bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraseasonal Variability of the West African Monsoon and Atlantic ITCZ
Authors: Maloney Eric D. , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: July 2008

Intraseasonal variability of boreal summer rainfall and winds in tropical West Africa and the east Atlantic is examined using daily Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation and the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis during 1998–2006. Intraseasonal precipitation variability is dominated by two significant spectral peaks at time scales near 15 and 50 days, accompanied by corresponding peaks in eddy kinetic energy (EKE) and eddy enstrophy. Regional precipitation variability on 30–90-day time scales is significantly correlated (+0.6) with a global Madden–Julian oscillation time series based on equatorial zonal winds, supporting the results of A. J. Matthews. The overall amplitude of the 30–90-day West African monsoon precipitation variability during a given summer, however, does not appear to be strongly regulated by interannual variability in MJO amplitude.

Composite analysis and complex empirical orthogonal function analysis shows that 30–90-day precipitation anomalies are generally zonally elongated, grow and decay in place, and have maximum amplitude near the Gulf of Guinea and in the Atlantic ITCZ. Composite 30–90-day enhanced precipitation events are accompanied by a significant suppression of eastern North Atlantic trade winds. Suppressed 30–90-day precipitation events are associated with an enhancement of the Atlantic trade winds. Enhanced (suppressed) EKE occurs just to the north of the east Atlantic ITCZ during positive (negative) 30–90-day precipitation events, with the maximum EKE magnitude lagging precipitation events by about 5 days.

East Atlantic tropical cyclone activity is significantly modulated on intraseasonal time scales. The number of tropical cyclones that occur in the Atlantic’s main development region to the east of 60°W is suppressed about 5–10 days before maxima in a regional intraseasonal precipitation time series, and enhanced about 5–10 days after time series maxima. An analysis of east Atlantic tropical cyclone activity based on an equatorial MJO index produces similar results. Consistent with the results of K. C. Mo, variations in vertical shear may help explain this modulation of tropical cyclone activity.
New Vegetation Albedo Parameters and Global Fields of Soil Background Albedo Derived from MODIS for Use in a Climate Model
Authors: Houldcroft Caroline J. , Grey William M. F. , Barnsley Mike , Taylor Christopher M. , Los Sietse O. , North Peter R. J.
Published: July 2008

New values are derived for snow-free albedo of five plant functional types (PFTs) and the soil/litter substrate from data acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors on board Terra and Aqua. The derived albedo values are used to provide and test an improved specification of surface albedo for the land surface scheme known as the Joint U.K. Land Environment Simulator (JULES) that forms part of the Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model (HadGEM) climate model. The International Geosphere–Biosphere Programme (IGBP) global land cover map is used in combination with the MODIS albedo to estimate the albedo of each cover type in the IGBP classification scheme, from which the albedo values of the JULES PFTs are computed. The albedo of the soil/litter substrate, referred to as the soil background albedo, is derived from partially vegetated regions using a method that separates the vegetation contribution to the albedo signal from that of the soil/litter substrate. The global fields of soil background albedo produced using this method exhibit more realistic spatial variations than the soil albedo map usually employed in conjunction with the JULES model. The revised total shortwave albedo values of the PFTs are up to 8% higher than those in the existing HadGEM scheme. To evaluate the influence of these differences upon surface albedo in the climate model, differences are computed globally between mean monthly land surface albedo, modeled using the existing and revised albedo values, and MODIS data. Incorporating the revised albedo values into the model reduces the global rmse for snow-free July land surface albedo from 0.051 to 0.024, representing a marked improvement on the existing parameterization.
Effect of Exo- and Endothermic Blowing and Wetting Agents on Morphology, Density and Hardness of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Foams
Authors: Nema Ajay K. , Deshmukh Abhijit V. , Palanivelu K. , Sharma S.K. , Malik Tarun
Published: July 2008

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) combines the property characteristics of high quality polyurethane elastomers with the processing efficiency of thermoplastics. Foaming of TPU material inputs for existing applications also leads to improved material properties for new applications. The mixture of exo- and endothermic type of blowing agents is investigated for production of TPU foam technique.

