bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Inference for 2 × 2 Tables (with Discussion)
Authors: Wakefield Jon
Published: August 2010

A fundamental problem in many disciplines, including political science, sociology and epidemiology, is the examination of the association between two binary variables across a series of 2 × 2 tables, when only the margins are observed, and one of the margins is fixed. Two unobserved fractions are of interest, with only a single response per table, and it is this non-identifiability that is the inherent difficulty lying at the heart of ecological inference. Many methods have been suggested for ecological inference, often without a probabilistic model; we clarify the form of the sampling distribution and critique previous approaches within a formal statistical framework, thus allowing clarification and examination of the assumptions that are required under all approaches. A particularly difficult problem is choosing between models with and without contextual effects. Various Bayesian hierarchical modelling approaches are proposed to allow the formal inclusion of supplementary data, and/or prior information, without which ecological inference is unreliable. Careful choice of the prior within such models is required, however, since there may be considerable sensitivity to this choice, even when the model assumed is correct and there are no contextual effects. This sensitivity is shown to be a function of the number of areas and the distribution of the proportions in the fixed margin across areas. By explicitly providing a likelihood for each table, the combination of individual level survey data and aggregate level data is straightforward and we illustrate that survey data can be highly informative, particularly if these data are from a survey of the minority population within each area. This strategy is related to designs that are used in survey sampling and in epidemiology. An approximation to the suggested likelihood is discussed, and various computational approaches are described. Some extensions are outlined including the consideration of multiway tables, spatial dependence and area-specific (contextual) variables. Voter registration–race data from 64 counties in the US state of Louisiana are used to illustrate the methods.
Combining Information from Related Meta-Analyses of Genetic Association Studies
Authors: Thompson J. R. , Minelli C. , Abrams K. R. , Thakkinstian A. , Attia J.
Published: August 2010

When synthesizing data from genetic association studies researchers frequently perform several related meta-analyses, perhaps on different polymorphisms of the same gene, or on different outcomes, or they might define subgroups of studies by factors such as ethnicity, gender or study design. Current practice is to perform a totally separate meta-analysis of each set of studies; however, when the meta-analyses investigate related questions, it is possible that the estimates in one meta-analysis could be improved by using information from another. The meta-analytic model for a genetic association study can be parameterized in terms of four meaningful parameters: the size of the genetic effect, the genetic model, the allele frequency in controls and the degree of departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in controls. Even when the size of the genetic effect differs across meta-analyses, it may be possible to assume that some of the other parameters are common. The models are applied to a meta-analysis of the same gene–disease relationship in three different ethnic groups.
Trade, technology, and China's rising skill demand1
Authors: Xu Bin , Li Wei
Published: August 2010

China has experienced rising wage inequality due to rising relative demand for skilled labour. In this paper, we use a sample of 1,500 firms to investigate the impact of trade and technology on China's rising skill demand. We find that export expansion had a negative direct effect (Heckscher–Ohlin type) and a positive indirect effect (export‐induced skill‐biased technical change) on skill demand; the net effect was found positive and accounted for 5 percent of rising skill demand of the sample firms. We find that technical change in Chinese firms was on average skill‐neutral, but majority foreign‐owned firms experienced skill‐biased technical progress that accounted for 22 percent of the rising skill demand of the sample firms.
NON‐PROFIT PERFORMANCE INDICATORS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Authors: Mayston David J.
Published: August 2010

This paper examines the scope for validly using non‐profit performance indicators in the public sector and identifies several decision‐relevant roles for such indicators in the process of policy optimisation. It argues that many of the desirable qualitative characteristics of financial accounting data identified in the FASB's conceptual framework project are both relevant, and in need of strengthening, when the profit concept is extended to a more general performance concept which also includes benefits to consumers of the output of the public sector. The need for such strengthening is examined in both nationalised industries and the non‐trading public sector.
Age-Dependent Taxation and the Optimal Retirement Benefit Formula
Authors: Kifmann Mathias
Published: August 2010

This paper presents a comprehensive view of lifetime taxation including both explicit taxation through the general tax system and implicit taxation via the retirement benefit formula. Differences in productivity between individuals are unobservable, which provides a rationale for the use of distortionary taxes. It is shown that the optimal structure of age-dependent taxation can be characterized by a generalized Ramsey formula. Furthermore, the paper derives the optimal retirement benefit formula in the presence of the general tax system and examines the compatibility with the financial stability of the pension system.
Constraints on union organising in the United Kingdom
Authors: Heery Edmund , Simms Melanie
Published: August 2010

