bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Complexities of College for All
Authors: Rosenbaum James E.
Published: March 2011

When 89% of high school graduates plan BA degrees, and low-achieving seniors who plan degrees have 80% failure rates, raising already high plans may be a poor strategy for improving college success. Using data on 7th-10th grade students, Domina et al. argue that higher plans are associated with success and suggest that my study of high school seniors is wrong. While their findings may indicate that MA plans are beneficial (although 7th-10th graders who know about MA degrees may be unusual), their research does not speak to my findings about seniors, whose plans are already very high. Contrary to Domina et al., I contend that effort may be reduced by poor articulation and information (not by high plans). I am pessimistic about poor articulation, not a “college for all ethos.” I have shown that many seniors have high plans but poor information, and this leads to predictable failures in college. Further raising those plans may improve 7th-10th grade efforts, but will not improve seniors’ college success.
Religious and Spiritual Change in College
Authors: Scheitle Christopher P.
Published: March 2011

A long line of research has attempted to examine an assumed conflict between religious belief and scientific knowledge by assessing the religious beliefs of individuals with a high level of scientific training and education, such as faculty at universities. This research has established that there are differences in levels of religious belief across different disciplines, but because of data limitations it has not been able to adequately assess the causal nature of these differences. The research presented here overcomes these limitations using longitudinal data examining different dimensions of religious and spiritual belief among undergraduates. Using four latent variable concepts assessing both positive and negative dimensions of traditional and nontraditional forms of belief, the analysis shows no evidence that students in the natural sciences show a greater decrease in religious belief compared with students in other fields.
Focus, Fiddle, and Friends
Authors: Frank Kenneth A. , Zhao Yong , Penuel William R. , Ellefson Nicole , Porter Susan
Published: March 2011

Although knowledge has been linked to productivity within and between organizations, little is known about how knowledge flows into schools and then diffuses from teacher to teacher within schools. Here, the authors hypothesize that the value of different sources of knowledge depends on a teacher’s current level of implementation. The authors test their theory using longitudinal network data from 470 teachers in 13 schools. From models of change (i.e., first differences) in teachers’ use of computers over a one-year period, the authors infer that the more a teacher at the lowest initial levels of implementing an innovation is exposed to professional development focused on student learning, the more she increases her level of implementation ( focus); the more a teacher at an intermediate initial level of implementation has opportunities to experiment and explore, the more she sustains her level of implementation ( fiddle); and the more a teacher at a high initial level of implementation accesses the knowledge of others, the more she increases her level of implementation ( friends). Concerning the potential for selection bias, the authors quantify how large the impacts ( Frank 2000 ) of confounding variables must be to invalidate their inferences. In the discussion, the authors emphasize the changing nature of knowledge through the diffusion process.
Positive and Negative Pretrial Publicity
Authors: Ruva Christine L. , Guenther Christina C. , Yarbrough Angela
Published: March 2011

The authors investigated the effects of exposure to pretrial publicity (PTP) on impression formation, juror emotion, and predecisional distortion. Mock jurors read news articles containing negative (antidefendant) PTP or positive (prodefendant) PTP or unrelated articles. One week later, they viewed a videotaped murder trial and then made decisions about guilt. Jurors’ emotions were measured three times during the experiment: before exposure to PTP, immediately after exposure to PTP, and immediately following the trial. Exposure to both positive and negative PTP significantly affected verdicts, perceptions of defendant credibility, emotion (anger and positive emotions), and predecisional distortion. Defendant’s credibility, jurors’ emotions, and predecisional distortion significantly mediated the effect of PTP on guilt ratings.
Effects of Organizational Factors On Use of Juvenile Supervision Practices
Authors: Farrell Jill L. , Young Douglas W. , Taxman Faye S.
Published: March 2011

A growing literature emphasizes the importance of strengthening organizational contexts to support the adoption and use of best practices in correctional environments. The current study examines the relationships between organizational factors and use of current best practices in a juvenile correctional agency. Using survey data for 393 probation officers and supervisors in 33 field offices in a statewide juvenile correctional agency, the authors examined the relationships between staff’s self-reported use of service-oriented supervision practices and their perceptions of organizational functioning within their offices. The results from a hierarchical model demonstrated that lower levels of staff cynicism for change, more favorable perceptions of supervisory leadership, and greater integration with community-based service providers were significantly related to greater use of service-oriented practices among supervision staff. Office climate and integration with the judiciary and mental health agencies are not significant. Findings and their implications for research and practice are discussed.
Do Local Governments Save and Spend Across Budget Cycles? Evidence From North Carolina
Authors: Wang Wen , Hou Yilin
Published: March 2011

