bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF STRATEGIC PLANNING BEHAVIOUR IN SMEs IN SINGAPORE/MALAYSIA CONTEXT
Authors: GHOSH B C , LOW AIK-MENG , TAN TECK-MENG , CHAN CHEE-ONN
Published: November 2004

Strategic planning literature is extensive but how small and medium sized firms (SMEs) behave in response to environmental changes and how they incorporate such changes in their medium to long term plan has been insufficiently studied, in the writers’ view, especially in Singapore/Malaysia context. This research is dedicated towards finding a framework for such analysis and testing such framework in 15 local/regional companies.

After an extensive literature review from sources which are both international and local, a fairly lengthy questionnaire was developed. As stated, 15 companies’ chief executives (or in their absence, someone equivalent) were interviewed and at the end of each interview a set of structured questions were asked to be filled in. The whole interview process itself took more than a month. The results have been analysed and highlighted. One main finding is that SMEs continue to be family-centred in a local/regional context especially. Among other findings were the process of information gathering which was chiefly informal, the dominance of CEO-centred management, opportunity-seeking and risk-taking in identifying strategies and finally, the role of the spouse-support.

This research is multi-faced and deserves to be further explored. Herein lies its limitation as well as its promise. A research of this nature cannot claim to be fully conclusive and hence its natural incompleteness indicates further research continuation.
BANKING EXPERIENCES OF CANADIAN MICRO-BUSINESSES
Authors: ORSER BARBARA J. , RIDING ALLAN L. , SWIFT CATHERINE S.
Published: November 2004

Defined as those firms with three or fewer full time employees and annual sales of less than $200,000, many micro-enterprises may find it more difficult than larger firms to obtain the debt capital necessary for both expansion and on-going operations. This is because micro-enterprises are often perceived as risky and because banks are not in the venture capital business. Moreover, banking institutions benefit more from the economies of scale inherent in making larger loans. It follows that the terms onwhich lending is extended to small enterprises may be more onerous than the termsextended to larger firms. To the extent that micro-enterprise is dominated by women-owned businesses, the potential scarcity of debt capital could also be experienced as a gender issue. This argumentation motivates the empirical analyses reported in this paper. These arguments lead to two testable hypotheses that this research probes empirically. The first hypothesis is that access to and terms of credit for micro-enterprises are more severe than they are for larger firms. The second hypothesis is that within the micro-enterprise sector access to, and terms of, credit for women owners are, ceteris paribus, more demanding. A taxonomy of the very small business sector is advanced. It is found that size indeed counts against microbusinesses in their banking relationships, but that gender is not a factor. The paper closes by suggesting the development of new technologies to improve the lending efficiencies of micro-loan transactions and the establishment of new lending vehicles. Such changes might be profitable for banks, useful for very small firms, and helpful to community economic development agencies. The high incidence of dissatisfied small business customers suggests the need for a less concentrated small business banking market. To this end, the recommendations of other researchers are endorsed, recommendations for legislative changes that would permit the entry into the lending market of small cooperative banking institutions (such as credit unions and caisses populaires in Canada).
Extensions of the Hardy‐Littlewood inequalities for Schwarz symmetrization
Authors: Hajaiej H. , Stuart C. A.
Published: November 2004

For a class of functions , including discontinuous functions of Carathéodory type, we establish that , where u*(x) and v*(x) denote the Schwarz symmetrizations of nonnegative functions u and v.
Marketing of Alcohol to Young People: A Comparison of the UK and Poland
Authors: Cooke Emma , Hastings Gerard , Wheeler Colin , Eadie Douglas , Moskalewicz Jacek , Dąbrowska Katarzyna
Published: November 2004

This paper takes an international perspective on the marketing of alcohol to young people by examining case studies of the marketing of alcohol in the UK and Poland. It is suggested that marketing is a powerful mechanism for attracting young consumers. The alcohol industry is an innovative industry able to use a wide variety of marketing tools to achieve success in the market-place. It is important to recognise that the marketing activities of the industry are becoming increasingly transnational and that policy response has to be equally transnational.
The Relation of a Family History of Alcoholism, Obstetric Complications and Family Environment to Behavioral Problems among 154 Adolescents in Germany: Results from the Children of Alcoholics Study in Pomerania
Authors: Barnow Sven , Lucht Michael , Hamm Alfons , John Ulrich , Freyberger Harald-J.
Published: November 2004

