive analysis or in communication with consumers, more reliable and free of redundancy; however, aspects of multimodality and multidimensionality of texture descriptors have to be considered.
Laboratory Investigation into the Contribution of Contaminants to Ground Water from Equipment Materials Used in Sampling
Authors: Gilmore Tyler J , Mitroshkov Alexandre V. , Dresel P. Evan , Sklarew Deborah S.
Published: September 2010

Benzene contamination was detected in well water samples from the Ogallala Aquifer beneath and adjacent to the Department of Energy's Pantex Plant near Amarillo, Texas. This study assessed whether or not the materials used in multilevel sampling equipment at this site could have contributed to the contaminants found in well water samples. As part of this investigation, laboratory testing of the sample equipment material was conducted.

Results from the laboratory tests indicated three different materials from two types of multilevel samplers did, in fact, contribute volatile and semivolatile organic compounds to the ground water samples from static leach tests that were conducted during an eight week period. The nylon‐11 tubing contributed trace concentrations of benzene (1.37 μg/L) and relatively high concentrations of the plasticizer N‐butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBSA) (764 mg/L) to the water; a urethane‐coated nylon well liner contributed relatively high concentrations of toluene (278 μg/L) and trace amounts of NBSA; and a sampling port spacer material made of nylon/polypropylene/polyester‐composite contributed trace amounts of toluene and NBSA.

While the concentrations of benzene and toluene measured in the laboratory tests were below the concentrations measured in actual ground water samples, the concentrations of organics from these equipment materials were sufficient to render the results reported for the ground water samples suspect.
HONG KONG'S INFLATION AND DEFLATION UNDER THE US DOLLAR PEG: THE BALASSA‐SAMUELSON EFFECT OR EXPORT PRICE SHOCKS?
Authors: IMAI Hiroyuki
Published: September 2010

Hong Kong's US dollar peg, adopted in 1983, has failed to deliver price stability. Hong Kong experienced high inflation before the Asian financial crisis and prolonged deflation after it. The annual rate of inflation (GDP‐deflator based) was 7.4% in the first period (1985–97) and −2.0% in the second (1998–2007). There was no clear trend for the inflation rate to converge to the US level. The nominal anchor via a fixed exchange rate in Hong Kong had an upward and downward drift in the order of 4% from the US inflation rate, casting doubt on the anchor's efficacy. Despite Hong Kong's high output growth relative to that of the United States, the Balassa‐Samuelson effect was not the main factor behind the pre‐Asian crisis inflation. Price shocks in service exports played a major role in Hong Kong's general prices through the two periods.
TRUST IN HEALTH PROVIDERS AS A CATALYST FOR MALARIA PREVENTION: HETEROGENEOUS IMPACTS OF HEALTH EDUCATION IN RURAL GHANA
Authors: De HOOP Thomas , Van KEMPEN Luuk
Published: September 2010

Although knowledge about effectiveness of insecticide‐treated bed nets (ITNs) is fairly widespread in Ghana, their use remains far from universal. We test and validate the hypothesis that health education of hospitals and health centers in rural Ghana is more effective for groups that display relatively high trust to health providers. We estimate heterogeneous impacts of health education on ITN and/or bed net use and on fever as a crude proxy for malaria in the Brong Ahafo and Upper East regions in Ghana, with help of propensity‐adjusted regression. The degree of trust in health providers appears to be a key factor in determining the effectiveness of health education in both regions. The effect is not ruled out by controlling for general trust. There are indications of nonlinear effects. The Kassena‐Nankana seems to be an exception to this rule—despite low trust in health providers, health education is highly effective for this ethnic group.
Exposure to non‐core foods and beverages in the first year of life: Results from a cohort study
Authors: KOH Gloria A. , SCOTT Jane A. , ODDY Wendy H. , GRAHAM Kathleen I. , BINNS Colin W.
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To report the proportion of Australian infants who were introduced to non‐core foods and beverages and to identify factors that are associated with the introduction of non‐core foods and beverages to infants in the first year of life.

Methods:  Participants were 587 women recruited from two maternity hospitals in Perth and followed up by telephone interview at 4, 10, 16, 22, 32, 40 and 52 weeks post‐partum to collect information on infant feeding practices. Factors associated with introduction of non‐core foods and beverages by 52 weeks post‐partum were identified using multivariate logistic regression.

Results:  The three non‐core foods most commonly introduced to infants by 52 weeks post‐partum were biscuits and cakes (91.6%, n = 415), hot chips/French fries (78.6%, n = 356) and ice‐cream (68.2%, n = 309). Independent predictors of introduction of non‐core foods and beverages by 52 weeks post‐partum were age at which solids were first introduced and the presence of older siblings.

Conclusion:  Identifying factors associated with the introduction of non‐core foods and beverages to infants is important to help health professionals better target early feeding interventions. Consistent recommendations are required to ensure clear understanding of what foods are suitable and not suitable for infants.
Effect of a television programme on nutrition cognitions and intended behaviours
Authors: BYRD‐BREDBENNER Carol , GRENCI Alexandra , QUICK Virginia
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The present study examined the effect of nutrition‐related information in the Lisa the Vegetarian episode from the prime‐time television series The Simpsons on children's nutrition cognitions and intended behaviours. This episode was chosen because its storyline is rich in nutrition‐related information.

