bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Modernities or Varieties of Modernity?
Authors: Schmidt Volker H.
Published: December 2005

The article offers a critical appraisal of the concept of multiple modernities that has been gaining ground in sociology during the past decade. It rejects this concept as both conceptually flawed and empirically unfounded, and it proposes an alternative concept, that of varieties of modernity, which is believed to be better able to address the former's substantive concerns, while at the same time permitting us to speak of modernity in the singular. The main source of inspiration for such an alternative concept is the varieties of capitalism paradigm guiding the new political economy literature, and one of its advantages over the multiple modernities paradigm is its focus on institutions, rather than vague, barely explicated notions of culture and cultural difference. However, a varieties of modernity approach that followed its lead would have to be much broader and more comprehensive, and would therefore be more difficult to develop and to apply, than the varieties of capitalism paradigm. But even if it ultimately proved infeasible, the very consideration of its methodological prerequisites would still promise to yield valuable insights for students of modernity.
From Jāmi' ah to University
Authors: Alatas Syed Farid
Published: December 2005

Sociology has a role to play in the development of multiculturalism and, therefore, the facilitation of interreligious dialogue. Multiculturalism does not merely refer to the coexistence of a plurality of cultures but is a social context that encourages the possibilities for harmonious interactions of different cultures. Sociology may contribute in meaningful ways to multiculturalism by the thematic development of a number of areas concerning the study of societies and civilizations. This article focuses on three such themes, that is: the multicultural origins of modern civilization, intercivilizational encounters and the point of view of the other. The author argues that these themes are essential for the facilitation of dialogue and the development of the multicultural outlook. Dialogue here is not restricted to the literal sense of the term, that is a conversation between two sides, but rather is a metaphor for peaceful and harmonious relationships founded on mutual trust and admiration and informed by the spirit and substance of multiculturalism.
The Apostolic Fathers and the Struggle for Christian Identity
Authors: Koester Helmut
Published: December 2005

This article is the first in a forthcoming series which will look at the corpus of writings known as ‘The Apostolic Fathers’. This series will bring readers up-to-date with the latest scholarly discussions of these texts, as well as providing a comprehensive introduction to the issues raised by these writings.
Media Reputation as a Strategic Resource: An Integration of Mass Communication and Resource-Based Theories
Authors: Deephouse David L.
Published: December 2005

The resource-based view proposes that reputation is a resource leading to competitive advantage. Past research tested this by using Fortune ratings to measure reputation, but these ratings are theoretically weak. This paper integrates mass communication theory into past research to develop a concept called media reputation, defined as the overall evaluation of a firm presented in the media. Theoretical and empirical analyses indicate that media reputation is a resource that increases the performance of commercial banks.
Composition of the Top Management Team and Firm International Diversification
Authors: Tihanyi Laszlo , Ellstrand Alan E. , Daily Catherine M. , Dalton Dan R.
Published: December 2005

This study investigates the impact of various top management team characteristics on firm international diversification. Relying on data from 126 firms in the electronics industry, we find that certain top management team characteristics are related to international expansion. Specifically, results indicate that lower average age, higher average tenure, higher average elite education, higher average international experience, and higher tenure heterogeneity are associated with firm international diversification. The study reinforces the importance of top management team composition in internationalization decisions and suggests further research in this context.
Multimarket Contact and Resource Dissimilarity: A Competitive Dynamics Perspective
Authors: Young Greg , Smith Ken G. , Grimm Curtis M. , Simon Daniel
Published: December 2005

Does the competitive dynamics perspective support the mutual forbearance (Edwards, 1955) and resource dissimilarity (Caves & Porter, 1977) theories of competitive behavior? This research examines competitive behavior in the U.S. software industry and finds: (1) as multimarket contact increases, a firm moves less frequently but more quickly following the moves of rivals; (2) as a firm’s resources are more dissimilar relative to rivals, it becomes more rivalrous along both action and timing dimensions of competitive behavior; and, (3) the influence of multimarket contact on firm-level action is most influential for firms whose resources are more dissimilar relative to rivals, but its influence on a firm’s time to move is most influential for firms whose resources are more similar relative to rivals. Thus, the dynamic perspective generally supports, but goes beyond, the insights of the established mutual forbearance and resource dissimilarity theories.
Determinants, Process, and Consequences of Personal Goals and Performance
Authors: Moussa Faten M.
Published: December 2005