Azodicarbonamide (ADC) and sodium bicarbonate are used as exothermic and endothermic blowing agents, respectively. The thermal decomposition and foaming behaviors of blowing agent ADC with kicker and the combination of exo- and endothermic blowing agents are investigated systematically. The ingredients of the mixture of exothermic blowing agent are mixed to suit the processing of TPU. Injection molding of TPU exo- and endothermic blowing agents has been carried out successfully and the morphology is studied using scanning electron microscope. In addition, the effect of wetting agents on the decomposition temperature and processing is also studied. The effectiveness of the use of exo- and endothermic blowing agents is established with the uniform and consistent cell structure with a density reduction of 40% in the foam.
Effects of Processing Temperature on ReCrete Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Mohan Robert B. , O'Toole Brendan J. , Malpica Julio , Hatchett David W. , Kodippili Gayani , Kinyanjui John M.
Published: July 2008

Research is conducted to determine the effect of processing temperature on some of the physical and mechanical properties of a polyurethane foam called ReCrete. The polyurethane foaming process is manipulated to change the foam's density, chemistry, and mechanical properties. There is a 30-min period after ReCrete components are mixed when the materials are still undergoing significant chemical reaction. Researchers manipulate these chemical reactions by changing the environmental temperature during this process. This study investigates the effect of processing temperature on the chemistry and the resulting mechanical properties for a polyurethane foam system molded in aluminum cylinders and boxes. Processing temperature is varied from 25°C to 85°C. Researchers show that the processing temperature has a significant effect on ReCrete chemistry and density. The average density decreases by 19% over this temperature range. The chemistry, in turn, affects the static and dynamic mechanical properties. The axial compressive modulus and strength decrease by 24 and 16%, respectively. The chemistry changes that results from higher processing temperatures produce foam that is less rigid in compression, but tougher and more flexible. The dynamic flexural failure strength increases by 38% when the processing temperature is increased from 25°C to 85°C. Foam processed at 85°C has significantly greater resistance to brittle failure under impact.
Standard Hospitality Elements at Resorts
Authors: Brey Eric T. , Klenosky David B. , Lehto Xinran , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: July 2008

Prior research investigating the factors important to resort visitors has generally focused on a specific resort setting or market segment, which has resulted in a tendency to emphasize activity-related elements. While useful, this tendency to emphasize activity-related elements has limited our understanding of the role of the nonactivity, hospitality-based elements common to all resort types. Given this gap in the research literature, the purpose of this study is to develop a better understanding of the importance of these standard hospitality elements to resort consumers. Using survey data collected from a sample of recent resort visitors, three underlying factors are identified. Subsequent analyses examine the impacts of sociodemographic and trip characteristic variables on the relative importance of these three factors. Results suggest important implications for industry executives along with directions for future investigation.
Compensation Versus Halo: The Unique Relations Between the Fundamental Dimensions of Social Judgment
Authors: Yzerbyt Vincent Y. , Kervyn Nicolas , Judd Charles M.
Published: July 2008

Recent work on the relations between the two dimensions of social judgment, that is, warmth and competence, evidenced compensation such that a group seen more positively than another group on one dimension is seen less positively on the second. The authors examine the status of this compensatory relation by introducing a third dimension in the judgment context. Experiment 1 extends earlier work in a different population, comparing compensation as a function of whether warmth or competence is manipulated and competence or warmth is the unmanipulated dimension. Experiments 2 and 3 use healthiness as the unmanipulated dimension and reveal the presence of halo rather than compensation between warmth or competence on one hand and healthiness on the other. These findings suggest that compensation may not only stem from a concern for distributive justice but may also derive from the unique structural and functional relations between the two fundamental dimensions of social judgment.
Effects of Race on Responses and Response Latencies in the Weapon Identification Task: A Test of Six Models
Authors: Klauer Karl Christoph , Voss Andreas
Published: July 2008

The authors consider six models of underlying process in the weapon identification task: The first two are response-time extensions of signal detection models; the last four, of the process dissociation model. Predictions for accuracy data, correct response latencies, and false response latencies are used to discriminate between models. In the present study, racial bias in responses and correct response latency was replicated. New findings were that the direction of bias was reversed in error latency and that errors were faster than correct responses. These findings rule out four models, in particular, the idea that race biases early perception and interpretation of targets. Implications for reducing errors in the weapon identification task and possibilities of discriminating between the remaining two models are discussed.
What Respondents Really Expect From Researchers
Authors: Kolar Tomaž , Kolar Iztok
Published: July 2008

This article addresses the issue of falling response rates in telephone surveys. To better understand and maintain respondent goodwill, concepts of psychological contract and respondent expectations are introduced and explored. Results of the qualitative study show that respondent expectations are not only socially contingent but also ego-expressive, utilitarian, pleasurable, and epistemic by nature. Although results are reassuring in terms of commercialization of the psychological contract, they indicate some radical changes that are needed for the respondents to accept its continuation. The article discusses several practical and theoretical implications of such changes and suggests a series of corresponding propositions aimed at facilitating and inspiring future developments in this field.
Weighting Regressions by Propensity Scores
Authors: Freedman David A. , Berk Richard A.
Published: July 2008