The fiscal crisis encountered by state-local governments since 2008 has again made prominent the issue of how to better prepare for and stabilize expenditures during recessions. Does the stabilization function of government, and its theory, still hold? Previous studies focus on federal and state levels; only a few look at local governments. This article explores whether localities save and spend across the boom-bust cycle; we intend to identify the determinants of local government savings and estimate the impact of savings on stabilizing expenditures. Unlike some early evidence that shows countercyclical stabilization properties of local unreserved general fund balance, the empirical results of our study on North Carolina counties do not support the stabilization role by localities. This study carries timely and important implications for state/local policy making and financial operations; it also adds to the literature on the stabilization function of government.
Searching for Answers
Authors: Binz-Scharf Maria Christina , Lazer David , Mergel Ines
Published: March 2011

How do public administrators find information about the problems they confront at work? In particular, how and when do they reach across organizational boundaries to find answers? There are substantial potential obstacles to such searches for answers, especially in a system of decentralized governance such as the U.S. government. In this article, we examine the alternative mechanisms within the public sector that compensate for this dispersion of expertise, focusing on knowledge sharing across public DNA forensics laboratories. In particular, we propose that the emergence of informal interpersonal networks plays an important role in providing access to necessary expertise within a highly decentralized system. Our findings point both to the need for further research on knowledge sharing networks within the public sector as well as practical implications around the value of investments into facilitating the creation and maintenance of networks of practice.
Narco Tales
Authors: Arana Ana
Published: March 2011

Bloggers and citizen journalists are telling the stories that the mainstream Mexican media no longer dares to report, says Ana Arana
Chronicle of a Death
Authors: Freely Maureen
Published: March 2011

The murder of journalist Hrant Dink marked a sea change in Turkey. Maureen Freely introduces an exclusive extract from the bestselling biography
Route to revolution
Authors: Khalil Ashraf
Published: March 2011

Digital activism has long been a way of life in Egypt, reports Ashraf Khalil, from monitoring political corruption to protesting against police brutality
Pyongyang Unwrapped
Authors: McNeill David
Published: March 2011

Technology has revolutionised reporting on North Korea. David McNeill reveals how a clandestine network is getting the word out despite restrictions
Speak No Evil
Authors: Shamsie Kamila
Published: March 2011

Pakistan’s blasphemy law is a tool for persecution, says Kamila Shamsie. Its tyranny reflects the grip of religious extremism on political culture
Virtual community
Authors: Valadbaygi Saaed
Published: March 2011

Saaed Valadbaygi, a young Iranian activist in exile, describes the impact of Web 2.0 on his generation — both inside and outside the country
Do Not Disturb
Authors: Young Charles
Published: March 2011

Writers, journalists and even DJs are falling foul of Malta’s censorious laws, reports Charles Young
Blog On
Authors: Khalil Ashraf
Published: March 2011

As Saudi Arabia brings the internet under tighter control, Ashraf Khalil reports on one of the most active blogospheres in the region
Crowd Control
Authors: Hu Yong
Published: March 2011

Microblogging is changing the face of activism in China. But don’t expect a revolution, says Hu Yong
Going Local
Authors: Sigal Ivan
Published: March 2011

If the US’s internet freedom agenda is going to be effective, it must start by supporting grassroots activists on their own terms, says Ivan Sigal
The Urge To Classify
Authors: Sobel David L
Published: March 2011

With the Obama administration failing to honour its commitment to openness, leaks are of the few means of holding government to account, says David L Sobel
Tools of Resistance
Authors: York Jillian C
Published: March 2011

Ordinary Egyptians made their voices heard around the world during the uprising — in spite of the government’s clampdown on the internet. Jillian C York reports
Days of Anger
Authors: Ismail Salwa
Published: March 2011

The revolution in Egypt is unprecedented but not unexpected, says Salwa Ismail
International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: Implications for School Psychologists
Authors: Benson Nicholas , Oakland Thomas
Published: March 2011

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework for describing behaviors by viewing them from three broad and different perspectives: (1) physiologic, physical, and psychological functions; (2) a person’s engagement in functional life activities; and (3) their participation in social settings. The ICF Framework aligns well with current efforts in school psychology to adopt population-based models of service delivery, reflect public health models of service delivery, promote mental health, and prevent disorders or problem behaviors. Essential features of the ICF together with implications important to service delivery in general and psychoeducational assessment in particular are described.
A Perfect Storm for Consumer Misbehavior: Shopping on Black Friday
Authors: Lennon Sharron J. , Johnson Kim K. P. , Lee Jaeha
Published: March 2011