A significant two-way interaction between self-set goal level instructions (an instruction given to subjects to set hard, easy, or any goals) and methods of payment (straight piece-rate, differential piece-rate with goal attainment step bonus, and hourly flat rate) in influencing personal goals, subsequent personal goals, and goal valences was found. The highest level of personal goals was set under straight piece-rate (pay for performance) in which self-set hard goal instructions were given. In addition, goal valences were found to partially mediate the interactive effects of methods of payment and self-set goal level instructions on personal goals. Furthermore, personal goals were found to: (1) completely mediate the effects of goal valences on performance; and (2) completely mediate the main effects of self-set goal level instructions—as well as the interactive effects of both self-set goal level instructions and methods of payment—on subsequent personal goals. This research sheds light on the determinants, process, and consequences of personal goals and performance and shows that organizational contextual variables such as the reward systems and instructions to choose goals of a certain level significantly interact to influence personal goals, subsequent personal goals, and goal valences.
Human resource practices, organizational climate, and customer satisfaction
Authors: Rogg Kirk L. , Schmidt David B. , Shull Carla , Schmitt Neal
Published: December 2005

The degree to which organizational climate mediates the relationship between human resource practices and customer satisfaction is investigated for 351 small businesses in the same industry. Results indicated support for the hypothesized mediated relationship. The indirect effects of HR practices on customer satisfaction were significant and relatively large while the direct effect was nonsignificant and near zero. The results were supportive of a social context model of the impact of human resource practices on organizational outcomes. Limitations of the study and implications for future research are discussed.
Searching for a Needle in a Haystack: Trying to Identify the Illusive Moderators of Leadership Behaviors
Authors: Podsakoff Philip M. , MacKenzie Scott B. , Ahearne Mike , Bommer William H.
Published: December 2005

Because the notion that various individual, task, or organizational-level variables moderate the relationships between leader behaviors and subordinate criterion variables is a fundamental assumption of most situational approaches to leadership, it is not surprising that a number of studies have been conducted in order to test these effects. Unfortunately, no systematic assessment of this research has been conducted to determine: (a) the nature of the tests for moderation that have been used, or (b) the degree to which the findings actually support the hypothesis that the effects of leader behaviors are moderated by situational variables. For the purposes of this review, we identified studies designed to test the moderators specified by two related theories of leadership: House’s (1971) Path-Goal Approach, and Kerr and Jermier’s (1978) Substitutes for Leadership Model. We then examined the methods used by researchers who tested for the moderating effects predicted by these models, the percentage of moderating effects actually found, and the nature of the moderating effects identified, The results indicate that: (1) although the percentage of moderators identified is clearly better than chance; (2) many of the tests conducted to identify moderating effects in this leadership area are inappropriate; (3) most of the results reported in this domain have not been replicated; and (4) the information reported by many of the authors is incomplete. The implications of the results of the review for both researchers and practicing managers are then discussed.
Strategic Decision Making
Authors: Schwenk Charles R.
Published: December 2005

Recent years have witnessed a profusion of research on aspects of the strategic decision process and factors that may affect this process. In this article I will discuss four major themes in this research which include strategic decision models and characteristics, biases in decision making, individual and organizational minds, and upper echelons. I will then identtfy three emerging research topics which should produce interesting hypotheses for future research. I conclude with some methodological considerations to address the difficulties of doing research in this area.
Perceptions of Organizational Politics: An Investigation of Antecedents and Consequences
Authors: Parker Christopher P. , Dipboye Robert L. , Jackson Stacy L.
Published: December 2005

Factor analyses of data from an organizational climate survey suggest that organizational politics is an important dimension of peoples’ perceptions of the work environment. These data were used to examine antecedents and consequences of politics perceptions using the framework suggested by Fandt Russ and Fandt (1989). Measures of perceived intergroup cooperation, clarity of roles and responsibilities, and fairness of rewards/recognition were most predictive of politics perceptions. Minority status was the only personal characteristic that predicted politics perceptions. when controlling for its antecedents, perceptions of organizational politics were only related to perceived innovation. Analyses using structural equation modeling indicated that the relationships between politics and its antecedents were not influenced by an overall affective response to the work environment.
Rationality in Strategic Decision Processes, Environmental Dynamism and Firm Performance
Authors: Priem Richard L. , Rasheed Abdul M.A. , Kotulic Andrew G.
Published: December 2005

