bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It has Always Known, and we have Always been ‘other’: Knowing Capitalism and the ‘Coming Crisis’ of Sociology Confront the Concentration System and Mass-Observation
Authors: Stanley Liz
Published: November 2008

It has been suggested that the contemporary form of capitalism – knowing capitalism – is distinctively different from its earlier incarnations by being ‘knowing’ in unprecedented ways; and that there is a ‘coming crisis of empirical sociology’, because related technological developments are producing a leading-edge research infrastructure located firmly within knowing capitalism, rather than in academic social science. These arguments are counter-posed here through two case studies. Thinking over the longer run via these suggests that ‘it has always known’ and sociologists ‘have always been “other” ‘, and that the current situation is not as new as is claimed. The first case study concerns the reverberations of the South African War (1899–1902) and particularly the ‘concentration system’ and its knowledge-based and generating classification, measurement and disposition of groups of people. The second case study concerns the post-World War Two impact of wartime changes in the configuration of research and knowledge on Mass-Observation, a radical social science research organization on the borders and ‘other’ to institutionalised sociology.
Some Sociologies of Education: A History of Problems and Places, and Segments and Gazes
Authors: Ball Stephen J.
Published: November 2008

This paper focuses on some of the significant ‘moments’ and ‘problems’ and ‘characters’ and places which mark out a history of the sociology of education. It further explores some of the historical conjunctions of knowledge and practice to which the sociology of education contributed in its uneasy relations with schools and teachers and education policy. Three sets of tools and sorts of analysis, drawn from the work of Bernstein, Foucault and Bourdieu, are deployed to explore some of the turmoil and conflict which has characterised the sociology of education at different points in its history focusing on three of these. They are, the 1930s/1960s (Political Arithmetic), the 1970s (the New Sociology of Education) and the 1980s ‘flight to policy studies’ and particularly one aspect of this which produced the notion of ‘school effectiveness’. The paper suggests some of the ways in which the sociology of education has played its part in the government and the detailed management of the population, through the changing construction of an unrelenting gaze (focused initially on families) and the concomitant development of a body of expert professional knowledge (teacher education) and, latterly, the management of the institutions of management (schools) and of the professionals themselves (teachers).
The Dirty History of Feminism and Sociology: Or the War of Conceptual Attrition
Authors: Skeggs Beverley
Published: November 2008

In the telling of the inscription of feminism into sociology, both space and time intervene. Institutionally some departments appear to be at the vanguard of feminist thought, others, as if feminism never happened. These uneven manifestations tell a story about people, place, power and struggle. Even feminism itself operates on different temporalities: while many feminists now ‘forget’ to address ‘woman’ as an object of their research, using instead debates from feminist theory about gender, life itself or relations, others continuing to generate important information on where women are and what they do. The gap between these two positions of object/no object is vast. Yet the perception of objects/subjects and their recognition through citation is central to the achievement of feminism within academia and this is where the struggle continues, as this paper shows. By showing how feminism has impacted upon sociology in a variety of ways: institutionally, theoretically, methodologically, politically, practically, it unearths how many different struggles on many different fronts continue. Rather than accepting the defeat or dilution of feminism this paper shows how feminism has inscribed some of the darkest and deepest recesses of sociology. But also how this is an achievement reliant upon repetition and attrition.
IS THE UNIVERSE OPEN FOR SURPRISE? PENTECOSTAL ONTOLOGY AND THE SPIRIT OF NATURALISM
Authors: Smith James K. A.
Published: November 2008

Given the enchanted worldview of pentecost‐alism, what possibility is there for a uniquely pentecostal intervention in the science‐theology dialogue? By asserting the centrality of the miraculous and the fantastic, and being fundamentally committed to a universe open to surprise, does not pentecostalism forfeit admission to the conversation? I argue for a distinctly pentecostal contribution to the dialogue that is critical of regnant naturalistic paradigms but also of a naive supernaturalism. I argue that implicit in the pentecostal social imaginary is a distinct conception of nature that is amenable to science but in conflict with naturalism.
PNEUMATOLOGICAL RELATIONS AND CHRISTIAN DISUNITY IN THEOLOGY‐SCIENCE DIALOGUE
Authors: Work Telford
Published: November 2008