Methods:  The sample was girls aged 9 and 10 years from New Jersey in the USA who were assigned to either the treatment group (n = 34) or control (n = 37). At the pretest, both study groups completed a self‐administered questionnaire that measured nutrition cognitions (knowledge, outcome expectations, attitude and perceived norms) conveyed in the programme and intended behaviours related to vegetarianism. At the post‐test, administered 7 to 14 days later, the control group again completed the questionnaire. The treatment group viewed the television programme and completed the questionnaire. At the follow‐up post‐test, administered 7 to 14 days after the post‐test, both groups again completed the questionnaire.

Results:  Analysis of covariance, with pretest score as the covariate, revealed that the treatment group mean post‐test and follow‐up post‐test knowledge and intended behaviour scores were significantly more positive and attitude scores were significantly more negative than the control group.

Conclusion:  Study findings indicate that television programmes must be recognised as an important vehicle for conveying nutrition‐related information that affects children's cognitions and intended behaviours.
Body composition in older orthopaedic rehabilitation inpatients: Are field methods valid?
Authors: YAXLEY Alison , MILLER Michelle , MASTERS Stacey , AHERN Michael , CROTTY Maria
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The assessment of body composition is an important aspect of the determination of nutritional health. This cross‐sectional measurement study aimed to assess the relative validity of a range of field techniques for the measurement of body composition in a sample of older orthopaedic inpatients participating in rehabilitation.

Methods:  Assessment of percent fat‐free mass of 31 adults, aged 65 years and over, was conducted under fasting conditions by two types of bioelectrical impedance analysis (multi‐frequency and single frequency—using manufacturer's pre‐programmed prediction equation) and compared with percent fat‐free mass estimated by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry, a reference technique. Data from multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis were also used to calculate percent fat‐free mass from the prediction equation of Dey et al. for comparison. Skeletal muscle mass was derived from assessment of corrected arm muscle area and compared with skeletal muscle mass from dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry analysis. Bland‐Altman analysis was performed to determine the level of agreement between each field technique and dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results:  Mean bias and limits of agreement between single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry were −5.7% (−24.0, 12.6), between multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (manufacturer's pre‐programmed prediction equation) and dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry were 1.4% (−13.4, 16.1), between multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (Dey et al. prediction equation) and dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry were −5.0% (−16.6, 6.6) and between skeletal muscle mass as derived from assessment of corrected arm muscle area and skeletal muscle mass from dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry analysis −0.97 kg (−8.37, 6.43).

Conclusion:  None of the methods assessed are clinically acceptable for assessment of body composition in older orthopaedic rehabilitation patients; however, estimation of skeletal muscle mass, as derived from corrected arm muscle area, is likely to be of more use in the clinical setting as there is no requirement for patients to be fasted.
Evaluation of the composition of omega‐3 fatty acids in dietary oil supplements
Authors: HAMILTON Karina , BROOKS Peter , HOLMES Mark , CUNNINGHAM Judy , RUSSELL Fraser D.
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to determine the fatty acid composition of 19 dietary oil supplements that are commercially available in Australia, comparing findings with manufacturers' reported omega‐3 fatty acid content.

Methods:  Fifteen fish oil supplements and four non‐fish oil supplements were obtained from Australian retail stores. Fatty acids were derivatised, and fatty acid methyl esters were quantitated using classical GC‐flame ionisation detection methods. Composition of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid reported by supplement manufacturers was compared with experimental values using the Bland‐Altman plot.

Results:  The combined eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid content in the fish oil and non‐fish oil supplements was 17.63–71.45% and 0.00–0.05% respectively. A high level of congruency was observed for the composition of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid reported by manufacturers and determined experimentally (mean difference, eicosapentaenoic acid, 13.2 mg; docosahexaenoic acid, 12.8 mg).

Conclusion:  Current practice in pre‐market assessment of complementary medicines in Australia is satisfactory for supplements examined in the present study. Intake of these fish oil supplements can be used to provide high levels of long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids that would be otherwise difficult to achieve through normal dietary intake alone.
Defining Political Will
Authors: POST LORI ANN , RAILE AMBER N. W. , RAILE ERIC D.
Published: September 2010

Although frequently invoked as a rhetorical tool in political discussions, “political will” remains ambiguous as a concept. Acknowledging the centrality of political will to policy outcomes, the authors propose a pragmatic and systematic approach to definition. This approach facilitates analysis by identifying particular shortcomings in political will. This identification in turn permits the application of appropriate theoretical frameworks from various disciplines and the effective construction and use of ameliorative measures. The authors also address fundamental issues like the specification of contexts. The analytical approach includes a conceptual definition dissected into essential components, along with corresponding means of operationalization and targets for assessment. Among the major definitional components are requirements that a sufficient set of decision makers intends to support a particular initiative and that such support is committed. The latter condition is difficult to ascertain, but various signals, influences, and constraints on action are observable.