This study tests competing theories of how the relationship between rationality in strategic decision processes and firm performance may be moderated by environmental dynamism. Results, based on a survey of 101 manufacturing firms, indicate a positive rationality-performance relationship for firms facing dynamic environments, but no relationship between rationality and performance for firms facing stable environments. Implications for future research are discussed.
Cultural Differences in Innovation Championing Strategies
Authors: Shane Scott , Venkataraman S. , MacMillan Ian
Published: December 2005

This study examines the relationship between national culture and national preferences for innovation championing strategies for a sample of 1228 individuals in 30 countries. The study finds that the more uncertainty avoiding a society is the more people prefer champions to work through organizational norms, rules and procedures to promote innovation. The more power distant a society is the more people prefer champions to focus on gaining the support of those in authority before other actions are taken on an innovation rather than on building a broad base of support among organization members for new ideas. The more collectivist a society is the more people prefer champions to seek cross-functional support for the innovation effort.
A Monte Carlo Analysis of Missing Data Techniques in a HRM Setting
Authors: Roth Philip L. , Switzer Fred S.
Published: December 2005

Researchers have examined various techniques to solve the problem of missing data. Simple techniques have included listwise deletion, pairwise deletion, mean substitution, regression imputation and hot-deck imputation. Past research suggests that regression imputation and pairwise deletion generally result in less dispersion around true score values while listwise deletion results in more dispersion around true scores. Unfortunately, this research spent much less time examining whether the various techniques lead to overestimation or underestimation of the true values of various statistics. The present study utilized a Monte Carlo Analysis to simulate an HRM research setting to evaluate missing data techniques. Pairwise deletion resulted in the least dispersion around true scores and least average error of any missing data technique for calculating correlations. Implications for use of these techniques and future missing data research were explored.
Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to Study Managers: A Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Gardner William L. , Martinko Mark J.
Published: December 2005

This paper provides a review of research into the relationships between psychological types, as measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and managerial attributes, behaviors and effectiveness. The literature review includes an examination of the psychometric properties of the MBTI and the contributions and limitations of research on psychological types. Next, key findings are discussed and used to advance propositions that relate psychological type to diverse topics such as risk tolerance, problem solving, information systems design, conflict management and leadership. We conclude with a research agenda that advocates: (I) the exploration of potential psychometric refinements of the MBTI, (2) more rigorous research designs, and (3) a broadening of the scope of managerial research into type.
Artificial Intelligence in HRM: An Experimental Study of an Expert System
Authors: Lawler John J. , Elliot Robin
Published: December 2005

This study investigates the impact of an expert system used as a decision aid in a job evaluation system. Both performance outcomes and psychological outcomes are analyzed in an experiment in which the intended users of the expert system served as subjects. The study draws largely from behavioral decision theory for its theoretical support. Although this study examines an expert system within an HRM context, the results are useful as one test of expert system efficacy within the more general area of managerial decision making.
An Information Processing Approach for Deciding Upon Control Strategies and Reducing Control Loss in Emerging Organizations
Authors: Leifer Richard , Mills Peter K.
Published: December 2005

Control in emerging organizations is becoming increasingly problematic due to the need for increasing employee discretion of behavior stemming from greater uncertainty of how to accomplish tasks. Traditional control processes, based on the use of rules and supervision, are largely ineffective for effectively controlling behavior where there is uncertainty and ambiguity about how to successfully carry out tasks. This problem is approached here from an information processing perspective. Our contention is that effective control of tasks, that is, assuring goal attainment, is the result of linking the information processing (IP) requirements of tasks with information processing capabilities of three control strategies: objective controls, normative controls and self-management. A set of propositions are proposed suggesting that as IP requirements increase, there is greater reliance on normative and self-management control strategies for effective task completion. However, these high IP capability strategies will be effective only to the extent that the opportunity for control loss inherent in these strategies is reduced through investments in bonding and trust.
Grievance Procedure Research: A Review and Theoretical Recommendations
Authors: Bemmels Brian , Foley Janice R.
Published: December 2005

This review focuses on the grievance procedure research published in the past decade with specific attention on the application (or lack thereof) of social science theory to grievance research. The review concludes that the theoretical grounding of recent grievance research has improved over the earlier research, but remains quite inadequate. Recommendations on the direction that grievance research should take in the future to further improve on the theoretical content of grievance research are provided. It is argued that theory in grievance research should advance at two levels: the comprehensive systems approach, and the application of specific social science theories to narrower aspects of the grievance process.
Boards of Directors: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Johnson Jonathan L. , Daily Catherine M. , Ellstrand Alan E.
Published: December 2005

