bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality Alterations in Dementia of the Alzheimer Type: A Three-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Petry Sara , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Hill Mary Ann , Shapira Jill
Published: March 2007

Alterations in personality accompany the onset and progression of dementia of the Alzheimer type. Longitudinal investigations of these changes using systematic quantifiable documentation have been infrequent. In this 3-year follow-up study, we report longitudinal observations of changes in personality in dementia of the Alzheimer type. Four response patterns were observed: (1) change at onset with little change as the disease continued, (2) ongoing change as the disorder progressed, (3) no change, and (4) regression of previously more disturbed behaviors. Repeated characterizations of the premorbid personality profile as determined by this inventory were found to be reliable. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1989; 4:203-207).
Coping, Social Support, and Depressive Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ehmann Thomas S. , Beninger Richard J. , Gawel Merek J. , Riopelle Richard J.
Published: March 2007

Social support, depressive symptoms, and three methods of coping were assessed in 45 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 24 comparably disabled controls. The PD subjects employed significantly fewer cognitive and behavioral coping strategies compared with the controls. Fewer depressive symptoms were related to increased cognitive coping in PD sub jects. Behavioral coping strategies were associated with lesser depression among controls. Avoidance coping methods showed a marginally significant positive association with depressive symptoms in PD subjects. Social support was related to the significant coping predictors in each group, but was not related to depressive symptoms. Although correlational, these results might suggest that active (cognitive and behavioral) coping strategies are superior to avoidance strategies in attenuating the affective distress expected from chronic deteriorative illnesses.
Relationship of Normal Serum Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels to Cognitive Test Performance in Subtypes of Geriatric Major Depression
Authors: Bell Iris R. , Edman Joel S. , Miller Joshua , Hebben Nancy , Linn Richard T. , Ray Diane , Kayne Herbert L.
Published: March 2007

This retrospective study evaluated the relationships between normal serum vitamin B12 and folate levels and neuropsy chologic measures in a sample of 60 geriatric inpatients with psychotic depression, nonpsychotic depression, bipolar dis order, and dementia—all consecutively referred for cognitive testing. The psychotic depression subgroup demonstrated numerous significant positive correlations between B12 and cognitive subtests not seen in other diagnostic subgroups, especially those of IQ, and verbal and visual memory. Metabolic factors including vitamin B12 may play specific roles in the cognitive dysfunctions of different geropsychiatric disorders.
Is Spontaneous Orofacial Dyskinesia an Artefact Due to Incomplete Drug History?
Authors: Ticehurst Stephen B.
Published: March 2007

One percent of elderly people living outside of institutions have spontaneous dyskinesia. Patients in institutions have an average prevalence of 5% for this disorder, with some rates as high as 37%. It is possible that many institutional cases are in fact occult tardive dyskinesia related to past antipsychotic drug use. A survey of an institutional sample of elderly pa tients revealed a much higher rate of past exposure to antipsychotics (86%) than of current use (26%) in organically im paired patients. Despite a high prevalence of dyskinesia, no cases were found without past exposure to antipsychotics. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1990;3:208-211).
Comparative Ethics and Geriatric Psychiatry: Looking at Motivations
Authors: Primeau Francois J.
Published: March 2007

In the broadest sense, medicine is a biologic-anthropologic model. The latest data on epidemiology and biology confirm earlier apprehensions about life expectancy, number of elderly, and the impact of mental impairment. The author wishes to reflect rather on anthropology by comparing the American and French cultures faced with the ethical dilemmas of aging and end-of-life issues. On this perilous frontier of biomedical ethics, the author suggests that the right to be treated as a person is an effective source of motivation for physicians to respect the dignity of geriatric patients in the context of high-technology medicine. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1990;3:231-236).
Immunohistochemical Study of the Hippocampus in Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex on Guam
Authors: Ito Hidefumi , Goto Satoshi , Hirano Asao , Yen Shu-Hui C.
Published: March 2007

This investigation concerns the expression of paired helical filaments, tau protein, ubiquitin, β-amyloid protein, and syn aptophysin in the hippocampus of patients with parkinsonism-dementia complex on Guam (PDC) and Alzheimer's dis ease. Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) were identified in all cases of PDC and Alzheimer's disease by the modified Bielschowsky method, with which they were readily detected, and by immunohistochemical procedures using antibodies to paired helical filaments, tau protein, and ubiquitin. Observations regarding the different morphological stages indicated that NFTs were similar in PDC and Alzheimer's disease. The same markers were also useful for detecting neuropil threads, abundant in the CA1 field and the subiculum in both diseases. In the CA4 region of some PDC cases, prominent threads were noted. No senile plaques or amyloid angiopathies were seen in the hippocampus of the PDC cases examined. There was a significant decrease in synaptophysin immunoreactivity, most pronounced in the subfield CA1 and the subiculum, as well as in the outer molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, in both disorders. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1991;4:134-142).
The Closure of a Major Psychiatric Hospital: Can Psychiatric Patients in Long-Term Care Be Integrated Into Existing Nursing Homes?
Authors: Dencker Karina , Gottfries Carl-Gerhard
Published: March 2007