Background: Behavioral problems in adolescence have been shown to be associated with the presence of a positive family history of alcoholism (FH+), obstetric complications (OCs), and negative parenting practices. Method: This study tested the relation of these factors to aggression/delinquency and attention problems in an untreated population sample of 154 adolescents in Pomerania. Furthermore, we evaluated the predictive strength of a FH+, OCs and negative parenting styles in a prospective subsample of 127 adolescents using a hierarchical regression analysis. Results: Group comparisons between offspring with higher vs. lower values on aggression/delinquency revealed that only rejection by the parents was significantly more often reported by teenagers with higher measures on these behavioral problems. Offspring with higher values on attention problems had more OCs reported by the mother and also had more feelings of parental rejection compared to controls. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed that parental rejection was the only significant predictor for both aggression/delinquency, and attention problems measured 1 year after the initial assessment. Conclusion: We conclude that parental rejection is a major risk factor for both aggression/delinquency and attention problems. Reflecting the fact that these behavioral problems have been reported to be strongly associated with later substance misuse, the improvement of parenting practices should be considered in prevention and intervention programs.
Alcohol Consumption among Middle-Aged Women: A Population-Based Study of Swedish Women
Authors: Cederfjäll Jenny , Lidfeldt Jonas , Nerbrand Christina , Samsioe Göran , Öjehagen Agneta
Published: November 2004

From a total population of 10,766 Swedish 50- to 59-year-old women, 6,917 (64.2%) participated in the Women’s Health in Lund Area (WHILA) study, and among them 6,623 (95.7%) answered the questions on alcohol consumption. One out of 4 women (26.0%) consumed no alcohol in an ordinary week (non-drinkers), 57.4% consumed not more than 83 g alcohol, 12.5% consumed 84–167 g and 4.2% consumed 168 g or more. The weekly drinkers had a median consumption of 40.0 g alcohol (range 2.5–1,036.0) and the main sort of alcohol was wine. Comparing the four drinking groups, most differences occurred between the non-drinking and the weekly drinking women. The non-drinkers had lower socio-demographic status, poorer health and more symptoms, especially physical symptoms. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, most associations between non-drinking and lower socio-demographic status remained.
Use of Caffeine-Based Products and Tobacco in Relation to the Consumption of Alcohol
Authors: Amit Zalman , Weiss Shoshana , Smith Brian R. , Markevitch Shimon
Published: November 2004

The relations between the intake of alcohol and that of caffeinated beverages, as well as cigarette smoking, was examined in a group of chronic alcoholics in an Israeli treatment center. When data from the total sample was analyzed, relationships between alcohol and caffeinated beverages intake and between alcohol intake and smoking were observed. Caffeine use and smoking were also related. In addition, a subgroup of subjects with a family history of alcoholism revealed correlations between alcohol and caffeine consumption, between alcohol intake and smoking, as well as caffeine use and smoking. Subjects without a family history of alcoholism also showed relationships between alcohol and caffeine use and smoking. However, coffee intake and tobacco use was not related in this subgroup. The relevance of the findings to previous reports concerning alcohol drinking and smoking as well as the intake of coffee appear to be consistent with a notion of interaction between these respective behaviors occurring at a behavioral level rather than a genetic one.
Dosage Regimes in the Prescription of Heroin and Other Narcotics to Chronic Opioid Addicts in Switzerland – Swiss National Cohort Study
Authors: Gschwend Patrick , Rehm Jürgen , Blättler Richard , Steffen Thomas , Seidenberg André , Christen Stephan , Bürki Christoph , Gutzwiller Felix
Published: November 2004

Aims: Within the guidelines of the research programme on medical prescription of narcotics for opioid addicts (PROVE), heroin, morphine, and methadone were prescribed to heavily opioid addicted individuals in Switzerland since 1994. This contribution analyses the course of dose levels during the treatment period. Design: Naturalistic description of consumed dosages per day and month. Setting and Participants: The study describes the dosages prescribed to all individuals who began outpatient treatment in the PROVE programme in Switzerland between 1994 and 1996. Measurements: Consumed amount of narcotics per day and the course of dosage of injectable heroin in different treatment regimes. Findings: Heroin was the most frequently prescribed narcotic. Of all consumption days, heroin had been applied in 77% as injection and in 9% in a smokeable form. The mean daily dosage was 474 mg for intravenous application and 993 mg for the smokeable form. Second most frequent was the prescription of oral methadone, in most cases in combination with heroin. The mean amount of daily consumption of oral methadone was 53 mg. There were dosage differences between treatment regimes. During the course of treatment the mean dosage for injectable heroin per day decreased significantly and, depending on the treatment regime, almost linearly. Conclusions: The significance of heroin dosages in heroin-assisted therapy for treatment outcome should be further explored, especially in the light of the markedly higher dosages in Switzerland compared to the UK. During the treatment period, dosages did not increase but generally decreased, indicating no further increase in tolerance.
Randomized Trial of an Inhibitor of Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Bolton W. Kline , Cattran Daniel C. , Williams Mark E. , Adler Sharon G. , Appel Gerald B. , Cartwright Kenneth , Foiles Peter G. , Freedman Barry I. , Raskin Philip , Ratner Robert E. , Spinowitz Bruce S. , Whittier Frederick C. , Wuerth Jean-Paul , for the ACTION I Investigator Group (Appendix) f
Published: November 2004