Boards of directors have been the subject of extensive conceptualization and empirical research. We review literature addressing boards of directors from the perspective of the control, service, and resource dependence roles that directors are hypothesized to fulfill, with particular focus on that research reported after the Zahra and Pearce (1989) compendium. We also discuss a number of methodological and conceptual elements which complicate the aggregation of research in this area of inquiry.
Whistle-Blowing: Myth and Reality
Authors: Near Janet P. , Miceli Marcia P.
Published: December 2005

In this article, we attempt to separate myth from reality by reviewing research results pertinent to two questions: are whistle-blowers really crackpots and do most of them suffer retaliation following their actions? Because scholars interested in these questions have come from several different fields, and because integration is lacking among their perspectives, myth is often perpetuated. We try to ameliorate this situation by exploring the phenomenon from a broad interdisciplinary perspective and by reviewing the findings of recent empirical work in the area. Providing a realistic view of the problem is critical at this juncture, as organizations struggle to find mechanisms to deal with whistle-blowers and as legislators attempt to find policies to encourage whistle-blowing, in order to control illegal organizational behavior.
The Evolution of Strategic Simplicity: Exploring Two Models of Organizational Adaption
Authors: Miller Danny , Lant Theresa K. , Milliken Frances J. , Kom Helaine J.
Published: December 2005

Some companies compete in a comprehensive and multifaceted way, paying close attention to costs, quality, marketing, expansion, and innovation. Others embrace much simpler competitive strategies and concentrate on just one or two of these elements. This paper examines the causes and consequences of such strategic simplicity in two very different environments: the stable furniture industry and the more turbulent software industry. It was found that a “passive” model of organizational adaptation applied in the former industry: firms simplified their strategic repertoires unless managers felt their firms were threatened or unless the firms had built in slack resources. Thus, simplicity was inversely related to managerial discomfort and administrative slack, and positively associated with financial liquidity. By contrast, an “opportunistic” model of adaptation seemed to characterize the behavior of companies in the more turbulent computer software industry. In this setting, firms tended to expand their repertoires of competitive strategies whenever “outsiders” with new ideas were added to the top management group. In both industries, simplicity was found to increase subsequent return on assets.
Reframing Execufive Compensation: An Assessment and Outlook
Authors: Gomez-Mejia Luis , Wiseman Robert M.
Published: December 2005

This article develops and applies a new framework for under standing and interpreting the breadth of executive compensation research and theory. This framework sorts the literature along three dimensions that reflect three basic issues in compensation design: how to pay (specifying the mechanism for linking pay criteria to pay consequences), when to pay (specifying the criteria for awarding pay), and what to pay (form of pay consequence). This framework helps to highlight areas where executive compensation research has stalled, areas it has ignored, as well as providing direction for re-energizing the field by outlining questions for future research and theory building.
Leadership Complexity and Development of the leaderplex Model
Authors: Hooijberg Robert , (Jerry) Hunt James G. , Dodge George E.
Published: December 2005

Researchers have considered cognitive, social, and behavioral aspects of leadership, but except for Zaccaro (1996a, 1996b), not all three simultaneously. A comprehensive treatment of all three aspects in one model enhances the understanding of leadership. We review research in the areas of cognitive, social, and behavioral complexity and propose an integrative framework—the Leaderplex Model. We set forth propositions to stimulate integrative, empirical leadership research in such areas as diversity, global organizations, team-based organizations, charisma, and hierarchy.
Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling to Examine Dynamic Performance Criteria Over Time
Authors: Deadrick Diana L. , Bennett Nathan , Russell Craig J.
Published: December 2005

The selection literature has long debated the theoretical and practical significance of dynamic criteria. Recent research has begun to explore the nature of individual performance over time. This study contributes to this body of research through a hierarchical linear modeling analysis of dynamic criteria. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of ability in explaining initial job performance, as well as the rate of improvement-or performance trend-among a sample of 408 sewing machine operators over a 24 week period. The results of a hierarchical linear modeling analysis suggest that ability measures are differentially related to initial performance and performance improvement trend.
Interaction Between Individuals and Situations: Using HLM Procedures to Estimate Reciprocal Relationships
Authors: Griffin Mark A.
Published: December 2005