Nursing homes are important alternatives to large hospitals when psychiatrically ill patients are relocated in the commu nity, but their suitability for this type of patient is being questioned. This study compared patients in two traditional Swedish nursing homes (n = 66) and patients in long-term care at a large psychiatric hospital (n = 106). The results showed that both types of institutions housed patients with organic dementia and psychiatric symptoms. The hospital ized demented patients, however, displayed significantly more cognitive impairment, more confusion, and more behav ioral disturbances than the nursing home patients. Significant differences were also found between the nursing home patients and hospitalized psychiatrically ill patients without dementia. The latter were younger, had better activities of daily living capacity, but displayed more psychiatric symptoms and behavioral disturbances than the nursing home pa tients. We concluded that all the patients in long-term psychiatric care will require sheltered accommodation. The de mented patients could possibly be integrated into nursing homes, but successful integration would require special arrangements. Psychogeriatric units with staff qualified to care for patients with severe behavioral disturbances would be preferable. It would not be possible to meet the psychiatrically ill patients' special need of care in existing nursing homes. Alternative living arrangements, with care given by staff trained in psychiatry, are recommended. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1991;4:149-156).
Life-Threatening Psychiatric Emergencies in the Elderly: Overview
Authors: Tueth Michael J. , Zuberi Phyll
Published: March 2007

Behavioral emergencies in the elderly can often be life threatening. Diagnosis and management are problematic, in part due to the high incidence of comorbidity, including medical and neurologic disorders, as well as adverse effects of medications. The behavioral types of life-threatening psychiatric emergencies are confusion, suicidality, homicidality, aggression, and abuse. Substance-induced behavioral changes contribute to morbidity and mortality of elderly patients seen in various settings, including emergency departments, medical floors, and intensive care units. These potentially serious psychiatric disturbances in the elderly are discussed under the subheadings of epi demiology and diagnosis, clinical features and presentations, and management and disposition. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1999; 12:60-66).
Cooperation and Coalition Development Among Neighborhood Organizations: A Case Study
Authors: Kaplan Matthew
Published: March 2007

The widespread existence and importance of progressive interorganizational coali tions are well documented in the social science literature and in the popular media. We often hear about the benefits of such coalition formation (e.g., "power in num bers" and "mutual support"). However, questions of how coalitions actually work and what can be done to help coalitions achieve their commonly held goals are often neglected. Through an in depth analysis of one coalition (which in this paper is called United Neighborhood Housing Efforts), many of the complex issues affecting the success of cooperative systems among organizations are identified and discussed. Several recommendations are made about how to fully involve participants in a cohesive coalition development process. It is argued that to attain success in "pull ing fragments together," a coalition does not have to "direct" the lines of communi cation and cooperation. Instead, interactive channels between participating groups must be stimulated. By providing opportunities and "excuses" for intergroup con tact, participants are better able to make those contacts they require. It is important that the core of the coalition emphasize and symbolize the unity that exists among its constituents. There are coalitions, however, which claim that they work to "empower" people, but in effect, choose structures and activities that fall short of progressive goals and cooperative ideologies. This can be unintentional (in which case a good organizational consultant can help) or intentional as was the case for the two coalitions which were approached by the researcher before UNHE. Some discre pancies between the stated ideologies and processes of these coalitions are discussed.
Adult Learning through Participation in Rural Community Groups
Authors: Whitmore Elizabeth , Sappington Harry W. , Compton J. Lin , Green Jennifer C.
Published: March 2007

This exploratory study investigates what adults learn through participation in community groups. An iterative content analysis was conducted on transcripts from ten in-depth interviews with active members of community groups throughout upstate New York. This process yielded 259 learning statements which were then classified into 8 learning categories. Here we present a rich description of what people learn in the context of local group activities. Understanding the learning that occurs in community group contexts has implications for adult educators and extension workers, as well as for the development of theoretical models of adult learning.
Boards of Directors in Nonprofit Organizations: Composition, Activities, and Organizational Outcomes
Authors: Miller Lynn E. , Weiss Richard M. , Macleod Bruce V.
Published: March 2007

