bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation Y's perception of wine and consumption situations in a traditional wine‐producing region
Authors: Agnoli Lara , Begalli Diego , Capitello Roberta
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to offer an in‐depth analysis of Generation Y's choices concerning the consumption of wine and other alcoholic drinks by examining the consumption situations in a traditional wine‐producing country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied the multinomial logit model involving a sample of Generation Y alcohol consumers in a city in Northern Italy. Choice sets were constructed using the Bayesian efficient design, and each choice set included four consumption situations: at bars or pubs, at discos, at home and at restaurants or pizzerias.

Findings

Generation Y is aware of the different functions of alcoholic beverages in different consumption situations. Further, the type of company they keep influences their choice of beverage. Wine is the preferred drink in situations or occasions of conviviality or hospitality. However, this result only partly follows the traditional model of wine consumption. Segmentation elements are highlighted by considering gender and age.

Practical implications

The research identifies some advantages of wine over other types of alcoholic beverages and some weaknesses in the strategies of wine companies. Consequently, six marketing topics emerge in order to develop a constructive relationship with Generation Y in Italy.

Originality/value

This paper applies discrete choice models to consumption situations in order to analyse the variety of contexts, components and products compared with Generation Y's preferences. It analyses the role of consumption situations in driving behaviour choices towards alcoholic beverages.
Functional strategies and practices of small and medium‐sized family businesses
Authors: Erdem Ferda , Erdem Sukru
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the context of short‐ , medium‐ and long‐term functional strategies of small‐ and middle‐sized family businesses carrying on activities in different sectors, as well as to discuss the findings from the point of view of the strategic orientations required by global competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of this research, having explorative characteristics, were gathered from the 36 owners‐managers (from 111 people) who were leaders in constituting the strategies of their businesses. The survey used in the study consists of 32 items regarding management/human resource management, marketing, production, and finance functions. The data were evaluated with the descriptive and variance analyses.

Findings

The paper finds that the enterprises participating in this study apply or plan to apply, in the short term, institutionalism and customer‐focused strategies. However, financial problems limit the attempts for developing and growing, which creates a risk for the life cycle of the businesses which cannot grow up to the right scale in the right time. Another major concern pointed out in this study is that the enterprises whose owners/managers are the members of any commercial and social organization respond to innovations and change more rapidly.

Research limitations/implications

One of the main limitations of the study is that the owner/manager perceptions were the only source of data. The lack of a measure of the efficiency level of functional strategies and practices or performance of enterprises is the second limitation. On the other hand, the small sample size does not allow generalizations to be made.

Originality/value

This study evaluates the potential of strategic management of small and medium‐sized family businesses
Customers' attitude toward Islamic banking in Pakistan
Authors: Lee Kun‐ho , Ullah Shakir
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the different motivational factors that lead to customers' Islamic bank selection decision in Pakistan. In particular, it aims to look into the importance of Shari'a compliance for Islamic banks' customers and thereby the potential risk of deposits withdrawal in case of violations of Shari'a principles.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents descriptive statistics and cross‐tabulation analysis based on data collected from 357 customers.

Findings

The findings reveal that Islamic banks' customers highly value Shari'a compliance in their banks and that non‐compliance with Shari'a principles leads to disgruntled customers. An interesting pronouncement is that if an Islamic bank is involved in repeated violations of Shari'a, the customers are inclined to switch their banks. Nonetheless, the findings reveal that Shari'a compliance is not the only satisfaction yardstick for Islamic banks' customers; they also expect their banks to be convenient, technologically advanced and provide security of their capital.

Practical implications

The paper has profound implications for Islamic financial institutions operating in Pakistan. Although Shari'a compliance is the most important factor that Islamic banks need to observe, they also need to be competitive with conventional banks.

Originality/value

The paper is a unique contribution to Islamic banks' selection criteria where the importance of Shari'a compliance and conventional bank patronage factors has been explored. The paper's has practical implications for Islamic banks' owners and regulators.
Lives of female expatriates: work‐life balance concerns
Authors: Mäkelä Liisa , Suutari Vesa , Mayerhofer Helene
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze female expatriates' work‐life conflicts and enrichments which take place during the international assignment.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 20 interviews were carried out with female expatriates. The interview data were content analyzed.