Despite increased investment by unions in organising, across much of the developed world there is at best modest evidence of a recovery of union membership. This has led to a research interest in the barriers to successful union organising and it is with this critical issue that the following article is concerned. It uses survey and interview data from trainee organisers in Britain to identify the internal and external constraints they have encountered while working on organising campaigns. The findings point to a broad range of organising constraints both within and beyond trade unions. Experience of constraints varies and is shown partly to be a function of the characteristics of organisers, the nature of the organising task in which they are engaged and the systems in place to manage their work.
Change in contemporary Italy's social concertation
Authors: Negrelli Serafino , Pulignano Valeria
Published: August 2010

This article examines the crisis of social concertation in Italy since 2000. We argue that this crisis is not due exclusively to the political shift from a centre‐left to a centre‐right government led by Silvio Berlusconi, or the end of the European integration phase. It reflects the continued failure of Italian social concertation to address problems of economic growth and work productivity was apparent by the second half of the 1990s. We argue that this is due mainly to the stagnation of the decentralisation process at the company and territorial levels and, in particular, the limited development of second‐level collective bargaining introduced by the 1993 July Ciampi Protocol. This reflects a weakness in the Italian institutional context as well as the difficulties associated with the altering of industrial relations in global market economies more generally. The prospects for the future of concertative policy making in the Italian context are also discussed.
Increased Diversity and Deepened Uncertainty: Policy Challenges in a Zero‐Inflation Economy*
Authors: Nishimura Kiyohiko G.
Published: August 2010

The world economy today shows ‘great diversity’. There are multiple engines of growth in various regions around the globe. Risks are diversified, as many novel financial products are being introduced and sold to a continuing flow of newcomers to the financial world. This increased diversity seems to deepen uncertainty surrounding monetary policy in two respects. First, coupled with increased competition, it may make prices less responsive to short‐run demand changes than before, thus making monetary transmission mechanism less certain. In fact, Japanese IS and Phillips curves seem increasingly uncertain in the past 15 years. Second, we are in transition between one financial structure of little diversification and another of great diversification. In a transition period, information is scarce and rapidly becomes obsolete, posing real challenges to financial stability. I argue that the flexible gradualism, which the Bank has now adopted, is a prudent way to cope with such deepened uncertainty.
The suitability of computer‐based training for workers with limited formal education: a case study from the US agricultural sector
Authors: Anger W. Kent , Stupfel Jeff , Ammerman Tammara , Tamulinas Alys , Bodner Todd , Rohlman Diane S.
Published: August 2010

The suitability of computer‐based instruction (CBI) for workers with limited education was evaluated in an Hispanic orchard workforce that reported little computer experience and 5.6 mean years of formal education. Ladder safety training was completed by employees who rated the training highly (effect size [d_gain] = 5.68), and their knowledge of ladder safety improved (d_gain = 1.45). There was a significant increase (p < 0.01) in safe work practices immediately after training (d_gain = 0.70), at 40 days post training (d_gain = 0.87) and at 60 days (d_gain = 1.40), indicating durability. As in mainstream populations, reaction or affective ratings correlated well with utility ratings, but not with behavior change. This demonstrates that an agricultural workforce with limited formal education can learn job safety from CBI and translate the knowledge to work practice changes, and those changes are durable.
Assessment of the equivalence of conventional versus computer administration of the Test of Workplace Essential Skills
Authors: Whiting Hal , Kline Theresa J. B.
Published: August 2010

This study examined the equivalency of computer and conventional versions of the Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), a test of adult literacy skills in Reading Text, Document Use and Numeracy. Seventy‐three college students completed the computer version, and their scores were compared with those who had taken the test in the conventional paper‐and‐pencil mode. Scores for the two groups for all three subscales were equivalent based on their means and variances. Rank order equivalency was demonstrated for two of the three TOWES subscales (Reading Text and Document Use). Additionally, participants rated the computer version of the test as easy to use.
Teaching a severely retarded child to wear shoes using a behavioural training programme
Authors: ORTON DAVID
Published: August 2010

A Behaviour Modification Unit opened at Glenfrith Hospital during February 1977. It deals with both outpatients and hospital residents. It is staffed by nurses who work in close collaboration with psychologists and a consultant in mental handicap. This article sets out to describe a programme which was implemented to teach a severely retarded girl to wear shoes. The inability to tolerate the wearing of shoes is quite common in the severely retarded and it is felt that this programme will be of help to other children who have the same problem.
RAWP and mental handicap
Authors: DAY CHRISTOPHER
Published: August 2010

Because of a defect in the RAWP formula, Regional Health Authorities (Regions) using RAWP principles to allocate revenue funds to Areas are insidiously depriving the mental handicap hospitals of millions of pounds.
Audio‐visual instruction for the mentally handicapped: a selective review of research, costs and effectiveness
Authors: SPENCER KENNETH A.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: For many years now the use of audio‐visual aids in teaching the mentally handicapped has proceeded in an unsystematic manner, with decisions being made concerning media selection without reference to the available research evidence. There has been a misplaced emphasis on realism in audio‐visual aids in general, coupled with an inability to accept that automated teaching aids can instruct as effectively as the traditional class teacher in many, but not all, situations.