Ecclesial divisions shape and distort the developing interdisciplinary dialogue between Christian theology and the natural and social sciences in ways that can be better understood by focusing on pneumatology, specifically on the variety of ways in which by grace we relate to the Holy Spirit—as giver of life, as Lord, as powerful anointing, as God's gift of wisdom, and as wellspring from Jesus Christ. Each denominational camp of Christians has centered its appreciation of the Holy Spirit on one of these relationships, sometimes to the neglect or marginalization of others. This appreciation drives the favoring of some scientific disciplines and suspicion of others. For instance, Pentecostals and charismatics emphasize the Spirit upon us, speaking through the prophets. This tends to privilege personal narrative and testimony. The closest cognate science is cultural anthropology. Issues of social construction of reality, cultural imperialism and relativism, and narrative history dominate consideration of science's theological possibilities and pitfalls in ways distinctive to that pneumatological camp. Engagement and disengagement with other disciplines of learning are driven in part by our theological loyalties and antipathies to unreconciled bodies. Hence a fuller engagement with the sciences becomes an ecumenical task, not just a generically Christian or specifically Pentecostal or Wesleyan one.
A PENTECOSTAL PERSPECTIVE ON ENTROPY, EMERGENT SYSTEMS, AND ESCHATOLOGY
Authors: Bradnick David
Published: November 2008

Many contemporary theologies have given considerable attention to the inbreaking work of God whereby the Spirit imbues creation with life and vitality, but in the process the seriousness of the destructive forces that plague the world has been overlooked. This oversight not only has significant theological consequences, but it also generates a tension with scientific postulates about physical reality. Paradoxically, increasing complexity, including emergent life systems, arise in spite of the overarching conditions. I posit from a theological perspective that the Spirit acts within the world to generate pockets of organization out of disorder. The Spirit not only was present and active at initial creation but also continues to act within the cosmos, sustaining the natural order and giving rise to innovative acts of creation. The world, which groans for and anticipates transformation, experiences local decreases in entropy as proleptic events of God's inbreaking kingdom. This theological hypothesis provides the framework for considering an eschatological response to the world's decay.
GPS‐Electronic Monitoring and Contemporary Penology: A Case Study of US GPS‐Electronic Monitoring Programmes
Authors: COTTER RYAN , LINT WILLEM DE
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Criminologists have noted a significant reorientation of criminal justice policy. Initially this reorientation was most dramatically articulated by Feeley and Simon (1992), who suggested that penality has shifted from the ‘modern’ to ‘new’ penology. Criticisms of the binary ‘modern’ and ‘new’ penology model has led to the contemporary understanding of penality through a threefold model of: ‘punishment‐punitive’, ‘rehabilitative‐humanistic’ and ‘managerial‐surveillant’ discourses. This research represents an empirically‐based attempt to locate GPS‐electronic monitoring within this threefold model.
This is my truth, tell me yours: exploring the internal tensions within collaborative learning disability research
Authors: McClimens Alex
Published: November 2008

Accessible summary

People labelled with learning disability are now more involved in research that is about them and their lives.

When research about the lives of people labelled with learning disability gets published in journals the accounts are written by professionals or academics.

Working and writing together is a good idea but we all need to decide on who is in control.

Being in control of language often means being in control.

Collaboration within the research and publishing process provides opportunities for shared learning and increased knowledge production and dissemination. It can also provide opportunities for conflict if the contributors are divided over issues of authority and authorship. While this situation can be managed, the potential for misunderstanding to arise is heightened when the combination of academics/professionals and individuals labelled with learning disability work together. The scenario described here outlines some of the difficulties that can threaten successful collaboration. Possible remedies are suggested.