Regressions can be weighted by propensity scores in order to reduce bias. However, weighting is likely to increase random error in the estimates, and to bias the estimated standard errors downward, even when selection mechanisms are well understood. Moreover, in some cases, weighting will increase the bias in estimated causal parameters. If investigators have a good causal model, it seems better just to fit the model without weights. If the causal model is improperly specified, there can be significant problems in retrieving the situation by weighting, although weighting may help under some circumstances.
Bivariate Random Effects Meta-Analysis of ROC Curves
Authors: Arends L.R. , Hamza T.H. , van Houwelingen J.C. , Heijenbrok-Kal M.H. , Hunink M.G.M. , Stijnen T.
Published: July 2008

Meta-analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-curve data is often done with fixed-effects models, which suffer many shortcomings. Some random-effects models have been proposed to execute a meta-analysis of ROC-curve data, but these models are not often used in practice. Straightforward modeling techniques for multivariate random-effects meta-analysis of ROC-curve data are needed. The 1st aim of this article is to present a practical method that addresses the drawbacks of the fixedeffects summary ROC (SROC) method of Littenberg and Moses. Sensitivities and specificities are analyzed simultaneously using a bivariate random-effects model. The 2nd aim is to show that other SROC curves can also be derived from the bivariate model through different characterizations of the estimated bivariate normal distribution. Thereby the authors show that the bivariate random-effects approach not only extends the SROC approach but also provides a unifying framework for other approaches. The authors bring the statistical meta-analysis of ROC-curve data back into a framework of relatively standard multivariate meta-analysis with random effects. The analyses were carried out using the software package SAS (Proc NLMIXED).
Transformations in Casino Gaming and the Unionization of Atlantic City's Dealers
Authors: Mutari Ellen , Figart Deborah M.
Published: July 2008

This account of a successful unionization campaign among dealers is based on an ethnographic study-in-progress of workers in Atlantic City's eleven casinos. Deteriorating working conditions that reflect broader political economic trends have contributed to a shift in employees' attitudes toward their jobs, their employers, and consequently unions. Unions became “insiders,” as casino management is increasingly viewed as “outsiders.” This case study is indicative of organized labor's ability to unionize in the twenty-first-century service economy.
The Cuban Economy: Where It Stands Today
Authors: Campbell Al
Published: July 2008

There is widespread discussion both within and outside Cuba concerning what direction the Cuban economy will go under its new interim president, Raúl Castro. This very short paper is intended to contribute one piece of information that is needed to intelligently discuss that issue: where Cuba's economy stands today. Its intention is to compactly provide as much current statistical information on a number of longstanding contentious economic issues in Cuba, as is allowed by its short length. It concludes that the evidence supports that there indeed has been real and meaningful accelerated improvement in the Cuban economy in recent years, and at the same time, Cuba remains far from being able to meet many of its citizen's economic needs in accord with its own principals of human development.
A Cuban Success Story: Urban Agriculture
Authors: Koont Sinan
Published: July 2008

The collapse of Soviet-style “industrial” agriculture in Cuba following the end of deliveries of agricultural machinery, spare parts, petroleum, and petroleum derivatives from COMECON countries at the beginning of the 1990s left Cuba face-to-face with a gigantic food security problem, as well as potential overall economic collapse. Urban Agriculture has emerged in Cuba as a very successful, if partial, solution to the food availability problem. The aim of this paper is to analyze the technological, political, historical, and economic underpinnings of this phenomenon in Cuba, and the extent to which the Cuban experience provides potential lessons to the rest of the world.
Evaluation of a School-based Mentoring Program for At-Risk Middle School Youth
Authors: Converse Noelle , Lignugaris/Kraft Benjamin
Published: July 2008

This study investigated the impact of a school-based mentoring program on at-risk students' office referrals, unexcused absences, and school attitude. Students who participated in the mentoring program had statistically significant reductions in office referrals and statistically significant improvements in school attitude. Based on an analysis of mentor interview responses and log entries, mentors were divided into “viewed positively” mentors and “questioned-impact” mentors. Viewed positively mentors reported fewer office referrals, met more consistently with mentees, reported more relaxed mentoring sessions, and shared food and played games more often with their mentees than “questioned-impact” mentors. The results of the study are discussed in terms of the available research on school-based mentoring. In addition, suggestions for future research are provided.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Hammons Stacy A.
Published: July 2008

American society has typically associated motherhood with biology. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART's) challenge this view by fragmenting motherhood into the social, the genetic, and the gestational. To ascertain the extent to which such a challenge has actually succeeded in changing societal understandings of motherhood, this study explored court cases involving four types of ART's. The findings suggest that although these ART's have the potential to re-create societal conceptions of motherhood, such a change has yet to occur in toto. Rather, certain aspects of biological motherhood continue to be seen as more permanent than social motherhood.
Lessons in Resilience
Authors: Campbell Wendy Sellers
Published: July 2008