The research results indicate that automated procedures produce high rates of learning and good retention, in addition to savings in staff time; and that simple automated procedures, with their lower equipment and production costs, can teach as effectively as more complex and costly methods.

Also, the evidence suggests that there are advantages to be gained from the use of carefully prepared audio‐visual materials as supplementary aids in class teaching. However, the repetitive capacity of such aids must be exploited for, if it is ignored — as in the case of transient television broadcasts — there will be no lasting effect on the handicapped pupil.
The increasing burden of care experienced by staff in hostels accommodating the severely mentally handicapped
Authors: VAUGHAN P. J.
Published: August 2010

With the move from institutional to community‐based care, local authority hostels are having to accept the more severely mentally and physically handicapped. A recent evaluation of a short‐stay hostel for severely mentally handicapped children showed that it needed to accept a large proportion of children who had a high degree of disability and dependence. This trend has important implications for the future training and support of hostel staff.
1. Never mind the thought, it's the word that counts
Authors: STEVENS TREVOR
Published: August 2010

This is the first of six short articles on language development in the mentally handicapped designed to stimulate discussion among student groups. They should be a useful aid in many forms of student and staff training. The remaining five parts of the series will be published in consecutive issues of APEX.
THE USE OF SMALL PARENT‐GROUPS IN AN ADULT TRAINING CENTRE
Authors: KEENE NICK
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: 28 parents of adult trainees were involved in three separate courses of about eight weeks in a 150 place adult training centre (ATC). The purpose and content of the courses is described. It was concluded that these courses have practical, and other less‐easily observable, long‐term advantages for trainees, parents and staff.
Do mentally handicapped people require specialist community nursing care?
Authors: JONES HILARY
Published: August 2010

The current trend in the care of mentally handicapped people is to enable them to live in the community alongside their families and friends, rather than banishing them to hospitals miles away from home. However, a family which has to cope with a handicapped member has innumerable problems to face, and it is essential that back‐up services are provided.

During the past ten years a specialist community nursing service has developed throughout the country to care for the mentally handicapped within their own homes and other residential accommodation in the community. The following article evaluates the role of the community mental handicap nurse.
The extent and pattern of crime amongst mentally handicapped offenders
Authors: ROBERTSON GRAHAM
Published: August 2010

Apart from certain types of minor sexual offences, and to a lesser extent the offence of arson, there is no particular relationship between crime and mental handicap. However, the law allows courts to make mentally disordered offenders — including the mentally handicapped — subject to hospital or guardianship orders, the latter having been used very rarely.

The present study presents the results of a 15 year follow‐up of a large group of mentally handicapped offenders who were given hospital orders in 1963–64. The majority of these people re‐offended after discharge from hospital, but very few (3–4 per cent) committed dangerous or violent offences. The pattern of their offending largely resembles a “normal” criminal picture. Most were first convicted in their teens or early twenties, usually for larceny offences. However, there was a disproportionate number of sex offenders in the male group and a small number of women accounted for an abnormally high proportion of the offences committed.

The total extent of the criminal careers of the mentally handicapped group was similar to that of the mentally ill, but the pattern of offending and the fundamental relationship between type of mental disorder and crime differed between the two. Both groups differed significantly from the psychopathically disordered group of offenders/patients.

It is suggested that any new legislation should take account of these differences and should make separate provision for the ill and the handicapped, at least in so far as the simple (Section 60) hospital is concerned
Punishment — the wider perspective
Authors: TOOGOOD RICHARD , MACKRELL KELVIN , LINKE STUART
Published: August 2010

The conference address by Thomas MacKay and the editorial comment which accompanied it were published in the June 1981 issue of Apex with the aim of stimulating discussion of this very controversial subject. This aim has been achieved and the first replies received are set out in the following pages. Further comments from readers for inclusion in future issues are welcome. An early response is advised for those wishing to be included in the March issue, at which time a follow‐up article by Mr. MacKay is to appear.
Mental handicap policy in Great Britain: the advent and demise of the institution
Authors: GOSTIN LARRY
Published: August 2010

At no time in Britain's history has the function and purpose of mental handicap hospitals been so seriously questioned and their future so imperilled. Recent policy documents have been produced to try to devise methods for phasing out the institution and for developing a full range of community services in its place (DHSS, 1980, 1981). It is, therefore, appropriate to take stock of mental handicap policy. This paper briefly traces the development of the institution and its subsequent “medicalisation”, and looks at the future of mental handicap hospitals and social obstacles which may prevent the implementation of government policy. Finally, it suggests that, although these institutions may disappear they will leave a legacy which could pose serious problems for mentally handicapped people in the future.
THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED “DROP‐OUT”
Authors: SPENCER DOUGLAS A.
Published: August 2010