Background/Aims: Pimagedine inhibits the formation of advanced glycation end products and slows the progression of diabetic complications in experimental models. This study was undertaken to determine if pimagedine ameliorates nephropathy in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Methods: This was a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study performed in 690 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, nephropathy, and retinopathy. The patients received twice daily dosing with placebo, pimagedine 150 mg, or pimagedine 300 mg for 2–4 years. The primary end point was the time to doubling of serum creatinine; the secondary end points included evaluations of proteinuria, kidney function, and retinopathy. Results: Serum creatinine doubled in 26% (61/236) of the placebo-treated patients and in 20% (91/454) of those who received pimagedine (p = 0.099). The estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased more slowly in the pimagedine-treated patients with a 36-month decrease from baseline of 6.26 ml/min/1.73 m2 as compared with 9.80 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the placebo-treated patients (p = 0.05), and pimagedine reduced the 24-hour total urinary proteinuria. (The mean reduction from baseline at month 36 was 732 mg/24 h at the low dose and 329 mg/24 h at the high dose as compared with 35 mg/24 h in the placebo group; p ≤ 0.001.) Fewer pimagedine-treated patients with baseline and end point evaluations (31/324; 10%) as compared with those receiving placebo (16%; 28/179) experienced a three-step or greater progression of the retinopathy (Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study) score (p = 0.030). Three patients receiving high-dose pimagedine but none receiving low-dose treatment developed glomerulonephritis. Conclusions: While this study did not demonstrate a statistically significant beneficial effect of pimagedine on the progression of overt nephropathy resulting from type 1 diabetes, it is noteworthy in providing the first clinical proof of the concept that inhibiting advanced glycation end product formation can result in a clinically important attenuation of the serious complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Calcification of the Medial Layer of the Internal Thoracic Artery in Diabetic Patients: Relevance of Glycoxidation
Authors: Sakata Noriyuki , Takeuchi Kazuma , Noda Keita , Saku Keijiro , Tachikawa Yutaka , Tashiro Tadashi , Nagai Ryoji , Horiuchi Seikoh
Published: November 2004

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of glycoxidation in the calcification of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) in diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: ITA samples were obtained from 17 patients with type 2 DM (age 62.9 ± 10.5 years) and 12 age-matched, nondiabetic patients (age 62.5 ± 10.2 years) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. These samples were analyzed histopathologically and assessed for calcification by von Kossa staining and for glycoxidation by immunohistochemistry using anti-NΕ-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) antibody. Morphometric evaluation of calcification of the medial layer, intimal thickness and intima-to-media ratio was performed using NIH image software. To evaluate the mechanism of the interaction between calcification and glycoxidation, we developed an in vitro model of calcification of collagen that was chemically modified by glucose, glutaraldehyde or epoxy compound. The calcium-binding activity of these collagens was determined in hydrolysates using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: ITAs of both diabetic and nondiabetic patients were free of atherosclerosis, and no differences were found between the two groups with regard to intimal thickness and intima-to-media ratio. Areas of calcification were noticed in both groups in the tunica media, but not in the tunica intima. Calcium deposits were localized within the extracellular matrix, which was immunohistochemically positive for CML. The extent of medial layer calcification was significantly greater in diabetic patients than nondiabetic subjects, but was independent of known risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and history of old myocardial infarction. The binding activity of collagen was time-dependently increased with in vitro incubation of glucose. A significant increase in the calcium-binding ability was observed in glucose- and glutaraldehyde-modified collagens, but not in epoxy compound-modified collagen. Conclusion: Our results suggest that glycoxidative modification of the extracellular matrix, in particular collagen, of the vascular wall may enhance the development of ITA calcification in diabetic patients.
Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcome Reports
Authors: Jacobs Ian , Nadkarni Vinay ,   the ILCOR Task Force on Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcomes,   CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS, Bahr Jan , Berg Robert A. , Billi John E. , Bossaert Leo , Cassan Pascal , Coovadia Ashraf , D’Este Kate , Finn Judith , Halperin Henry , Handley Anthony , Herlitz Johan , Hickey Robert , Idris Ahamed , Kloeck Walter , Larkin Gregory Luke , Mancini Mary Elizabeth , Mason Pip , Mears Gregory , Monsieurs Koenraad , Montgomery William , Morley Peter , Nichol Graham , Nolan Jerry , Okada Kazuo , Perlman Jeffrey , Shuster Michael , Steen Petter Andreas , Sterz Fritz , Tibballs James , Timerman Sergio , Truitt Tanya , Zideman David
Published: November 2004