South Carolina has one of the fastest-growing Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States, and the majority of the immigrants are of Mexican descent. Historically, most of these immigrants were young men, but in recent years, more women and children have moved from Mexico to South Carolina and other parts of the Southeast. The study presented here investigated the lives of 20 undocumented Mexican women in South Carolina using a grounded theory approach. It found that undocumented women from Mexico have mustered a tremendous amount of strength and resilience in overcoming the cultural, social, economic, and legal barriers of living in the United States. The findings suggest that more research is necessary on the resilience and assets that undocumented women from Mexico bring to the United States.
Rape Prevention With College Men
Authors: Stephens Kari A. , George William H.
Published: July 2008

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a theoretically based rape prevention intervention with college men who were at high or low risk to perpetrate sexually coercive behavior. Participants ( N = 146) are randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Outcomes include rape myth acceptance, victim empathy, attraction to sexual aggression, sex-related alcohol expectancies, and behavioral indicators, measured across three time points. Positive effects are found for rape myth acceptance, victim empathy, attraction to sexual aggression, and behavioral intentions to rape. Only rape myth acceptance and victim empathy effects sustain at the 5-week follow-up. High-risk men are generally unaffected by the intervention although low-risk men produced larger effects than the entire sample. Results suggest rape prevention studies must assess risk status moderation effects to maximize prevention for high-risk men. More research is needed to develop effective rape prevention with men who are at high risk to rape.
Deciding Who Decides Questions at the Intersection of School Finance Reform Litigation and Standards-Based Accountability Policies
Authors: Superfine Benjamin Michael
Published: July 2008

Courts hearing school finance reform cases have recently begun to consider several issues related to standards-based accountability policies. This convergence of school finance reform litigation and standards-based accountability policies represents a chance for the courts to reallocate decision-making authority for each type of reform across the governmental branches. Using an institutional choice approach, this study analyzes how judges in two school finance cases reallocated governmental decision-making authority. This study further highlights the historical and legal factors underlying this reallocation and suggests that this reallocation may represent a desirable new approach for dealing with educational policy problems in an evenhanded way.
Appointing the Fed Chair
Authors: Saeki Manabu
Published: July 2008

Several scholars observe presidential appointment as a principal mechanism for the president to influence the bureaucracy in the United States. In order to study presidential influence on the Federal Reserve Board, which is widely considered to be one of the most independent governmental agencies, this article examines the influences of the Chairs and Governors of the Board appointed by Democratic and Republican presidents separately on monetary policy. The results show a significant impact of the presidential appointment of the Fed Chair, but not of the Governors. Also, when presidential popularity is declining, the serving president is likely to influence the Fed to stimulate the economy and improve his popular standing. However, this politically-motivated influence is present only under the Fed Chair appointed by the serving president, but not under the Chair appointed by the previous president.
Learning, Compliance and Gender in Public Management
Authors: McMillan Janice , Fenwick John
Published: July 2008

This article offers a critical perspective on the ways in which the learning process in public organizations may be influenced by gender. The discussion considers the difference between the direct impact of gender differences on learning and the indirect influence of gender when mediated through other variables including structure, culture, hierarchy and status. Based on qualitative interviews with a group of public sector managers, the discussion finds no grounds for concluding that learning in their organizations is directly gendered, in the sense of being systematically defined or structured specifically in relation to gender. However, there were powerful indications that gender may work alongside other factors — particularly culture and hierarchy — in shaping the patterns of learning within public sector organizations. The variables of hierarchy, status, culture, power and personal networks impact significantly on how learning takes place and upon what is learned, and the importance of gender lies in its complex relationship with these and other factors. The discussion as a whole is framed with reference to the prescriptive agenda of public sector `modernization' and it is suggested that such compliance may not be conducive to learning in public organizations. Indeed, it may undermine genuine organizational development and impact negatively upon the ethos of public service.
New Labour's Management, Audit and `What Works' Approach to Controlling the `Untrustworthy' Professions
Authors: Barton Adrian
Published: July 2008

Governments have a problem with the implementation of their policies in as much that most policy implementation is done by contracted agencies be they state agencies or private and third sector organizations. Arguably, the implementation problem has become more acute due to the growth of the mixed economy of service delivery. As a result, there are even more `problematic' and `off message' professionals each holding at least the potential to subvert central government's policies. This article seeks to explore these approaches to the professions by arguing that New Labour sees the exercising of professional discretion and autonomy as intransigence and, as a consequence, does not trust the professions to implement policy in the way it is conceived. Consequently, New Labour is seeking to colonize the professions and introduce organizational isomorphism by using audit and evaluation as tools to promote and ensure the `right' type of professional development takes place.
From #2 Pencils to the World Wide Web
Authors: Zytowski Donald G.
Published: July 2008