Findings

The findings indicate that females have experiences of conflicts but also enrichment during international assignments. Both aspects – the effect of the personal life on the working life and vice versa – are shown to be important for females. Life and career stages appear to be integral to these experiences. This study utilizes four metaphors – airport, seesaw, stage, and harbor – as main headings to represent female expatriates' experiences in balancing work and their personal lives.

Originality/value

This study expands our understanding of the experiences of female expatriates from the work‐life balance perspective and contributes by analyzing both the work‐life conflicts as well as the enrichment which takes place, broadening the view of private life to include aspects other than the family.
Will sustainability change the business model of the event industry?
Authors: Pelham Fiona
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to present answers to the strategic question “will sustainability change the business model of the event industry”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper seeks the opinions of seven experts working in various roles within the event industry and all contributing to the development of ISO 20121 and representing a cross‐geographical mix.

Findings

The paper discusses the current demand for sustainability within the event industry. The entire group agreed that within a short‐time period, demand for sustainability will grow, making this an attractive business model.

Originality/value

The paper presents a viewpoint from leaders in the event industry in which they recognize the value of an international standard for sustainability. The participants all agreed to work to raise the profile of sustainability in the event sector in their own countries.
Tourism ecology: towards the responsible, sustainable tourism future
Authors: Dávid Lóránt
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the purpose and development of responsible and sustainable tourism. Moreover, to present a critique of existing approach taken and to provide industry solutions towards key aspects, such as nature area tourism, eco‐tourism, and rural development/tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

In doing so, the paper will reconcile elements of responsible tourism and ecology within destination management. Whilst within a context of the tourism industry, the article will present a best practice approach for industry.

Findings

Sustainable and responsible rural tourism development is unachievable without the application of ecological thinking. Consequently, tourism ecology naturally helps develop the tourism of rural areas based on local natural, social and cultural resources. Nevertheless, it is also an expectation that actors of the system, i.e. tourists must continue an active and responsibly sustainable practice.

Practical implications

Sustenance of tourism is a double task: industry has to provide long‐term reservation and guarantee that entrepreneurs' input of capital will return and at the same time, improve their economic prospects. Sustainable tourism has to be endurable and economically executable on the long term, but at the same time, it has to be socially and ethically fair in relation to the host community.

Originality/value

This viewpoint presents an insight into tourism ecology from a variety of disciplines to form a rational approach to contemporary sustainable tourism.
Sustainable facilities management within event venues
Authors: Koukiasa Myrsini
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The article aims to provide an insight into concepts, frameworks and processes related to sustainable facility management (FM) within event venues. A further objective is to determine whether, to the degree that this is possible, in which degree there is consensus in relation to the above aspects amongst the literature findings and what is followed in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of current literature was conducted in order to determine current trends in the sustainable FM sector that concern venues from a design, facility manager, organisation and stakeholder perspective. It is equally addressed to academics, students, practitioners, suppliers and investors.

Findings

It was found that although in literature, there is an abundance of good practices to follow, in many cases this is not possible due to costs or lack of focus of the organisation.

Practical implications

Even if guidelines are followed, there should be a greater standardisation of prerequisites and publication of detailed results so best practice within the industry can be looked up to. Managers, owners, etc. should have more of these and publish them as well.

Originality/value

The article contributes to an understanding of the elements of sustainable FM as well as their interconnectivity and importance. It also offers examples in order to investigate the applicability of current literature.
Moving towards responsible events management
Authors: Musgrave James
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This article attempts to provide a concise overview of the approaches towards managing events in a changing market environment and summarises issues of responsibility, sustainability and quality management within events organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

In doing so, the paper will reconcile elements of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development within organisations. Whilst within a context of the events industry, the article will synthesise total responsible management and concepts of sustainable events management and provide an introduction towards a premise of responsible events management.

Findings

A mapping of management models found parallels that can be drawn upon to create a responsible event management approach, embedded by an amalgamation of quality management and sustainable principles.

Practical implications

In essence, the combination of approaches enables a business value and ethical led development towards responsible management and one which represents a holistic understanding and strategic intent to reduce event organisation impacts.

Originality/value

This article represents a theoretical introduction to concepts that underpin the development of knowledge towards sustainable management within the events industry and will allow students, academics and practitioners to develop an introductory awareness.
Chinese entrepreneurs
Authors: Chu Hung M. , Kara Orhan , Zhu Xiaowei , Gok Kubilay
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This article aims to investigate motivations, success factors, problems, and business‐related stress of entrepreneurs in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises and relates them to the success of the Chinese entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 196 entrepreneurs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou were randomly selected for a survey, which was analyzed to determine motivations, success factors, problems, and business‐related stress by gender. Ordered logit models were applied to motivation and success factors.