In Britain a gradually expanding framework of services for mentally handicapped people has been developing over many years. It has always been a frequent complaint that not enough is done to help mentally handicapped citizens. In Leeds, recently, the Community Health Councils published a valuable guide entitled Through the Maze, to explain to people in need of help how to find their way round the large range of different services that now exist.
From “cabbages” to “kings”* in one month: or, with the deaf‐blind, you never know till you try
Authors: Kropka Barbara I. , Bamford June , Williams Chris
Published: August 2010

In 1974 L. G. Stewart wrote a paper on the problems and needs of severely handicapped deaf persons and suggested programmes that were needed to meet these needs. He entitled his paper “We have met the enemy and he is us”. He concluded that we have not met the needs of severely handicapped deaf persons, largely because we have not tried hard enough. Though Stewart was writing solely about deafness, this situation can be said to be true of sensory handicap in general. Kropka and Williams (1980) wrote that research into the blind and partially sighted had brought to light hitherto unsuspected service deficiencies for this “hidden” minority, as well as for the hearing impaired minority investigated earlier (Kropka, 1979). It was concluded that fine grain analysis of specific sub‐groups within mental handicap institutions would highlight the under‐estimation of the number of people involved and the lack of suitable programmes for them.
Training parents of school‐age Down's children in verbal communication
Authors: Bidder Reetta T. , Gray Peter , Pates Richard M. , Beckett Christina
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: The parents of eight school age Down's children attended workshops for guidance in aiding their child's verbal communication in everyday situations. Nine other parents participated as matched controls and attended similar workshops later. All the children were assessed twice, six weeks apart (baseline period), on the Performance, Language, and Practical Reasoning subscales of the Griffiths Mental Development Scales. The parents also recorded the child's speech in various situations during one day at the weekend on an identical time scale.

The results show significant changes on all three subscales. The parents' recordings showed an increase in the use of statements with three or more words.

The techniques were easily grasped by the parents and could be utilised by other professionals working with Down's children in education or in parent training. They could also be of value to children manifesting problems other than Down's syndrome.
A SMALL NOTE OF CAUTION
Authors: Wardley Michael
Published: August 2010

Living in a small residential unit within the community should mean a greatly improved quality of life for severely mentally handicapped people. It can, however, mean isolation, regression, severe problem behaviour, and much unhappiness.

This article argues for a better understanding of the complex processes involved when residents of large institutions are relocated in a community situation. By concentrating upon factors which mainly concern the educational situation, some of the major problems are discussed in greater detail.

It is hoped that, whilst the impetus for community placements continues unabated, we should not, through lack of adequate foresight and planning, relegate the handicapped community resident to the status of a second class citizen.
PLANNING TO PLAN: developing community mental handicap teams. Part 2
Authors: Leyin Alan
Published: August 2010

Part 1 of this article (Mental Handicap, December 1983) discussed local strategies for encouraging the development of community mental handicap teams in districts that have yet to adopt this collaborative approach to community services for mentally handicapped people. If you find yourself in a district which has yet to discuss a coordinated community service, perhaps you should be taking action.
A HOME TEACHING SERVICE FOR SCHOOL‐AGED MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND THEIR FOSTER PARENTS
Authors: Collins Graham
Published: August 2010

Barnardo's Professional Fostering Scheme for severely mentally handicapped children in the North West of England includes home teaching from the organisation's psychologists. The first year of teaching, based on the Portage model, was evaluated and found to be only moderately successful. It seemed that there was a need for flexibility, both in type of visit and frequency, dependent on each child's needs, the foster parents' needs, and the input from other sources. An alternative model was developed which aims to provide this flexibility and to impart skills and knowledge to foster parents to enable them to function independently.
EVALUATING SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED USING PROGRAM ANALYSIS OF SERVICE SYSTEMS (PASS)
Authors: Dickens Paul
Published: August 2010

Program Analysis of Service Systems (PASS) is an assessment tool that evaluates the quality of any agency or system providing services to any human client group. Based on normalisation principles (Wolfensberger, 1972), it looks at not only the efficiency of the service, but also the environment which it provides and the extent to which its ideology approaches that of normalisation. This paper attempts to introduce and describe the features of a PASS evaluation, and to review some of the research findings using PASS in the evaluation of services to people who are mentally handicapped.
Is there a symbiotic relationship between staff and people who are mentally handicapped?
Authors: Moore Ian
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The article, prompted by a quotation from Wolfensberger, stimulates all who work with people who are mentally handicapped to examine their motives for doing so. It may be that some staff need the people with whom they work just as much as those people need them. This symbiosis could have significant repercussions in the planning of individual programmes and future services.
Adapting to a new environment: a personal account of the achievements of three people who are mentally handicapped
Authors: Meyers Nancy
Published: August 2010

This article addresses some of the factors in the environment (as well as problems encountered) affecting the successful transition of three people with mental handicap to an independent living situation.