This paper proposes Hierarchical Linear Models as a procedure for investigating reciprocal interaction between individuals and their group context. This interaction is an important component of many theories of organizational behavior. A study of task-performing laboratory groups examined the relationship between individual affect and group cohesion over seven measurement occasions. A series of three HLM analyses was used to estimate the relationship between group cohesion and individual affect over time. The first analysis estimated a cross-level model of the impact of group cohesion of levels of individual affect in groups. The second analysis used the residual from the cross-level analysis as a predictor of subsequent levels of group cohesion for each of the seven time periods. The third analysis used HLM procedures to pool the results of the previous analyses over the seven measurement periods. Results of the HLM procedure provide a method for linking within-group measures to subsequent group level outcomes.
Strategic Responses to Three Kinds of Uncertainty: Product Line Simplicity at the Hollywood Film Studios
Authors: Miller Danny , Shamsie Jamal
Published: December 2005

This paper explores the impact of Milliken’s (1987) three kinds of uncertainty on product line simplicity--specifically on the range of product variations a firm offers. Environmental state uncertainty represents an inability to forecast industry or market events; it results in part from the demand and competitive volatility facing aU firms equally in an industry. Organizational effect uncertainty represents an inability to predict the effect of any given environmental state or event on one’s own firm; it results in part from a lack of skills, knowledge and resources that couM help managers understand or influence market reactions. Finally, decision response uncertainty represents an inability to predict the consequences of a specific decision. It derives from the ignorance and risks perceived in making individual decisions. The thesis of this research is that whereas environmental state uncertainty will give rise to product variations, paradoxically, organization effect and decision response uncertainty will discourage such variations. These ideas are explored and largely supported in a study of the film genres of the major Hollywood film studios between the years 1936 and 1965.
A Cross-Cultural Test of a Model of the Work-Family Interface
Authors: Aryee Samuel , Fields Dail , Luk Vivienne
Published: December 2005

Recent efforts to more fully understand the mechanisms through which work and family experiences and their cross-over effects influence well-being have stimulated the development of integrative models of the work-family interface. This line of research is represented by the model which Frone, Russell, and Cooper (1992) tested with a sample of U.S. employees. In the current study, we examine the cross-cultural generalizability of this model among married Hong Kong employees. Results of the analyses suggest that many of the relationships among work and family constructs are similar across the two cultures, but that the nature and effects of the cross-over between family and work domains on overall employee well-being may differ. That is, life satisfaction of Hong Kong employees is influenced primarily by work-family conflict, while that of American employees is influenced primarily by family-work conflict. Limitations of the study and implications of the findings for assisting employees integrate their work and family responsibilities as a source of competitive advantage are discussed.
Control in Multinational Corporations (MNCs): The Case of Korean Manufacturing Subsidiaries
Authors: Chang Eunmi , Taylor M. Susan
Published: December 2005

Using both agency theory and comparative national culture frameworks, this study investigated factors determining the degree and type of control used by American and Japanese MNCs on their Korean subsidiaries. Two characteristics of MNCs affected the control they exerted—the degree of MNCs’ ownership, which affected the amount of control, and the nationality of the MNC’s headquarters, which affected the type of control exerted. As predicted, the size of the subsidiary relative to the MNC, moderated the relationship between the degree of ownership and amount of output control the MNC exerted. Overall, the study supported the usefulness of agency theory in explaining the degree of management control exerted, while national culture accounted for the type of control exerted.
A Theory of Global Strategy and Firm Efficiencies: Considering the Effects of Cultural Diversity
Authors: Palich Leslie E. , Gomez-Mejia Luis R.
Published: December 2005

The concept of “relatedness,” though common in the product diversification literature, has not yet been widely applied to theories of internationalization. Expanding internationally requires managerial adaptation due to differences between national cultures, but these dynamics have not been used to represent the cultural diversity that may hinder efforts to integrate and coordinate efforts as required by global strategies. Tempering popular perspectives that extol the benefits of diversity, the present theory posits that cultural diversity among international divisions of a global firm may actually impede efforts to merge activities and expertise between those units. Specifically, direct (market, production, technology) and indirect (knowledge-based) benefits are more difficult to exploit when cultural diversity makes activity sharing and expertise transfer less efficient. Parallel to established product relatedness theory, this thinking postulates that culturally related international firms will enjoy greater efficiencies than culturally diverse multinationals.
The Effects of Blame Attributions and Offender Likableness on Forgiveness and Revenge in the Workplace
Authors: Bradfield Murray , Aquino Karl
Published: December 2005