The present highly developed status of psychological and educational testing in the United States is in part the result of many efforts over the past 100 years to develop economical and reliable methods of scoring. The present article traces a number of methods, ranging from hand scoring to present-day computer applications, stimulated by the need to economically score large-scale scholastic aptitude and achievement tests and complex interest assessments.
Physicians' Views on Public Reporting of Hospital Quality Data
Authors: Barr Judith K. , Bernard Shulamit L. , Sofaer Shoshanna , Giannotti Tierney E. , Lenfestey Nancy F. , Miranda David J.
Published: July 2008

This article describes physicians' responses to patient questions and physicians' views about public reports on hospital quality. Interviews with 56 office-based physicians in seven states/regions used hypothetical scenarios of patients questioning referrals based on public reports of hospital quality. Responses were analyzed using an iterative coding process to develop categories and themes from data. Four themes describe physicians' responses to patients: (a) rely on existing physician—patient relationships, (b) acknowledge and consider patient perspectives, (c) take actions to follow up on patient concerns, and (d) provide patients' perspectives on quality reports. Three themes summarize responses to hospital quality reports: perceived lack of methodological rigor, content considerations in reports, and attitudes/experience regarding reports. Findings suggest that physicians take seriously patients' questions about hospital-quality reports and consider changing referral recommendations based on their concerns and/or preferences. Results underscore the importance of efforts by report developers and physician outreach/education to address physicians' methodological concerns.
Understanding Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
Authors: Riquelme Luis F. , Soyfer Alexandra , Engelman Jeanna , Palma Gina L. , Stein Lauren , Chao Jennifer L.
Published: July 2008

Providing services in the home to a patient with oropharyngeal dysphagia remains a clinical challenge. All health care providers involved in the care of patients with dysphagia need to understand the complexities of swallow physiology, its impact on the patient's overall well-being, and the experience the patient has recently undergone. Namely, it is important to know if the patient is returning home after an acute care stay, if the patient is returning home after a stay at a rehabilitation center, or if simply the patient has become increasingly decompensated while at home. This will allow the clinician working in the home to understand the work-up and possible treatments the patient has thus far undergone, and possibly better understand the overall etiology. Furthermore, it is important to understand that while returning home may be one of the most exciting moments for the patient and his/her family, it may also be the most stressful, as the patient is probably returning home with a different set of needs. This article provides an in-depth approach and discussion of the subject of swallow physiology, diagnosis, and treatment, and provides a resource for all members of the patient care team. It concentrates on the experience of older adults diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia who are returning home.
Change Management in a Home Care Nursing Service
Authors: Jones-Roberts Andrew
Published: July 2008

This article describes the approach taken in implementing a major organization change in a large home nursing service. Rather than prescribing a model for change, five key issues are outlined: establishing a mandate for change, project management methodology, staff engagement, using data and evaluation, and ensuring sustainability. Professional development was provided to middle managers across the organization to ensure that the capacity for managing change was available. A project identity was established and a detailed project plan identified roles, initiatives, deliverables, timelines, and accountabilities. Staff support for changes was improved through their involvement in creating solutions and developing new processes. Project indicators and reports were produced to monitor the impact of initiatives. The project evaluation showed that there had been considerable improvements in organization performance. Staff were positive about their involvement in the project and the opportunities that were created for them to address the identified issues.
Effects of Comorbid ADHD with Learning Disabilities on Anxiety, Depression, and Aggression in Adults
Authors: McGillivray J.A. , Baker K.L.
Published: July 2008

Objective: ADHD and learning disabilities (LD) frequently coexist and there are indications that comorbidity may increase the risk of psychopathology. Method: The current study examined the gender distribution and frequency of comorbidity and its impact on the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and aggression in a clinic sample of 80 adults with ADHD, aged 18 to 58 years. More individuals were diagnosed with ADHD+LD than ADHD only, with no difference in this distribution according to gender. Results: A factorial multivariate analysis of variance indicated that females with ADHD+LD displayed more cognitive depression than females with ADHD only and than males with ADHD+LD and ADHD only. However,individuals with ADHD only and individuals with ADHD+LD did not differ on overall anxiety, depression or aggression. Likewise, males and females did not differ on measures of psychopathology. Conclusion: This study lays the foundation for continued research into the characteristics and comorbidities of adults with ADHD. ( J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 12(6) 525-531 )
Elderly Ethnic Fragmentation and Support for Local Public Education
Authors: Ajilore Olugbenga
Published: July 2008