Disclaimer

the six o’clock news this is thi six a clock news thi man said n thi reason a talk wia BBC accent iz coz yi widny wahnt mi ti talk aboot thi trooth wia voice lik wanna yoo scruff. if a toktaboot thi trooth lik wanna yoo scruff yi widny thingk it wuz troo. jist wonna yoo scruff tokn. thirza right way ti spell ana right way ti tok it. this is me tokn yir right way a spellin. this is ma trooth yooz doant no thi trooth yirsellz cawz yi canny talk right. this is the six a clock nyooz. belt up.

 Tom Leonard (1984)
Anne Williams
Authors: Holman Andrew
Published: November 2008

Anne Williams talked about her new job as the director of learning disability

we talked about spending money and making sure there was enough

about people with learning disabilities being included in communities

and making changes happen with good leaders.
Enabling nursing students to become culturally competent – a documentary analysis of curricula in all Swedish nursing programs
Authors: Momeni Pardis , Jirwe Maria , Emami Azita
Published: November 2008

Research has shown that majority of nurses feel that they lack relevant knowledge about immigrant’s cultural backgrounds, and therefore, feel incompetent in providing these patients with good care. Last year alone, 4520 nursing students graduated from nursing schools throughout Sweden. Later on, they will meet and treat people from diverse cultural backgrounds and consequently, it is crucial that their educational training prepares them for their future work in a multiethnic society. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the nursing curricula in Sweden’s nursing schools provide students with the necessary tools for becoming culturally competent. The present study was based on two main questions: (i) Do the present educational plans and courses provide nursing students with the opportunity to become culturally competent? (ii) How do the contents of the educational plans match the contents of the course plans? The study was conducted using a quantitative documentary analysis, where the authors analysed the curricula of 26 nursing schools in Sweden and then compared them to the theoretical frame of reference ‘The Process of Cultural Competence in the Delivery of Healthcare Services’, a model written by Campinha‐Bacote. The results showed that 69% (18/26) had included the concept of culture in their educational plans, whereas 77% (20/26) had included this in their courses. In all, 15% (78) from a total of 504 curricula had included the concept of culture in some way or another. However, the analysis found that only three schools provided students with specific training on the topic. Conclusively, the results showed that nursing students were not prepared for their work in a multiethnic society and nursing education in Sweden has failed to implement existing research into the nursing curricula.
Interactional nursing – a practice‐theory in the dynamic field between the natural, human and social sciences
Authors: Scheel Merry Elisabeth , Pedersen Birthe D. , Rosenkrands Vibeke
Published: November 2008

Nursing is often described from the point of view of either the natural or the human sciences. In contrast to this, the value foundation in Interactional nursing practice is understood from the point of view of the natural sciences as well as that of the human and social sciences. This article presents many‐faceted practice‐theory of nursing, which is situated in the dynamic field between these three sciences. The focus of the theory is on interaction and practice resulting in a caring practice. Here practice is based on Taylor’s and MacIntyre’s interpretation of this concept. Action in nursing is based on Habermas’ three varied modes of action seen in the light of an understanding of the world as a system world and a life world. Nursing as an interactional practice‐theory is presented with examples of interpretative nursing science, seen in the ethical action‐oriented, socio‐cultural framework of Taylor and Habermas. It is concluded that phenomenologic and socio‐cultural research into caring practice as well as an in‐depth, comprehensive interpretation of nursing practice are both highly suited to forming the fundamental theoretical framework in nursing, here seen as an interpretative nursing science. Finally, a comparison is drawn between Interactional nursing practice and Benner’s theory of nursing practice.
Patients on the waiting list for total hip replacement: a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Bachrach‐Lindström Margareta , Karlsson Susanne , Pettersson Lars‐Göran , Johansson Torsten
Published: November 2008

