bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER”
Authors: COVINGTON CARY R.
Published: August 2008

Presidents use the perquisites of their office to build support and goodwill among members of Congress, which they then use to increase support for their legislative agendas. Among those perquisites is the ability to invite members to social functions at the White House. This article determines what types of members received invitations between 1961 and 1967 in order to discern the strategies guiding their distribution. It then assesses their impact on the subsequent support provided by those recipients. The findings concerning the distribution of invitations show that presidents Kennedy and Johnson allocated invitations according to a “reward strong supporters” strategy: A president's favors go to his strongest supporters. They also show that party and committee leaders benefit more than rank-and-file members. The most surprising finding is that a member's party makes little difference. These findings indicate the presidents Kennedy and Johnson adhered to a fairly conservative approach to building coalitions, preferring to reward known supporters rather than to try to entice additional support from more marginal sources. The findings concerning the effects of receiving invitations indicate that southern Democratic support was increased, while support from northern Democrats and Republicans was not. The findings also demonstrate the value of complementing, when possible, knowledge about the presidency obtained from more traditional sources of information with knowledge derived from the systematic analysis of aggregate data.
OPEN VERSUS CLOSED PRIMARIES AND CANDIDATE FORTUNES, 1972-1984
Authors: SOUTHWELL PRISCILLA L.
Published: August 2008

It is well known to political scientists that “changing the rules changes the game.” As a result of the recent Supreme Court ruling in Tashjian v. Republican Party of Connecticut (1986), many state parties and legislatures are currently debating the choice between open and closed primaries. This article is an attempt to measure the impact of an open primary system by estimating how the outcome of previous presidential primary elections might have been altered if independents and partisans of the opposing party had been allowed to vote. Using data from the American National Election Studies of 1972, 1976, 1980, and 1984, the projected vote totals obtained under different types of primary systems show that the outcome of the election is affected only when the absence of a primary contest within one party results in a high level of strategic voting—a scenario that was possible in the 1972 and 1984 elections. Otherwise, the projected outcomes using various open primary types are not significantly different from ones obtained using a closed primary system.
PUBLIC OPINION, REPRESENTATION, AND THE MODERN SUPREME COURT
Authors: MARSHALL THOMAS R.
Published: August 2008

Evidence suggests that the modern Supreme Court reflects nationwide public opinion in nearly three-fifths of its decisions. The post-New Deal Court has been especially majoritarian in federal-level disputes and in “crisis times” cases. Overall, the modern Court appears to be as majoritarian as other American policymakers.
THE POLITICS OF RELIGION IN AMERICA
Authors: GUTH JAMES L. , JELEN TED G. , KELLSTEDT LYMAN A. , SMIDT CORWIN E. , WALD KENNETH D.
Published: August 2008

This article seeks (1) to bring some coherence to a growing, but rather disparate, volume of “religion and politics” research, and (2) to chart some directions for future research. Given the vast nature of the field of inquiry, the focus of the discussion is limited specifically to behavioral studies of the role of religion in American political life.
MEASURING GOVERNMENT GROWTH IN THE AMERICAN STATES
Authors: GARAND JAMES C.
Published: August 2008

In recent years there has emerged a substantial body of research pertaining to growth in the size of the public sector, which is often measured in terms of government spending as a proportion of total economic output in a given political system. Unfortunately, the work in this research program suffers from two major shortcomings: (1) inattention to patterns of government growth disaggregated to the subnational level, and (2) a failure to take into account the effects of different price deflators for the public and private sectors on the ratio of government spending to economic output. In this article I examine patterns of government growth in the 50 American states for the period from 1945 to 1984. Unlike most previous studies, I utilize different implicit price deflators for the public and private sectors in order to separate growth in the scope of government activity from deflator-based growth in the public sector. The results of this analysis suggest that, on average, almost one-half of the growth in state government over the time period under study can be attributed to the different inflation rates for the public and private sectors. Such a finding has significant theoretical and methodological implications for the study of government growth, particularly at the state level.
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF JUDICIAL IMPACT
Authors: SONGER DONALD R.
Published: August 2008

For over three decades, numerous studies on the impact of the United States Supreme Court have made it obvious that the legal rules and policy preferences of the Court do not automatically determine the decisions of the lower courts. An extensive literature now exists to detail the nature and extent of the impact of the Supreme Court on the courts below. The picture of judicial impact that emerges from this literature is characterized by numerous differences in the way the “impact” of the Supreme Court is conceptualized. The present study explores the differences in interpretation that might result from the application of four separate approaches to the study of judicial impact. Each of these four methods is applied in turn to evaluate the impact of the Supreme Court's decision in Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), on the highest state appellate courts in California, New York, North Carolina, Illinois, and Oklahoma.1
THE SELECTION OF STATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICES
Authors: EMMERT CRAIG F. , GLICK HENRY R.
Published: August 2008