Consumer misbehavior that harms other consumers and/or retailers has occurred recently during Black Friday (BF) sales. Using a combination of theoretical perspectives, the purpose of our research was to gather information about BF shopping to use in questionnaire development, to investigate potential relationships among the variables identified, and to suggest ideas for future research. From a survey of BF shoppers, we found shoppers who perceived they expended effort planning for and shopping on BF were likely to misbehave. We also found BF shoppers who expended effort planning and executing their BF shopping tended to score high on trait impulsivity. While this may seem contradictory, it can be explained by considering that people who expend effort in their BF planning may cognitively plan their BF activities and then take advantage of unplanned deals along the way. Our results support premises of the general aggression model to explain consumer misbehavior on BF.
How to Pay Nonfamily Managers in Large Family Firms: A Principal—Agent Model
Authors: Block Jörn H.
Published: March 2011

A large number of family firms employ nonfamily managers. This article analyzes the optimal compensation contracts of nonfamily managers employed by family firms using principal—agent analysis. The model shows that the contracts should have low incentive levels in terms of short-term performance measures. This finding is moderated by nonfamily managers’ responsiveness to incentives, their level of risk aversion, and measurement errors of effort related to short-term performance. The model allows a comparison between the contracts of family and nonfamily managers. This comparison shows that the contracts of family managers should include relatively greater incentives in terms of short-term performance measures. A number of propositions regarding the compensation of nonfamily managers employed by family firms are formulated. The implications of the model for family business research and practice are discussed.
Family Ownership and Control, the Presence of Other Large Shareholders, and Firm Performance: Further Evidence
Authors: Sacristán-Navarro María , Gómez-Ansón Silvia , Cabeza-García Laura
Published: March 2011

This article analyzes, using various econometric techniques, how family ownership, family control, and the presence of a second significant shareholder affect firm performance. The authors studied a panel of 118 nonfinancial Spanish companies (711 observations) from 2002 to 2008. Once endogeneity issues were considered, it was found that family ownership did not influence profitability. What seems to matter is family control. This study also reveals the importance of taking into account unobservable heterogeneity and endogeneity issues when analyzing firm performance and provides an interesting future avenue of research: the role played by other large shareholders in family firms.
Transaction Costs and Outsourcing Decisions in Small- and Medium-Sized Family Firms
Authors: Memili Esra , Chrisman James J. , Chua Jess H.
Published: March 2011

An important difference between family and nonfamily firms, and among different types of family firms, is in the way they make outsourcing decisions and thereby define the boundaries of the firm. The authors propose that transaction costs arising from human asset specificity, threats of opportunism, and risk aversion will make small- and medium-sized family firms operating with technologies of low to medium complexity less likely to outsource than comparable nonfamily firms. The authors also argue that the limiting influence of transaction costs on the outsourcing decisions of family firms may be mitigated by variations in available suppliers, goals, and ownership structures.
An Overwhelming Climb
Authors: Gagnon Janelle L. , Packard Becky Wai-Ling
Published: March 2011

This paper examines the complex experiences of full-time employed adults trying to climb the career ladder in their company by making use of company tuition assistance to earn their first college degree. Guided by Savickas’ (2005) career construction theory, emphasizing the personal agency and meaning-making within career development, we conducted phenomenological interviews with a purposive sample of eight men and women from six different companies using company tuition assistance while working full-time. Participants held complex feelings toward dual roles of work and school including feeling overwhelmed and delayed in their progress as well as experiencing positive synergy between school and work roles. Workplace features such as flexible scheduling and having an encouraging supervisor facilitated progress. Implications for understanding and supporting the career development of full-time employed adults are discussed.
Crackpots and basket-cases: a history of therapeutic work and occupation
Authors: Laws Jennifer
Published: March 2011

Despite the long history of beliefs about the therapeutic properties of work for people with mental ill health, rarely has therapeutic work itself been a focus for historical analysis. In this article, the development of a therapeutic work ethic (1813—1979) is presented, drawing particular attention to the changing character and quality of beliefs about therapeutic work throughout time. From hospital factories to radical ‘antipsychiatric’ communities, the article reveals the myriad forms of activities that have variously been considered fit work for people with mental health problems. While popular stereotypes of basket-weaving paint a hapless portrait of institutional work, a more nuanced reading of therapeutic work and its political and philosophical commitments is advanced. The article concludes by arguing that the non-linear and inherently contested development of therapeutic work is less the effect of paradigmatic shifts within the therapeutic professions, but rather evidence of a broader human struggle with work.
Denying Humanness to Others
Authors: Greitemeyer Tobias , McLatchie Neil
Published: March 2011