Untreated osteoarthritis (OA) in the hip causes pain and reduced physical and social functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of waiting time on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), functional condition and dependence on help at the time of surgery and during follow‐up 1 year after surgery. A further aim was to elucidate possible differences between men and women. Two hundred and twenty‐nine consecutively included patients with OA in the hip were interviewed when assigned to the waiting list, again 1 week prior to surgery with unilateral total hip replacement (THR), and 1 year after surgery. Health‐related quality of life and function were measured using the Nottingham Health Profile, EuroQoL and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. The result showed that the average waiting time was 239 days, that 15% of the patients were operated on within 3 months, and that 21% had to wait more than 6 months. At the time of surgery, HRQOL had deteriorated significantly (p < 0.05) and the number of patients receiving support from relatives had increased from 31% to 58% during the wait. At the 1‐year follow‐up, both HRQOL and functional condition had improved significantly despite the wait, and the need for support from relatives had decreased to 11% (p < 0.001). In conclusion, long waiting time for THR is detrimental to patients’ HRQOL causing reduced functional condition, pain and increased need for support from relatives, which limit the independence in daily life.
Factor structure of the revised Jalowiec Coping Scale in patients admitted for elective coronary angiography*
Authors: Ulvik Bjørg , Johnsen Tom Backer , Nygård Ottar , Hanestad Berit R. , Wahl Astrid K. , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  The way patients cope with their illness may influence their well‐being, and for the assessment of coping relevant and valid instruments are required.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the frequently used Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS) in patients admitted for elective coronary angiography. We examined the original eight‐factor model of the 60‐item revised JCS and two three‐factor models later proposed in the literature.

Methods:  Using a cross‐sectional design the JCS was completed by outpatients with suspected coronary artery disease 1–4 days prior to angiography. Item analyses and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for each model were performed, for those among the 647 participating patients that completed at least half the questions in the JCS. Exploratory post hoc analyses based on modification indices were performed in the case of unsatisfactory model fit.

Results:  Neither of the proposed structures had satisfactory fit without modifications allowing some items to load on more than one factor. However, one of the two three‐factor models performed well in item analysis and the CFA performed mostly satisfactory after some modifications.

Conclusion:  As for most coping scales reported in the literature, the CFA in the present study showed problems with all three proposed models of the JCS. Despite these problems one of the models may be used with caution. Further improvement of the quality of coping instruments, including CFA based on large samples is recommended.
Developing an instrument to evaluate suffering related to care
Authors: Nordman Tina , Santavirta Nina , Eriksson Katie
Published: November 2008

The ultimate purpose of caring is to alleviate suffering. Interest in the question of suffering has increased in a marked way in the fields of nursing and caring science during the last decade. The aim of the pilot‐study was to test the validity and reliability of a newly construed instrument to assess suffering related to care in a sample of 130 nurses. The ultimate aim is to develop a scale which could be used for the continuous evaluation of quality of care. A study comprised of a group of nurses including head nurses, nursing supervisors, and Registered Nurses (n = 130) employed at a central university hospital in Finland. The nurses answered a questionnaire which consisted of a newly construed instrument, such instrument could be used for discovering suffering related to care and thus contribute to good quality of care. The development of the instrument was based on the theoretical perspective of suffering related to care. Principal component analysis was used to test the validity and the internal consistency to test the reliability of the instrument. The analysis provided a four‐factor solution, which demonstrated a reasonable level of consistency and reliability. Conclusion indicated that the instrument consisted of four dimensions which reflect and are in correspondence with the theoretical framework. The next step is to cross‐validate and refine the instrument by carrying out a confirmatory factor analysis. The development of a robust instrument will contribute towards new thinking in the field of nursing care.
Nurses’ and carers’ appraisals of workload in care of frail elderly awaiting nursing home placement
Authors: Fjelltun Aud‐Mari Sohini , Henriksen Nils , Norberg Astrid , Gilje Fredricka , Normann Hans Ketil
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The aim of this study is to describe carers’ and nurses’ appraisals of workload in care of frail elderly awaiting nursing home (NH) placement.

Background:  Carers’ workload of care for frail elderly awaiting NH placement has been studied separately from that of nurses’ workload. The literature neither addressed a comparison of carers’ and nurses’ appraisals of psychological and physical workloads nor the most strenuous factors common to the workloads of both nurses and carers in care of the same elderly person. The terms ‘carers’ and ‘nurses’ in this paper refer to informal caregivers and to both enrolled nurses and Registered Nurses respectively, when no particular one is stated.