Using weighted least squares analysis, we examine the effects of region and judicial selection system on the characteristics of state supreme court judges. The article tests hypotheses concerning the quality of judges, specifically the ability of merit plans to recruit superior judges, and the openness of various selection systems. Major findings are that region is the main factor accounting for variations in judges' backgrounds and no method of recruitment selects judges with substantially different credentials. However, merit selection systematically is less open to religious minorities.
THE EFFECTS OF PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES ON THE ELECTORATE'S PREFERENCES FOR CANDIDATES
Authors: GEER JOHN G.
Published: August 2008

Previous research on presidential debates indicates that these events often reinforce citizens' preferences for candidates, but only occasionally lead people to change their choice for president. Using three panel studies for the CBS/ New York Times Poll, this article questions this view. While the results show that many individuals' preferences were reinforced, there also appeared to be sizable potential for debates to change citizens' preferences—especially among those respondents who were undecided or were weakly committed to one of the candidates. An implication of these findings is that debates may have a greater effect on the outcome of elections than previously thought.
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT DURING THE IRAN-CONTRA AFFAIR
Authors: HURWITZ JON , PEFFLEY MARK , RAYMOND PAUL
Published: August 2008

The great majority of analyses of presidential support utilize aggregate data and, consequently, are not appropriate for the analysis of individual-level changes in support in response to events within an administration. Using National Election Studies panel data, we investigate presidential support both before and after the major revelations of the Iran-Contra affair to determine the reasons behind the erosion of President Reagan's support base and the characteristics of individuals who did, and did not, adjust their views of the president subsequent to the revelations. While Reagan maintained his image of integrity, respondents did downgrade his competence; his performance was most seriously questioned by those disapproving of his Central American policy.
THE CHANGING AMERICAN VOTER REVISITED
Authors: ROMERO DAVID W.
Published: August 2008

The state of knowledge regarding the relative influence of issues, parties, and candidates across time in presidential elections is confounded because researchers have typically employed standardized correlation coefficients. Employing unstandardized coefficients on openended presidential candidate evaluations for the 1952 to 1984 elections, this article examines the manner and extent to which the relationship between issues, party, candidates, and the vote have fluctuated over time. The results suggest, as have others, that party influence on the vote has declined. However, no evidence is found to support the assertion of an increase in issue influence on the vote decision. Candidate influence on the vote is found to be stable over time.
TRENDS IN AMERICANS' POLITICAL INFORMATION, 1967-1987
Authors: BENNETT STEPHEN EARL
Published: August 2008

This study utilizes National Opinion Research Center (NORC) surveys in 1967, 1987, and 1988, and Survey Research Center/Center for Political Studies (SRC/CPS) data from 1960 to 1986 to explore trends in Americans' knowledge of public affairs. NORC and SRC/CPS data indicate that, despite being better educated, the public in the 1980s is slightly less informed than in the 1960s. The primary culprits for diminished political information are diminution in political interest and lessened reliance on newspapers.
CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE IN EMPIRICAL ANALYSES OF FISCAL POLITICS
Authors: BERRY WILLIAM D. , LOWERY DAVID
Published: August 2008

In recent years, a number of subliteratures on fiscal politics have converged toward a core set of hypothesized explanatory variables—representing political, economic, and social conditions—and a common modeling strategy patterned after that of Davis, Dempster, and Wildavsky (1974). But rather than indicating an emerging consensus among the subliteratures about the nature of the budgetary process, the convergence masks substantial divergence over critical assumptions about the nature of decision making. In this article we describe the development of this divergence in assumptions in an effort to evaluate its impact on empirical modeling exercises. We conclude with some prescriptions for defining the research agenda for the budgeting literature through the 1990s.
The Long Arm of Qing Law? Qing Dynasty Homicide Rulings in Republican Courts
Authors: Neighbors Jennifer M.
Published: August 2008

The legal reform initiated during the Republican period brought sweeping changes to Chinese criminal law. Among those changes were increased discretionary powers afforded to judges when determining sentences. An examination of homicide cases in the Republican courts shows that when new Republican-era laws contradicted notions of justice carried over from late imperial society, jurists were able to use these newly expanded powers at sentencing to re-create Qing rulings and thereby bring Republican-era criminal justice closer to the judicial norms of the late imperial period.
Equaity Sharing Policies in New Venture Funding
Authors: Walbank Martin
Published: August 2008

Martin Walbank lectures in the Management Sciences Department of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). After many years of research and management in multinational firms his current research interests are concentrated on the problems of innovation in smaller firms, in particular how to catalyse employment and economic growth by developing empirical systems for evaluating risks in new firms and business ventures. In this paper he considers how such readily accessible practical guidelines to help judge what sort of offer should be made in a proposal for providing venture capital or what level of sharing should be accepted as being fair in an eventual agreement can be developed.
Development, Training and Education for the Small Firm: A European Perspective"
Authors: Watkins David S.
Published: August 2008

