bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indigenous Categories of Distress and Dysfunction in South African Xhosa Children and Adolescents as Described by Indigenous Healers
Authors: Ensink Karin , Robertson Brian
Published: March 2007

There is a paucity of information on indigenous idioms and categories of distress in children and adolescents in South Af rica. Indigenous healers were asked to provide descriptions of indigenous idioms and categories of distress in children and adolescents in a predominantly Xhosa speaking community. The healers identified five indigenous categories of distress, namely ukuphaphazela, isimnyama esikolweni ukuthwasa, ukuphambana, amafufunyana. These are compared with available descriptions in the literature and differences in presentation and understanding are discussed. The study confirmed that indig enous categories of distress not only affect adults, but also children and adolescents, and that 'brain fag' also occurs in South Africa. The results of this study indicate that indigenous categories of distress such as amafufunyana, ukuthwasa and ukuphambana require an emic approach and may be best un derstood at the individual level. Etic approaches, such as inclusion in psychiatric epidemiological studies are not suit able for these categories because symptoms are not prioritized. Categories such as isimnyama esikolweni and ukuphaphazela, which are associated with more discrete symptoms, could fea sibly be included in epidemiological investigations.
Cross-Cultural Research on Alzheimer's Disease: A Critical Review
Authors: Smith André
Published: March 2007

This paper reviews cross-cultural contributions to the study of Alzheimer's disease (AD) from the fields of epidemiology, psychology, and genetics. The growth of this literature in the last decade follows the development of reliable diagnostic criteria, measures of caregiver burden, and new methods for identifying AD genotypes. The paper shows the dominance of a perspective across specialties that represents AD as a disease that can be reliably identified independently from cultural context. The implications of this perspective are discussed in terms of how a neglect to account for indigenous interpretations of AD undermines the validity and usefulness of current findings. The paper proposes that ethnographic accounts of local interpretations of AD symptoms, caregiver burden, and genetics can contribute to the development of culturally sensitive instruments and the assessment of the psychosocial impact of genetic research across culture.
The Psychoendocrinology of Menopause in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Charney Dara A.
Published: March 2007

Menopause is not characterized by an excess of affective illness; however, minor depressive and other psychological symptoms may be more frequent in perimenopause. It remains controver sial whether there is a causal connection between the onset of menopause and disturbances in mood. A psychoendocrine hypothesis suggests that some women have an increased vulnerability to normal hormone changes associated with menopause, and is supported by evidence that estrogen has spe cific beneficial effects on mood. Cultural factors influence the response to physiological changes that occur during menopause. Sociocultural models emphasize social status and familial roles of women in middle-age, but are unable to adequately explain the complexity of the relationship between culture and meno pause-related distress. Research has yet to establish how endocrine or other biological factors differ across cultures, and how cross-cultural variations in genetics, fertility patterns, diet and environment shape the subjective experience of menopause.
'School's Great — Apart From the Lessons': Sustaining the Excitement of Learning Post-Transfer
Authors: Morrison Ian
Published: March 2007

The Department of Education and Science (DES, 1989) published a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate (HMI) based on visits to primary schools in summer 1986, and to secondary schools in spring 1987. Many of the pupils who were seen in their primary schools were again encountered after they had completed almost two terms of secondary education. The report concluded that, while teachers worked hard to ensure pupils transferred without ill-effects, schools were not achieving effective links in all aspects of the curriculum. Moreover, while parents and governors were usually well briefed, the opinions of pupils were largely overlooked, a fact which HMI found disappointing as the majority of pupils were thoughtful, informative and articulate when discussing their transfer. Now, ten years later, there is renewed concern about pupils' academic progress when they make the transfer from primary to secondary schools.
Characterisation of Indoor Respirable Dust in a Locality of Delhi, India
Authors: Kumar Pramod
Published: March 2007

The present study is one of the first attempting to assess the problem of indoor air pollution in an urban village of the Indian capital, Delhi. Indoor air sampling was carried out for the period of Jan-May 1999, using an 8-stage cas cade impactor (Anderson sampler), at a constant flow rate of 1 CFM (28.31 I.min-1), with an impactor pre-sepa rator which cuts off particles larger than 10 μm in aerody namic diameter. Glass fibre filter papers were used for all sampling. Cascade impactor samples were digested in two fractions of PM10 viz. coarse (>2.1 μm) and fine (<2.1 μm). Total PM10 concentration, both coarse and fine, was measured. The samples collected were ana lysed for trace metals by atomic absorption spectrome try (AAS), using a model Philips PU-9200X. A consider able amount of the PM10 (both coarse and fine fractions) was found to be heavy metals, in addition the anions SO2-4, NO -3 were found in the indoor environment regard less of the level of indoor activity. Analyses of sulphate (SO2-4) and nitrate (NO- 3) were carried out using a Hitachi U-2000 UV-VIS spectrophotometer.
Electrochemical Growth Curves of Bio-Indicators for Sick Building Syndrome Diagnostics
Authors: O'Brien G. , Aidoo K.E. , Hepher M.J. , EI-Sharif M. , Hytiris N.
Published: March 2007