Past research has provided abundant evidence that playing violent video games increases aggressive behavior. So far, these effects have been explained mainly as the result of priming existing knowledge structures. The research reported here examined the role of denying humanness to other people in accounting for the effect that playing a violent video game has on aggressive behavior. In two experiments, we found that playing violent video games increased dehumanization, which in turn evoked aggressive behavior. Thus, it appears that video-game-induced aggressive behavior is triggered when victimizers perceive the victim to be less human.
How can a glacial inception be predicted?
Authors: Crucifix Michel
Published: March 2011

The Early Anthropogenic Hypothesis considers that greenhouse gas concentrations should have declined during the Holocene in absence of humankind activity, leading to glacial inception around the present. It partly relies on the fact that present levels of northern summer incoming solar radiation are close to those that, in the past, preceded a glacial inception phenomenon, associated with declines in greenhouse gas concentrations. However, experiments with various numerical models of glacial cycles show that next glacial inception may still be delayed by several tens of thousands of years, even with the assumption of a decline in greenhouse gas concentrations during the Holocene. Furthermore, as we show here, conceptual models designed to capture the gross dynamics of the climate system as a whole suggest also that small disturbances may sometimes cause substantial delays in glacial events, causing a fair level of unpredictability on ice age dynamics. This suggests the need for a validated mathematical description of climate system dynamics that allows us to quantify uncertainties on predictions. Here, it is proposed to organise our knowledge about the physics and dynamics of glacial cycles through a Bayesian inference network. Constraints on the physics and dynamics of climate can be encapsulated into a stochastic dynamical system. These constraints include, in particular, estimates of the sensitivity of the components of climate to external forcings, inferred from plans of experiments with large simulators of the atmosphere, oceans and ice sheets. On the other hand, palaeoclimate observations are accounted for through a process of parameter calibration. We discuss promises and challenges raised by this programme.
Comparisons of atmosphere–ocean simulations of greenhouse gas-induced climate change for pre-industrial and hypothetical ‘no-anthropogenic’ radiative forcing, relative to present day
Authors: Kutzbach J.E. , Vavrus S.J. , Ruddiman W.F. , Philippon-Berthier G.
Published: March 2011

We compare climate simulations for Present-Day (PD), Pre-Industrial (PI) time, and a hypothetical (inferred) state termed No-Anthropogenic (NA) based upon the low greenhouse gas (GHG) levels of the late stages of previous interglacials that are comparable in time (orbital configuration) to the present interglacial. We use a fully coupled dynamical atmosphere–ocean model, the CCSM3. We find a consistent trend toward colder climate (lower surface temperature, more snow and sea-ice cover, lower ocean temperature, and modified ocean circulation) as the net change in GHG radiative forcing trends more negative from PD to PI to NA. The climatic response of these variables becomes larger relative to the changed GHG forcing for each step toward a colder climate state (PD to PI to NA). This amplification is significantly enhanced using the dynamical atmosphere–ocean model compared with our previous results with an atmosphere–slab ocean model, a result that conforms to earlier idealized GHG forcing experiments. However, in our case this amplification is not an idealized result, but instead helps frame important questions concerning aspects of Holocene climate change. This enhanced amplification effect leads to an increase in our estimate of the climate’s response to inferred early anthropogenic CO2 increases (NA to PI) relative to the response to industrial-era CO2 increases (PI to PD). Although observations of the climate for the hypothetical NA (inferred from observations of previous interglacials) and for PI have significant uncertainties, our new results using CCSM3 are in better agreement with these observations than our previous results from an atmospheric model coupled to a static slab ocean. The results support more strongly inferences by Ruddiman concerning indirect effects of ocean solubility/sea-ice/deep ocean ventilation feedbacks that may have contributed to a further increase in late-Holocene atmospheric CO2 beyond that caused by early anthropogenic emissions alone.
Haematological and biochemical toxicity induced by methanol in rats: Ameliorative effects of Opuntia vulgaris fruit extract
Authors: Saoudi Mongi , Jebahi Samira , Jamoussi Kamel , Salah Ghada Ben , Kallel Choumous , Feki Abdelfattah El
Published: March 2011

The ameliorative effects of Opuntia vulgaris fruit extract (OE) were evaluated against methanol-induced haematological and biochemical toxicity in rats. The methanol-induced haematological and biochemical perturbation significantly decreased the levels of red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), serum total protein and increased glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in serum. Treatment of rats with methanol significantly increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) level and decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes. OE treatment could increase significantly the levels of RBC, Hb, Ht and total protein, and decrease glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in serum, and increase the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx in erythrocytes, when compared with methanol-treated group. Spleen histopathology showed that OE could significantly reduce the incidence of spleen lesion induced by methanol. These results suggested that OE could exhibit a potential source of natural antioxidants against methanol-induced haematological and biochemical disruption in rats. The protective effects of OE may be due to the modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities and inhibition of LPO.
Lesions of thymus and decreased percentages of the peripheral blood T-cell subsets in chickens fed on diets excess in selenium
Authors: Peng Xi , Cui Hengmin , Cui Yun , Deng Junliang , Zuo Zhicai , Fang Jing
Published: March 2011