This study proposes and tests a model that applies the concept of restorative justice to the enactment of revenge and forgiveness in organizations. The model draws from theories of cognitive attribution and consistency, as well as more recent theories of revenge in organizations, to describe the process by which a personal offense triggers revenge and forgiveness cognitions and behavior. Attributions of blame were predicted to directly influence the contemplation of revenge and forgiveness strategies. In turn, these cognitions were hypothesized to be the immediate precursors of behavior. It was also predicted that the likableness of the offender would be positively associated with both revenge and forgiveness cognitions. Finally, blame attribution was expected to be influenced by offense severity. To test these predictions, a survey was administered to one hundred and eighty employees of a government agency. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the significance of the pathways in the model and compare its fit to theoretically plausible rivals. Although the theoretical model fit the data well, a less constrained alternative showed a superior fit. In both the theoretical model and less constrained alternative, all but two of the predicted pathways in the model were upheld. The implications of the findings for organizations are discussed and future research directions are offered.
The Joint Relationship of Conscientiousness and Ability with Performance: Test of the Interaction Hypothesis
Authors: Mount Michael K. , Barrick Murray R. , Strauss J. Perkins
Published: December 2005

This study investigated whether conscientiousness and ability interact in the prediction of job performance. Although few studies have directly addressed this issue, there is limited evidence that ability moderates the relationship between conscientiousness and job performance. Specifically, it has been reported that the relationship of conscientiousness to performance is positive for high ability and near zero or negative for low ability. Results in the present study provided no support for the interaction of GMA and conscientiousness. Moderated hierarchical regression analyses for three independent samples of participants (146 managers in sample 1, 103 sales representatives in sample 2, and 121 managers in sample 3), showed that the interaction did not account for unique variance in the prediction of supervisory ratings of job performance beyond that accounted for by GMA and conscientiousness. These findings indicate that ability does not moderate the relationship of conscientiousness to job performance. Practical implications for employee selection practices, and theoretical implications for models of job performance, are discussed.
Hybridity and the rise of Korean popular culture in Asia
Authors: Shim Doobo
Published: December 2005

Recent developments in East and Southeast Asian media markets provide an opportunity to revisit a common assumption about media globalization. A newly coined phrase - Korean wave - which refers to the popularity of Korean media culture across East and Southeast Asia, is a metaphor for thinking about this recent regional media development. Through an examination of the recent big leap of the Korean media industries, this article argues that the US dominance thesis regarding globalization is not entirely justified. Although popular entertainment forms such as film and television are a Western invention, Koreans have provided their own twists to these media by blending indigenous characteristics and adding their unique flourishes in often innovative ways.
Chemical-Physical Characterization and in vitro Preliminary Biological Assessment of Hyaluronic Acid Benzyl Ester-Hydroxyapatite Composite
Authors: Giordano C. , Sanginario V. , Ambrosio L. , Silvio L. Di , Santin M.
Published: December 2005

HYAFF®11 is a biocompatible, biodegradable benzyl ester of hyaluronic acid. However, in order to use it for orthopedic application, its mechanical performance needs to be improved. In this study, a novel composite based on HYAFF®11 polymer matrix reinforced with hydroxylapatite (HA) has been developed. Its advantage is having a similar component of the mineral phase of bone resulting in favorable osteoconductive properties. The present study has examined the compressive mechanical and surface chemical-physical properties of the novel HYAFF®11-HA composite. Preliminary biological investigations, including pH and cytotoxicity studies of the material extracts, have also been performed using an in vitro primary human osteoblast-like cell model. Moreover, protein, especially fibronectin adsorption has been investigated following incubation in culture medium and human plasma. The results show a grainy surface topography composed mainly of C, P, and Ca, with a Ca/P atomic ratio indicating HA on the composite surface. Mechanical analysis shows an improvement of the compressive properties of HYAFF11 matrix, both in the dry and swollen states, with values in the range of that of spongy bone. No cytotoxic effects and no inhibition of cell proliferation have been observed in the presence of the material extracts with pH values within acceptable ranges for cell vitality. Protein studies reveal a similar pattern, but a higher amount of fibronectin following incubation in human plasma when compared with culture medium. The results show that the novel HYAFF®11-HA composite shows a great potential for application in orthopedic fields, especially as vertebral trabecular bone substitute.
‘What he hasn’t told you...’: Investigating the Micro-Politics of Gendered Support in Heterosexual Couples’ Co-Constructed Accounts of Illness
Authors: Seymour-Smith Sarah , Wetherell Margaret
Published: December 2005