Outcome after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation is dependent on critical interventions, particularly early defibrillation, effective chest compressions, and advanced life support. Utstein-style definitions and reporting templates have been used extensively in published studies of cardiac arrest, which has led to greater understanding of the elements of resuscitation practice and progress toward international consensus on science and resuscitation guidelines. Despite the development of Utstein templates to standardize research reports of cardiac arrest, international registries have yet to be developed. In April 2002, a task force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) met in Melbourne, Australia, to review worldwide experience with the Utstein definitions and reporting templates. The task force revised the core reporting template and definitions by consensus. Care was taken to build on previous definitions, changing data elements and operational definitions only on the basis of published data and experience derived from those registries that have used Utstein-style reporting. Attention was focused on decreasing the complexity of the existing templates and addressing logistical difficulties in collecting specific core and supplementary (ie, essential and desirable) data elements recommended by previous Utstein consensus conferences. Inconsistencies in terminology between in-hospital and out-of-hospital Utstein templates were also addressed. The task force produced a reporting tool for essential data that can be used for both quality improvement (registries) and research reports and that should be applicable to both adults and children. The revised and simplified template includes practical and succinct operational definitions. It is anticipated that the revised template will enable better and more accurate completion of all reports of cardiac arrest and resuscitation attempts. Problems with data definition, collection, linkage, confidentiality, management, and registry implementation are acknowledged and potential solutions offered. Uniform collection and tracking of registry data should enable better continuous quality improvement within every hospital, emergency medical services system, and community.
Toward a Multifaceted Model of the Structure of Social Justice Judgments
Authors: Sabbagh Clara
Published: November 2004

This study explores the potential cross-cultural generalizability of a conceptual framework for understanding the multifaceted universe of contents and structure of human social justice judgments (SJJ). The hypothesized framework identifies four elemental facets needed to define SJJ and specifies the types of justice contents people are likely to distinguish when evaluating the justness of a distribution—principles and distributive rules, social resources, sign of the outcome distribution (positive or negative), and the type of social context in which resources are distributed. To empirically verify the fit between the hypothesized structure, smallest space analysis was applied, and earlier findings obtained in an Israeli sample were compared to findings obtained in East and West German samples. Separate replications conducted in the East and West German samples revealed that the multidimensional configurations of SJJ intercorrelations could be partitioned into distinct regions of items that correspond to the facets’ hypothesized elements and their expected arrangements
Internal-External Causal Attributions and Perceived Government Responsibility for Need Provision
Authors: Shirazi Rez , Biel Anders
Published: November 2004

This study examines whether locus and importance of causal attributions for poverty mediate effects of gender and political ideology on attitudes toward social welfare provision. The study also examines whether cultural differences moderate effects of causal attributions on attitudes toward social provision. Analyses of data from 14 cultures ( N = 4,018) showed a positive relationship between importance of external causes of poverty and support for social provision of basic needs and a negative relationship between the internal causes and the support for social provision. Political conservatives, in particular men, ascribed less responsibility to government for need provision than did liberals. The ideological differences were partially mediated by external and internal attributions, whereas gender differences were mediated by external attributions. Not only did culture moderate effects of causal attributions, cultural differences in support of social provision were also partially but extremely differently (e.g., United States vs. Ireland) mediated by causal attributions
Beyond Left-Right Ideology in the Study of Justice Perception
Authors: Frey Rosemary Ann , Powell Lawrence Alfred
Published: November 2004

This article outlines an alternative to traditional left-right ideological spectrum approaches to studying political opinion formation and distributive justice perception within cultures, highlighting instead the tension that exists between an interdependence distributive worldview focused on intimacy and social connectedness, and an independence distributive worldview focused on personal control and mastery over one’s life space. Employing data from the Cross-Cultural Variations in Distributive Justice Perception project, (a) quantitative measures of individual differences in personality orientations and (b) qualitative-interpretive measures of word-use patterns (in discussing distributive fairness issues) are applied within two exemplary cultural contexts (Jamaica, New Zealand) to examine the potential utility of the interdependence-independence model as a viable explanatory alternative to left-right theories of justice orientation. Profiles are constructed of salient features differentiating the distributive worldviews of interdependents and independents in Jamaica and New Zealand, and implications of this model are drawn for the study of distributive justice perception processes across cultures
An Integrative Etic-Emic Approach to Portraying the Halutziut System of Societal Equity
Authors: Sabbagh Clara
Published: November 2004

Based on equity theory and sociocultural conditions, this study depicts the Israeli system of societal equity from the perspective of the ethos of halutziut (Jewish pioneering).This ethos, which under scores the individual’s contribution to the enhancement of collective goals, has created a correspondence between hierarchically valued signifiers of societal contribution (e.g., military service) and social groupings defined along gender, ethnic, age, and professional lines. This study used multivariate analysis, and Powell’s technique for measuring and spatially portraying respondents’ perceptions of societal equity. Results supported the expected pioneering hierarchy of groupings, mainly among Jewish respondents. Arab respondents differed in their perceptions of groupings associated with Jewish pioneering but were similar regarding other groupings. There is some evidence that perceptions of the contribution and rewards of several groupings, such as social class and gender, may converge across different sociocultural contexts.
Beyond Exposure for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms
Authors: Lombardo Thomas W. , Gray Matt J.
Published: November 2004