This article considers the relationship between ethnicity within the elderly population and education spending. Extensive literature analyzes the relationship between demographics and education spending. This article contributes to this literature by examining the dynamics between the elderly population and ethnicity and its impact on education finance. Using a national panel public school district data set, it is found that increased ethnic fragmentation within the elderly population is negatively related to per-pupil spending and to per-pupil local revenues, but this effect depends on whether the state has a court-ordered reform.
Advancing Strategic Management Insights
Authors: Venkat Venkatraman N.
Published: July 2008

This commentary discusses the six articles that have been selected for publication in the Organizational Research Methods feature topic on ``Research Methods in Strategic Management: Opportunities and Challenges'' and lays out three directions to further our understanding of the centrality of methodological and measurement issues in strategy research.
Relationships Between Academics and Problem Behavior in the Transition from Middle School to High School
Authors: McIntosh Kent , Brigid Flannery K. , Sugai George , Braun Drew H. , Cochrane Krysta L.
Published: July 2008

Given the increased risk factors in the transition from middle school to high school, this study tracked academic and school discipline records for students receiving general and special education services as they transitioned from Grade 8 to Grade 9. The authors employed analysis of variance and structural equation modeling to determine the significance and strength of the relationship between academic skills and behavior variables. Results indicated significant interactions between academic scores and office discipline referrals, both within and across grades. When controlling for the direct effects, crossover effects of Grade 8 discipline referrals on Grade 9 academic scores remained statistically significant, though effects of Grade 8 state reading assessment scores on Grade 9 discipline referrals did not. Results are discussed in terms of improving school environments and academic instruction to prevent school failure.
Adding Function-Based Behavioral Support to First Step to Success
Authors: Russell Carter Deborah , Horner Robert H.
Published: July 2008

This study investigated the effects of adding individualized, function-based support to the well-documented early intervention First Step to Success. A single-subject multiple-baseline design was applied across three K—1 students who did not respond to standard First Step to Success procedures. A functional behavioral assessment and individualized function-based support plan were added to the First Step protocol. The multiple-baseline analysis documented an effect between adding individualized, function-based supports to the standard First Step program and both (a) a decrease in problem behavior and (b) an increase in academic engagement. Implications of the results are provided for the design of school-based behavior support, implementation of First Step to Success, and applications of manualized interventions.
The Effects of Theory-of-Mind and Social Skill Training on the Social Competence of a Sixth-Grade Student With Autism
Authors: Hua Feng  , Lo Ya-yu , Shuling Tsai  , Cartledge Gwendolyn
Published: July 2008

The authors investigated the effects of a theory-of-mind (ToM) and social skill training program on the ToM assessments and social interactions of a sixth-grade high-functioning student with autism. A multiple probe design across behaviors and settings was conducted to evaluate the training program on the participant's learning outcomes. The results showed a functional relationship between the intervention and the participant's skill mastery. Specifically, the participant's appropriate social interactions increased substantially across time and settings with similar improvements in the ToM test scores. The participant's teachers, mother, and peers responded positively to the intervention, indicating their acceptance of the training procedures and outcomes.
Online Media Within the Public Service Realm?
Authors: Trappel Josef
Published: July 2008

Public service media are no longer limited to radio and television as new media genres emerge. Among others, the online medium has supplemented radio, television and the press since the mid-1990s and has become a medium in its own right. Moreover, online media have become essential elements of media consumption patterns. Public service media compete not only with private radio and television broadcasters but also with the press. The question arises, whether such competition in the online field results in more diversity and higher output quality, serving the public interest better. In Europe, there are at least two different schools of thought. One line of argument accepts the public service expansion into online media and regards online media as a necessary and important field for public service activities. Another line of argument suggests limiting the public service remit strictly to radio and broadcasting and considers online media as an emerging market subject to competition among private companies only. Based on the results of a comparative empirical analysis of online media provided by public service broadcasters and print publishers in Switzerland, Germany and Austria (from 2006) this article shows that the achieved results in media output are disappointing. Only few online media live up to the expectations. The article finally argues that the extension of the public service remit to online media might enhance quality and diversity.
Can PSB Stake its Claim in a Media World of Digital Convergence?
Authors: Van den Bulck Hilde
Published: July 2008