Selenium is an essential trace element possessing immune-stimulatory properties. The purpose of this 42-day study was to investigate the effects of excess dietary selenium on cellular immune function by determining morphological changes of thymus and peripheral blood T-cell subset. Three hundred 1-day-old avian broilers were fed on a basic diet (0.2 mg/kg selenium) or the same diet amended to contain 1, 5, 10, 15 mg/kg selenium supplied as sodium selenite ( n = 60/group). Pathological lesions were progressed with the dietary Se level increased. Grossly, the volume of thymus was decreased. Histopathologically, lymphopenia and congestion were observed. Ultrastructurally, mitochondria injury was observed. In comparison with that of control group, 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg dietary Se decreased the percentage of CD3+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cells of the peripheral blood, as measured by flow cytometry. The results showed that excess selenium (more than 5 mg/kg) intake could cause lesions of thymus and decrease of T-cell subsets. The cellular immune function was finally impaired in broilers.
The Transformation of Research Technology Organisations (RTOs) in Asia and Europe
Authors: Sharif Naubahar , Baark Erik
Published: March 2011

Research technology organizations (RTOs) are undergoing a transition in their traditional role. This transition is driven by two key shifts in the environment within which RTOs operate: increasing pressure to commercialise research outputs and the internationalisation of the research endeavor, providing new opportunities for both funding and transfer of outputs. We note that these trends are felt in both industrialised and industrialising economies, acknowledging a need for properly framed comparative studies. Among the key questions addressed here: How do open, global R&D networks affect RTO research portfolios? Does building national resources reduce international opportunities? Can Asian RTOs reorient their operations from doing basic research to producing commercialisable outputs as effectively as some of their European counterparts? Before reviewing important developments in the RTO literature, we distinguish several types of RTOs. The literature reflecting the abovementioned environmental shifts indicates that RTOs play an important role in helping industrialising economies catch up with their industrialised counterparts. We note also the role RTOs play in transferring university research outputs, and call for more studies of the role of RTOs in industrialization as opposed to agricultural development. We close with brief descriptions of the five studies that comprise this special issue.
Two Models of Research Technology Organisations in Asia
Authors: Intarakumnerd Patarapong
Published: March 2011

This article presents two models of research and technology organisations (RTOs) in latecomer countries undergoing technological catch-up. The RTOs in Model A tried to stimulate the accumulation of technological and innovative capabilities ‘within’ firms. In contrast, the RTOs in Model B attempted to create technological capabilities ‘on behalf of firms’. The models have produced different results. Case studies of Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) are used as representatives of the two models.
New Asian Challenges
Authors: Gijsbers Govert , Tulder Rob Van
Published: March 2011

Asian agriculture is faced with major new challenges as a result of globalisation, urbanisation and environmental problems such as climate change. To meet these challenges, Asian agriculture needs to become more knowledge intensive and innovation oriented. This article frames the new Asian challenge in terms of innovation theory, emphasising the importance of the co-evolution of technological and institutional change and linkages between actors in open, interactive innovation processes. It studies the performance of agricultural research and technology organisations (RTOs) in four small and medium-sized South and Southeast Asian economies: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia and Vietnam. A key performance issue is the linkages between actors, which is a key weakness in the agricultural innovation systems of most Asian countries. The need for effective linkages is growing as agricultural production and innovation are becoming increasingly complex due to the impact of the consecutive green, sustainability, biotechnology and supermarket revolutions. Linkages are in short supply, but the demand for them is exploding. As a consequence, traditional public agricultural research organisations in Asia, created at the time of the green revolution, no longer play a central role in agricultural innovation as they did when countries faced only one challenge.
Severe Diarrhea Following Neurolytic Coeliac Plexus Block: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Toukhy Mohamed El , Campkin Nicholas TA
Published: March 2011