Studies on electrochemical growth curve bio-indicators leading to the electrochemical growth curves approach for sick building syndrome (SBS) diagnostics are dis cussed. The ideas incorporated within electrochemical growth curve studies, i.e. the conductance, capacitance and impedance of plated out and slope nutrient gels, vary according to the micro-organism type and number of cells (spores) present. Thus, this observation may be applied to the design and study of real-time diagnostics for SBS. Using formaldehyde at selected concentrations within the OEL, COSHH regulation concentration levels, the conductivity, capacitance and impedance growth curves for Aspergillus parasiticus were examined using a Bactometer. Reproducibility ofthese curves and trigger levels of pollutant causing significant deviation from nor mal growth conductivity, capacitance and impedance curves is reported. The overall approach is evaluated as a possible technique for SBS diagnostics for other pollu tants including: ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon diox ide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Review : Mineral Fibres and Health
Authors: Hoskins John A.
Published: March 2007

The use of inorganic fibrous materials is a comparatively new phenomenon and was uncommon before the Indus trial Revolution. Humans evolved in a comparatively fibre-free environment and consequently never fully de veloped the defence mechanisms needed to deal with the consequences of inhaling fibres. However, the urban environment now has an airborne fibre concentration of around 1 f.I-1, which is a tenfold increase on the natural background. Any sample of ambient air collected in doors or outdoors will probably contain some mineral fibres, but there is little evidence that these pose any risk to human health. They come from asbestos used in brakes, glass and mineral wools used as insulation and fire proofing of buildings, gypsum from plaster and a variety of types from many sources. Few of these have the potential to do any harm. Asbestos is the only fibre of note but urban levels are insignificant compared to occu pational exposures. When the health of cohorts occupa tionally exposed to the several types of asbestos is stud ied the problem can be put into perspective. Studies of workers in the chrysotile industry exposed to much high er dust levels than in a factory today show no excess lung cancer or mesothelioma. By comparison those liv ing near crocidolite mines, let alone working in them, may develop asbestos-related disease. As always, dose is the critical factor. Chrysotile is cleared from the lungs very efficiently, only the amphiboles are well retained. The only real health problem comes from the earlier use of asbestos products that may now be old, friable and damaged and made from amphibole or mixed fibre. If, though, these are still in good condition, they do not pose a health problem. Asbestos-related diseases are very rare in those not occupationally exposed. Where they exist exposure has nearly always been to croci dolite.
Size Distribution of Indoor Particulate Matter in 60 Homes in Hong Kong
Authors: Chao Christopher Y. , Wong Kelvin K. , Cheng Eddie C.
Published: March 2007

A detailed size distribution study of particulate matter was performed in 60 homes: 37 homes were studied in the winter and 23 in the summer. Levels of particulate matter were measured using several cascade impactors covering 8 size ranges. In the winter measurements, the mean 24-hour indoor PM2.1 (particle mass 2.1 μm or smaller) and PM10 concentrations were found to be 43.7 and 64.1 μg.m -3, respectively, and the corresponding outdoor levels were 43.0 and 70.1 μg.m-3. In the summer measurement, the mean 24-hour indoor PM2.1 and PM10 concentrations were found to be 27.2 and 43.7 μg.m-3, respectively, and the corresponding outdoor levels were 23.6 and 39.6 μg.m-3. It can be seen that the concentra tion of particulates in summer was appreciably lower than in the winter. The highest peak of concentration (over 20% by mass) was observed in the particulate size range of <0.4 μm both in the indoor and in the outdoor samples. The indoor/outdoor ratio of the particulate level in summer was higher than that in winter over all size ranges implying that indoor generation sources play an important role in keeping the indoor level high. Higher particulate levels were observed in homes with indoor activities such as smoking and incense burning, while lower particulate levels in both the indoor and the out door environments were measured during rain.
Radon Studies in the Vertical 15 UD Pelletron Accelerator Facility
Authors: Sonkawade R.G. , Lochab S.P. , Ramola R.C.
Published: March 2007

Radon has been observed in the air of the 15 UD Pelle tron facility under different meteorological conditions, varying through the height of the Pelletron tower and in areas with and without air conditioning. The radon con centration in air-conditioned rooms in the inner part of the tower has been observed to be slightly greater than in the non-air-conditioned rooms towards the outside. The concentration of radon varied with height and mete orological parameters as well as with the time of day. Radon levels reached a maximum in the early morning hours and a minimum in the afternoon. Radon concen trations were found to change with changing seasonal conditions. The ratio of maximum to minimum values for indoor radon concentrations was found to vary in the range of 2-5 in all the three seasons, but the winter-to- rainy season ratio was slightly greater than that for sum mer. The Pelletron tower was suitable for a study of changes in radon levels with respect to height. Variation of radon concentration with climatic changes, hourly variations, and variation at different levels in the inner and outer parts of the tower were measured.
Is the Prevalence of Asthma Increasing?
Authors: Jarvis Deborah
Published: March 2007