Analyses of survey responses from the executive directors of 184 human service organizations examined the relationships of board characteristics to board activities, and of board activities to organizational outcomes. Results indicated that board characteristics most predictive of board activities were the numbers of board members who were representatives of the client population, who had expertise in marketing, who were trained in the types of service provided by the agency, and who regularly performed volunteer work for the agency. Although in general board activities had few statistical relationships with agency outcomes, the board's involvement in working to enhance the agency's image in the community was related to a number of outcome measures.
Child ecology: a theoretical basis for solving children's problems in the world
Authors: Kobayashi Noboru
Published: March 2007

A child grows and develops through interactive processes between his or her inborn programs and the environment, which is composed of micro-, mini-, meso- and macro-ecosystems. In these ecosystems, there are natural, physio-chemical, biological and sociocultural ecological factors. Amongst them, the sociocultural ecological factor is the most important, which should be analyzed on a biological basis by applying the system information theory. The article elaborates the theoretical framework of such analysis, and illustrates this perspective through various empirical researches, under lining the interaction between biological, psychological, cultural and economical fac tors. Emphasis is put on both the need for theoretical elaboration and the applied aspect of the ecological perspective related to the complex medical and mental health problems of the modern world.
Blood-lead levels of children in the Western Cape
Authors: Kibel MA , Von Schirnding Y. , Mathee A. , Dempster W.
Published: March 2007

The detrimental effects of low-level lead loads on the cognitive function of young chil dren are now well accepted. Most such studies have been carried out in western coun tries, and there is as yet little information from less developed areas on the environ mental impact of lead or on its role in furthering disadvantage in childhood. In such countries, the small, but significant, lead effect on intelligence may well be additive to other harmful factors - low birth weight, repeated infections, suboptimal nutrition, emotional deprivation and poor intellectual stimulation. In Southern Africa leaded gasoline is still the only form available. The recent lowering of petrol lead levels has provided the opportunity to assess its contribution to lead load. The results of pre vious studies on Cape preschool children and teenagers are briefly reviewed. Two fur ther studies on children attending primary schools are reported. The first compared blood lead levels in children from inner city Cape Town schools before, and some years after, petrol lead was lowered. The second compared groups living in three deep rural villages, one of which is involved in lead mining. Mean blood lead levels in all groups were above internationally accepted standards, and levels in the rural chil dren were surprisingly high.
Late psychological consequences of cerebrospinal meningitis in children 5-13 years old
Authors: Lis Stanislawa
Published: March 2007

Follow-up data of 175 full-term 5 to 13-year-old children were analysed. The experi mental group consisted of 85 children who had cerebrospinal meningitis before their second birthday. Two control groups consisted of 190 children who had no sign of nervous disease in postnatal life; 100 of these children had a history of complicated pregnancy and/or course of neonatal period. In 90 children the course of pre- and perinatal periods was uncomplicated. Psychological examinations concentrated upon evaluating intelligence (using WISC), visual perception (the Bender test) and psycho motoric drive (observations, proofs of immobility and data from interviews with one or both parents). Results of the study indicate that children with cerebrospinal men ingitis suffered before their second birthday usually had disturbed cognitive develop ment (achieved lower levels of intelligence development, often demonstrated serious discrepancies between Verbal and Performance DQs, had delayed and/or disturbed perceptual development) and showed drive disturbances. Developmental delays and disturbances found in children with a history of cerebrospinal meningitis were the results of damage to their CNS. The author believes that serious developmental delays and disturbances were rather the consequences of pathologies in the course of pre- and perinatal periods, as well as genetic irregularities, than diseases suffered in the past per se.
Presenting a child with severe disabilities: parents and professionals as mediators
Authors: Tronvoll I.M.
Published: March 2007

This article discusses the need for new forms of "presenting" severely disabled children to local politicians, administrators and people living in the local community. The ideas of normalization and inclusion, and the principle of decentralizing public social services make the local authorities responsible for offering disabled children normal life con ditions. What is then normal life for a child in our society? The notions of child and childhood have changed through history, and now children are seen as subjects, actively taking part in communication and interaction with their environments, influencing their life conditions. Children with severe developmental disabilities have limited abilities to present themselves through interaction, and need mediators. How parents and pro fessionals act as mediators, "presenting" the child to diverse groups, is illustrated by three cases. The purposes served by this medication are discussed.
Energy and the Regulation of Nation States
Authors: Adams Richard N.
Published: March 2007

Complex industrial nation-states organize themselves through social hierarchies, identified here as the regulatory (REG) sector, that include both public and private sectors. A comparison of some sixty countries over the past century shows their REG sector evolution to be constrained by regional-cultural antecedents and by major historical events. Overriding these constraints, however, is the consumption of nonhuman, or "commercial", energy, as REG sector expansion requires an increase of nonhuman energy consumption.
"Sealing" the Koran
Authors: Werbner Pnina
Published: March 2007