Diarrhea is one of the commonest complication following coeliac plexus ablative procedures. It is believed to occur due to inadvertent chemical sympathectomy by the block. For the majority of patients, complications are temporary and self limited. Unfortunately few cases of refractory diarrhea have been reported and some of them proved fatal. The mainstay of therapy is aggressive hydration to restore body fluids and early treatment with antidiarrheal agents. This includes the use of high fiber diet, opioids, anticholinergics, alpha 2 agonists and somatostatin analogues e.g., Octreotide in an attempt to inhibit gut motility and control the diarrhea. We would like to present a case of severe diarrhea following a neurolytic coeliac plexus block using alcohol 50% in a patient with cancer pancreas. Patient achieved a significant reduction in her pain scores but developed severe diarrhea and dehydration. Diarrhea was refractory to medical treatment and patient died few weeks later.
Upregulation of Microparticles in DIC and its Impact on Inflammatory Processes
Authors: Rahman Saudur , Cichon Mark , Hoppensteadt Debra , Cunanan Josephine , Jeske Walter , Thethi Indermohan , Fareed Jawed
Published: March 2011

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) results in the catastrophic simultaneous activation of thrombotic and hemorrhagic processes. Its pathophysiology and the role of inflammation and microparticles (MPs) are not fully understood. Microparticles represent small phospholipid-expressing procoagulant vesicular fragments, released with cellular disruption and apoptosis. Functional MPs were measured in 100 random patients from a population of patients with DIC. Plasma samples from 30 normal male and female volunteers were used as control. Commercial Annexin trapping method was used to determine procoagulant activity of MPs. Mean ± SD concentration of MPs in the DIC group was 24.6 ± 14.2 nmol/L (range: 0.0-60.0 nmol/L), significantly higher than the control group: 8.5 ± 4.3 nmol/L (range: 1.3-17.4 nmol/L). Distribution curves and scattergrams showed that MPs concentration in the DIC samples was more widespread. This demonstrates that MPs are upregulated in patients with DIC and may mediate the hemostatic activation and inflammatory responses in this syndrome.
The prognostic value of triple negative in stage II/III breast cancer
Authors: Elnashar Afaf T , Ali El-Sayed M , Gaber Ahmed
Published: March 2011

Introduction. Breast cancer is no longer seen as a single disease but rather a multifaceted disease composed of distinct biological subtypes with diverse natural history, clinical, pathological, and molecular features. Recent attention has been directed at the molecular classification of breast cancer.

Objective. To evaluate the prognostic value of triple-negative subtype in stage II/III breast cancer and to define the role of clinical stage in prognosis of breast cancer.

Methods. We used the immunohistochemical technique to divide 255 cases of breast cancer, stages II and III, into four subtypes according to estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor and Her-2 expression.

Results. Triple-negative subtype comprised 76.5% of the cases with 12.3% recurrence rate. Luminal A subtype also carried a poor outcome with 16.7% recurrence rate.

Conclusion. Triple-negative subtype has the worst overall and disease-free survival in stage II/III breast cancer. Clinical stage is still an independent prognostic factor in the breast cancers of all types.
Euro-centric diplomacy: Challenging but manageable
Authors: Neumann Iver B.
Published: March 2011

Drawing on the work of cultural anthropologists Clifford Geertz and Marshall Sahlins, I suggest a layered conceptualization of diplomacy as consisting of myths, sociabilities and practices which allows us to open the question of diplomacy’s Euro-centrism to empirical scrutiny. As do all known diplomatic systems, European diplomacy has its roots in the social systems of kinship and religion. It is rooted in Christian mythology, and this mythology informs its sociabilities and practices. Three mini-case studies (of diplomatic immunity, permanent representation and the institution of dean of the corps diplomatique) demonstrate that this mythology shines through in present-day diplomacy as well. Since diplomatic practices bear the mark of a European cultural context, it privileges the life chances of those native to that context. In this sense, diplomacy is Euro-centric. I then go on to argue that, empirically, this does not seem to be a particularly pressing problem. The real problem may be external to diplomacy itself, and concern the idea that European diplomacy was uniquely peaceful. As I demonstrate by means of a mini-study of Iroquois diplomacy, this is simply not the case. If the erroneous idea of uniquely peaceful European diplomacy is paired up with a framing of relations between European and non-European polities in terms of peaceful diplomacy, the result may easily be that we occlude other aspects of those relations, such as conquest and colonialization. The Euro-centrism of diplomacy that matters is thus less to do with diplomatic practices than with mnemonic practices about diplomacy.
The virtues in international society
Authors: Gaskarth Jamie
Published: March 2011