The factors specifically observed for clinical assessment were: the individuals' functional abilities within the “unit” environment, their observable adaptive behaviour, personal accounts by staff who worked closely with them (in both working and living environments), and, finally, some of the individuals' own personal responses.
An experience scheme for student teachers
Authors: Hughes John M.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This “on the job” school experience scheme is complementary to a college‐based programme for prospective teachers of children with severe mental handicaps. Much emphasis is placed on helping the children progress to higher levels in the developmental sequence.

The 15‐week school experience scheme has three phases. Phase One, orientation and observation, entails a one day a week school visit for six consecutive weeks. Phase Two, the use of assessment procedures, shows how these are an integral part of teaching and entails a half day a week school visit for six consecutive weeks. Phase Three, the use of task analysis and an introduction to behaviour modification techniques, entails an initial half day visit a week for three consecutive weeks. (This teaching is extended later).
Mothers and teachers judge children with severe mental handicaps
Authors: Martin Nicola , Martin Bob
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The mothers and teachers of 12 children with severe handicaps were asked to estimate their abilities using developmental checklists. The mothers, almost without exception, were far more optimistic than the teachers. Subsequent interviews illustrated the most important features of their attitudes.
Communication and language in mental handicap
Authors: Bell Ian
Published: August 2010

People involved in facilitating communication and language in children with mental handicaps often use questions to elicit language from them. Using questions is not always very effective, and their extensive use might even hinder the acquisition of spontaneous, creative, and functional language. This article surveys various types of question and indicates those which might be useful in intervention. The next article in the series argues that short responses to questions are frequently appropriate and should be accepted, examines facilitators' reactions to children's responses, and notes that children need to learn to ask as well as to answer questions.
Accommodating adults with severe and profound mental handicaps:
Authors: Felce David , de Kock Ursula
Published: August 2010

This paper compares the capital costs of providing ordinary housing for adults with severe and profound mental handicaps with those of providing larger 24–26 place community‐based units. No increase in costs for the smaller homes was found. The method of acquisition, the NHS purchasing and converting property or building on a vacant site, was found to produce equally high costs in all cases. The need to clarify why NHS costs are high was discussed, as were other property acquisition options.
PLANNING FOR THE ALL‐WALES STRATEGY
Authors: Evans Gerry , Beyer Stephen , Todd Stuart , Blunden Roger
Published: August 2010

The article summarises the findings of an independent evaluation of three years' progress in planning for the AWS. Although parental involvement has been high, and joint working between health and social services departments has improved over the three years, involvement of local education authorities and people with mental handicaps must be increased if the ideals of the AWS are to be attained.
Psychotherapy: a resource for use with people with mental handicaps
Authors: Balbernie Robin
Published: August 2010

The article attempts to remove some of the mystery surrounding psychotherapy by the use of two brief case studies. Its value in alleviating the kind of problems presented by people with mental handicaps makes it another option available to professionals working with such individuals and their families.
FROM HOSPITAL TO COMMUNITY: a procedural guide for resettlement
Authors: Ager Alastair , Bendall Sue , Callwood John , Epps Grace
Published: August 2010

Coordination of the resettlement of people who are mentally handicapped back into the community presents considerable managerial and organisational difficulties. The authors of this article describe a Procedural Guide which they have developed to assist their resettlement work.
HELPING BANGLADESHI FAMILIES: Tower Hamlets Parent Adviser Scheme
Authors: Davis Hilton , Choudhury Prapti Ali
Published: August 2010

This paper describes the problem facing Bangladeshi families of children with mental handicaps in the East End of London. It illustrates how comprehensive help has been provided by employing a full‐time Bangladeshi worker as a Parent Adviser, who was trained in counselling and child management skills before beginning regular home‐visiting. The enormous benefits that have occurred as a result of this work are documented with reference to one family.
People aged over sixty‐five years living in a mental handicap hospital—THIRTEEN YEARS ON
Authors: Ballinger Brian R. , Ballinger C. Barbara
Published: August 2010