This article is concerned with the extension of moral space, and the transformation of newly formed relations into moral relations. The two processes implied in this transformation may be conceived of analytically as the "naturalization" of ritual in a novel setting, and the "ritualization" of labour migrants' local relations. The article examines one particular ritual widely practiced by Pakistani immigrants in Britain and spells out its symbolic significance in some detail. One outcome of analysing the ritual in the context of labour migration, i.e. outside its "natural" context, is the way in which it appears to elucidate the underlying symbolic logic of Islamic sacrifice.
Expansion and Contraction in Japanese Ritual
Authors: Ashkinazi Michael
Published: March 2007

Japanese Shinto rituals are described here in terms of a frame which permits a great deal of variation. Rituals are defined into segments, and the order of segments is fixed canonically. However, the size and elaboration of these segments varies. The variation depends on a number of factors: economic, social, symbolic, which the various participants may manipulate over time for a number of reasons. The dynamics of the ritual are such that this ritual form is able to adapt to changes brought upon by modernization, by changes in local culture and by other factors. Far from being moribund, Shinto, and I would suggest other non-canonical religions as well, are viable and dynamic forces within their cultures.
Hayek's Four Tendencies Toward Equilibrium
Authors: Rizzo Mario J.
Published: March 2007

In the first section of this essay, we distinguish between analytical and empirical tendencies. This distinction is central to the subsequent analysis. In the second section, we present a very brief overview of the four meanings that Hayek attaches to the general term "tendency toward equilibrium." Section Three digresses from our main task to provide the reader with a clear picture of the equilibrium toward which it is claimed we are tending. Section Four is the heart of the article. Here we explore in considerable detail the characteristic features of each of the tendencies. In Section Five we conclude that although we have found no critical flaws in the basic structure of his analysis, Hayek, nonetheless, has failed in his effort to provide us with a genuinely causal analysis of the process of equilibration.
Jacob Neusner and Post-Mishnah Economics
Authors: Elzinga Kenneth G.
Published: March 2007

This paper comments on Neusner's 'Defining Scarce Resources: Real Estate or Intellect?' written in response to my paper assessing Neusner's The Economics of the Mishnah. Neusner argues the post-Mishnaic writings of Judaism redefine 'wealth from real estate to Torah'. This paper draws parallels from the Christian scriptures and concurs with Neusner that the concept of Torah as wealth is not conducive to economic growth and does not square with modern economic analysis.
The Dynamics of Anthropological Theory
Authors: Hastrup Kirsten
Published: March 2007

This article is a general discussion of the nature and implications of anthropological theorizing in the contact zone, that is the space where cultures meet and horizons fuse. In so far as we can no longer see anthropology as simply the study of other cultures, the theoretical language of anthropology must be a language of contrast, which may challenge the self-understanding on both sides of the contact zone at the same time.

A distinction between designative and expressive theories is made, amounting to a difference between clarification and radical interpretation. The latter is seen as the more congenial to the general theoretical ambition of anthropology, and indeed of any social theory, whose object is never a natural one. Through the infiltration of self-understandings anthropology changes its object in the very process of studying it. Therein lies part of its dynamic potential, and its likeness to human action in general.
Places in the 'Net
Authors: Hicks Clinton R.
Published: March 2007

This paper relies upon the analysis of metaphor and upon phenomenology in an attempt to understand how non-situated experience can become place-like, focusing on the Internet and its metaphorical extension, cyberspace. The paper explores deep, language-based connections between the experience of both material and immaterial places. After demonstrating that the concepts 'place' and 'site' are not synonymous, the paper highlights key events in the history of computing as points of departure for considering how a computer network became cyberspace. Concepts from phenomenology are used to show how the contingent structure of cyberspace made it possible for places to become found within it. The paper also shows how the notion of place thus elaborated may be applied to material places.
The retreat of the spin-doctors
Authors: Marr Andrew
Published: March 2007

The General Election of June 7 2 001 was historic in many senses—not least in the method and style of media coverage. British Journalism Review invited three experienced political journalists to reflect on the whole event - beginning with the BBC's political editor...
Teeth for the paper tiger?
Authors: Mates Michael
Published: March 2007

The debate about the future of press regulation and particularly the powers of Lord Wakeham's Press Complaints Commission shows no sign of being resolved. The example we publish below can, no doubt, be multiplied by countless similar experiences. But in this particular case a former Conservative Minister, Michael Mates, and now MP for South Hampshire, recounts his own distinctly personal and traumatic experience of trying, unsuccessfully, to obtain justice from the PCC.
Hold - on to - The Front Page
Authors: Hagerty Bill
Published: March 2007