Taking the renewal of the management contract (2007—11) of Flemish PSB as a case in point, this article — by means of a policy analysis model — intends to contribute to a better understanding of the role of the technological argument of digitization in policy making and to the ongoing discussion in public and academic forums about the role and position of PSB in the 21st century. Theoretically, the article concentrates on the dominant and alternative paradigms that feed contemporary discussions regarding the possible and `legitimate' role(s) of PSB in a globalizing and digital interactive cross- and multimedia environment. Special attention is paid to the positions of technology and culture in the discourses on what constitutes a `legitimate' future for PSB, as these two aspects seem to have (re)gained momentum in the renewed debates regarding the raison d'être and accountability of PSB. This article focuses on the policy process leading up to the new management contract of Flemish PSB. In particular, it analyses the discourses of relevant stakeholders that have dominated the process and influenced the eventual outcome. To this end, desk research and close reading of relevant texts are combined with interviews with relevant actors and privileged witnesses. These findings are then evaluated against the wider international context of European discussions regarding the future of PSB and some of its core characteristics in a media world dominated by digital convergence.
Giant cell arteritis: a systemic vascular disease
Authors: Tatò Federico , Hoffmann Ulrich
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Giant cell arterits (GCA) is increasingly being recognized as a systemic vascular disease, not confined to the cranial arteries. Epidemiological studies have shown that almost one-third of the patients with GCA develop serious peripheral vascular complications during long-term follow up, and there is growing evidence that unrecognized extracranial involvement may be even more common. GCA of large- and medium-sized peripheral arteries typically leads to long tapering and occlusion of the arterial lumen due to concentric intimal thickening, sometimes accompanied by spontaneous dissection. Depending on the extent of the arterial obliteration and on the anatomy of the involved arterial segment, this may result in severe ischemia of the limbs during the acute phase of the disease. GCA of the aorta usually remains asymptomatic for many years, and leads to a markedly increased risk of aneurysms and dissections, particularly of the thoracic aorta. Evolving vascular imaging techniques such as duplex ultrasound, computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluorine-18-desoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) have greatly improved our ability to detect and study arterial changes in large-artery vasculitis. Boosted by these advances in vascular imaging, vascular specialists are increasingly involved in the early diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of patients with large-vessel vasculitis.
Five-year incidence of cardiovascular disease and its predictors in Greece: the ATTICA study
Authors: Panagiotakos Demosthenes B , Pitsavos Christos , Chrysohoou Christina , Skoumas Ioannis , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: July 2008

Abstract

The 5-year incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its determinants, in a sample of men and women from Greece, was evaluated. From May 2001 to December 2002, 1514 men and 1528 women (> 18 years old) without any clinical evidence of CVD, living in the Attica area, Greece, were enrolled in the ATTICA study. In 2006, a group of experts performed the 5-year follow-up (941 of the 3042 (31%) participants were lost to follow-up). Development of CVD (coronary heart disease, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, or other CVD) during the follow-up period was defined according to WHO-ICD-10 criteria. The 5-year incidence of CVD was 11.0% in men and 6.1% in women ( p < 0.001); the case fatality rate was 1.6%. Multi-adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that increased age (odds ratio per year = 1.09, p = 0.04), waist-to-hip ratio (odds ratio = 5.07, p = 0.02), hypertension (odds ratio = 4.53, p = 0.001), diabetes (odds ratio = 4.53, p = 0.001) and C-reactive protein levels (odds ratio per 1 mg/dl = 1.31, p = 0.02) were the most significant baseline bio-clinical predictors of CVD. Furthermore, an increased education level and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (among 35–65-year-old individuals) were associated with a lower CVD incidence (odds ratio per 3 years of school difference = 0.83, p < 0.001 and odds ratio per 1/55 units in diet score = 0.94, p < 0.001), irrespective of various potential confounders. In conclusion, aging, central fat, hypertension and diabetes, inflammation process, low social status and abstinence from a Mediterranean diet seem to predict CVD events within a 5-year period.
We are all equal now
Authors: Brodie Janine
Published: July 2008

This article examines the Canadian case, focusing on the ways in which the political rationalities that have informed the Canadian variants of post-war social liberalism and neoliberalism have opened and then closed spaces for the articulation and institutionalization of gender-based equality claims-making. The article recounts how the Canadian welfare state underwrote a unique gender equality infrastructure inside the state and a thick field of gender organizations in civil society and later how this potent political and symbolic node of social liberalism became a critical field of contestation for those promoting neoliberal political rationalities. The article describes a protracted war of position in which the gendered politics and identities of the 20th century have been displaced and marginalized, but not fully consumed by neoliberal idioms, representations and policy interventions.
One-Year Follow-up Study of Elderly Group-Home Residents With Dementia
Authors: Suzuki Mizue , Kanamori Masao , Yasuda Mami , Oshiro Hajime
Published: July 2008