There is a widespread perception that the prevalence of asthma is increasing in many parts of the world. Increases in hospital admissions and general practice consultations for asthma have been reported, but such increases may reflect changes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma rather than increases in the prevalence of the disease. Epidemiological surveys from several countries pro vide compelling evidence that the prevalence of asthma in children is increas ing. The observation that the proportion of children who have other atopic diseases such as hay fever and eczema is also increasing suggests that the upward trend in asthma prevalence reflects a more general increase in atopy. To date, however, there is only limited evidence that the proportion of the general population sensitised to common allergens has increased.
Eye irritation, Nasal Congestion, and Facial Skin Itching in Relation to Emissions from Newly Painted Indoor Surfaces
Authors: Norbäck Dan , Wieslander Gunilla , Björnsson Eythor , Janson Christer , Boman Gunnar
Published: March 2007

As a part of the world-wide European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS), possible relations between symptoms from the eyes, nose, throat, and facial skin, and exposure to emissions from recent indoor painting were studied. The study comprised 562 subjects, aged 20-44 years, from the general population in Uppsala, selected by stratified random sampling. The subjects underwent a structured interview, and a medical investigation. Information on different types of symptoms and building characteristics, in the dwelling and in the workplace building, was gathered by a self-administered question naire. The prevalence of weekly symptoms, compatible with the sick building syndrome (SBS), and a symptom score were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by multiple linear or logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender and tobacco smoking. Weekly SBS symptoms, of any type, were related to female gender (OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.2-2.5), atopy (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.5- 3.2), and recent painting of the workplace building (OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.1- 2.7), particularly if wooden surfaces in the workplace building had been painted (OR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.2-6.2). Nasal congestion was more common in newly painted dwellings (OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.02-2.8). Eye irritation (OR = 3.8; 95% CI 1.2-12.2) and facial skin itching (OR = 7.8; 95% CI 2.2-27.8) were more common if wood had been painted in the workplace building. A high symptom score was related to female gender, atopy, tobacco smoking, and wood painting. An observed relationship between symptom score and exposure to newly painted wood was significant only among females and among subjects with atopy. In conclusion: females, smokers, and subjects with atopy report more symptoms compatible with SBS; females and subjects with atopy seem to be more sensitive to emissions from indoor paint than males and subjects without atopic disposition. Moreover, our results suggest that emissions from newly painted indoor surfaces may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and facial skin. The paint used for wood seems to be more irritat ing than other types of paint. We conclude from this work that exposure to paint emissions indoors should be minimised for sensitive subjects.
The Evaluation of Total Indoor Air Quality in a Multizone Model of a Building
Authors: Chung Kee-Chiang
Published: March 2007

Many factors affect the indoor environment of residential buildings. Among those factors are airflow, temperature, humidity and concentration. A total indoor air quality model which can simultaneously simulate the above four important factors in a multizone space is proposed. A case study of a typical six-room apartment is presented to demonstrate the total indoor air quality in a multizone space as well as the effect of thermal comfort. This is discussed using PMV and PPD indices.
Pre-Stressed Concrete Panels under Variable Environmental Conditions
Authors: Kurth Helmut
Published: March 2007

Environmental effects, humidity and temperature changes in particular, sig nificantly affect the stress distribution in concrete elements. The surface layers can be exposed to tensile stresses, which may not be obvious, when a conven tional analysis is applied. An analysis capable of calculating more precisely the stress distribution in concrete elements is presented in the paper. The given example of a pre-stressed floor panel shows the stress variations in two cross- sections during the first 6 months of its performance.
Pleural Plaques: Incidence and Epidemiology, Exposed Workers and the General Population
Authors: Hillerdal Gunnar
Published: March 2007

Pleural plaques are the most common manifestation of exposure to asbestos. It is vital that they are properly defined radiologically; if this is done, the speci ficity for asbestos exposure is 80-90%. The ILO system is not very good for the diagnosis of plaques. In the general urban population, the incidence of plaques is 1-6.8% in Western countries among men aged 30 or more. Apart from occu pational exposure, pleural plaques have been reported from domestic expo sure and from environmental pollution in certain areas of the world where asbestos minerals occur locally. In some countries, exposure is mainly due to the local inhabitants using crushed asbestos-containing rocks for white-wash ing houses. In these areas, 40% or more of the population can show plaques on chest roentgenogram, and extremely high figures are seen on autopsy.
A Proposal for the Assessment of Long-Term and Short-Term Tolerable Hygrothermal Microclimatic Conditions
Authors: Jokl M.V. , Jirák Z. , Jiráková H. , Bajgar P.
Published: March 2007