Although cases of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with comorbid disorders are common, the first generation of PTSD treatment approaches, including exposure and cognitive-behavioral therapy, generally ignore symptoms beyond those specific to PTSD. Optimum PTSD treatment outcome requires more comprehensive strategies, and the development and empirical testing of broader approaches is the focus of the articles that follow in this special issue. After providing some background on PTSD and PTSD treatment, this paper gives an overview of these treatment and prevention papers, which represent second-generation strategies to help trauma-exposed individuals.
Exposure Therapy for Substance Abusers with PTSD
Authors: Coffey Scott F. , Schumacher Julie A. , Brimo Marcella L. , Brady Kathleen T.
Published: November 2004

Epidemiological research indicates that there is substantial comorbidity between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Moreover, there is growing evidence that having a comorbid PTSD diagnosis is associated with greater substance use problem severity and poorer outcomes from SUD treatment. In an attempt to improve the treatment outcome for individuals with PTSD-SUD, recently developed treatments combine exposure therapy for PTSD with an empirically supported treatment for SUD. This article describes one of the treatments and discusses treatment modifications that have been incorporated when translating this research-based therapy to practice in an inner-city community mental health center.
Multicomponent Behavioral Treatment for Chronic Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Turner Samuel M. , Beidel Deborah C. , Frueh B. Christopher
Published: November 2004

Posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) is a severe and chronic mental disorder that is highly prevalent within Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers. A severe psychiatric disorder, combat-related PTSD is typically accompanied by multiple comorbid psychiatric disorders, symptom chronicity, and extreme social maladjustment. Thus, PTSD is a complex psychiatric disorder resulting in considerable emotional distress and impaired social functioning and often constitutes a significant treatment challenge. Although a range of psychotherapeutic strategies for chronic PTSD have been advanced, behavioral treatments emphasizing various methods of exposure therapy have been the most carefully studied and show the most promise. However, chronic PTSD exposure alone does not appear to have a significant effect on the negative symptoms of PTSD (e.g., avoidance, interpersonal difficulties) or anger control. This may be because exposure is more focused on anxiety and fear reduction and does not address basic skill deficits, help reestablish impaired relationships, or teach anger control. Therefore, we developed a multicomponent treatment program to complement exposure by targeting those areas of the clinical syndrome (e.g., social skills) not found to be helped by exposure alone. This treatment program, trauma management therapy (TMT), has showed good preliminary results in an open trial. In this article, we describe the treatment program, including elements of education, individually administered exposure therapy, programmed practice (i.e., homework), and group-administered social and emotional skills training. The appendix includes a detailed description of how to implement the social and emotional skills training components on a session-by-session basis; the full TMT treatment manual is available on request.
Multiple Channel Exposure Therapy
Authors: Falsetti Sherry A. , Resnick Heidi S. , Davis Joanne
Published: November 2004

A large proportion of patients who present for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience comorbid panic attacks, yet it is unclear to what extent currently available PTSD treatment programs address this problem. Here we describe a newly developed treatment, multiple-channel exposure therapy (M-CET), for comorbid PTSD and panic attacks. The treatment utilizes elements of cognitive processing therapy treatment for PTSD and elements of panic control treatment to target physiological, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. Preliminary results suggest that M-CET may provide a promising treatment program for a subset of patients with PTSD who experience panic attacks. In addition, guidelines for conducting M-CET with clients who have been exposed to diverse traumatic events are provided.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Orsillo Susan M. , Batten Sonja V.
Published: November 2004

The current article describes the application of a behavioral psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is argued that PTSD can be conceptualized as a disorder that is developed and maintained in traumatized individuals as a result of excessive, ineffective attempts to control unwanted thoughts, feelings, and memories, especially those related to the traumatic event(s). As ACT is a therapeutic method designed specifically to reduce experiential avoidance, it may be a treatment that is particularly suited for individuals with PTSD. The application of ACT to PTSD is described, and a case example is used to demonstrate how this therapy can be successfully used with individuals presenting for life problems related to a traumatic event.
Description of an Early Intervention to Prevent Substance Abuse and Psychopathology in Recent Rape Victims
Authors: Resnick Heidi , Acierno Ron , Kilpatrick Dean G. , Holmes Melissa
Published: November 2004

Approximately 683,000 adult women are raped each year. Only one in seven of these victims report the assault to police and receive forensic exams and other professional services. For many rape victims, this may be the only professional contact with service providers; however these services are typically limited to evidence collection and prophylactic STD treatment. Yet this exam also presents a unique opportunity for a preventive intervention to help prepare women to cope with potential stress related to rape-exam procedures and to address potential post rape psycho-pathology. This article reviews psychological interventions for trauma victims used in the acute post rape time frame and provides data from an ongoing clinical trial that evaluates delivery of a preventive intervention for victims presenting for forensic rape exams.
Balancing Parenthood and Academia
Authors: O’Laughlin Elizabeth M. , Bischoff Lisa G.
Published: November 2004