David S. Watkins is director of the New Enterprise Centre at Manchester Business School, England. The first part of the paper demonstrates-on the basis of empirical research work carried out by the author and colleagues in France and West Germany-that the problems faced by small businessmen are remarkably similar across national boundaries. Moreover, it shows too that the bankers who finance small businesses in each of these countries share a common perception of small firms' problems, albeit a different one from the owner-managers. In the bankers' view, the major problems concern the competence of the owner-manager and the ultimate solution is through the development of the owner-manager himself, as a manager. Since the owner-managers perceive many of their problems as essentially financial, there is here a strong basis for dialogue, rooted in mutual interest and leading to productive development for both parties. What then prevents the owner-manager from engaging in appropriate management development activities and pursuing this dialogue more extensively?

The second part of the paper seeks answers to this question by examining in detail the background, education and training of a carefully structured sample of more than 200 British owner-managers. This analysis goes some way to explaining the alienation and antipathy which small businessmen feel towards the traditional training system and suggests new designs for problem-centred, action-oriented management development activities. It also highlights the periods during the growth of the firm at which the owner-manager is most receptive to engaging in the business development process through personal development.
The Smaller Firm in Overseas Trade
Authors: Cannon Tom , Willis Michael
Published: August 2008

Tom Cannon is Professor of Business Studies at Stirling University, Scotland, and Michael Willis is Management Research Fellow at Durham University Business School, England. This paper describes the results of a three year study of the issues, problems and opportunities faced by the smaller concern as it seeks to develop its exports. It has been argued that the propensity of small firms to be domestic market and service orientated runs counter to the needs of trading nations for companies able to build overseas business. The paper explores the evidence behind this and other nations, in particular whether it is true that small firms are inhibited from entering export markets and the patterns of overseas trading they follow. It also looks at whether there are any specific problems faced by small firms wanting to develop exports or international trade and what measures can be adopted to overcome these difficulties, either within the firm or by external policymakers.
The Education of Mnantagers in Smalfler Frentch Companies
Authors: Vickery Lister
Published: August 2008

Lister Vickery is affiliate professor at INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France, responsible for entrepreneurship and small business. This paper describes the results of a study carried out in the spring of 1982 on the level of higher education and the frequency and type of further education of managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSEs) in France. The study covered 722 managers in 467 firms. The popular image of antithesis between higher education and small business is questioned. The results of the study suggest that SMSEs are increasingly requiring higher education qualifications when recruiting managers and are becoming more selective about these qualifications. The major r6le of the engineering and undergraduate business schools is underlined. As regards further education, the study confirmed the low level of activity although a positive relationship was found between initial and further education. The paper concludes with recommendations for institutions of higher education on their role in educating SMSE managers.
Mothers' beliefs about knowledge and mother—adolescent conflict
Authors: Holmes Tabitha R. , Bond Lynne A. , Byrne Ciara
Published: August 2008

Efforts to understand parent—adolescent conflict have largely ignored the broad adult cognitive frameworks that guide parent behavior. Mothers (n = 56) and their adolescents (n = 52) individually completed multiple measures regarding the nature of their parent—adolescent conflict. Mothers also completed interviews regarding their beliefs about knowledge. As hypothesized, mothers' epistemological beliefs predicted mothers' and adolescents' descriptions of conflict patterns. Mothers with more complex epistemologies reported engaging in less intense conflict and experiencing less negative conflict behavior and their adolescents reported more positive communication. These mothers and adolescents also described a conflict pattern that emphasized collaboration and an openness to multiple opinions. Promoting mothers' own understanding of knowledge may be an important strategy for supporting more constructive parent—adolescent interactions.
Together is better? Effects of relationship status and resources on young adults' well-being
Authors: Soons Judith P. M. , Liefbroer Aart C.
Published: August 2008

This study examines differences in well-being among young adults across relationship status. Multilevel regression analyses on two waves of data of the Dutch Panel Study of Social Integration (N = 2818) show that singles have the lowest level of well-being, followed by young adults who are steady dating, and cohabitors. Married young adults have the highest level. These differences are partially mediated by differences between young adults in their access to valued material, personal and social resources. Furthermore, the availability of some resources is more important for the well-being of young adults in a certain relationship status than for those in another relationship status. Gender differences are also discussed.
Preparing for palliative medicine; evaluation of an education programme for fourth year medical undergraduates
Authors: Mason SR , Ellershaw JE
Published: August 2008