A group of four experienced mine rescuers, aged 25-35 years, were exposed to a workload on both a cyclo-ergometer (stages A and B) and a hand ergometer (stage E) in a climate chamber for work periods of 120 min divided into four intervals of 30 min each with 5 min breaks between. The load at the ergometer was selected to be in the range of 25-150 W, Tg = 20-40°C, RH = 40-80% and Va = 0.2-1.5 m.s-1. The thermal resistance of the clothes worn was 0.65 clo in stage A, 1.07 clo in stage B and 0.81 clo in stage E. A total of 200 experiments with 50 combinations of the work and climate load were made. Heart rate, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, body temperature, skin tem perature, water loss by sweating and perspiration, dry and wet bulb air temper ature, air velocity and globe temperature were measured during the experi ments. The expected production of sweat (sweat rate; SR) and the amount of accumulated heat in the body (Qmax) were calculated for each combination of the work-climate conditions. The experimental results showed a good agree ment between the predicted and actual measured values of temperature of the body core as an index of short-term tolerable climate load. The tolerated time of work in the short-term, for Qmax = 50 W.h.m -2, gave an increase in body core temperature of 0.8-1.0 K. Heart rate mostly did not exceed 140 min-1, although exceptionally rates over 150 min-1 were reached.The authors recom mend limiting long-term work-heat (climatic) load generated at a high meta bolic rate (M > 80 W.m-2 inclusive of the basal metabolic rate) by acclima tised males and females according to an SR of 270 g.h-1.m-2, and for non- acclimatised people by an SR of 206 g.h -1.m-2. Our proposed limit for long- term work at low metabolic rates (M ≤ 80 W.m -2) for non-acclimatised and acclimatised persons is an SR of 147 g.h -1.m-2. The short-term load which can be tolerated, because of heat storage in the body, for all categories of work ers is proposed as Qmax = 50 W.h.m-2.
Energy Use and Dust Levels in a Segregated Early-Weaning Swine Nursery
Authors: Puma M.C. , Maghirang R.G. , Murphy J.P. , O'Quinn P.R. , Nelssen J.L.
Published: March 2007

Environmental conditions and energy use were evaluated in a new segregated early weaning (SEW) swine nursery for 9 months. Energy use and air quality were generally acceptable and followed expected trends. Mean electricity use ranged from 27 to 32 kWh.day -1. Mean fuel gas use ranged from 30 to 40 m3 natural gas·day -1. Ranges for total, respirable, and inhalable dust concentra tions were 0.50-3.13, 0.03-0.40, and 0.18-2.98 mg·m-3, respectively. Carbon dioxide concentrations ranged from 1,144 to 2,614 ppm. Ammonia concentra tion was negligible (< 1 ppm) throughout the study.
Effects of Window Position on the Air Flow Distribution in a Cross-Ventilated Residential Bedroom
Authors: Chou P.C. , Chiang C.M. , Chuah Y.K. , Wang W.A.
Published: March 2007

Results of an investigation of the effects of window position on the airflow characteristics for a typical bedroom setting in Taiwan are presented. Four different window positions were examined in the experiment which used a full-scale laboratory bedroom model with a single bed. A three-dimensional ultrasonic anemometer was used to measure airflow distribution and the results of flow measurements at two height levels are presented. Computer simulation of the airflow distribution was performed using the standard k-ε turbulence model. The measurements and the computer calculations resulted in similar airflow distributions for all positions of window openings. Close congruence between the results of calculations and those of the measurements shows the validity of using such a computer simulation in the airflow design of a residential bedroom. The results also show that the positions of window openings have appreciable effects on the airflow distribution. Proper window position is therefore an important factor in the design of ventilation for a cross-ventilated bedroom.
Respirable Dust and Respirable Silica Concentrations from Construction Activities
Authors: Chisholm Jim
Published: March 2007

Measurements of respirable dust (RD) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) concentrations are reported for a range of activities, materials and workplaces in the con struction industry. Some activities leading to high dust exposures are identified, such as work in confined spaces, the use of hand-held Stihl™ saws and angle grinders without suppression or extraction, and dry sweeping and removal of rubble. RD and RCS concentra tions are related to conditions on site including such fac tors as the softness, friability and silica content of the material; the weather conditions (dampness) and wheth er indoors or out; the proximity of the source of the dust to the worker's breathing zone, and the use of water sup pression or extraction and general ventilation.
Research and Policy Implications of IARC's Classification of Silica as a Group 1 Carcinogen
Authors: Goldsmith David F.
Published: March 2007

In 1997 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified crystalline silica dust exposure as a known human carcinogen, group 1. In Western countries this change in status has not resulted in any immediate shift to reduce workplace exposure, adopt new occupa tional standards, nor to marked changes in environmen tal hazard assessments. The one place where crystalline silica has been treated as an environmental carcinogen is under California's Proposition 65, which has required quantitative risk assessment to determine if exposures to carcinogens could result in greater than 1 in 100,000 excess cancer risk. There have been several peer- reviewed cancer risk assessments for silica based on ani mal, human and threshold extrapolations. This paper reviews and contrasts those determinations, discusses the impact of IARC's reassessment on research, and sug gests where future policy may lead.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Midi-Pyrénées
Authors: Fabrea M. , Cabota C. , Ducassé J.L. , Virenque Ch. , Cathala B.
Published: March 2007