Findings

Results showed that 68 percent were male and 32 percent female. The average age of the entrepreneurs was about 32 years old and time devoted to their business was almost 45 hours per week. Of the total respondents, 56 percent were married and 44 percent single. When asked to indicate their motives for business ownership, these entrepreneurs suggested that increasing income, becoming their own boss, and to prove that they can succeed were the most important reasons. Reputation for honesty, providing good customer services, and having good management skills were reported to be necessary conditions for business success. Friendliness to customers and hard work were also critical for high‐performance enterprises. Among the problems encountered by entrepreneurs, unreliable/undependable employees were the most critical. Intense competition and lack of management training also proved to be great challenges for Chinese entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

Policy makers can strengthen its small business entrepreneurs by promoting the factors that lead to entrepreneurs' success, such as the ability to manage personnel and management skills through business outreach services provided by universities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. In addition, the government has the ability to simplify the tax system, and reduce payroll taxes. Technical assistance in areas such as market research, human resources management, and technological support should be provided to small business owners.

Originality/value

This study applied to Chinese entrepreneurs in addition to an extensive analysis of the factors that affect motivations, success, problems, and business stress.
The 3‐3‐3 framework and 7P model for teaching creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship
Authors: Sun Hongyi
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The education of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship (CIE) has attracted the attention of the Chinese Government and universities in the past years. The Chinese Ministry of Education recently promulgated “the recommendation on promoting innovation and entrepreneurship education at universities”. However, there are still four basic questions about CIE education, namely, why to teach, what to teach, how to teach and who will teach. This paper aims to discuss the four basic questions and propose an integrated syllabus and a new teaching model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a 3‐3‐3 syllabus/curriculum framework and a 7P model for teaching CIE. The 3‐3‐3 curriculum covers three steps (i.e. creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship), three new outputs (i.e. new idea, new product and new business) and three training areas (i.e creative thinking in brain, hands‐on experiences in new product development and going to society for market research). The 7P model includes project, performance, process, problem, principle, practice and presentation.

Findings

The 3‐3‐3 syllabus and the 7P model provide a practical and operational method for planning and implementing the teaching of CIE in an integrated course or program. The syllabus and the teaching model have been assessed by hundreds of students in the past years with very satisfactory feedback.

Practical implications

The 3‐3‐3 curriculum and 7P model have been implemented at City University of Hong Kong for over ten years and were well accepted and welcomed by students. It will be promoted to more Chinese universities under a project sponsored by China Higher Education Association. A train‐the‐trainer program is also under consideration, with the aim to train more teachers for Chinese universities.

Originality/value

Education of CIE as a separate course is not new. However, how to integrate the three in one course or program is very new. The model reported in this paper is perhaps a contribution in integrating CIE in education.
An augmented particle swarm model based bi‐acceleration factor
Authors: Mohamed Ben Ali Yamina
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been applied with success to many numerical and combinatorial optimization problems in recent years. However, a great deal of work remains to be done to improve the particle swarm performance. The purpose of this paper is to present a new adaptive PSO approach to overcome convergence drawbacks. Thus, the updating of the particle position rule and the introduction of new acceleration parameter augment the performance of the proposed model developed in this perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

In the studied picture, each particle defined in a multidimensional search space is represented by a vector of three adaptive parameters representing, respectively, the adaptive cognitive factor, the adaptive social factor, and the bi‐acceleration factor. Therefore, to updating its position rule, the authors add a gaussian noise to each updated velocity in order to increase the diversity in the population swarm.

Findings

The simulation experiments uses the CEC, 2005 functions benchmark. The achieved results show that the proposed model improves the existing performance of other algorithms compared to the same benchmark.

Originality/value

The proposed algorithm improves the performance of the PSO based on the self‐adaptation strategy. Thus, it can actually resolve hard functions which introduces noisy and shifted functions.
Decentralized decision‐making technique for dynamic coalition of resource‐bounded autonomous agents
Authors: Mouaddib Abdel‐Illah , Jeanpierre Laurent
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the existing approaches of coalition formation to how to adapt dynamically the size of the coalition according to the complexity of the task to be accomplished.