Prompted by directives from the GMC, ‘care of the dying’ is identified as ‘core curricula’ for undergraduate medical education. However, there are many technical and interpersonal challenges faced in learning the practice of palliative medicine. Accordingly, the design and delivery of education programmes need to be both carefully considered and evaluated. Using Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory as a driver, appropriate methodology for evaluating a novel education programme in palliative medicine was drafted. A pre- and post-survey of an education programme and palliative care placement for fourth year medical undergraduate students from Liverpool University ( n = 216) was completed using a composite questionnaire containing; i) Self-efficacy in Palliative Care Scale (SEPC) and ii) Thanatophobia Scale. Both scales have shown reliability and validity within the sample population. Additionally, a randomly selected Focus Group was conducted to provide qualitative information on the students’ experience. A total of 139 pre- and post-questionnaires (64%) were completed. Analysis identified significant improvements in perceived efficacy (SEPC Communication t = −16.41, P < 0.001; SEPC Patient Management t = −22.31, P < 0.001; SEPC Multidisciplinary Teamwork t = −15.56, P < 0.001). Significant improvements in thanatophobia were also recorded ( z = −7.51, P < 0.001) although some interesting anomalies were noted. This study demonstrates that considered and appropriately structured clinical education has been shown to significantly improve students’ belief in their ability to practice palliative medicine and to improve their attitude towards care. In accordance with the study’s theoretical driver, it is reasonable to propose that the engaged active learning will have a positive effect on the future care of dying patients.
Population-based study of dying in hospital in six European countries
Authors: Cohen J , Bilsen J , Addington-Hall J , Löfmark R , Miccinesi G , Kaasa S , Onwuteaka-Philipsen B , Deliens L
Published: August 2008

This study examined the proportion of deaths taking place in hospitals in six European countries in relation to demographic, epidemiologic and healthcare factors. Retrospective analyses were performed on a database integrating death certificate data of all deaths in 2002 in Sweden and 2003 in Belgium, England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Wales ( N = 891,780). Data were linked with regional healthcare statistics. Of all deaths, from 33.9% (the Netherlands) to 62.8% (Wales) occurred in hospital. Large country differences in hospital deaths were partly explained by the availability of care home and hospital beds. Differences between countries were strikingly large in older patients and cancer patients. Older patients had a higher probability of dying in hospital in Sweden, Scotland, England and Wales than in Flanders and, in particular, in the Netherlands. Cancer patients often died in hospitals in Sweden but less frequently so in the Netherlands and England. Country differences in the proportion of patients dying in hospital are only partly the result of differences in health care provision, and are in particular larger for certain patient categories, suggesting country-specific end-of-life practices in these categories. These findings can contribute to rational public health policies aimed at reducing hospital deaths.
How does the environment impact on the quality of life of advanced cancer patients? A qualitative study with implications for ward design
Authors: Rowlands J , Noble S
Published: August 2008

It is well recognized that the ward environment has an effect on patients’ quality of life and may, therefore, impact on the quality of end of life care. The body of evidence that informs ward design policy recommends single-bedded rooms on grounds of reduced infection risk, noise and versatility. Considering the majority of anticipated patient deaths occurring in hospitals, the quality of life aspects of ward design should also be considered. The aim of this study is to explore the views of patients with advanced cancer on the effect the ward environment has on their overall well-being. Semi-structured interviews exploring the experiences of 12 inpatients at a regional cancer centre were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed for emerging themes until theoretical saturation. Four major themes emerged: staff behaviours, the immediate environment, single vs. multi-bedded rooms and contact with the outside environment. The attitude, competence and helpfulness of the staff creates the atmosphere of the ward regardless of layout, furnishings, equipment and décor. The majority of the patients in this study expressed a strong preference for a multi-bedded room when they were well enough to interact and a single cubicle when they were very ill or dying, which opposes the current advice for building new hospitals with all single rooms. Although the current policy recommends the use of single-bedded rooms, this study suggests the need for a mix of multi-bedded wards and single rooms with respect to the impact of the environment on patient quality of life.
Validation of a Consciousness Level Scale for Palliative Care
Authors: Gonçalves F , Bento MJ , Alvarenga M , Costa I , Costa L
Published: August 2008