Systematic enquiries are now made about every case of CO poisoning in the Midi-Pyrénées. The present study aims to amass more cases and to start more technical enquiries. Eventually it is hoped to develop a regional hospital surveillance system in co-operation with the hyperbaric oxygen centre. Over the 2 years from Sep tember 1993 to September 1995 there were 283 cases of CO poisoning in the Midi-Pyrénées region which re sulted in 222 hospitalisations. Analysis of the cases showed that poisoning by CO was most often acute, acci dental, involved a group of people and generally oc curred by pollution of the domestic environment. The most frequent reason was lack of ventilation which was found in 33.3% of cases. Water heaters and boilers were responsible in 46.6% of cases and water heaters alone were responsible for 22% of cases. Poisonings most often occurred in the winter period when there was greater use of heating. An awareness of the importance of safety and the necessity to take preventive action to avoid such poisoning has led to the creation of'Qualigaz' in 1992. This organisation can carry out 'safety checks' on new installations and diagnostic work on the safety of existing installations.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Study among Emergency Physicians in Québec
Authors: Jacques Louis , Sanfacon Guy , Prévost Claude , Blais René
Published: March 2007

A questionnaire was sent to all members of the Associa tion des médecins d'urgence du Québec during March 1997 to estimate their abilities to diagnose, treat and fol low-up carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The question naire comprised case histories about frequent or impor tant types of poisoning of which four were related to CO. Questions were asked about diagnosis, investigation, treatment or follow-up. Of the 450 members of the Asso ciation, 109 responded to the questionnaire (24.2%). In the physicians' answers to three case histories that were presented to measure their ability to identify CO poison ing, this diagnosis was correctly identified by 80.7, 97.2 and 71.6% of physicians, respectively, for each case his tory. Concerning the investigation, 97.2% of physicians chose one good answer and 25.7% chose two among two possible, carboxyhaemoglobin level being the most frequent one (87.2%). Concerning treatment, 99.1% of physicians chose one good answer and 57.8% chose two among two possible, immediate prescription of 100% oxygen by mask being the most frequent one (98.2%) and transfer of the patient to the hyperbaric chamber the second one (58.7%). Concerning the follow-up of the patient, 61.5% of physicians chose the good answer, which was to see the patient in 2 weeks. In conclusion, more than 70% of the physicians were able to identify this diagnosis and deficiencies in the management were main ly noted in the treatment and follow-up phases. These results may represent an overestimate of the reality.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning among Poultry Breeders
Authors: Breurec J.Y. , Valancony V. , Blevin F. , Baert A. , Charles D. , Arzel Y. , Presle J.C. , Curtes J.P.
Published: March 2007

Some two thirds of the poultry breeding industry in France are concentrated in the west of the country and produce 38% of birds bred for meat. Two successive epi sodes of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in poultry breeding establishments led the Antipoison Centre of Rennes to study factors responsible for such accidents. From 1994 to 1998, 10 accidents linked to CO were recorded, and 25 people were affected of which 76% were treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. None of the cases had any long-term effects. The chickens them selves are less affected, but in one incident 3,500 chick ens were found dead around the radiant heaters. A study in Morbihan from November 1996 to November 1997 in which all workers were supplied with a CO detector pre set to 50 ppm showed several instances of levels above the 50-ppm norm. Accidents were found to occur in new er tighter buildings during the coldest months of the year. Poor maintenance of gas heating equipment was a major factor as well as the age of the equipment. Ventila tion of at least 20% of an air change per hour was found necessary to keep CO levels below 50 ppm, and ventila tion at this level was judged satisfactory. The study has allowed a better understanding of the factors which lead to accidents and enabled preventive measures to be pro posed. It was felt that these should be enclosed in regula tions to ensure their implementation and the protection of workers.
A Statistical Evaluation of Asbestos Air Concentrations
Authors: Lange John H.
Published: March 2007

Both area and personal air samples collected during an asbestos abatement project were matched and statisti cally analysed. Among the many parameters studied were fibre concentrations and their variability. Mean values for area and personal samples were 0.005 and 0.024 f.cm -3 of air, respectively. Summary values for area and personal samples suggest that exposures are low with no single exposure value exceeding the current OSHA TWA value of 0.1 f.cm-3 of air. Within- and between-worker analysis suggests that these data are homogeneous. Comparison of within- and between- worker values suggests that the exposure source and variability for abatement are more related to the process than individual practices. This supports the importance of control measures for abatement. Study results also suggest that area and personal samples are not statisti cally related, that is, there is no association observed for these two sampling methods when data are analysed by correlation or regression analysis. Personal samples were statistically higher in concentration than area sam ples. Area sampling cannot be used as a surrogate expo sure index for asbestos abatement workers.
Concentration of Radon and Thoron in Some Dwellings of the North-Eastern Region in India
Authors: Mishra R. , Tripathy S.P. , Pachuau L. , Laldawngliana C. , Lalramengzami R. , Ghosh S. , Dwivedi K.K. , Khathing D.T. , Ramachandran T.V.
Published: March 2007