"Journalists! Peeking through keyholes! Running after fire engines like a lot of coach dogs! Waking people up in the middle of the night to ask them what they think of campanionate [sic] marriage. Stealing pictures off old ladies of their daughters that get raped in Oak Park. A lot of lousy, daffy, buttinskis, swelling around with holes in their pants, borrowing nickels from office boys! And for what? So a million hired girls and motormen's wives'll know what's going on."
Attacmng the devil
Authors: Evans Harold
Published: March 2007

In its last issue, the British Journalism Review invited readers to vote for the greatest newspaper editor of all time. Subsequently a similar invitation was made to its readers by Press Gazette. The results of the combined poll contained some surprises. Until the week before this issue went to press, no current editor had received a legitimate vote. The final tally in this area was: Paul Dacre, Daily Mail, 1; the rest, 0. More than 20 editors featured in the voting, none of whom was female. Of these, seven dominated. Although current editors were expressly asked in the BJR not to vote for themselves, one did. No prizes for guessing whom. And there was a handful of votes for the worst editor of all time, including one for a current incumbent. Wild horses couldn't drag the name from us. Of the magnificent seven, three tied for fifth place: Arthur Christiansen, long-serving editor of the Daily Express (1932-56); Hugh Cudlipp, who edited the Sunday Pictorial and later was editor-in-chief of that paper and the Daily Mirror; and Larry Lamb, first editor of the modern Sun (Thomas Barnes, The Times, 1817-41, was only a vote behind and draws level if the vote in the piece below is taken into account). Another Sun editor, Kelvin MacKenzie, shared third place with David English, editor of the Daily Mail, 1971-92. Considerably ahead of these came C P Scott, who edited the then Manchester Guardian from 1872 until 1929 and was also proprietor from 1905. But the clear winner, by a margin similar to Scott's over those in third place, was Harold Evans, the only person to have edited both The Sunday Times and The Times. We asked Evans, in America, to comment on the results. — BILL HAGERTY
Havelock Ellis, Eonism and the patient's discourse; or, writing a book about sex
Authors: Crozier Ivan
Published: March 2007

This paper argues that an analysis of the use of the case study in the sexological writings of Havelock Ellis is essential for a proper understanding of how texts about sex were written out of the patient's 'confessions'. It is maintained that by focusing on the construction of the book Eonism, rather than on just the patients' discourse, a fuller understanding of the processes necessary for the field of sexology to operate is achieved. In order to argue this, attention has been paid to archival and published sources, with the aim showing the social processes behind Ellis's writing activities.
Thomas Laycock and the cerebral reflex: a function arising from and pointing to the unity of Nature
Authors: Leff Alex
Published: March 2007

Thomas Laycock has been credited as being the first to apply the concept of reflex action to the brain, and to apply the theory of evolution of the development of the nervous centres in the animal kingdom to man. Even though Laycock was writing about these ideas fifteen years before The Origin of Species, the aim of this paper is not to rattle some historical collection-can about the plight of a passed-over scientist. Rather it is concerned with the development of Laycock's ideas on the reflex, with a strong emphasis on showing how these ideas grew out of his fundamental belief in the unity of nature, which he saw as working through an 'unconsciously acting principle of organization'. In so doing, I hope to demonstrate that his seemingly reductionist conclusions actually sprang from a philosophy of nature that rejected reductionism.
The cult of curability and the doctrine of perfectibility: social context of the nineteenth-century American asylum movement
Authors: Luchins Abraham S.
Published: March 2007

This paper attempts to describe the social context of the mid-nineteenth century American mental asylum movement from the perspective of ideologies that then prevailed. Enthusiasm for evangelically-inspired reforms and, in particular, for the pietistic doctrine of the perfectibility of man, fostered optimism about the curability of insanity through moral treatment. As such enthusiasm waned, so did the 'cult of curability' of insanity and the use of moral treatment.
Opposition To Syringe Exchange Schemes in the Uk and Sweden
Authors: Gould Arthur
Published: March 2007