The main objective of this study is to validate a Consciousness Scale for palliative care. The scale was named Consciousness Scale for palliative care (CSPC). The validation had two phases: 1) face validity – the scale was assessed by seven healthcare professionals, both doctors and nurses, experienced in palliative care; 2) reliability and construct validity – performed by four investigators, two nurses and two doctors. The construct validation was performed by comparing the CSPC with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of 100 mm, anchored in the terms ‘awake’ and ‘unarousable’, and then with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). In this study, all four observers completed 44 periods of observation relative to 38 patients resulting in a total of 176 observations. In the phase of face validation, there were no discrepancies in relation to the issue: the scale provides measures for measurement; the scale can be useful to clinical practice; the scale can improve communication among professionals and the scale is easy to use. As a measure of internal consistency, Cronbach’s α was found to be very high (0.99). The inter-rater reliability was also very high with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99 ( P < 0.001). The correlation of the CSPC to the VAS was 0.94 ( P < 0.001) and the CSPC to the GCS was −0.82 ( P < 0.001). The CSPC can be a very useful tool for assessing consciousness in palliative care patients. It is very ease to use, not time consuming and can be used with minimal training. Communication between professionals can be improved in the clinical setting and in the research environment.
Palliative care education in Swiss undergraduate medical curricula: a case of too little, too early
Authors: Pereira J , Pautex S , Cantin B , Gudat H , Zaugg K , Eychmuller S , Zulian G
Published: August 2008

Palliative medicine education is an important strategy in ensuring that the needs of terminally ill patients are met. A review was conducted in 2007 of the undergraduate curricula of all five of Switzerland’s medical schools to identify their palliative care-related content and characteristics. The average number of mandatory hours of palliative care education is 10.2 h (median 8 h; range 0–27 h), significantly short of the 40 h recommended by the European Palliative Care Association’s Education Expert Group. The median time allocated to designated palliative care blocks is 3 h (range 0–8 h). Most of the education occurs before the clinical years, and there are no mandatory clinical rotations. Three schools offer optional clinical rotations but these are poorly attended (<10% of students). Although a number of domains are covered, ethics-related content predominates; 21 of a total of 51 obligatory hours (41%). Communication related to palliative care is largely limited to ‘breaking bad news’. In two of the schools, the teaching is done primarily by palliative care physicians and nurses (70% or more of the teaching). In the others, it is done mostly by educators in other clinical specialties and ethics (approximately 90% of the teaching). These findings show significant deficiencies.
Development and validation of a prognostic scale for use in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Stone P , Kelly L , Head R , White S
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study was to develop a new prognostic indicator to help predict survival in advanced cancer patients more accurately. Data on 329 patients obtained from a multi-centre study in London were analysed. A multifactorial Cox regression model was applied and validated using bootstrapping techniques. Predictive scores were calculated and used to produce a new prognostic index. The value of the index in predicting 14-day survival was then assessed. Four variables were found to be associated with worse survival: primary lung cancer, secondary liver cancer, raised C-Reactive protein and poor performance status (ECOG 4). Survival curves showed that patients designated as ‘high’ risk by the resulting index had significantly shorter survival than those designated as ‘low’ risk. A high score on the newly derived prognostic index is associated with poorer survival, but its clinical utility is limited by the relatively low predictive probability of the score.
Epoxy-Clay Nanocomposites and Hybrids: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Velmurugan R. , Mohan T.P.
Published: August 2008

This paper deals with the effect of clay addition on improving the mechanical properties of epoxy polymer and glass fiber-reinforced epoxy-clay hybrid composites. The clays used in the present system were alkyl ammonium treated montmorillonite (MMT) based organoclay (OC) and unmodified MMT clay (UC). The OC and UC were added individually to epoxy polymer and glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Structure and morphology of epoxy filled with OC and UC were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. It is observed that the clay nanolayer dispersion takes place in a polymer matrix filled with OC particles. However, the UC filled composites show the formation of micro-composites. The effects of clay addition (1—3%, 5% and 10% by weight) in epoxy polymer shows that OC filled composites possess enhanced tensile strength over UC filled composites. A similar result is observed in the OC filled glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) of hybrids show that the addition of OC increases the thermal properties of epoxy-glass fiber more than that of UC filled hybrids.
Residual Strength of Stitched Laminates After Low Velocity Impact
Authors: Cheng Xiaoquan  , Al-Mansour Ali , Li Zhengneng
Published: August 2008

Tests were conducted with stitched laminates in order to calculate CAI (compression after impact) strength and TAI (tension after impact) strength for stitched laminates. Two levels of low velocity impact energy were used. All the specimens were made of two different types of lay-up sequence laminates with three different stitching directions of 08, 458, and 908. FEM model was developed using MSC/PATRAN software to predict the CAI and TAI strength of stitched laminates. PS criterion (point stress) and FD criterion (fiber breakage in damage zone) were applied to predict CAI strength. It showed that the predicted residual strengths were in agreement with the test results. Stitching improves the residual strength of the laminates.
An Analytical Model for Predicting the Elastic Properties of Triaxially Braided Composites
Authors: Ping Zhang  , Gui Liang-Jin , Fan Zi-Jie
Published: August 2008