Research has demonstrated that heterosexual men receive enhanced health benefits from their relationships with women. Explanations for this gendered pattern often focus on women’s role as the main caregivers and arrangers of health care. However, what remains unclear is how these benefits are mediated. In this article, we describe the micropolitics evident in negotiations between 12 heterosexual couples as they discuss the serious illness of one of the pair with an interviewer. The interviews were transcribed and subsequently analysed using a synthetic approach to discursive psychology. We argue that in these co-constructed stories, women potentially trouble men’s identity performances. For instance, by interjecting emotional assessments, women supporters allow men the opportunity to discuss aspects of the illness experience that might be otherwise viewed as at odds with hegemonic masculinity. We suggest that women’s positioning of men is a form of complicity with hegemonic masculinity and urge that further research should follow this line of enquiry.
School-Based Mental Health Programming for Children With Inattentive and Disruptive Behavior Problems: First-Year Treatment Outcome
Authors: Owens Julie Sarno , Richerson Lauren , Beilstein Elizabeth A. , Crane Anna , Murphy Caroline E. , Vancouver Jeffrey B.
Published: December 2005

This article examines the effectiveness of an evidence-based behavioral treatment package for children with inattentive and disruptive behavior problems when delivered in the context of a school-based mental health program. Child symptomatology and functioning are assessed in a treatment group ( n = 30) and a waitlist control group ( n = 12) across multiple time points (fall, winter, and spring). Treatment includes a daily report card procedure, year-long teacher consultation, and parenting sessions. According to the parent report, treated children show marked reductions in hyperactive and impulsive, oppositional or defiant and aggressive behavior, and marked improvement in peer relationships. Teachers observe treatment-related group differences in inattention, academic functioning, and the student-teacher relationship. Feasibility and acceptability data have implications for transporting evidence-based treatments to community settings and for integrating mental health services into the culture of the school community.
The Effect of Conscious Control on Handwriting in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Tucha Oliver , Lange Klaus W.
Published: December 2005

Two experiments were performed regarding the effect of conscious control on handwriting fluency in healthy adults and ADHD children. First, 26 healthy students were asked to write a sentence under different conditions. The results indicate that automated handwriting movements are independent from visual feedback. Second, the writing performance of 12 children with ADHD was examined on their usual medication with methylphenidate and under placebo. In comparison to placebo, medication with methylphenidate resulted in a reduced fluency of handwriting. Automated handwriting movements could be elicited in children with ADHD on medication. The results suggest that both visual and mental control of handwriting movements affect the automation of handwriting movements. Furthermore, a simple training procedure was designed and performed in a case study of a boy with ADHD.
The Role of Treatment Acceptability in the Initiation of Treatment for ADHD
Authors: Krain Amy L. , Kendall Philip C. , Power Thomas J.
Published: December 2005

Approximately 50% of families of children with ADHD fail to pursue, or adhere to, recommended treatments. The present study examines parent ratings of the acceptability of pharmacological and behavioral treatments for ADHD and the relationships between these ratings and subsequent pursuit of treatment. Fifty-five families whose children received an evaluation for ADHD completed questionnaires and were contacted 3 to 4 months later to assess their pursuit of treatment. Consistent with previous research, parents rated behavior therapy as more acceptable than medication. Parent ratings of medication acceptability significantly predict pursuit of pharmacological treatment, whereas ratings of the acceptability of behavior therapy do not predict pursuit of this treatment. Preliminary analyses found that Caucasian parents’ ratings of medication are significantly higher than those of non-Caucasian parents. Furthermore, Caucasian families were more likely to pursue a recommendation for pharmacological treatment than non-Caucasian families. The clinical and research implications of these results are considered.
Quality of Life of Men and Women With Borderline Intelligence and Attention Deficit Disorders Living in Community Residences: A Comparative Study
Authors: Rimmerman Arie , Yurkevich Oren , Birger Moshe , Araten-Bergman Tal
Published: December 2005

The research studies the quality of life (QOL) of 127 men and women diagnosed as having a borderline IQ and ADHD living in two major residential programs of the Sharon region in central Israel in respect to their personal, disability, and social ecological variables. Core findings indicate that men and women differ significantly according to their educational background. Among those who studied in a regular educational environment, the main predictor of men’s QOL is their monthly income, whereas the main predictor for women is their level of attention deficit symptoms. The only predictor of QOL among men who studied in a special education program is the quality of contact with their mothers, whereas no significant predictor is observed among women.
Chloride Binding in Building Materials
Authors: Jiřičková Milena , Černý Robert
Published: December 2005