Aunque frecuentemente invocado como una herramienta retórica en las discusiones políticas, “la voluntad política” se mantiene como unconcepto ambiguo. Reconociendo la importancia de la voluntad política en los resultados políticos, los autores proponen una aproximación pragmática y sistemática para su definición. Esta aproximación facilita el análisis al identificar faltas particulares en el concepto de voluntad política. Dicha identificación permite a su vez la aplicación del marco teórico apropiado de varias disciplinas y la construcción efectiva y utilización de medidas de mejoramiento. Los autores abordan también tópicos fundamentales como la importancia del contexto. La aproximación analítica incluye una definición conceptual diseccionada en componentes esenciales, junto con medios correspondientes de operacionalización y los objetivos a evaluar. Entre los componentes más importantes de la definición están los requerimientos que una serie de hacedores de políticas intente apoyar una iniciativa particular y que dicho apoyo sea real. La última condición es difícil de determinar, pero varias señales, influencias, y limitaciones son observables.
States' Senior Residential Property Tax Abatements: Uncontroversial Benefit or Looming but Unrecognized Problem?
Authors: LOCKHART CHARLES , GILES‐SIMS JEAN , CAMP BAYLISS
Published: September 2010

All the U.S. states create residential property tax abatement policies that provide important benefits for a rapidly growing older population. These policies vary sharply, and we seek to explain variation in their generosity. We employ regression in conjunction with a cross‐sectional data set of the 50 states focused early in the current decade. Several variables prominent in explaining cross‐state variation in other public policies exert only modest effects on these programs. Rather, the primary influence is a positive one for a cultural orientation toward government helping a broad swath of the citizenry. We attribute this unusual pattern of explanatory factors to (1) abatement programs' older target populations; (2) their tax expenditure status; and (3) their tendency to be categorized as economic development rather than social programs. This explanatory pattern holds theoretical importance inasmuch as it provides few constraints on the growth of at least some programs serving older citizens.

Todos los estados de la Unión Americana establecen políticas de reducción de impuestos para las propiedades residenciales que dan beneficios importantes para la población, en rápido crecimiento, de adultos mayores. Estas políticas varían bruscamente y buscamos explicar la variación en su generosidad. Empleamos una regresión conjuntamente con datos transversales de 50 estados y enfocados en el principio de la década actual. Diversas variables que explican la variación entre estados en otras políticas públicas sólo ejercen efectos modestos en estos programas de reducción de impuestos. En cambio, la influencia más importante es una positiva para la orientación cultural relacionada con la ayuda del gobierno para una amplia porción de la ciudadanía. Atribuimos este diseño inusual de factores explicativos a: (1) la población objetivo de adultos mayores de estos programas de reducciones; (2) al estatus de los adultos mayores en los programas de reducciones y (3) a la tendencia de que la reducción de impuestos para las propiedades residenciales sea categorizada como desarrollo económico en lugar de programas sociales. Este patrón explicativo mantiene una importancia teórica dado que provee pocas restricciones para el desarrollo en el futuro de al menos algunos programas de ayuda a la ciudadanía de adultos mayores.
Self‐Employed without Employees: Managing Risks in Modern Capitalism
Authors: DEKKER FABIAN
Published: September 2010

One characteristic of the postindustrial labor market is the rise of the self‐employed worker without personnel. These workers are usually not (fully) included in the welfare system against social risks. Most policy makers as well as social scientists are convinced that these workers want to develop individual risk strategies, for example on the private insurance market. This dominant assumption regarding their risk behavior has, however, not been subjected to empirical research. Through 40 in‐depth interviews with self‐employed workers in the Netherlands, this article examines their risk perception and coping behavior. The main conclusion is that the self‐employed worker does not show the expected individual risk behavior. Exceptional behavior concerns the risk of unemployment. From a policy perspective, the findings suggest that these “new” flexible workers may require collective social guarantees in response to risks.

Una característica del mercado laboral de la era post‐industrial es el incremento del trabajador autónomo sin personal bajo su mando. Estos trabajadores no suelen estar (completamente) cubiertos contra riesgos sociales por el sistema de seguridad social. La mayoría de los hacedores de política así como los sociólogos están convencidos que estos trabajadores procurarán estrategias de riesgo individuales, principalmente en el mercado privado de seguros. Sin embargo este supuesto dominante con relación a su comportamiento de riesgo no ha sido objeto de una investigación empírica. A través de 40 entrevistas profundas con trabajadores por cuenta propia en los Países Bajos, este artículo examina sus percepciones de riesgo y su comportamiento para enfrentarlo. La conclusión principal es que el trabajador por cuenta propia no presenta el comportamiento individual de riesgo esperado. Un comportamiento excepcional concierne al riesgo del desempleo. Desde una perspectiva política, las conclusiones sugieren que estos “nuevos” trabajadores flexibles pueden requerir garantías colectivas sociales en respuesta a los riesgos a que están expuestos.