Design/methodology/approach

A considerable amount of attention has been paid to the coalition formation problem to deal efficiently with tasks needing more than one agent (i.e. robot). However, little attention has been paid to the problem of monitoring a coalition during the execution by modifying it according to the progress of the accomplishment of the task. In this paper, the authors consider a coalition of resource‐bounded autonomous agents with anytime behavior solving a common complex task. There is no central control component. Agents can observe the effect of the other agents' actions. They can decide whether they should continue to contribute in solving the common task or to stop their contribution and to leave the coalition. This decision is made in a distributed way. The objective is to avoid the waste of resources and time by using the same coalition along the task accomplishment while some agents become unnecessary to pursue the accomplishment of the task. The authors formalize this decentralized decision‐making problem as a decentralized Markov decision process (DEC‐MDP).

Findings

The paper results in a framework leading to Coal‐DEC‐MDP, which allows each agent to decide whether to stay in the coalition or leave it by estimating the progress on the task accomplishment.

Research limitations/implications

The approach could be extended to deal with more than one coalition.

Practical implications

Decentralized control of a fleet of robots accomplishing a mission.

Originality/value

The paper deals with a new problem of adapting dynamically the coalition to the target task and the use of DEC‐MDPs.
Web 2.0 as a marketing tool for conference centres
Authors: Davidson Rob
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to provide an overview of how UK conference centres have incorporated Web 2.0 applications, such as Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter, into their marketing communications strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an analysis of the impacts of Web 2.0 applications on purchase decision‐making processes in general, the market environment within which conference centres promote themselves was examined. The results of a questionnaire‐based survey of UK conference centres' marketing communications strategies were then analysed.

Findings

The paper's findings suggest that while some UK conference centres have comprehensively adopted Web 2.0 applications into their marketing communications programmes, others have yet to harness the potential of these new promotional tools. A few serious barriers to wider adoption remain.

Research limitations/implications

The extent to which the results may be generalised beyond the geographical parameters of this study may be limited, therefore further research is required, to test the findings across a broader range of locations. In addition, the insights provided by this study need to be complemented by research into the use of Web 2.0 applications by those who are responsible for selecting venues.

Practical implications

The paper considers the consequences of venues using Web 2.0 applications in their marketing communications strategies. These include potential loss of control of the venues' marketing messages, resource issues and the need to evaluate the effectiveness of these tools.

Originality/value

This study therefore takes a first step towards achieving an understanding of how venues are using the opportunities and dealing with the challenges created by the availability of Web 2.0 applications as potential and actual elements in their marketing communications programmes.
The use of graphics in promoting management ideas
Authors: Free Clinton , Qu Sandy Q.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the role of graphics in the propagation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) through the persuasive capacity of graphism to “scientize” management ideas. Scientization, through professionalization of knowledge, rationalization of management and the empowerment of human actorhood, is widely seen as an important element in embedding new management concepts and techniques; a determination based on some version of the positivist belief that science offers a privileged access to reality.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an analysis of popular literature of the BSC in core business media during 1992 and 2010, the paper focuses on the publications authored by Kaplan and Norton, the creators and authority on this topic.

Findings

The paper argues that the use of graphics has played an important role in promoting the claims made by proponents of the BSC by portraying the technique as both scientific and as descended from a venerable tradition of knowledge. Specifically, it argues that graphics are mobilized to: enable the technique to be portrayed as developing cumulatively towards the present vantage, from flawed measurement to management break‐through; promoters of the BSC to defensibly extend claims about the BSC (i.e. rationalize management through the visual representation of causality and strategic focus); and open up multiple interpretations and iterations of concepts which enable the empowerment of human actorhood (i.e. management).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the accounting literature relating to diffusion of management innovations, and research examining the generative mechanisms and the processes through which management innovations come about.
The Australian National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act and its implications for accounting practice and research
Authors: Lodhia Sumit
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw out the accounting implications of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Act in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical approach is undertaken to ascertain the (accounting) practice and research implications of the NGER Act.

Findings

Accounting researchers, especially those with interests in social and environmental issues, have a critical role to play in highlighting the potential of the accounting practice in managing, and providing accountability over, carbon emissions, facilitated via the NGER Act. A number of opportunities in social and environmental accounting research are also identified in this paper.

Practical implications

The paper highlights that the NGERS legislation which requires reporting of carbon emissions by affected parties has a number of implications for the accounting practice.