The present research investigated the influence of gender and tenure status in academicians’ experiences of balancing parenthood and an academic career. Men ( n = 85) and women ( n = 179) employed full-time in tenure-track academic positions with at least one child younger than the age of 16 responded via the Internet to a 36-item questionnaire assessing experiences and perceptions regarding work and family demands. Results revealed group differences based on gender but no differences based on tenure status alone and no significant interactions between gender and tenure status. Women reported greater academic and family stress and perceptions of less institutional support for balance of work and family as compared to men. Results are discussed in terms of the rational and role demand models of work/family stress.
Parenting Influences on Early Sex Initiation Among Adolescents
Authors: Roche Kathleen M. , Mekos Debra , Alexander Cheryl S. , Astone Nan Marie , Bandeen-Roche Karen , Ensminger Margaret E.
Published: November 2004

Building on social ecological research, this study considers whether neighborhood socioeconomic advantage modifies the relationship between parenting practices and sex initiation among young adolescents. Using data on a national sample of 2,559 middle school students, the authors examined two-way interactions between neighborhood socioeconomic status and parental involvement, decision making, and communication about sex. The parental decision-making measure was developed using latent class analysis. Greater parental involvement was related to a lower likelihood of sex initiation only when youth lived in socioeconomically advantaged neighborhoods. Parental decision making centered on the child’s activities within (e.g., television watching) and outside (e.g., hanging with peers) of the home was associated with a lower likelihood of sex initiation for adolescents in disadvantaged neighborhoods but to a greater likelihood of sex initiation for youth in advantaged neighborhoods. Results suggest that the neighborhood context must be considered in preventive interventions aimed at discouraging adolescent involvement in sexual intercourse.
Grandparent Visitation Rights
Authors: Henderson Tammy L.
Published: November 2004

The author examined 65 cases in which grandparents successfully acquired court-ordered visitation with their grandchildren to understand how courts shape family development and how social scientists might support families who are engaged in legal disputes. Using grounded theory methods, two categories explained grandparents’ success at acquiring court-ordered visitation with their grandchildren: (a) serving the best interests of the child and (b) reflecting a slight shift in family law traditions. The second category, a shift in family law traditions, was made clear by these themes: (a) derivatives of rights, (b) intruding on the parental rights of adoptive parents,(c) balancing the rights of parents, children, and grandparents. Conclusions and suggestions for the role of social science professionals are offered that address the complexities of family law, grandparent visitation rights, and contemporary family issues
Parent-Child Relations and Children’s Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Videon Tami M.
Published: November 2004

This study explores the unique influence of fathers on adolescents’ psychological well-being. Analyses are based on a nationally representative sample (Add Health) of students in Grades 7 through 12 living in intact homes. Results of multivariate analyses reveal that the father-adolescent relationship has an independent impact on adolescents’ psychological well-being beyond the mother-adolescent relationship. Comparatively, the magnitude of effect was similar for mothers and fathers on sons’ and daughters’ well-being. Examining the dynamic nature of parent-adolescent relations through time revealed that adolescents have more volatile relations with fathers than with mothers. Changes in adolescent’s satisfaction with the father-adolescent relationship significantly influence fluctuations in son’s and daughter’s psychological well-being; this effect persists after controlling for changes in mother-adolescent relationships. These findings underscore fathers’ unique direct contribution to their children’s psychological well-being.
Enhancing the Quality of Life for Hispanic Individuals Through Career Preparation
Authors: Jones Wash A. , Larke Alvin
Published: November 2004

With the rapid population increase of Hispanic (Spanish, Latin American, or Spanish Indian heritage) individuals in the United States, ensuring economic prosperity and stability of this group is critical. This should include increasing their dwindling participation in agriculture-related fields. Hispanic youths often overlook an agriculture-related career, which promises economic prosperity and stability. This census study, using an ex post facto research design and a mailed survey, identified factors regarding Hispanic and African American (native U.S. citizens of African descent) college graduates’ decisions to choose or decline an agriculture-related career prior to and/or after college.
Diversifying Graduate Education: The Promise of Intellectual Entrepreneurship
Authors: Cherwitz Richard A.
Published: November 2004

Affirmative action is a necessary but not sufficient condition for diversifying graduate school. Increasing diversity requires us to capitalize on unintended consequences. Adopting the philosophy of intellectual entrepreneurship, although valuable to all students and disciplines, may have a special and perhaps more substantial impact on underrepresented minorities. The potential of intellectual entrepreneurship for increasing diversity inheres in its capacity to empower students to discover otherwise unobserved connections between academe and personal and professional commitments.
Hispanic and Female College Students: Evidence for Increased Risk for Cardiac Disease
Authors: Rauschhuber Maureen , Lowry Jolynn , Etnyre Annette , Gilliland Irene , Sethness Renee , Sorensen James , Leos Leonard , Cook Jennifer , Jones Mary Elaine
Published: November 2004