It is well recognised all over the world that inhalation of indoor radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and their progeny contribute a major fraction of the total radiation dose to human beings from natural sources. In the present work, an attempt has been made to assess the levels of radon and thoron in some dwellings of the seismic-prone North-Eastern region of India, using a special type of twin-chamber dosimeter. The results show a non-signifi cant increase in radon and thoron concentration during the winter season compared to summer of nearly 1.6 times and 1.3 times, respectively.
'Free-Enterprise' or 'Public Service'? The Origins of Broadcasting in the U.S., U.K. and Australia
Authors: Mundy Greg
Published: March 2007

The history of broadcasting in Britain and, to a lesser extent, Australia in the 1920s and 1930s is one of state control and regulation. By contrast in the United States, state involvement in radio was minimal. To explain these differing arrangements it is necessary to examine the uses to which radio could be put, and the stake in these held by the various sections of the bourgeoisie involved in broadcasting. The definition of radio as a technology is thus a profoundly social product and variations in its precise form may be seen as the product of a struggle whose outcome was different in each of these three social formations.
Social Organisation Amongst Australian Lawyers
Authors: Tomasic Roman
Published: March 2007

The legal profession is a rigidly organised occupational group in which lawyers are divided by reference to criteria such as the nature of their legal work, their clientele and their legal-cultural value orientations. It is possible to identify a number of distinctive types of lawyers by reference to these criteria. Upon the basis of a random sample of over 600 New South Wales lawyers it was possible to identify four work related lawyer types: property lawyers, litigation lawyers, commercial lawyers and generalists. It was also found that the career patterns of lawyers were heavily influenced by the nature of their first legal job so that there was unlikely to be much movement between lawyer types. Lawyers could also be typified by reference to their clientele into 'individual-client' lawyers, 'organisational-client' lawyers and 'mixed-client' lawyers. Legal ideology plays an important part in providing unity to this extremely diverse social organisation. Although it was possible to identify at least three major value orientations within the profession, that of 'cynical-realism' was by far the most important and was widely shared amongst all lawyer types. This finding was contrary to the ideal of service which official legal ideologies seek to espouse.
The Queensland Capitalist Class: Spectator or Actor in Regional Differentiation?
Authors: Alexander Malcolm , Nicholas Rhondda , Walter James
Published: March 2007

This paper explores the role of a local capitalist class in the process of regional development as portrayed in three models: a political economy model; a growth machine model; and a model of complementary dependence. It looks at the suitability of these models as applied to Queensland and then outlines a research project intended to validate or refute the hypotheses of these alternative models.
The Making of Australian Petty Bourgeois Opal Miners
Authors: Carr Joan
Published: March 2007

This paper explores the structural and cultural location of petty bourgeois opal miners at Coober Pedy who work on their own account. It is argued that a purely structural categorisation of the petty bourgeoisie ignores the extent to which occupancy represents the out come of a value orientation and cultural choice. Opal miners' cultural values and attitudes are explored in relation to economic and social action and, while certain common beliefs are distinguished, sufficiently divergent patterns of meaning are uncovered to warrant the identifica tion of two main ideological groups, the 'entrepreneurial' and the 'alienated'. The conclusion is drawn that the minority (the 'entre preneurial') look to the capitalist mode of production and to instru mentally rational forms of economic action, while the majority (the 'alienated') display a cultural orientation away from traditional capitalist relations of production and towards the simply commodity mode.
Youth Subcultures and their Cultural Contexts
Authors: Stratton Jon
Published: March 2007

This article sets out to distinguish two specific types of youth subculture. In the process I argue for the importance of examining the cultural context when discussing youth subcultures. Historically we can differentiate two lines of argument concerning youth subcultures, the delinquency model which is predominantly American and the Marxist structuralist and semiotic models which are British in origin. This article suggests that this difference reflects the development of spectacular youth subcultures in Britain and commodity oriented youth subcultures in America. The acknowledgement of cultural specificity will enable researchers in the area of youth culture to gain a perspective on the spread of youth subcultures from one society to another.
Legality and Illegality: The Issue of Non-citizens in Australia
Authors: Foster Lois , Seitz Anne
Published: March 2007

The status of citizen and how it is defined, re-defined, achieved, or denied are important indicators for analysing any society. They are particularly important in societies which are multi-ethnic. The prevailing ideology in Australia is one of multiculturalism. An understanding of who is an Australian or an Australian citizen is basic to any assessment of the penetration of that ideology. The paper examines the issue of non-citizens in Australia by discussing four main points.