Originality/value

The paper relates a practical issue, in this case the NGER Act, to accounting and suggests that the accounting process can play a critical role in organizational attempts to manage, communicate and price carbon emissions.
The private sector's role in agricultural extension systems: potential and limitations
Authors: Feder Gershon , Birner Regina , Anderson Jock R.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The poor performance of public agricultural extension systems in developing countries engendered interest in pluralistic concepts of extension involving a variety of service providers. Within the reform agenda, modalities relying on private‐sector providers were perceived as a path to improvement. This paper aims to assess the potential and limitations of such modalities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the conceptual underpinnings of these extension approaches, highlights theoretical and practical challenges inherent in their design, and provides an assessment of several performance‐based case studies described in the formal and informal literature.

Findings

Many of the modalities reviewed entail partnerships between the public sector, farmers' organizations or communities, and private‐sector providers. The paper concludes that while private‐sector participation can overcome some of the deficiencies of public extension systems, there are also challenges that have been faced, including misuse of public funds, insufficient accountability to farmers, inequitable provision of service, inadequate quality, and limited coverage of the wide range of farmers' needs.

Practical implications

The review suggests that private‐sector involvement in extension is no panacea. Extension systems need not be uniform, and will require different providers for different clienteles, with public providers and funding focusing more on smaller‐scale and less commercial farmers. The public sector may need to provide some regulatory oversight of private‐sector extension activities, particularly when public funding is involved.

Originality/value

The paper draws conclusions from a diverse range of experiences, some of which are recent, and provides comparative insights. It may be of interest to development scholars and practitioners.
Innovation, cooperation and business performance
Authors: Najib Mukhamad , Kiminami Akira
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to understand the cooperation activities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in food processing industry clusters; to understand the role of cooperation in improving innovation; and to understand the relationship between cooperation, innovation, and business performance of SMEs in food processing industry clusters in rural areas of Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical survey was conducted on SMEs in food processing industry clusters. Primary data collected in five SMEs clusters were analyzed by regression and correlation analyses using the path‐analytic approach. In this study, the following two hypotheses were examined: cooperation is positively related to innovation; and innovation of SMEs is positively related to business performance.

Findings

Using the path analytical method, this paper provides evidence that cooperation is significantly related to innovation of SMEs in food processing industry clusters. Moreover, business performance is a function of innovation, in which research results show that innovation significantly affects the business performance of SMEs.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the extant literature by providing empirical evidence that the cooperation of SMEs with universities and other firms, which are activities more likely to occur within clusters, is positively associated with innovation. Such a contribution is very important for completing the explanation of innovation phenomena that exists in the clusters, since empirical research exploring the role of cooperation in the innovation of SMEs in food processing industry clusters is still rare.
Modernizing African agribusiness: reflections for the future
Authors: Haggblade Steven
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look forward to explore the links between projected rapid rates of agribusiness expansion and Africa's economic growth, equity and spatial development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws inferences from 30 years of agribusiness value chain research in Africa.

Findings

Africa's agribusinesses stand poised for exceptionally rapid growth over the coming 40 years. Because of strong interdependencies between agribusiness and agriculture, productivity growth in agribusiness systems will critically affect Africa's overall economic growth rate, its spatial development patterns and progress toward poverty reduction. But the necessary efficiency gains in agribusiness performance will not appear automatically. They will require substantial private investments, a competitive private sector and heightened public attention in areas where governments have historically proven weak: promoting regional trade, improving town and regional planning, financing scientific research, funding higher education and building commercially viable rural financial systems.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers can help by assembling empirical evidence in these topic areas and by examining value chain models that stimulate private sector investment, accelerate efficiency gains and facilitate access and egress by the poor.

Originality/value

Drawing on 30 years of value chain research in Africa, the paper examines links between agribusiness trajectories and economic growth, equity and spatial development.
Platelets significantly modify procoagulant activities in haemophilia A
Authors: WARTIOVAARA‐KAUTTO U. , JOUTSI‐KORHONEN L. , ILVESKERO S. , ARMSTRONG E. , LASSILA R.
Published: June 2011