Method:  The sample comprised 11 nurses and 11 carers paired based on care provided to the same elderly person awaiting NH placement in Norway. Data collected by a workload‐scale was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Data collected by individual interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Carers’ and nurses’ appraisals of workload were compared and contrasted and most strenuous factors described.

Findings:  The findings show that both carers and nurses rated workload levels maximum. Carers’ highest ratings concerned psychological workload, while nurses’ highest ratings concerned physical workload. The workload ratings concerning elderly with advanced dementia disease were most similarly aligned. Qualitative content analysis showed three categories that describe the most strenuous factors common to the workloads of both carers and nurses. These were feeling responsible, burdened and ambivalent.

Conclusion:  This study reports carers’ and nurses’ appraisals of workload in care of frail elderly awaiting NH placement. The results show many similarities and some differences. These results may help guide policy development to address resource allocations to elderly care. Further research is needed to address workloads of care for elderly awaiting NH placement.
An Approach to Analyse Errors Introduced in the Random Grid Strain Measurement Method
Authors: Iliopoulos A. P. , Andrianopoulos N. P.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  The present work refers to the errors imposed by the recently introduced random‐grid mesh‐free full field strain measurement method. Excluding systematic errors of the digital camera, the method itself is not an error‐free procedure. A possible cause of errors could be the misplacement of the spot‐centre (centroid) with regard of the spot boundaries. Another cause of errors is the limited order of approximation in the field function. A third one, emerges from the so‐called ‘sub‐pixel effect’. This kind of error is difficult to trace, so direct comparison between the results of the method and exact solutions is required. In the present work, proper analytical or numerical derivations of those errors are presented and reasonable upper limits are estimated. Finally, numerical and experimental examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the method.
Electronic Speckle‐Pattern Interferometry Measurements of Structural Ratcheting Strain
Authors: Farge L. , Nazarov R. , Ayadi Z.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Several tensile specimens with a central hole were subjected to a cyclic loading for which the Von Mises stress was beyond the initial yield stress in the vicinity of the hole. The tensile machine was fixed together with a phase‐shifting electronic speckle‐pattern interferometry measurement bench that makes it possible to perform strain measurement along the tensile axis. The plastic strain map corresponding to the 30th cycle was obtained. For the considered measurement field, the resolution of the strain measurement is close to 10−5. By varying the loading, it was possible to detect and observe the deformation corresponding to an early stage of the ratcheting phenomenon. The non‐ratcheting cyclic plasticity behaviour was not observed during the 30th cycle. In the Discussion section, the experimental results were interpreted using Melans’s theorem, which allowed us to determine an upper bound for the yield stress. Eventually, it is shown that the procedure followed in this work could be a way to obtain some interesting data related to the material behaviour laws.
Correlations Between Indentation Hardness and Yield Stress in Thermoplastic Polymers
Authors: Koch T. , Seidler S.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  In mechanical testing empirical correlations are often used for estimating yield stress values from hardness values. Such empirical correlations are only valid within particular classes of materials and in the case of polymers they may be dependent on deformation rate, temperature and kind of deformation (tensile or compressive). For a better understanding of these complex correlations, instrumented indentation tests, tensile tests and compressive tests were performed on different semicrystalline and amorphous thermoplastic polymers. Indentation hardness and Martens hardness values were compared with tensile and compressive yield stress. The ratio of hardness values to tensile yield stress depends very strongly on the basic deformation mechanism (crazing, voiding or shear yielding) of the polymers. Therefore, under tensile load there is no general linear relationship between hardness and yield stress. In contrast, in the case of compressive loading hardness and yield stress are much better linearly correlated.
Failure Strains in Micromachined Piezoelectric Membranes
Authors: Robinson M. C. , Bahr D. F.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  The strain at failure was investigated for micromachined lead zirconate titinate (PZT) piezoelectric membranes. The effect of microcracking in the PZT films was overshadowed by the support layers present in the devices. Bare Si membranes achieved the highest strain at failure, 0.49% with the pressure applied to the back side of the membranes compared to Si/SiO2 and composite PZT membrane structures. Variation in the volume of PZT that was strained and the side length of the composite membranes did not decrease the strain at failure. In addition, the materials utilised in the composite structure for the bottom electrode material and PZT chemistry were investigated and the strain at failure levels was effectively the same for each material system. Composite structures with significantly different levels of effective residual stress failed at applied strains of up to 0.2%. This paper details each of the tests that were performed and the results obtained.
A New Drop‐Weight Impact Machine for Studying Fracture Processes in Structural Concrete
Authors: Zhang X. X. , Ruiz G. , Yu R. C.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  This paper describes the main characteristics of a new drop‐weight impact machine that has been specifically designed for studying the dynamic mechanical behaviour of structural concrete samples. Such a type of equipment has been used to generate simple and measurable fracture processes under moderate‐to‐fast loading rates, contrary to blast chambers, which produce complicated crack patterns that are difficult to analyse. The machine consists of two main parts, the mechanical structure and the data acquisition system. The former is just a hammer, guided by two robust columns, which can impact the specimen with energy up to 7860 J. The latter consists of piezoelectric force sensors, accelerometers and optical fibre photoelectric sensors plus oscilloscopes and signal conditioners. The paper also presents the results of some preliminary tests on plain‐notched specimens that show the sensitivity of the work of fracture of a high‐strength concrete to the loading rate.
The American Community Survey and Health Insurance Coverage Estimates: Possibilities and Challenges for Health Policy Researchers
Authors: Davern Michael , Quinn Brian C. , Kenney Genevieve M. , Blewett Lynn A.
Published: November 2008