In 1988 official reports in England and Wales and Sweden recommended the widespread adoption of syringe exchange schemes (SES) to reduce the risk of HIV infection amongst intravenous drug users (IVDUs). The British Government accepted the recommendation and by the end of 1989 120 SES had been established in England alone. The Swedish Government did not accept the recommendation and by the end of 1989 the only schemes operating with official recognition were those in the cities of Lund and Malmö, on which the official report in Sweden had originally been based. The paper argues that the factors explaining these contrasting outcomes involve a number of inter-relating professional, institutional, historical and cultural differences between the two countries which have made the care and treatment of misusers in the UK a depoliticized and technical matter for professionals, while in Sweden it is a highly politicized one, bound up with issues of national identity and character.
Current Social Policy Developments in the Czech and Slovak Republics
Authors: Potucek Martin
Published: March 2007

Both in the Czech republic and Slovakia, social policy is at a crossroads. Having inherited many techniques and features of the Commu nist past, it must contend with rapidly chang ing economic and political conditions while its experts seek new orientations, priorities, and instruments. This process embodies ideological and power conflicts - including diverse politi cal orientations of the Czech and Slovak republics - as well. Considered here are recent developments in industrial relations and employment policy, social security, medical care, housing, education, social support and care. The development of industrial relations is characterized by the establishment of tripartite institutions, the persistent low authority of Trade Unions, the preservation of social peace with nearly no strikes, and rising rates of unemployment - especially in Slovakia. The Labour Offices, once established, tried to de velop a comprehensive employment policy. Social and health mandatory insurance was introduced from the beginning of 1993. This decision broke down the old system of financ ing based on general taxation. Up to 1993, very little changes occurred in education and housing policies and in personal social ser vices. At the end of the article, possible future social policy developments in the Czech republic and Slovakia are discussed. Czech social policy is likely to be more corporatist- conservative, whereas the Slovak one will probably preserve at least some features of cumbersome redistributive mechanisms depen dent heavily or exclusively on the state budget.
The Merging of Welfare State Models?
Authors: Kangas Olli
Published: March 2007

Recent social policy debates have revolved around different typologies of the welfare states. Although these typologies portray large historical trends, empirical tests of the exist ence of the welfare state models are often based on cross-sectional inspections. For several reasons, cross-sectional analyses may give biased results. The present paper assesses longitudinal patterns in social policy forma tion in Finland, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, each representing a different variant of social policy models. In particular, the paper deals with historical trends and present problems of the Scandinavian model of social policy. The historical review studies whether the Nordic countries ever shared a common social policy pattern. The examin ation of the present-day challenges discusses whether current policy responses make these countries more similar to other countries.
Social Needs, Inequality and the Welfare State in Spain: Trends and Prospects
Authors: Ayala Luis
Published: March 2007

Public effort in social expenditure grew in Spam during the 1980s while in otber coun trres there were sizeable cuts. The bistorical delay in the development of social protection and the desire to enlarge its coverage and adequacy helped to narrow the gap between the Spanisb and European welfare states. The results are a reduction of poverty and some improvements towards less inequality. How ever, at the beginning of the 1990s the usual economic restrictions of a pertod of stagnation have led to a deep discussion about possible reductions in the process of uprating benefits, and abandoning the empbasis on universal and egalitarian income maintenance schemes. This has created a favourable ambience for privatiz ation strategies and the expansion of private provisions of pensions or health care. The ideological reply suffered by most contempor ary welfare states has thus arrived also in Spain, although the system has still not reached adulthood. The objective of this article is to examine the main trends in income distri bution and social protection developments in Sparn, and try to foresee the potential inci dence of social expenditure cuts.
The Truly Poor: Direct and Indirect Consensual Measurement of Poverty in Sweden
Authors: Halleröd Björn
Published: March 2007

The analysis presented in this article is based on two different concepts of poverty; the direct consensual definition developed by Mack and Lansley (1985) and the indirect consensual definition established by Godehart et al (1977). The distinction between indirect and direct definitions of poverty is well establtshed within the field of poverty research. However, it is argued here that the usefulness of this dividing line can be questioned both at a theor etical and an empirical level.
A Framework for the Comparative Study of Social Services
Authors: Alber Jens
Published: March 2007

Comparative research on welfare states has most focused on social transfers as the depen dent variable. As demographic changes make social services increasingly important ingredi ents of welfare state production, however, it will be necessary to shift the research agenda accordingly, and to take servtces more system atically into account. Building on Stein Rok kan's approach to the study of European political development, this article specifies some tasks for the comparative study of social services. Following a short overview of the topics and phases of comparative welfare state research, it proposes a set of variables for the mapping of variations in service supply as well as a check-list of variables which might help to explain such variations. The new research per spective is then applied to a comparative analysis of services for elderly people in Euro pean countries, which is based on a re-analysis if the country reports for the European Com mission's Observatory on Older People in Europe. Denmark and the Netherlands are shown to have more highly developed levels of social service supply than Germany. Such cross-country variations are related to differ ences in the modes of regulation, of financing, and of service delivery, and to the degree that decision makers at these crucial points are related to consumer interests. A theoretical conclusion relates the proposed new perspec tive to the work of Stein Rokkan. It is argued that variations of social transfer provisions could be analysed in terms of the class cleavage and of the power relations between capital and labour, but that the study of social services requires a shift in the theoretical perspective which puts more emphasis on centre-periphery relations and on church-state relations.
Implicit and Explicit Social Policy in the Czech and Slovak Personal Tax Systems
Authors: Coulter Fiona , Heady Christopher , Lawson Colin , Smith Stephen
Published: March 2007