Based on the iso-strain and interfacial continuity conditions, an analytical model for the prediction of the elastic properties of triaxially braided composites was proposed. The model considers the variation of the braider yarns' undulation period in particular areas. Triaxially braided composites using two fabric architectures have been fabricated and tested in tensile mode to verify the model. Parametric studies have been performed to analytically quantify the effects of the braid angle and the ratio between axial yarn and braider yarn size on the in-plane elastic properties of the composites. Increasing the braid angle leads to a decrease in the longitudinal modulus, an increase in the transverse modulus; it also causes the in-plane shear modulus to peak at a braid angle of about 508, and Poisson's ratio to peak at a braid angle of about 358. Increasing the ratio between axial yarn size and braider yarn size leads to an increase in the longitudinal modulus, and decreases in the transverse modulus, in-plane shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio.
Loading Rate Sensitivity of High Strength Fibers and Fiber/Matrix Interfaces
Authors: Yazici Murat
Published: August 2008

High strength fibers are extensively employed in many different composite applications. This article is concerned with the rate dependency of mechanical behavior of these fibers, namely S2 Glass®, Kevlar 29®, and Spectra 900® fibers at low loading rates. Also studied is bonding behavior of these fibers with the most used thermoset composite matrix materials, which are epoxy and polyester resins. With this regard, several tensile and single fiber pull-out tests were carried out by employing a 5 kN Instron testing machine. The experiments were conducted at loading rates ranging from 1 to 250 mm/min. Based on the results obtained in this research work, the tensile strength is increasing from 1 to 100 mm/min loading rate and fiber matrix bonding strengths are decreasing by enhancing loading rate. This implies that certain mechanical properties of some polymer matrix composites could be rate dependent, even at low loading rates.
Durability of a Rice-Hull—Polyethylene Composite Property Change After Exposed to UV Weathering
Authors: Weihong Wang  , Qingwen Wang  , Wenjie Dang
Published: August 2008

This study characterized the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) loss, color change, and surface morphological and chemical changes of ricehull—polyethylene (RH/PE) composite after UV weathering. Differences due to smooth, lined, and sawn surface quality were also focused. Samples with smooth surfaces generally exhibited greater and more rapid fading than lined surfaces. Compared to samples with sawn surfaces, samples with smooth surfaces showed much less morphological changes at later time. For samples with sawn surfaces, both MOR and MOE decreased significantly upon weathering. For samples with smooth surfaces, their flexible properties declined slightly during the whole weathering period. Based on FTIR analysis, it was found that both the cellulosic component and PE matrix degraded after weathering and oxidation might occur. This study proved that the smooth surface was more durable in mechanical properties than the other surface textures because of protection from the plastic matrix.
Myocardial lysis in a fetus induced by maternal paraphenylenediamine poisoning following an intentional ingestion to induce abortion
Authors: Abidi K , Himdi B , Cherradi N , Lamalmi N , Alhamany Z , Zeggwagh AA , Abouqal R
Published: August 2008

The acute toxicity of paraphenylenediamine (PPD) has been associated with several histopathological changes. In humans, acute PPD poisoning is known to cause rhabdomyolisis and particularly myocardial lysis. However, its toxicity for the fetus has never been reported in the literature. We report a case of myocardial lysis in a fetus expelled by a 22-year-old mother after apparent ingestion of an unknown amount of PPD. The patient was admitted to our intensive care unit with acute onset of respiratory distress and rhabdomyolysis. The pelvic ultrasonography on admission showed a normally progressing pregnancy of 23–24 weeks. On day 9 post-ingestion, the patient spontaneously expelled a non-viable fetus. The fetal examination did not show any external or macroscopic abnormalities. However, the histopathological exam showed an important heart and lung congestion. There was also some interstitial edema and inflammation at the base of the lingua, in addition to a chorionic villus thrombosis and abruptio placentae. The histopathology of the myocardium showed lysis of the cardiac muscle. This observation suggests that the PPD was most likely responsible for the myocardial injury in the fetus.
Ofloxacin-associated retinopathy in rabbits: role of oxidative stress
Authors: Rampal S , Kaur R , Sethi R , Singh O , Sood N
Published: August 2008

Ofloxacin, a quinolone, is an extensively used, well-tolerated antibacterial agent but has been reported to induce photosensitivity at low incidences. In the present investigation, the possible role of oxidative stress in ofloxacin-induced retinopathy in rabbits was evaluated. It was observed that ofloxacin at a dose rate of 10 and 20 mg/rabbit, twice daily for 21 consecutive days, resulted in significant elevation in the extent of lipid peroxidation and depletion of the blood glutathione levels. Marked alterations were also observed in various parameters of the glutathione-redox cycle. There was significant increase in the enzymic activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase enzymes. Histopathological studies revealed retinal damage especially in the pigmented cell layer. Degenerative changes in liver and kidneys were also observed. Liver showed focal areas of necrosis, dilation of sinusoids, and cellular infiltration, whereas in kidneys, there was glomerular and tubular degeneration, suggesting impaired renal functioning.
Etiology and outcome of patients presenting for poisoning to the emergency department in Taiwan: a prospective study
Authors: Lee H-L , Lin H-J , Yeh ST-Y , Chi C-H , Guo H-R
Published: August 2008