Objective. To introduce the American Community Survey (ACS) and its measure of health insurance coverage to researchers and policy makers.

Data Sources/Study Setting. We compare the survey designs for the ACS and Current Population Survey (CPS) that measure insurance coverage.

Study Design. We describe the ACS and how it will be useful to health policy researchers.

Principal Findings. Relative to the CPS, the ACS will provide more precise state and substate estimates of health insurance coverage at a point‐in‐time. Yet the ACS lacks the historical data and detailed state‐specific coverage categories seen in the CPS.

Conclusions. The ACS will be a critical new resource for researchers. To use the new data to the best advantage, careful research will be needed to understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Land Heterogeneity, Agricultural Income Forgone and Environmental Benefit: An Assessment of Incentive Compatibility Problems in Environmental Stewardship Schemes
Authors: Fraser Rob
Published: November 2008

This paper examines the issue of incentive compatibility within environmental stewardship schemes, where incentive payments to farmers to provide environmental goods and services are based on foregone agricultural income. The particular focus of the paper is land heterogeneity, either of agricultural or environmental value, leading to divergence between the actual and socially optimal level of provision of environmental goods and services. Given land heterogeneity, such goods and services are likely to be systematically over‐ or under‐provided in response to a flat rate payment for income foregone.
Road junction extraction from high‐resolution aerial imagery
Authors: Ravanbakhsh Mehdi , Heipke Christian , Pakzad Kian
Published: November 2008