We show that the old Czechoslovak personal tax system was opaque, inequitable and neg lected adverse incentive effects, because in large part it was being used as an instrument of social policy to encourage family formation, growth and support. We also show that because the old system's distribution effects can be generated by a simple linear tax system, its extraordinary complexity was entirely unnecessary. An analysis of the new direct tax systems of the Czech Republic and Slovakia show that they are both more progressive than their predecessors, and yet still retain some reduced influences of the now less emphasized pro-natalist policy. The new tax and benefit arrangements of the Czech Republic are incor porated in a tax-benefit model which is used to show that the variety of household preferences and circumstances within any group - social, income or geographical is such that even minor revenue-neutral changes can produce unex pected distributional results which social policy advisors and analysts need to consider.
The Influence of the Catholic Hierarchy in Poland, 1989-96
Authors: Millard Frances
Published: March 2007

The Catholic Church in Poland was a major social and political force in communist Poland and it mobilized its diverse resources to achieve significant policy victories in the period of Solidarity governments after 1989. The social welfare activities of Catholic organ izations increased. Thus it looked for a time as though the new social welfare regime would be a type of Catholic corporatism. However, the Church hierarchy did not adapt effectively to pluralist diversity. It often appeared more concerned with its own institutional interests than with the social problems arising from the new capitalist system. The electoral triumph of the successor parties in September 1993 inaug urated a deterioration in the relationship be tween Church and the new government, dominated by secular elements. The Church shifted its attention to a more overtly political agenda, especially the Concordat and the Constitution, and once again abortion. It did not participate in policy debates on welfare benefits, pensions, health or poverty. The coalition delayed ratification of the Concordat and proved resistant to the Church's demands on the formulation of the Church-State re lationship. However, the continuing signifi cance of the Catholic Church should not be underestimated. Politicians remained wary of its influence and it retained an impressive array of political resources.
Towards a Civil Society? Exploring Its Meanings in the Context of Post-Communist Hungary
Authors: Osborne Stephen P. , Kaposvari Aniko
Published: March 2007

The creation of a 'civil society' was a common rallying cry in the 1980s in the struggles against the communist regimes of Eastern Europe, uniting opponents of the regimes from many perspectives. The achievement of this civil society in the transitional nations of contemporary Eastern Europe has, however, become more problematic. On the one hand, it is clear that the phrase is ambiguous and with multiple meaning for multiple constituencies. On the other hand, there is concern that it is being used as shorthand for the 'marketiz ation' of these societies by Western govern ments and aid agencies.
Who Are the Poor in Greece? Analysing Poverty Under Alternative Concepts of Resources and Equivalence Scales
Authors: Tsakloglou Panos , Panopoulou Giota
Published: March 2007

A common problem in empirical studies deal ing with the identification of the poor is that their results tend to be sensitive to the selection of particular concepts of resources, equiva lence scales and poverty lines. This article aims to examine the robustness of the results of poverty analysis to the use of alternative con cepts of resources (consumption expenditure, current income, permanent income and a com posite index of basic housing amenities and consumer durable goods), equivalence scales (subjective, experts' and food scales) and pov erty lines (fractions of the mean of the respective distributions), with reference to Greece. The results of the analysis suggest that a number of characteristics of the poor in Greece are very robust to alternative choices. More specifically, poverty and, in particular, acute poverty are found to be closely associ ated with old age, residence in rural areas, low educational qualifications and, to a lesser extent, with lack of employment or employ ment in the agricultural sector, irrespective of the welfare indicator, the level of the poverty line or the size of the equivalence scales used in the analysis. Indeed, a number of groups fre quently cited in the public discourse as being at high risk of poverty are found to be either low poverty-risk groups or their categoriza tion is sensitive with respect to the choices made by the researcher.
Winners and Losers
Authors: Dunford Mick
Published: March 2007