This article describes subjective and objective risks for cardiovascular disease and the relationship to anger and spirituality among 104 predominately Hispanic college freshman women. Findings indicated a population at risk for metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes and identified students requiring medical and anger management interventions. Associations between anger, spirituality, and weight suggest a need for further study. University health services are strategically positioned to reach students with lifestyle modification information for cardiac risk reduction.
Hispanic Individuals in Their Communities: An Untapped Resource for Increasing the Bilingual Teacher Population
Authors: Carrier Karen A. , Cohen James A.
Published: November 2004

The shortage of teachers in pre-K-12 schools includes a serious shortage of bilingual teachers. Based on the findings of several research studies, the authors suggest that Hispanic bilingual adults in communities with populations of pre-K-12 students who are English-language learners are an untapped resource. The authors offer suggestions for designing programs that recruit and retain Hispanic individuals from their communities to become fully credentialed bilingual teachers.
Synthesis of Novel Nanocrystals as Fluorescent Sensors for Hg2+ Ions
Authors: Chen Bo , Yu Ying , Zhou Zhentao , Zhong Ping
Published: November 2004

CdTe nanocrystals as fluorescent sensors for Hg2+ ions were synthesized. These nanocrystals were highly sensitive for Hg2+ ions and the selectivity was found to be Hg2+ > Cu2+ > other representative heavy metal ions. Moreover, they bear the following merits. First, they are easily synthesized; second, they have a narrow, tunable, symmetric emission spectrum.
CsOH·H2O-Promoted Synthesis of Aryl Sulfides via Direct Coupling of Aryl Halides and Thiols
Authors: Varala Ravi , Ramu E , Alam M Mujahid , R. Adapa Srinivas
Published: November 2004

We report here our observation that, using appropriate reaction conditions, CsOH·H2O-promoted coupling of aryl halides with thiols can be performed in moderate to good yields without a transition metal catalyst.
A Templated Bimetallic Phosphate Open-structure with 16-MR Channels
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhao Yongnan , Kwon Young-Uk
Published: November 2004

An open-framework bimetallic phosphate was isolated and structurally determined; the linkages of MO4 and PO4 groups form four-membered rings as the secondary building unit, which share their corners forming a chain structure; connecting these chains results 8-, 12-, and 16-MR channels.
Porous/Disk-dual Microelectrode: Preparation and Electrochemical Detection of Methanol Electrooxidation Product at Pt/C Powder Electrocatalyst
Authors: Kashima Kohshi , Umeda Minoru , Yamada Akifumi , Uchida Isamu
Published: November 2004

In this study, we propose a novel porous/disk-dual microelectrode for the electrochemical detection of reaction products/intermediates that originate from methanol electrooxidation at a powder electrocatalyst. We have succeeded in detecting protons as a product of methanol electrooxidation generated at the Pt/C powder for the first time.
TTMPP Catalyzed One-pot Silyl Ketene Acetal–Imine Condensation Route to β-Lactams
Authors: Matsukawa Satoru , Obu Kayoko
Published: November 2004

Highly nucleophilic phosphine, tris(2,4,6-trimethoxy phenyl) phosphine (TTMPP) catalyzes a unique one-pot cyclization reaction between silyl ketene acetal and aldimine, resulting in β-lactam.
Vapor-Phase Dehydrogenation of Methanol to Methyl Formate in Catalytic Membrane Reactor with Pd/SiO2/Ceramic Composite Membrane
Authors: Guo Yanglong , Lu Guanzhong , Mo Xunhua , Wang Yunsong
Published: November 2004

Vapor-phase dehydrogenation of methanol to methyl formate was investigated in the catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) with the Pd/SiO2/ceramic composite membrane prepared by an impregnation method. The studies show that the CMR has much better performance than the fixed-bed reactor, in which no methyl formate is detected under the similar reaction conditions.
Novel Field-effect Transistors Based on Bis(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene) Compounds with a Conjugated Spacer Group
Authors: Morioka Yosuke , Nishida Jun-ichi , Fujiwara Eiichi , Tada Hirokazu , Yamashita Yoshiro
Published: November 2004

Bis(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene) derivatives were used as active layers of organic field-effect transistors and the relationship between the structure and properties was investigated. A compound containing a dihydronaphthothiadiazole unit as a spacer group and the related heterocyclic compounds exhibited clear p-type transistor performances.
Precise Determination of the Atmospheric CF4 Concentration by Using Natural Kr in the Atmosphere as an Internal Reference in the Preconcentration/GC/MS Analysis
Authors: Aoki Nobuyuki , Makide Yoshihiro
Published: November 2004