Poisoning is one of the most common reasons for visiting the emergency department in many countries, and the pattern varies from countries to countries and time to time. To compare the etiology and outcome of poisoning patients in different gender and age groups, we conducted a prospective study at the emergency departments of two medical centers in southern Taiwan between January 2001 and December 2002. All cases of poisoning, excluding patients diagnosed as cases of alcohol or food poisoning, were included, and relevant information was collected. There were 1512 cases of poisoning observed with a male to female ratio of 1:1.2 (684/828). Overall, drugs (49.9%) were the main agents involved, and a suicidal attempt (66.1%) was the predominant etiology. A total of 63 fatalities (4.2%) were observed and pesticides, especially paraquat, resulted in most fatalities. Patients aged 19–30 years constituted the most cases, and significant differences in exposure agents, causes, and fatality rates were found among different age and gender groups. The results are compatible with the trend reported by other Asian countries. This study also shows important differences existing in poisoning patients of different age and gender groups. Therefore, different poisoning-prevention strategies should be applied to different groups.
Toxicity of repeated intravenous injection of gene therapeutics for X-CGD in mice
Authors: Lee YM , Choi WH , Kim YB , Ha CS , Song CW , Lee M , Joo CW , Hong Y , Ho SH , Kim S , Kim JM , Koh WS
Published: August 2008

We made gene therapeutics for X-chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) by transducing murine bone marrow-derived stem cells with MT-gp91 retrovirus and evaluated possible toxicity in mice as a prerequisite for human clinical trials. Male C57BL/6 mice were injected intravenously with gene therapeutics for X-CGD twice at an interval of two weeks at 5 × 107 cells/kg and sacrificed 2 weeks after the last administration. Significant changes noted in gene therapeutics for X-CGD-treated animals were an increase in white blood cell counts and a slight decrease in albumin/globulin ratio. The red pulp hyperplasia in the spleen accompanied with an increase in organ weight was considered to result from the accumulation of gene therapeutics for X-CGD, bone marrow-derived stem cells, in the spleen. No anti-gp91 antibody was detected in the sera collected from the animals treated with gene therapeutics for X-CGD. No integration of gp91 DNA from retroviral vector was detected in chromosomal DNA of gonads in animals dosed with the test substance, indicating no potential of genomic integration. In conclusion, the repeated dose of gene therapeutics for X-CGD exerted no toxicity. The splenic red pulp hyperplasia and the increase observed in white blood cell counts and in spleen weights were considered as pharmacological changes induced by the treatment.
Is β-glucuronidase a clinical useful biomarker for an acute organophosphorus poisoning?
Authors: Sabbe MB , Desruelles D , Lissens W
Published: August 2008

β-glucuronidase is considered a sensitive biomarker for acute organophosphorus poisoning. In this well-documented study, multiple plasma samples over time were collected. A decrease in plasma concentration of β-glucuronidase was surprisingly observed, even within normal range. These findings do not support the hypothesis that β-glucuronidase is a useful biomarker for acute organophosphorus poisoning in humans.
Precariousness, the Secured Present and the Sustainability of the Future
Authors: Carvounas David , Ireland Craig
Published: August 2008

Theorists concerned with the current status of the future have rightly acknowledged their debt to Koselleck's historicization of modern future-oriented temporality. Koselleck, however, does not address how such a temporality can be sustained. Elias can be of help here. Anticipating recent inquiry into the effects of precariousness on temporality, Elias established a historical link between a present secured from unpredictability and the capacity for temporal extension beyond immediate concerns. Although Elias does not directly address modern temporality, his work, when combined with Koselleck's, can shed light on some of the preconditions for the sustainability of modern future-orientedness. Such a combination of Koselleck's work with Elias's can help lay the groundwork for a more historically informed diagnostic assessment of our current temporal horizons.
Why Open-mindedness Needs Time to Explore and Exploit Knowledge
Authors: Cegarra-Navarro Juan Gabriel , Cepeda-Carrión Gabriel
Published: August 2008

It is clear from the literature that in situations where organizations and their members face changing environments, it is necessary that mechanisms (learning) exist to capture the new knowledge which enables the firms to address those changes. This article examines the relative importance and significance of the existence of an `open-mindedness context' to the existence and nature of `organizational learning'. We include time as a variable in the analysis and focus on the need to unlearn at a moment (T) in order to learn more efficiently at a moment after (T+1). These relationships are examined through an empirical investigation of 107 Spanish small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the telecommunications industry. The results indicate that the effects of exploration and exploitation of knowledge at moment T+1 is conditioned by the existence of an `open-mindedness culture' at moment T.
The Best of Times is Now
Authors: Brodowsky Glen , Granitz Neil , Anderson Beverlee
Published: August 2008