Summary.  Haemophilia A replacement therapy is dosed according to patient’s weight and plasma FVIII activity (FVIII:C). The FVIII interacts with platelet membrane but limited data on the impact of platelet procoagulant activity (PCA) are available in haemophilia A. Our aim was to characterize individual PCA in vitro in 20 adult haemophilia A patients at various FVIII:C levels. We detected thrombin generation in platelet‐poor (PPP) and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) using: (i) calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) triggered with tissue factor, (ii) adhesion‐induced PCA upon collagen and (iii) annexin V binding, expression of P‐selectin and active glycoprotein (GP) IIbIIIa on platelets after stimulation of GPVI with collagen‐related peptide. The FVIII:C levels varied between <1% and 37%. Thrombin generation was individual and strongly enforced by platelets and associated within the three methods. Range of thrombin generation was maximal (up to 30‐fold) at FVIII:C levels 1–5%, underlining the impact of platelets in the presence of traces of replacement therapy. At FVIII:C > 5% platelet contribution in the variance faded. Platelet PCA and P‐selectin exposure lead to a fivefold variation. Intriguingly, at FVIII:C < 1% thrombin generation in PPP associated negatively with platelet GPVI activation, suggestive of a regulatory interplay between plasma and platelets. In haemophilia A, the variability in thrombin generation is partially related to plasma FVIII:C, but mainly dependent on platelet procoagulant capacity. Annexin V binding and PCA in response to activation by collagen receptors contribute to this variability. In all, platelet PCA at least following collagen interaction significantly impacts thrombin generation in haemophilia A.
Brief report: The sexual and physical abuse histories of offenders with intellectual disability
Authors: Lindsay W. , Steptoe L. , Haut F.
Published: June 2011

Background  Some studies have found higher rates of childhood sexual abuse in sex offenders while others have failed to find such relationships.

Method  This study reviews the sexual and physical abuse histories of 156 male sex offenders with intellectual disability (ID), 126 non‐sexual male offenders with ID and 27 female offenders with ID.

Results  Sexual offenders reported a higher rate of sexual abuse in childhood than non‐sexual male offenders (32.6% vs. 17.8%), while the opposite was true for non‐accidental injury (16.0% vs. 32.5%). Female offenders reported the highest rates of sexual abuse in childhood (59.3%).

Conclusions  Some specificity of childhood abuse was evident in the male cohorts suggesting limited evidence of a developmental pathway to offending, while the women were a group highly vulnerable to all forms of abuse.
Evaluating aggressiveness and host range of Alternaria dauci in a controlled environment
Authors: Boedo C. , Benichou S. , Berruyer R. , Bersihand S. , Dongo A. , Simoneau P. , Lecomte M. , Briard M. , Le Clerc V. , Poupard P.
Published: June 2011

The aggressiveness of Alternaria dauci isolates was investigated in greenhouse conditions. Twenty‐seven isolates were pre‐selected from a large collection to represent high diversity according to geographic or host origins and intergenic spacer (IGS) polymorphism. IGS sequence analysis revealed that isolates were grouped within three different clusters. Eleven isolates were selected and inoculated on a susceptible carrot cultivar. Three criteria (mean lesion number, mean necrotic leaf area and mean disease index) were used to assess the aggressiveness of isolates. Continuous variation in aggressiveness was shown and no clear division into isolate classes was evident. For the host range study, two isolates were inoculated under greenhouse conditions onto nine cultivated Apiaceae species, two wild Daucus species and six cultivated non‐Apiaceae species representing six botanical families. Lesions varying in severity were observed on all dicot species (Apiaceae and non‐Apiaceae), but no symptoms developed on the two monocots studied (leek and sweetcorn). Plant species were also differentiated on the basis of expanding lesions (cultivated and wild carrot, dill and fennel) or non‐expanding lesions (other dicot species). Typical A. dauci conidia were observed after in vitro incubation of leaves with symptoms. Fungal structures were isolated from lesions and A. dauci was confirmed on the basis of conidial morphology and specific conventional PCR results. Genotyping of individual isolates performed with microsatellite markers confirmed the presence of the inoculated isolate. The results clearly showed that, in controlled conditions, the host range of A. dauci is not restricted to carrot.
Molecular characterization of Apple scar skin viroid from Himalayan wild cherry
Authors: Walia Y. , Dhir S. , Bhadoria S. , Hallan V. , Zaidi A. A.
Published: June 2011