For the present research, a 1-year follow-up study was conducted on elderly group-home residents with dementia (n = 13). This research compared the cognitive function and behavioral disorders of the elderly group-home residents with dementia with a control group (n = 13) of elderly patients with dementia in a dementia care ward. Thirteen residents of a group home were observed for 1 year, following the establishment of the group home in January 2003. The subjects in the control group were matched for the sex and dementia type of the group-home residents. The present results suggest that cognitive function among elderly group-home residents was maintained in comparison with elderly patients in a dementia ward. In addition, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were not observed in either group. Furthermore, these findings suggest that behavioral disorders significantly improved in the group-home residents because of the incorporation of activities combining basic and instrumental activities of daily living.
Environmental Control Interventions for Frontotemporal Dementia With Reversed Sleep—Wake Cycles
Authors: Yamakawa Miyae , Shigenobu Kazue , Makimoto Kiyoko , Canqun Zhu  , Ashida Nobuyuki , Tabushi Kaoru
Published: July 2008

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental control interventions using an integrated chip tag monitoring system for a frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patient.

Method: The subject was a male FTD patient (Pick type) with reversed sleep—wake cycles. For a 2-week period, the doors to all patients' rooms in the unit were kept open as a form of environmental control, and in the following 2 weeks, all doors were kept closed (intervention A). To increase his activity levels, a staff walked with him for 2 weeks (intervention B), while all the doors to patients' rooms in the unit were kept closed.

Result: In intervention A, daytime ambulation increased, whereas nighttime ambulation decreased significantly. During intervention B, nighttime ambulation increased significantly.

Conclusion: Environmental controls seem to be effective for restoring sleep—wake cycles in even an advanced-stage FTD patient, whereas exercise program by the staff aggravated the problem.
Economics and Human Resource Development: A Rejoinder
Authors: Wang Greg G. , Swanson Richard A.
Published: July 2008

This article focuses on the areas agreement between two recent and seemingly disparate Human Resource Development Review articles by Wang and Swanson (2008) and McLean, Lynham, Azevedo, Lawrence, and Nafukho (2008). The foundational roles of economics in human resource development theory and practice are highlighted as well as the need for comparative studies. A framework for conducting comparative human resource development policy studies is proposed.
Decreasing Physical Aggression and Verbal Abuse in a Brain-Injured Nursing Home Resident
Authors: Woodhead Erin L. , Edelstein Barry A.
Published: July 2008

Following a traumatic brain injury, patients often suffer a series of psychological and psychiatric sequalae. This study presents the case of Mr. K, a 52-year-old brain-injured nursing home resident who exhibited problematic physical aggression and verbal abuse toward staff and residents. His problem behaviors were intertwined with an ethical issue involving a heterosexual relationship with another resident who also was brain injured. Following a functional assessment of antecedents and consequences, a differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) schedule was implemented. Specifically, the resident was rewarded with short-term and long-term reinforcers following periods of time during which behaviors other than the target behavior were emitted. Although the behavior plan was successful, it resulted in a more noticeable decrease in physically aggressive behaviors than verbally abusive behaviors. Implications include increasing awareness of use of behavior plans in nursing homes and of ethical and behavioral issues associated with sexuality among nursing home residents.
The Rise and Fall of Carly Fiorina
Authors: Johnson Craig
Published: July 2008

This study examines the controversial tenure of former Hewlett-Packard (HP) CEO Carly Fiorina using the ethical leadership construct. Fiorina rose quickly through the ranks at AT&T and Lucent Technologies to become the most powerful businesswoman in the United States when she took the helm at HP in 1999. She prevailed in a bitter proxy fight over the firm's merger with Compaq Computer. However, she was abruptly fired in 2005. Both the CEO and members of the HP board failed as moral persons and as moral managers, leading to Fiorina's ouster and the subsequent HP spying scandal. HP went from one of the world's most admired companies to the target of criminal investigations and public criticism. Implications for leadership ethics are drawn from the experience of HP, and limitations of the ethical leadership construct are identified.
Trust and Leader—Member Exchange
Authors: Scandura Terri A. , Pellegrini Ekin K.
Published: July 2008

Trust in work relationships is an intriguing topic in leader—member exchange (LMX) research, however, previous LMX studies examined trust as unidimensional. Research on LMX has yet to explore the multidimensional nature of trust and how different dimensions may affect LMX quality. This study with 228 full-time employees explores the effect of different trust dimensions on LMX relationships. It is interesting that LMX quality was positively related to identification-based trust as well as calculus-based trust, which involves calculative exchanges. Results found support for a nonlinear association between calculus-based trust and LMX. Thus, contrary to expectations, trust appears to be vulnerable even in high-quality LMX relations.