People aged over 65 years living in a mental handicap hospital on July 1st, 1989 were rated using a standardised psychiatric interview and other assessments. The results were compared with a similar survey carried out in 1976. Although the number of people had declined slightly, from 38 to 36, they constituted an increased proportion of the hospital population. Basic ability ratings were lower in 1989 than in 1976, but the difference was not statistically significant. Levels of psychiatric symptomatology were similar in both surveys. It was estimated that 58.3 per cent of the people surveyed in 1989 could be placed in non‐hospital residential care.
Defining Sexual Abuse as it Affects Adults with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Brown Hilary , Turk Vicky
Published: August 2010

This paper aims to clarify the basis upon which sexual activity involving people with learning disabilities might be deemed to be abusive. It examines the acts which are committed, explores consent issues, looks at evidence and suggests a scheme for assessing potentially abusive relationships. Such a scheme is necessary for both researchers and practitioners if they are to report consistently and act to protect and support people with learning difficulties who have been the victim of sexual assaults.
Assertiveness Training for People With a Mental Handicap A Group Approach
Authors: Winchurst Claire , Kroese Biza Stenfert , Adams Jay
Published: August 2010

The proceedings of a 16‐session assertiveness group consisting of five participants and two group leaders, are described and measures of efficacy and consumer satisfaction discussed. The intervention included cognitive‐behavioural methods such as self‐evaluation, self‐regulation and problem‐solving training. The use of hand signs were found to be particularly useful as prompts for the four core aspects of assertion and participants were observed to use them as self‐regulation cues in their day‐to‐day life. It was generally found that according to self‐reports, attendance to the group had beneficial effects. The self‐report measures employed in this study were considered to be valid and reliable for all but one of the participants.
Problems in Promoting Healthy Eating Lessons from a Group Approach
Authors: Wilson M. , Parkinson K.
Published: August 2010

This paper describes a group approach to the treatment of overweight and poor nutritional intake in a group of people with a learning difficulty and highlights some of the problems that were encountered. It is hoped to offer some lessons to clinicians who may be faced with a similar problem or task in their own clinical service.
Cryogenic vitrification and 3D serial sectioning using high resolution cryo‐FIB SEM technology for brine‐filled grain boundaries in halite: first results
Authors: DESBOIS G. , URAI J. L. , BURKHARDT C. , DRURY M. R. , HAYLES M. , HUMBEL B.
Published: August 2010

The structure of brine films in grain boundaries of halite has been the subject of much controversy over the past 20 years; although a number of innovative methods have been developed to study these structures, much is still unknown and fundamental information is missing. In this study, we investigated different methods of plunge‐freezing to vitrify the brine fill of grain boundaries for natural salt polycrystal. This was followed by a preliminary study of the 3D morphology of a vitrified grain boundary in a natural rock salt sample with a focused ion beam (FIB) excavation system. We have shown that brine‐filled grain boundaries in rock salt can be efficiently well frozen when dimensions are less than about 1 mm. Coupled with an ion beam tool, cryo‐SEM allows 3D observation of the well‐frozen grain boundaries in large volumes and high resolution. Initial results of brine‐filled natural halite grain boundaries show non‐faceted crystal–brine interfaces and unexpectedly low dihedral angles at room temperature and pressure.
The duality of world cities and firms: comparing networks, hierarchies, and inequalities in the global economy
Authors: NEAL ZACHARY P.
Published: August 2010

Much of the research on globalization conceives of the global economy as structured by networks among places, while separately organizational research has examined the role of networks among firms in structuring competition, collaboration, and cooperation. In both cases, position and centrality within the network confers certain advantages and disadvantages, the distribution of which defines a hierarchy. In this article, I explore the idea of dual networks of world cities and firms, then use Breiger's approach to define two such networks: one among 313 world cities, another among 100 advanced producer service firms. Comparison of the degree of inequality in the hierarchies implied by these networks suggest that world city hierarchies are steeper than firm hierarchies (that is there is greater inequality among cities). Thus, even under conditions of footloose global capitalism, place still matters: where a producer is located has more impact than who provides support services.
Sense of home in a transnational social space: New Zealanders in London
Authors: WILES JANINE
Published: August 2010

In this article, I explore the ways in which ‘middling’ migrant New Zealanders living in London and New Zealand discuss and identify with home. For these multi‐local individuals, the discursive and material aspects of New Zealand as home form a framework for their everyday life as migrants living in London. Interpretation of the interviews using thematic and narrative analyses works through a conceptualization of home, migration, and identity as interdependent, through three interrelated themes: the symbolic or political nature of home; the importance of family and familiarity for a sense of home; and the role of physical material objects and places. Participants in this study see New Zealand as their home, yet by being away from home they gain new perspectives on home. In London, they engage with or resist a collective imaginary of New Zealand as home that is both self‐perpetuated and externally imposed, and which both reveals and conceals ideas about individual and group identity and community. On returning from London, the idealistic and sometimes simplistic visions of New Zealand as home that structure their lives in London are often disrupted by the more complex yet more mundane version of home and self with which they are confronted.
A critical review of systematic evidence concerning distinctive pedagogies for pupils with difficulties in learning
Authors: Lewis Ann , Norwich Brahm
Published: August 2010

Recent curriculum initiatives in the UK assume the validity of a broadly common curriculum for all pupils. This paper summarises our review (Lewis & Norwich, 2000) which set out to subject that assumption to critical scrutiny. The review addressed the question: can differences between learners (by particular learning difficulty group) be identified and systematically linked with learners’ needs for differential teaching? We framed the review around notions of the general and unique needs of individual learners.