Himalayan wild cherry (Prunus cerasoides), widely distributed in the Himalayas, was examined for viroid infection. Two of 15 samples collected from various regions of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India gave positive amplification with primers specific for three fruit tree viroids. Sequencing of these two amplicons confirmed the presence of ASSVd in Himalayan wild cherry and share 99% identity. The isolates share 91–98% sequence identity with reported sequences from Greece of sweet cherry, Prunus avium, cv. Tragana Edissis (acc. no. FN376408, FN376409, FJ974069) and wild cherry, P. avium, originated from seedlings (acc. no. FJ974062, FJ974063 and GQ249350). They also share 98% sequence identity with an Indian isolate of ASSVd (acc. no. FN547407). The present study reports the presence of ASSVd in Himalayan wild cherry.
Unsettled infant behaviour and health service use: A cross‐sectional community survey in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: McCallum Sonia M , Rowe Heather J , Gurrin Lyle , Quinlivan Julie A , Rosenthal Doreen A , Fisher Jane RW
Published: June 2011

Aims:  To investigate factors associated with health service use by women and their infants in Victoria, Australia.

Methods:  Cross‐sectional screening survey of 875 women with 4‐month‐old infants attending immunisation clinics in five local government areas in Melbourne between May 2007 and August 2008. The self‐report instrument assessed socio‐demographic characteristics, unsettled infant behaviour, maternal mood (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and, the outcome, health service use during the first 4 months post‐partum.

Results:  Mothers and their infants used on average 2.8 different health services in the first 4 months post‐partum (range 0–8). After adjustment for other factors, high health service use (defined as >3 different services) was more common in mothers whose infants were unsettled with persistent crying, resistance to soothing and poor sleep. A one‐point increase on the unsettled infant behaviour measure was associated with an 8% (2–14%) increase in the use of >3 services, 9% (3–16%) in use of emergency departments, 7% (2–13%) in use of telephone helplines and 9% (3–14%) of parenting services. Poorer maternal mental health was also implicated with a one‐point increase on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale associated with a 4% (0.4–8%) increase in the likelihood of using more than three services.

Conclusions:  Unsettled infant behaviour is associated with increased use of multiple health services. The high use of emergency departments by families with unsettled infants found in this study suggests that enhancement of primary health‐care capacity might be required.
Phenotype‐directed treatment of pre‐school‐aged children with recurrent wheeze
Authors: Schultz André , Brand Paul LP
Published: June 2011

Wheeze in childhood may comprise different underlying diseases. Disease‐specific treatment could potentially improve treatment efficacy. Various attempts have been made to differentiate between pre‐school wheeze phenotypes. In this review, the results of clinical trials evaluating treatment of pre‐school wheeze are discussed, with specific emphasis on the characteristics and phenotype of the study populations. Evidence suggests that systemic corticosteroids are not beneficial for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate exacerbations of pre‐school wheeze, irrespective of phenotype. The use of high‐dose intermittent inhaled corticosteroid treatment cannot be recommended because of unacceptable side effects. Treatment with regular inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene antagonists offer modest benefit, but neither treatment reduces hospitalisation rates. There is currently some evidence for a phenotype‐specific effect of treatment. Phenotype‐directed treatment of pre‐school wheeze is currently limited by our ability to accurately differentiate between clinically useful phenotypes.
Role of food allergy in childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Campbell Dianne E
Published: June 2011

The interplay between atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy is complex and subject to significant misconceptions both by the general public and the medical community. Childhood AD is a very prevalent disorder. In its moderate and severe forms, AD is a challenging disorder to manage from the perspective of the child, parent and treating doctor. As AD is one of the disease manifestations of atopy, it is unsurprising that many children with AD also have a coexisting IgE‐mediated food allergy. It is a common misconception that food allergy is causal in the setting of AD. However, in a proportion of sufferers, food allergy does play a role in triggering or exacerbating pre‐existing AD by immune‐mediated mechanisms and potentially by non‐immune mechanisms. It is, therefore, important to differentiate causality, co‐existent disease and disease modifiers in this context. This paper seeks to clarify the role of food allergy in childhood AD, and to outline a rational framework for the diagnosis and approach to food allergy in the context of the management of a child with problematic AD.
Medical management of paediatric burn injuries: Best practice
Authors: Kim Leo KP , Martin Hugh CO , Holland Andrew JA
Published: June 2011

Burns commonly occur in children and their first aid remains inadequate despite burn prevention programmes. While scald injuries predominate, contact and flame burns remain common. Although typically less severe injuries overall than those in adults, hypertrophic scarring complicating both the burn wound and even donor sites occur more frequently in children. The heterogeneous nature of burn wounds, coupled with the difficulties associated with the early clinical assessment of burn depth, has stimulated the application of novel technologies to predict burn wound outcome. This review explores current best practice in the management of paediatric burns, with a focus on prevention, optimal first aid, resuscitation, burn wound prediction and wound management strategies.
Do humor styles matter in the relationship between personality and subjective well‐being?
Authors: JOVANOVIC VELJKO
Published: June 2011

Jovanovic, V. (2011). Do humor styles matter in the relationship between personality and subjective well‐being? Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 502–507.