Salt binding in porous materials is commonly described by ion binding isotherms which express the equilibrium relation between the amount of free ions in the solution and the amount of bound ions on the pore walls in the porous medium. In this article, chloride binding isotherms of several different types of building materials, among them cement paste, ceramic brick, mineral wool, and calcium silicate, are determined using the adsorption method. The experiments are performed on small but not crushed specimens so that the effect of the porous structure is maintained. Also, the experiment with crushed samples as in the original adsorption procedure is done for the sake of comparison, and the differences are analyzed. It is concluded that the chloride binding capacity of building materials may depend on the size of the sample.
Indoor Humidity Loads and Moisture Production in Lightweight Timber-frame Detached Houses
Authors: Kalamees Targo , Vinha Juha , Kurnitski Jarek
Published: December 2005

In this study, the indoor humidity loads in 101 lightweight timber-frame detached houses occupied by single families have been measured and analyzed. The temperature and relative humidity (RH) are measured at one-hour intervals over one-period in bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoors. Ventilation rates are measured with a passive tracer gas technique. Based on temperature and RH measurements, the difference between indoor and outdoor air absolute humidity is calculated. For hygrothermal design, the maximum moisture supply at the 10% critical level in the houses with low occupancy is +4 g/m3 during the cold period (Tout≤+5°C) and +1.5 g/m3 during the warm period (Tout≥+15°C). Between these outdoor temperature values the moisture supply changed linearly. Different moisture supply levels and their dependence on outdoor temperature are given. An average moisture supply and moisture production values are calculated for the use of indoor climate simulations. A moisture supply design curve is given for the humidification case with a set point of 25% indoor RH.
Socio-demographic factors associated with smoking and smoking cessation among 426,344 pregnant women in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Mohsin Mohammed , Bauman Adrian E
Published: December 2005

Background

This study explores the socio-demographic characteristics of pregnant women who continue to smoke during the pregnancy, and identifies the characteristics of the smokers who were likely to quit smoking during the pregnancy period.

Methods

This was secondary analysis of the New South Wales (NSW) Midwives Data Collection (MDC) 1999–2003, a surveillance system covering all births in NSW public and private hospitals, as well as home births. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and smoking behaviour during pregnancy.

Results

Data from 426,344 pregnant women in NSW showed that 17.0% continued to smoke during pregnancy. The smoking rate was higher among teenage mothers, those with an Aboriginal (indigenous) background, and lower among more affluent and overseas-born mothers. This study also found that unbooked confinements, and lack of antenatal care in the first trimester were strongly associated with increased risk of smoking during pregnancy. About 4.0% of the smoking women reported they may quit smoking during their pregnancy. Findings showed that mothers born overseas, of higher socio-economic status, first time mothers and those who attended antenatal care early showed an increased likelihood of smoking cessation during pregnancy. Those who were heavy smokers were less likely to quit during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Although the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy has been declining, it remains a significant public health concern. Smoking cessation programs should target the population subgroups of women at highest risk of smoking and who are least likely to quit. Effective antismoking interventions could reduce the obstetric and perinatal complications of smoking in pregnancy.
Please understand when I cry out in pain: women's accounts of maternity services during labour and delivery in Ghana
Authors: D'Ambruoso Lucia , Abbey Mercy , Hussein Julia
Published: December 2005

Background

This study was undertaken to investigate women's accounts of interactions with health care providers during labour and delivery and to assess the implications for acceptability and utilisation of maternity services in Ghana.

Methods

Twenty-one individual in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions were conducted with women of reproductive age who had delivered in the past five years in the Greater Accra Region. The study investigated women's perceptions and experiences of care in terms of factors that influenced place of delivery, satisfaction with services, expectations of care and whether they would recommend services.

Results

One component of care which appeared to be of great importance to women was staff attitudes. This factor had considerable influence on acceptability and utilisation of services. Otherwise, a successful labour outcome and non-medical factors such as cost, perceived quality of care and proximity of services were important. Our findings indicate that women expect humane, professional and courteous treatment from health professionals and a reasonable standard of physical environment. Women will consciously change their place of delivery and recommendations to others if they experience degrading and unacceptable behaviour.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that inter-personal aspects of care are key to women's expectations, which in turn govern satisfaction. Service improvements which address this aspect of care are likely to have an impact on health seeking behaviour and utilisation. Our findings suggest that user-views are important and warrant further investigation. The views of providers should also be investigated to identify channels by which service improvements, taking into account women's views, could be operationalised. We also recommend that interventions to improve delivery care should not only be directed to the health professional, but also to general health system improvements.