This article examines some of the main features and causes of the changing geography of inequality and unequal development in the European Union (EU). The main spatial inequalities in the EU and the wider Europe are outlined, as are some of the trends in regional inequality since the early 1960s and their relation to economic performance. Considerable emphasis is placed on evidence of the dysfunctionality of wide inequalities for economic development, and it is argued that a neo-liberal programme of market integration and an intensification of competition for investment creates a zero-sum gain in which the gains of the winners are often at the expense of the losers. An initial attempt is made to identify some of the winners and losers of the late 1970s and 1980s and to identify some of the factors that help explain why some regions were more successful than others.
Temple Ecology and Cognitive Development: A Report from South India
Authors: Muralidharan R. , Srivastava Ashok K.
Published: March 2007

The impact of growing up in the vicinity of Hindu temples on cognitive development was studied in the southern part of India. Enrolled in Grades 1 and 4, the participating children (N-281) were drawn from three kinds of ecology, i.e., families intimately associated with temple, families that are religious but not so intimately associated with temple, and families in non-temple areas, using a cross-sectional design. NCERT School Readiness Scale and Das-Naglieri Cognitive Assessment System were used to assess their cognitive development. Children associated with temples emerged to be more cognitively competent than other two groups of children on both points of schooling. Sex differences and their interaction with ecology were not significant for most of the measures. Results point to the role of temple institutions in shaping development of children byproviding rich and variegated ecology.
Mind, Heart and Life: Some Reflections from Liang Shuming's Thoughts
Authors: Gao Lin  , Lee Zangzhou
Published: March 2007

This essay attempts to offer a brief but emotionally perceptive picture of the seminal thoughts of the Chinese savant—Liang Shuming. The keynote of Liang's thought was his ability to cross the bounds of conventional modern psychology and to assert the Oriental conviction about the Mind—Cosmos identity, both being limitless. For him rational introspection, contrary to the usual interpretation, implies a kind of transcendental wisdom or intelligence which could lead to the Cosmic Force. Liang also establishes a parallel relationship between the five-step neural mechanism of 'instinct—life' and the five-step psychological development: 'initiative-thorough comprehension'.
Science, Ignorance and Human Values
Authors: Smithson Michael
Published: March 2007

This paper attempts to establish that ignorance is a necessary condition for science to have a purpose, just as it is a precondition for any kind of intentional learning or discovety. The author argues that those who find intrinsic value in science must necessarily attribute positive value to ignorance, for the relationship between the two is symbiotic rather than combative. He presents a number of ways in which scientific ignorance may be positively valued by scientists and non-scientists and lays down a framework for discussing ignorance. He finds accumulating evidence of a shift in scientists' values towards more tolerance of ignorance. The paper concludes by saying that although some trends and currents suggest a swing towards an insistence on certainty, safety and security of political agendas, this does not indicate which way the rest of society is going. The author points out the possibility that at least some sectors of society may be moving towards a realization that many kinds of ignorance are irreducible, and with that, a recognition of the need for scientists to cultivate their particular type of purposive ignorance.
Spirituality-at-Work in the Land of Dollar God
Authors: Srinivas Kalburgi M.
Published: March 2007

Spirituality-at-work is a new movement in the United States that links spirituality with business. It seeks to usher in a values-based environment wherein individuals can experience meaning and purpose in life by functioning holistically—as physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual beings. Several examples are cited of companies actively working towards achieving such a climate, and their success in meeting social as well as fiscal responsibilities. The paper traces some of the undercurrents that have led to this new movement—rightsizing, labour force shortages, entry of women, concerns for ecology and human collectivity, society's renewed interest in religion, and new thinking on the essence of leadership. The paper concludes with an examination of the likely future of the movement.
Managerial Transformation for TQM: Indian Insights
Authors: Mukherjee Sanjoy
Published: March 2007

The paper outlines an indigenous approach to managerial transformation for TQM primarily based on the classical wisdom literature of India. It lays emphasis on the transformation of the subjective domain of the individual as a prior requirement for ensuring quality in other dimensions of the organization. An indepth exploration of a model of the human being, purpose of life and meaning of work have been attempted with specific methodological implications for the individual and the organization. Finally, it provides directions for a transformational HRD endeavour covering issues like personality development, leadership, teamwork and communication for TQM effectiveness.
The Dealership Model for Interest Margins: The Case of the Greek Banking Industry
Authors: Drakos Konstantinos
Published: March 2007

In this article we empirically investigate various versions of the Dealership model for Greek commercial banks. In particular, we set out to uncover the banks' net interest margin determinants by controlling for bank-specific characteristics as well as controlling for changes in the macroeconomic environment. The findings indicate that the determination of net interest margins is broadly consistent with the Dealership model. In particular, there is strong evidence supporting the view that default, interest rate and liquidity risks are significant determinants of net interest margins.