We found little evidence to support the notion of one, or several, SEN‐specific pedagogies. It may be that systematic differences in pedagogic needs do exist between various special educational needs subgroups (for example, in the UK: moderate learning difficulties; specific learning difficulties; profound and multiple learning difficulties) but the research to date has not been designed in ways that reveal these differences. It may also be the case that systematic differences do exist between groups of learners for particular pedagogic inputs, but that the basis for grouping is not consistent with the administrative groupings now operating. Both these positions reflect general pedagogic differences between learners.

There is increasing support from within and beyond the special educational needs ‘community’ for the recognition of common pedagogic needs, and the conclusions of our review support that position. However it is tempered by recognition of the unique differences position. That is, that while recognising common pedagogic needs across all learners (for feedback, for example), how this is translated at the level of the individual learner will reflect the capabilities (cognitive, social and emotional) of that individual. We conclude that the notion of continua of teaching approaches is useful as it enables us to distinguish between the ‘normal’ adaptations in class teaching for most pupils and the greater degree of adaptations required for those with more severe difficulties in learning, those designated as having ‘SEN’. These are adaptations to common teaching approaches; what some writers have called specialised adaptations, or ‘high density’ teaching.
Including children with a visual impairment in the mainstream primary school classroom
Authors: Davis Pauline , Hopwood Vicky
Published: August 2010

This article reports on ESRC‐funded research, ‘Including children with visual impairment in mainstream primary school classrooms’. The inquiry comprised a multiple case study of children with visual impairment in 17 mainstream primary schools. Classroom observation and interviews were the main methods used. Interviews were conducted with all those who had a direct impact on the quality of the children's inclusion in the classrooms, such as the teaching assistant, class teacher and specialist visiting teachers, as well as with others to provide a richer contextual understanding of the teaching and learning in the schools. Overcoming barriers to the participation and learning of children with visual impairment emerged as: the provision of an adequate additional support; inclusion in the main learning processes taking place in the classroom; and good communication between the teaching team. A discussion of the meaning of inclusion in the context of the classroom is provided.
Effects of genistein and herbimycin, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, on catecholamine release in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells
Authors: Matsumura C. , Kuwashima H. , Soma S. , Kimura T.
Published: August 2010

1 The effects of genistein and herbimycin, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, on catecholamine (CA) release were examined in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

2 In intact cells, genistein (10–100 μm) and herbimycin (3–30 μm) inhibited CA release induced by acetylcholine (ACh; 100 μm) or the nicotinic receptor stimulant 1,1‐dimethyl‐4‐phenyl‐piperazinium (DMPP; 10 μm), but did not affect CA release induced by high K+ (40 mm).

3 Genistein and herbimycin inhibited 45Ca2+ uptake induced by ACh (100 μm).

4 Neither genistein nor herbimycin affected [3H]nicotine binding with nicotinic receptors.

5 In β‐escin‐permeabilized cells, neither genistein nor herbimycin affected CA release induced by Ca2+ (1 μm).

6 These results suggest that protein tyrosine kinase plays the facilitatory role in the regulation of CA release induced by nicotinic receptor stimulation in stimulus‐secretion coupling of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.
Multifocal ERG changes in glaucoma
Authors: Chan H.L. , Brown B.
Published: August 2010

The multifocal electroretinogram (MERG) can assess regional retinal responses using analysis which gives both first‐order and second‐order nonlinear responses from multiple retinal regions. The retinal responses from both types of analysis showed amplitude reduction in glaucoma, suggesting that the outer and inner retinal layers are affected. These findings are in accord with the damage which has been reported in advanced glaucoma. The macular response showed a larger amplitude reduction in b‐waves (first‐order response) and N2P (second‐order response) than did peripheral retinal responses. This indicates that loss of macular response is an important sign in glaucoma.
Pareto‐optimal solutions for multicriteria optimization of a chemical engineering process using a diploid genetic algorithm
Authors: Mokeddem D. , Khellaf A.
Published: August 2010