1. Defining the non-citizen in Australian terms.

2. Examining the differences between the non-citizen and the prohibited non-citizen.

3. Exploring the process of becoming a prohibited non- citizen.

4. Discussing the economic, personal and social consequences of being a prohibited non-citizen.
The Pleasures of Spiritualism
Authors: Gillen Paul
Published: March 2007

Deprivation theories about why people become cult members fail to take sufficient account of the specific enjoyments that cult movements offer to their participants. In the case of Spiritualism, these pleasures range from opportunities for sociability to brain- teasing attempts to decipher the worldly signs of Spirit. Beyond these, Spiritualism also offers the gnostic prospect of potentially infinite understanding and power.
Is Chivalry Dead? Gender and Sentence in the Victorian Magistrates' Courts
Authors: Douglas Roger
Published: March 2007

The widespread belief that female defendants tend to receive lenient treatment is predicated on questionable assumptions and receives only qualified support from the empirical evidence. A study of sentencing in Victorian suburban and rural magistrates' courts suggests that while female defendants are fined less than males, they are, in other respects, treated similarly. These findings cast doubt on the paternalism and stereotyping hypotheses, and raise the question of whether the more lenient fines reflect a realistic assessment of female defendants' relative lack of economic resources.
Secularisation in Australia between 1966 and 1985 A Research Note
Authors: McCallum John
Published: March 2007

The declining role of churches in Australian social life in recent years is generally accepted but the empirical data showing whereby this sudden decline occurred are poorly documented. Surveys from the last twenty years in Australia are used to document changes in indicators of church organised religious involvement. Declines are observed in church affiliation, church attendance, strength of belief in God, prayer, and numbers of Catholic religious and priests. Declines on all indicators occur in all age cohorts but are strongest in youngest age groups. Across the time period considered, women in their late twenties in the mid-1960s generally show the greatest declines whereas it is younger groups of men who change most. Catholics show lesser declines than other major churches in affiliation, attendance, belief in God and prayer. However there have been dramatic declines in numbers of Catholic religious and priests. The evidence supports an argument about changed childhood socialisation to religion and, for women only, competing socialisation in adult life. The evidence, however, should not be construed to show a continuous erosion of religion with 'modernisation'. It shows merely a period through the 1960s and 1970s when churches declined in power and influence.
Sex Segregation in the Paid Workforce: The New Zealand Case
Authors: Gwartney-Gibbs Patricia A.
Published: March 2007

Using New Zealand census data from 1971, 1976, and 1981, this research assesses three research questions concerning occupational sex segregation in New Zealand. The findings reveal: 1) high but moderately declining indexes of segregation, contemporaneous with 2) marked increases in the proportion of the female labour force in highly sex-segregated occupations (e.g., 52 per cent of women work ers employed in occupations comprised of two-thirds or more female in 1981, compared to 26 per cent in 1971); plus 3) both increasing proportions of young women in sex-typical occupations and succes sive movement of female cohorts into sex-typical occupations as they age. The results are compared to those previously documented in several other industrialised countries; some parallels are found with Australia and the United States. The conclusions discuss the results in terms of changes in the social organisation of work, and call for greater cross-national research on longitudinal change in occupa tional segregation as a means for assessing competing explanations of occupational sex segregation.
German Internees in Australia 1939-1947: Women's Perspectives: A Research Note
Authors: Foster Lois , Seitz Anne
Published: March 2007

Female internees are one focus of a larger study of Germans interned in Australia (1939-47). The experience of camp life from the women's perspective can only be derived from analy sis of official documents and the testimony of ex-internees. Notwithstanding the practical problems inherent in working with these resources, the preliminary research has identified many important methodological and sociological issues. It has also provided the context in which women came to be interned, a demographic profile of the various groups of women inter nees and themes in the perception of internment.
The Construction of a New Public Culture: Multiculturalism in an Australian Productive Culture
Authors: Stockley David , Foster Lo's
Published: March 2007

Since 1986 the phrase a 'productive culture' has been popular within certain trade union, government and employer circles to summarise the nature of the society towards which Australians should aspire in order to solve the country's economic prob lems. In the workplace the discourse of a 'productive culture' is tied to award restructuring and the need to increase Australia's international competitiveness, whilst at another level the dis course carries a re-defining of what it means to be an 'accept able' Australian within a new culture of work and a new national identity. This paper analyses the discourse of a 'pro ductives within the sphere of public policy and particu larly as it relates to an access-and-equity, social justice style of multiculturalism. The paper argues that the economic ration alist proponents of a 'productive culture' have had great success in re-shaping the public policy agenda, the terms of its dis course and its implementation via corporatist and corporate management mechanisms and that this re-shaping will seriously undermine any 'social goods' conception of such issues as multiculturalism.
Change Over Time in Father-Son Mobility in Australia
Authors: Marks Gary N. , Jones F.L.
Published: March 2007