Although there has been a significant growth in the literature on the ethics of international politics in recent years, much of this has focused on the normative structure of international relations and has downplayed the role of individuals in constituting the understandings and actions in this practice. However, individual agency and accountability are apparent in recent world events. Meanwhile, developments in moral philosophy have increasingly led scholars to re-examine the role that individual character traits — virtues — have in affecting how norms are selected and operationalized. Building on these insights, I argue here that a fully realized appreciation of the morality of international politics requires us to consider what character traits — virtues — its individual participants are expected to exhibit to support and realize its norms. To do so, I begin by outlining how the virtues are deemed to underpin ethical practice and highlight two forms of analysis that may be used to explore this: decision-oriented virtue ethics and constitutive virtue ethics. I then suggest that these can be used to analyse the ethical foundations of international society. Specifically, I adopt a constitutive virtue ethics approach to show how the virtues help to constitute international society using the case study of the establishment of the International Criminal Court. In the process, I aim to highlight both the extent to which the virtues are a feature of the rhetoric of global politics, and — more importantly — how they play a significant role in normative practice.
From vicious to virtuous circle: Moralistic trust, diffuse reciprocity, and the American security commitment to Europe
Authors: Rathbun Brian C.
Published: March 2011

Constructivists maintain that a shared identity was crucial for explaining the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the multilateral form that it took. I challenge this view, arguing instead that the alliance was based on moralistic trust, the belief that others will live up to their moral obligations. Moralistic trust facilitates the initiation of cooperation, so that states can begin a virtuous circle of trust, collaboration, and enhanced trust. It is also the foundation of the diffuse reciprocity inherent to multilateralism. In two case studies of the domestic politics in the United States of making a multilateral security commitment to Europe, the first being the League of Nations, I demonstrate that identity was not a prominent consideration and did not lead individuals to embrace multilateralism. This social-psychological account improves upon constructivism and rationalism by offering a way to embed ideational variables in studies of strategic interaction.
Electoral regimes and party-switching
Authors: McLaughlin Eric
Published: March 2011

This article presents an inquiry into the causes of party-switching under two different electoral regimes. It exploits a natural experiment in South Africa, where a large number of local legislatures are elected using the same mixed system, to examine how the party-switching behaviours of legislators elected under proportional representation (PR) rules may differ systematically from those of legislators elected from single-member districts. It confirms the findings of other single-legislature studies in concluding that PR legislators are more likely, ceteris paribus, to defect. It highlights several characteristics of legislative bodies and legislative districts that influence defection rates for legislators in South Africa. In so doing, it uncovers evidence that, despite the young age of South Africa’s post-1994 party system, the unexpectedly large volume of party-switching that occurred there was neither a simple party realignment nor an opportunistic scramble, but rather a highly organized, structured and strategic market for parties.
Newness as a winning formula for new political parties
Authors: Sikk Allan
Published: March 2011

Previous studies on new political parties have assumed that they either represent new or ignored cleavages or issues, or emerge in order to cleanse an ideology deficiently represented by an existing party. Four highly successful parties analyzed in this article manifestly fail to comply with these assumptions. The article proposes a parsimonious two-dimensional typology of new parties refining the one suggested by Lucardie (2000) , incorporating a new type of parties based on the project of newness. The four parties analyzed fall into the latter category as they fought on the ideological territory of existing parties yet did not attempt to purify an ideology. It is argued that newness has been an appealing project for new and rejuvenating parties everywhere, and the experiences from new democracies should be taken seriously also by those working on established democracies.
Political market orientation
Authors: Ormrod Robert P. , Savigny Heather
Published: March 2011

This article is motivated by the growing need to integrate the current political science and marketing literature in order to provide a deeper understanding of the behaviour of political actors and their relationships with relevant stakeholder groups. In our article, we demonstrate how Ormrod’s conceptual model of political market orientation complements political science models of party organization by drawing attention to the competing interests of stakeholders in shaping party strategy and organizational structure. We treat parties as a multitude of actors rather than as monolithic entities and thus address the dearth of literature on the micro foundations of parties. Whilst the underlying conceptualization of a political market orientation draws on the management-based ‘relationship marketing’ approach, we acknowledge that the commercial and political contexts are not isomorphic, and thus we strive for contextual sensitivity. By adopting this approach it is hoped that the fears noted by political scientists that political marketing is solely concerned with applying standard management models to political parties with the resulting emphasis on communication tactics at election time, together with a more general ‘commodification’ of politics, can be assuaged.
Fieldwork Challenges
Authors: Casale Marisa A. J. , Flicker Sarah , Nixon Stephanie A.
Published: March 2011

The value of collaborative international research in addressing global public health challenges is increasingly recognized. However, little has been written about lessons learned regarding fieldwork to help guide future collaborative efforts. Through a research partnership between two Northern universities, one Southern university, and a Southern faith-based organization, we evaluated a school-based HIV prevention intervention with South African adolescents. In this article, we highlight the seven key fieldwork-related challenges experienced and identify the lessons learned. The underlying theme is that of reconciling a structured and reasoned “desk” planning process with the more fluid and unpredictable reality of conducting fieldwork. This concern is particularly significant in resource-deprived environments and/or contexts that are less familiar to Northern partners. Fieldwork is unpredictable, but obstacles can be minimized through meaningful participation in both planning and field research. Sharing practical lessons from the field can prove a useful resource for both researchers and practitioners.
The Combined Effect of Behavioral Intention and Exposure to a Smoke-Free Air Law on Taking Measures to Quit Smoking
Authors: Middlestadt Susan E. , Macy Jonathan T. , Seo Dong-Chul , Jay Stephen J. , Kolbe Lloyd J.
Published: March 2011