In many, if not most, optimization problems, industrialists are often confronted with multi‐objective decision problems. For example, in manufacturing processes, it may be necessary to optimize several criteria to take into account all the market constraints. Hence, the purpose is to choose the best trade‐offs among all the defined and conflicting objectives. This paper presents a multi‐objective optimization procedure based on a diploid genetic algorithm, which yields an optimal zone containing the solution under the concept of Pareto dominance. Pair‐wise points are compared, and non‐dominated points are collected in the Pareto region. Then a ranking is established, and the decision maker selects the first‐best solution. Finally, the procedure is applied to the chemical engineering process of cattle feed manufacture.
Retracted: Relationship Incentives and the Optimistic/Pessimistic Pattern in Analysts' Forecasts
Authors: LIBBY ROBERT , HUNTON JAMES E. , TAN HUN‐TONG , SEYBERT NICHOLAS
Published: August 2010

We examine whether analysts' incentives to maintain good relationships with management contribute to the optimistic/pessimistic within‐period time trend in analysts' forecasts. In our experiments, 81 experienced sell‐side analysts from two brokerage firms predict earnings based on historical information and management guidance. Analysts' forecasts exhibit an optimistic/pessimistic pattern across the two timing conditions (early and late in the quarter), and the effect is significantly stronger when the analysts have a good relationship with management than when their only incentive is to be accurate. Debriefing results indicate that analysts are aware of this pattern of forecasts, and believe that this benefits their future relationships with management and with brokerage clients. The analysts most frequently cite favored conference call participation and information access when describing benefits from maintaining good relationships with management. Our results suggest the following: The optimistic/pessimistic pattern in forecasts is in part a conscious response to relationship incentives, information access is perceived to be a major benefit of management relationships, and recent regulatory changes may have lessened but have not eliminated this conflict of interest source.
SCENEDESMUS MORPHOLOGY AND FLOTATION1
Authors: Conway Karen , Trainor Francis R.
Published: August 2010

Various flotation studies were conducted on several strains of Scenedesmus. Inverted microscope flotation experiments run on culture 614 with bristles, culture 614 centrifuged to remove bristles, and bristle‐less strain 76 revealed that bristles aid in flotation.

Cultures grown in NH4NO3‐Bristol's compared to cultures grown in Bristol's medium exhibited a positive buoyancy as do cells transferred, to fresh media.

Differential centrifugation procedures demonstrate that colonies with bristles and spines exhibit a greater buoyancy than spineless and bristle less colonies, and furthermore that unicells and newly released colonies exhibit greater buoyancy than older cultures and large, granular, dividing cells.
ONTOGENY, HISTOCHEMISTRY AND FINE STRUCTURE OF CELLULAR INCLUSIONS IN VEGETATIVE CELLS OF ANTITHAMNION DEFECTUM (CERAMIACEAE, RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Young David N.
Published: August 2010

The ultrastructure and histochemistry of developing and mature cell inclusions in vegetative cells of Antithamnion defectum Kylin were examined. Those studied were chloroplast inclusions, cytoplasmic crystals and spherical bodies within the vacuole. Chloroplasts of mature vegetative cells contain an interthylakoidal, apparently noncrystalline deposit of undetermined chemical identity. The bodies are parallel to the long axis of the plastid, are square (0.13 μm) in cross‐section, and up to 3 μm long. Spherical vacuolar bodies (0.5–1.5 μum diam) are formed during early stages of vacuole formation by accumulation of protein deposits in swelling endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae. Swelling of smooth ER contiguous to the ER containing the deposits results in the vacuole enclosing the spherical bodies. In mature cells, vesicles appear to be secreted into the preformed vacuole. Cytoplasmic proteinaceous crystalloids develop without a bounding membrane and may serve as protein reserves.
CELL WALL CONSTITUENTS OF APHANOTHECE HALOPHYTICA (CYANOPHYTA)1
Authors: Jones Jay H. , Yopp John H.
Published: August 2010

Some aspects of the cell wall and extracellular polysaccharide (ECPS) of the obligate halophile Aphanothece halophytica Frémy (Chroococcales) have been investigated. Extracellular polysaccharide concentration was found to remain constant on a per cell basis in medium containing from 1–3 M NaCl. The rate of ECPS production remained constant during mid‐log growth phase and increased substantially as the culture reached stationary phase. The lipopolysaccharide of this organism was found to possess a low and unusual fatty acid content when compared to other chroococcalean forms. The cell wall appears to contain a typical gram‐negative peptidoglycan. The covalently attached protein resembles the envelope protein of extremely halophilic bacteria in its possession of a similar molar percentage of amino acids with lipophilic R‐groups and a high acidic amino acid fraction. The ECPS and cell wall fractions of A. halophytica were found to chemically more closely resemble those from other non‐halophilic, chroococcalean bluegreen algae than those from the obligately halophilic bacteria.