The primary goal of this research was to examine the role of humor styles in the relationships between personality (extraversion and neuroticism) and two components of subjective well‐being: life satisfaction and affective well‐being. The sample consisted of 225 young adults, with mean age 23.61 years. Results indicated that the relationship between both extraversion and neuroticism and satisfaction with life could be partially explained by the mediating role of self‐enhancing humor. Additionally, affiliative humor proved to be a partial mediator of the relationship between neuroticism and affective well‐being. The findings of this research suggested that adaptive humor styles might be one of the mechanisms linking personality and subjective well‐being.
Interfaith Dialogue: Assessing Theories of Change
Authors: Neufeldt Reina C.
Published: June 2011

Interfaith dialogue garnered considerable positive attention and derision after September 11, 2001. This article critically examines expectations of interfaith dialogue by clarifying explicit and implicit suppositions of how and why things will change because of dialogue. Three broad approaches to dialogue are identified: theological, political, and peacebuilding. Hypotheses about change within each approach are identified and explored through case examples. The article argues that while interfaith dialogue can contribute to personal, relational, and structural change, each of the three approaches does not do so equally. The article concludes that proactive reflection on theories of change within dialogue is necessary for interfaith dialogue to achieve its potential to build peace.
Chilean Print Media and Human Rights: Mainstream Silence Versus Satirical Subversion
Authors: Sorensen Kristin
Published: June 2011

This study investigates the role of print media in the circulation of human rights discourses in post‐Pinochet Chile. While Chilean print media tends to offer more discussion of human rights violations than other forms of Chilean media such as television, what appears in the papers is still significantly constrained. The constraints imposed on print media are a consequence of a variety of factors—some common to all forms of capitalist, advertiser‐driven media, but others a consequence of the experience of living and working in a postrepressive nation. Despite these constraints, some Chilean print media outlets do offer significant coverage of issues related to the legacy of the Pinochet regime. One such example is The Clinic, a biweekly satirical newspaper first created in 1999 after Pinochet was arrested in the United Kingdom while recovering from surgery in the medical institution called The Clinic. Now that most Chilean print media outlets have interactive, electronic versions of their papers available online, their impact and the potential for all Chileans to give voice to their experiences are growing. These media outlets play a key role in the reconstruction and re‐conceptualization of the nation in postdictatorship Chile.
Cerebrospinal fluid B‐cell expansion in longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis associated with neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G
Authors: DALE RUSSELL C , TANTSIS ESTHER , MERHEB VERA , BRILOT FABIENNE
Published: June 2011

A first episode of central nervous system (CNS) demyelination may represent heterogeneous entities such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, clinically isolated syndrome, neuromyelitis optica (NMO), or multiple sclerosis. As new immune therapies become available, it is increasingly important to make an early diagnosis. Autoantibodies such as NMO immunoglobulin G (IgG) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG are increasingly being employed to define subgroups of CNS demyelination or guide treatment. Similarly, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immunophenotyping can demonstrate B‐lymphocyte subpopulation expansion, which has been used to guide therapy in other autoimmune CNS disorders. We present a report on a 15‐year‐old male with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis with magnetic resonance imaging findings of oedema, cavitation, and gadolinium enhancement. NMO‐IgG and aquaporin 4 IgG were positive; thus, we diagnosed a limited form of NMO. Acute CSF immunophenotyping revealed a 3.6% expansion of CD19 B‐cell populations, whereas a comparison group of five children (4 males, age range 2–15y; mean age 7y) with other neurological disorders showed only a 0.51% expansion (SD 0.25%). In view of the diagnosis of a ‘limited form of neuromyelitis optica’, we therefore elected to treat him aggressively from the outset with a prolonged steroid regimen and mycophenylate mofetil. This case demonstrates a correlation between autoantibody production and CSF B lymphocyte expansion in an individual with CNS demyelination. These approaches could be used in individuals with a first episode of CNS demyelination to help delineate immunological subgroups and guide treatment.