Studies of changes in the Australian stratification order over time have been inhibited by the lack of adequate data sources. With the release of recent data from the National Social Science Survey, we can examine change over three decades: the 1960s, the 1970s, and the 1980s. Our data come from mobility studies conducted in 1965,1973 and 1984-7. We take as our point of departure a mobility model deployed in a cross-national study of Australia and Japan in 1965, which identifies moderate self-recruitment across occupational stra ta, barriers against entry into farming, barriers restricting mobility from farm backgrounds to non-manual and skilled manual destina tions, social closure restricting downward mobility from non-man ual origins, and barriers to mobility from manual origins to non- manual destinations. We apply this model to mobility tables for the two later periods. Detailed comparison of specific parameters shows weaker self-recruitment in the professional, sales and manual groups and a weakening over time of the stronger barrier to mobility. On this basis, we conclude that the Australian occupational structure be came marginally more open in the 1980s, compared with the 1960s. However, change is small relative to constancy. Our findings are therefore consistent with the Featherman-Jones-Hauser hypothesis about relative constancy in genotypical mobility, with theories that posit increasing openness about the relationship between economic growth and social mobility, but not with those that predict increasing rigidity in the stratification order.
Social Correlates of Unsafe Sexual Intercourse
Authors: Waddell Charles
Published: March 2007

Building upon the work of Connell and colleagues, this paper examines four social correlates of unsafe sexual intercourse for gay, bisexual and heterosexual people. These are: (1) alcohol consumption; (2) uncertainty about one's HIV-infection status; (3) learned and shared logic about condoms; and (4) logic about the seriousness of the AIDS epidemic. The data come from two samples of sexually active people in Perth: (1) the gay community and (2) clients at an STD clinic. Data collection consisted of self- administered questionnaires (N=906), follow-up interviews (N=361) and ethnographic field work at heterosexual and gay venues. The conclusion reached is that unsafe sexual intercourse may be considered to be a collective, cultural institution and not merely due to individual ignorance, weakness or foolishness. HIV education and prevention programs need to focus more on collective action to achieve safer sex practices and on grassroot social processes that will sustain changes toward safer sex.
Youth, Personhood and 'Practices of the Self': some new directions for youth research
Authors: Tait Gordon
Published: March 2007

In contrast to most previous research in the field, this paper argues that the concept of 'youth' is best understood as an example of the governmental formation of a specific type of person. It is constructed at the intersection of a variety of diverse problematisations, being produced by the processes of individuation, normalisation and the regulation of relations of time. Within programs such as those pertinent to the management of sex, an array of technologies structure the practices by which individuals pattern their own conduct - thereby fashioning a kind of habitus. This forms part of a general strategy of enrolling the objects of these programs in their own self-reformation. Consequently, 'youth' can be understood as 'the doing of specific types of work on the self'. By utilising this framework, the paper not only seeks to identify and better understand some of the sexual subjectivities associated with the construction of youth, it also seeks to offer some new directions for research in the area.
The Sexological Construction Of Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Morrow Ross
Published: March 2007

In a range of modern literature on human sexuality, 'sexual dysfunctions' are largely taken for granted as self-evident physiological impairments of normal sexual functioning. This conceptualisation increases the likelihood they will be subsumed (or remain within) the jurisdiction of sexologists. The central argument of this paper is that sexual dysfunctions are not self-evident disorders discovered through the value-neutral methods of scientific sexology but are socially constructed as problems with reference to hegemonic masculine standards and patterns of normal sexual functioning and interaction. In this account, sexology operates as an institution of social control which in promoting conformity to such standards contributes to the perpetuation of social inequality.1
The Professionalisation of Mothering: Family Day Care
Authors: Saggers Sherry , Grant Jan , Woodhead Maggie , Banham Vicki
Published: March 2007

In family day care, licensed providers care for small groups of children in the carer's own home. The service was established as a low-cost, ideologically acceptable alternative to centre-based care. This article reports on research among family day care providers in Western Australia, specifically the knowledge and skills they use in their work, and their perceptions of their roles as mothers and workers. Results to date indicate that the women believe themselves to be highly skilled child carers whose work is undervalued by society. Although family day care has been seen as supportive of traditional notions of mothering, providers draw upon both this dominant discourse of the always- available mother, and a resistant discourse allowing even mothers the right to fair recognition of their work.
The role of computers in texturing micro-social environments
Authors: Henman Paul
Published: March 2007

Building upon recent work in philosophy of technology which argues that technology has,neither a neutral nor a determining but a 'texturing' effect upon society, this paper presents the world-view embodied in computers as an analytic device for exploring the ways in which computers texture the use environment. It interprets previously identified effects of computers upon human psychology and cognition, upon the physical use of computers and upon interpersonal settings (the 'micro-social') in the light of the embodied world view, thereby illustrating the efficacy of the concept. These invest igations provide a basis for theorising the broader social effects of computing.