Because of the large burden of disease attributable to cigarette smoking, a variety of tobacco control interventions, some focused on changing individual behavior and others focused on influencing societal norms, have been introduced. The current study tested the combined effect of behavioral intention and exposure to a comprehensive smoke-free air law as a prospective predictor of taking measures to quit smoking. Participants were 187 adults living in 7 Texas cities, 3 with a comprehensive smoke-free air law and 4 without such a law, who reported current cigarette smoking at baseline and completed a 1-month follow-up interview. Data were collected by telephone administration of a questionnaire. Results showed that, compared with smokers with low behavioral intention to take measures to quit smoking and no exposure to a comprehensive smoke-free air law, the smokers with high behavioral intention and exposure to a comprehensive law had the greatest odds of taking measures to quit smoking. This longitudinal study provides further evidence that the most successful smoking cessation campaigns will be multifaceted addressing individual factors with educational strategies designed to change beliefs and intentions and environmental factors with policy-based interventions.
Basic Priority Rating Model 2.0: Current Applications for Priority Setting in Health Promotion Practice
Authors: Neiger Brad L. , Thackeray Rosemary , Fagen Michael C.
Published: March 2011

Priority setting is an important component of systematic planning in health promotion and also factors into the development of a comprehensive evaluation plan. The basic priority rating (BPR) model was introduced more than 50 years ago and includes criteria that should be considered in any priority setting approach (i.e., use of predetermined criteria, standardized comparisons, and a rubric that controls bias). Although the BPR model has provided basic direction in priority setting, it does not represent the broad array of data currently available to decision makers. Elements in the model also give more weight to the impact of communicable diseases compared with chronic diseases. For these reasons, several modifications are recommended to improve the BPR model and to better assist health promotion practitioners in the priority setting process. The authors also suggest a new name, BPR 2.0, to represent this revised model.
Social Marketing’s Unique Contribution to Mental Health Stigma Reduction and HIV Testing: Two Case Studies
Authors: Thackeray Rosemary , Keller Heidi , Messenger Heilbronner Jennifer , Lee Dellinger Laura K.
Published: March 2011

Since its inception in 2005, articles in Health Promotion Practice’s social marketing department have focused on describing social marketing’s unique contributions and the application of each to the practice of health promotion. This article provides a brief review of six unique features (marketing mix, consumer orientation, segmentation, exchange, competition, and continuous monitoring) and then presents two case studies—one on reducing stigma related to mental health and the other a large-scale campaign focused on increasing HIV testing among African American youth. The two successful case studies show that social marketing principles can be applied to a wide variety of topics among various population groups.
Prediabetes influences cardiac rehabilitation in coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Russo Nicola , Compostella Leonida , Fadini Gianpaolo , Setzu Tiziana , Iliceto Sabino , Bellotto Fabio , Avogaro Angelo
Published: March 2011

Background: An abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients could negatively influence recovery after an acute event but the question, relevant in the field of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), is still controversial.

Design: Prospective study, aiming to establish the prevalence of AGT and its possible influence on functional recovery in CAD patients without a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods: An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on 230 CAD patients without known DM, submitted to a 2-week period of intensive exercise-based CR after a recent acute myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass graft. Functional capacity was assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and by 6-minute walking tests (6MWT) performed both on admission and at discharge.

Results: The prevalence of AGT in our population was 53%. Exercise capacity was lower in AGT patients (maximum workload achieved at CPET 79.3 ± 29.9 vs. 91.8 ± 36.9 W, p = 0.01; peak-VO2 17.8 ± 4.7 vs. 19.8 ± 5.6 ml/kg/min, p = 0.01). In the subgroup of AGT patients characterized by an inferior walking capacity at baseline, the increment in the distance walked was less than in the controls (Δ6MWT: 81.9 ± 60.1 vs. 109.1 ± 72.1, p = 0.04). An independent, negative, association was observed between AGT and Δ6MWT in patients with lower baseline test, and between maximum workload and peak-VO2 in the whole population.

Conclusions: A high prevalence of AGT was observed in a population of CAD patients without known DM after an acute coronary event. AGT is associated to a lower functional recovery, and to a reduced exercise capacity at the end of CR.