For the precise determination of CF4 in the atmosphere, the uniformly and constantly existing atmospheric krypton (Kr) was used as an internal reference because of its similar properties and behavior to CF4 during the preconcentration processes and GC/MS analysis. The precision of the concentration measurement normalized with a Kr isotope was remarkably improved (to less than 1%) and the sample amount necessary was largely reduced to about one tenth.
Low-melting, Low-viscous, Hydrophobic Ionic Liquids: N-Alkyl(alkyl ether)-N-methylpyrrolidinium Perfluoroethyltrifluoroborate
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Bin , Matsumoto Hajime , Tatsumi Kuniaki
Published: November 2004

A series of new hydrophobic ionic liquids comprising N-alkyl(alkyl ether)-N-methylpyrrolidinium and perfluoroethyltrifluoroborate were prepared and characterized. The new [C2F5BF3]−-based salts show lower melting points than the corresponding [BF4]−-based ones. Of these new salts, five are liquids at room temperature and show very low viscosities (37–71 cP at 25 °C), high ionic conductivities (3.0–6.8 mScm−1) and wide electrochemical windows.
Novel SiO2 Nanotubes: Synthesis from ZnS Nanowires Templates and Visible Photoluminescence at 615 nm
Authors: Li Yan , Ye Chang-Hui , Zhang Li-De , Fang Xiao-Sheng , Zhang Yu-Gang
Published: November 2004

The novel silica nanotubes with flower-like morphology and hexagonal outer surface morphology were fabricated via a simple ZnS nanowires templates-assisted CVD method. The as-synthesized nanotubes exhibited strong visible photoluminescence at 615 nm and indicated that the method was useful to produce silica nanotubes.
Exploring the Marketing Program Antecedents of Performance in a Global Company
Authors: Townsend Janell D. , Yeniyurt Sengun , Deligonul Z. Seyda , Cavusgil S. Tamer
Published: November 2004

As the era of globalization continues to manifest through the emergence of global companies, the use of marketing programs in these firms has become increasingly important. This research examines global marketing program–related factors, their drivers, and their performance consequences. The global marketing program, as the authors conceptualize it, consists of three key factors: global marketing strategy, global marketing structure, and global marketing processes. The authors develop and test an empirical model to portray the application of the global marketing program factors with respect to product standardization and product processes. As such, global customer convergence and leadership's global orientation have significant, positive effects on global product standardization and global marketing structure. The authors find that global product standardization and global marketing structure drive the implementation of global product processes, which are positively related to marketing performance.
The Effects of Customer Relationships and Social Capital on Firm Performance: A Chinese Business Illustration
Authors: Luo Xueming , Griffith David A. , Liu Sandra S. , Shi Yi-Zheng
Published: November 2004

The authors use the resource-based view of the firm to frame the direct, relative, and synergistic effects of three firm relational resources (i.e., customer relationships, business-partner social capital, and governing-agency social capital) on firm performance (strategic and financial) in a sample of 262 businesses that operate in metropolitan Chinese cities. Although the findings indicate that all three relational resources enhance performance, they also indicate that customer relationships are the primary drivers of strategic and financial performance and that business partnerships and governing-agency social capital have a synergistic influence. In addition, the results indicate that the influences of these resources are moderated by domestic or international firm ownership. The authors discuss the implications for academics and practitioners.
The Impact of E-Commerce on Entry-Mode Strategies of Service Firms: A Conceptual Framework and Research Propositions
Authors: Ekeledo Ikechi , Sivakumar K.
Published: November 2004

This article focuses on the role of e-commerce on the entry-mode choice of service firms. On the basis of recent calls for the reconceptualization of marketing theories and concepts with services as a key component, the authors focus on the interface of e-commerce, services marketing, and foreign market entry-mode choice. The authors offer an integrative conceptual framework that explicates the role of e-commerce on the entry-mode choice of service firms, and they propose that several internal and external factors moderate this relationship. The authors derive several research propositions and offer managerial implications and directions for further research in the timely and exciting domain of services marketing.
International Market Entry: Does the Home Country Affect Entry-Mode Decisions?
Authors: Mayrhofer Ulrike
Published: November 2004

The author reviews 26 empirical studies that evaluate home-country effects on the choice of market entry mode. The analysis of available findings shows that the nationality of companies is likely to affect entry-mode strategies. However, the effect varies according to the assessment of the national environment of companies, which suggests that some cultural and economic dimensions are more relevant for this field of research than others.
Executive Insights: Real Differences between Local and International Brands: Strategic Implications for International Marketers
Authors: Schuiling Isabelle , Kapferer Jean-Noël
Published: November 2004

In the current context of globalization, firms have concentrated their efforts on the development of international brands. As a result, international brand portfolios have been restructured, and many successful local brands have been eliminated. This article's objective is to improve the understanding of local brand differences and competitive advantages relative to international brands. To achieve this, the authors reanalyzed the Young & Rubicam database Brand Asset Valuator and examined more than 744 brands across the four largest countries in Europe: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. The authors discuss the managerial implications of the findings for international marketers as they develop their ideal international brand portfolios.