Although researchers have found that cognitive temporal structures differ across cultures, few have studied the cognitive temporal structures of subcultures within them — and in a consumer behavior context. Integrating the literature on time, culture and consumer behavior, this study empirically tests for variations in time perceptions between the dominant heterosexual culture and the gay subculture. Results indicate that there may be socio-cultural elements of a subculture that produce variation in a subculture's temporal cognitive structure. Compared to heterosexuals, gays are more present-oriented. This finding is then applied to predict differences in consumer behavior.
Time to Change, Time for Change
Authors: Lee Heejin , Lee Ji-Hwan
Published: August 2008

Time is often mentioned as a key aspect of organizational culture and organizational change. However, the role of time has rarely been explored in direct relation to organizational change. This article presents a case in which time was used as a catalyst for organizational change. The case shows how time can play a role in organizational change. In the early 1990s, one of the largest conglomerates in Korea introduced a new temporal scheme, which replaced the standard working hours. We examine the case to find out how a new temporal scheme affected various aspects of culture, which in turn caused changes in organizational members' behaviour and attitudes. Our discussion focuses on the new temporal system's contribution to facilitating organizational change in three ways: a) by creating a sense of crisis for change, b) by generating new ways of working, and c) by enhancing awareness of time as a resource.
Problems and Solutions Arising During a Study in Visual Semantics of the Medical Emergency Team System
Authors: Santiano Nancy , Baramy La-Stacey , Young Lis , Saggu Gurdarshan , Cabrera Rouchelle , Parr Michael
Published: August 2008

A study of the medical emergency team (MET) to explore communication within the team, leadership, handover, and MET resuscitation practice was performed using audiovisual recording in hospitals of Sydney South West Area Health Service, Sydney, Australia. In this article, we report on the process of data collection: the completion of 25 video recordings of MET calls across three of the six study hospitals. We describe how we gained entry into hospital environments to film events characterized by the unpredictability and uncertainties associated with resuscitating a patient and the strategies that we implemented during the fieldwork to develop and maintain rapport with both clinicians and managers. We describe how we addressed some of the practical constraints related to collecting audiovisual data at the point of acute care as well as their implications for the theoretical and methodological aspects of the study.
Developing an Effective Criminal Justice Response to Human Trafficking
Authors: Gallagher Anne , Holmes Paul
Published: August 2008

Trafficking in persons now affects all regions and most countries of the world. Over the past decade, there has been increasing acceptance of the need for an effective, internationally coordinated response. However, the practical difficulties in realizing this goal are considerable. No country can yet lay claim to genuine, extensive experience in dealing with trafficking as a criminal phenomenon. Most are developing and adapting their responses on the run, often under strong political pressure, and principally through trial and error. While communication between national agencies on this issue is improving, there is still very little cooperation or cross-fertilization of ideas across national borders. The authors draw on emerging international rules as well as their experience of working with States and intergovernmental organizations on this issue to propose eight elements of an effective national criminal justice response to human trafficking. Each is described in detail, justified with reference to relevant international standards, and illustrated with examples from current professional practice.
Disarming the Legal System
Authors: Schatz Sara
Published: August 2008

This article studies the role of the criminal justice system in perpetuating impunity for political assassinations in Mexico by analyzing a wave of homicidal action against the leftist opposition party—Partido de la Revolucion Democratica (PRD)—throughout the 1988-2004 period. The Mexican case is interesting because hundreds of leftist political party militants often engaged in legal activities were gunned down by state agents (the police, the military, local politicians associated with the dominant party-state, the Institutional Revolutionary Party [PRI]) or indirectly by hired guns on behalf of state leaders. Using case studies collected by the Mexican National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), an official governmental body, it is argued that the Mexican state showed its acquiescence in the killings through the impunity that was afforded the killers through the further disarming of the legal coercive powers of the existing state to properly prosecute and punish murderers.
Victim Compensation and Aspects of Law and Justice in Tanzania
Authors: Lugakingira Kahwa S. K. , Maina Peter Chris
Published: August 2008

Under the common law legal system, the tradition in criminal justice has been to focus on the accused and to ensure that he or she gets punished. The victim of the crime is ignored and at most given the “opportunity” to assist the prosecution's case as a witness for the Crown or the Republic. New thinking is emerging that calls for changing the mind-set and looking at the plight of the many victims of crime. This is the message behind this article, which takes the United Republic of Tanzania as a case study. This new thinking is giving hope to the victims of crime who have been suffering for ages. Therefore, it is time for the states to adopt this challenge and provide protection and compensation to victims of crime within their specific jurisdictions.