Road junctions are important components of a road network. However, they are usually not explicitly modelled in existing road extraction approaches. In this research, road junctions are modelled in detail as area objects and an approach is proposed for their automatic extraction through the use of an existing geospatial database. Prior knowledge derived from a topographic geospatial database is used to facilitate the extraction. A new snake‐based approach is proposed that makes use of the “ziplock snake” concept and whose external force is a combination of the gradient vector flow (GVF) force and the balloon force in order to delineate the junction border. Road arm extraction results provide fixed boundary conditions for the proposed snake. The approach was tested using aerial black‐and‐white Digital Mapping Camera (DMC) ortho‐images of 0·1 m ground resolution taken from suburban and rural areas. The results obtained demonstrate the validity of this approach.
Biofuel Plantations on Forested Lands: Double Jeopardy for Biodiversity and Climate
Authors: DANIELSEN FINN , BEUKEMA HENDRIEN , BURGESS NEIL D. , PARISH FAIZAL , BRÜHL CARSTEN A. , DONALD PAUL F. , MURDIYARSO DANIEL , PHALAN BEN , REIJNDERS LUCAS , STRUEBIG MATTHEW , FITZHERBERT EMILY B.
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  The growing demand for biofuels is promoting the expansion of a number of agricultural commodities, including oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). Oil‐palm plantations cover over 13 million ha, primarily in Southeast Asia, where they have directly or indirectly replaced tropical rainforest. We explored the impact of the spread of oil‐palm plantations on greenhouse gas emission and biodiversity. We assessed changes in carbon stocks with changing land use and compared this with the amount of fossil‐fuel carbon emission avoided through its replacement by biofuel carbon. We estimated it would take between 75 and 93 years for the carbon emissions saved through use of biofuel to compensate for the carbon lost through forest conversion, depending on how the forest was cleared. If the original habitat was peatland, carbon balance would take more than 600 years. Conversely, planting oil palms on degraded grassland would lead to a net removal of carbon within 10 years. These estimates have associated uncertainty, but their magnitude and relative proportions seem credible. We carried out a meta‐analysis of published faunal studies that compared forest with oil palm. We found that plantations supported species‐poor communities containing few forest species. Because no published data on flora were available, we present results from our sampling of plants in oil palm and forest plots in Indonesia. Although the species richness of pteridophytes was higher in plantations, they held few forest species. Trees, lianas, epiphytic orchids, and indigenous palms were wholly absent from oil‐palm plantations. The majority of individual plants and animals in oil‐palm plantations belonged to a small number of generalist species of low conservation concern. As countries strive to meet obligations to reduce carbon emissions under one international agreement (Kyoto Protocol), they may not only fail to meet their obligations under another (Convention on Biological Diversity) but may actually hasten global climate change. Reducing deforestation is likely to represent a more effective climate‐change mitigation strategy than converting forest for biofuel production, and it may help nations meet their international commitments to reduce biodiversity loss.
Stop saying epileptic
Authors: Fernandes Paula T. , De Barros Nelson F. , Li Li M.
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact upon attitude and perceived stigma of using different terms for referring to persons with epilepsy among teenagers. High school students received one of two versions of a brief questionnaire and of the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE). The versions differed only in the term used: “people with epilepsy” (PWE) in the group‐1 (N = 109) and “epileptics” in group‐2 (N = 105). Group‐1 responded that 62% of PWE and group‐2, that 93% of epileptics have more difficulty finding employment. Group‐1 responded that 37% of PWE and group‐2, that 70% of epileptics have more difficulties at school. Group‐1 responded that 41% of PWE and group‐2, that 87% of epileptics are rejected by the society. None of individuals in group‐1 indicated that they were prejudiced toward PWE, whereas 3% of group‐2 indicated that they were prejudiced toward epileptics. The SSE score (range from 0 to 100, higher the score, higher the degree of perceived stigma) was 49 [confidence interval (CI) = 46.9–52.0] for group‐2 and 45 (CI = 42.4–48.2) for group‐1 (p = 0.03). In conclusion, the words we use can influence our perceptions and have consequences in terms of social stigma associated with epilepsy. We should refrain from using the term “epileptic” to refer to a person with epilepsy, and consider the importance of our choice of words as part of the effort to bring epilepsy out of the shadows.
Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐α agonist, exerts anticonvulsive properties
Authors: Porta Natacha , Vallée Louis , Lecointe Cécile , Bouchaert Emmanuel , Staels Bart , Bordet Régis , Auvin Stéphane
Published: November 2008

The underlying mechanisms of the ketogenic diet (KD) remain unknown. Involvement of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐α (PPARα) has been suggested. The aim of this study was to assess the anticonvulsant properties of fenofibrate, a PPARα agonist. Wistar rats were fed at libitum during 14 days by regular diet, KD, regular diet containing 0.2% fenofibrate (F), or KD containing 0.2% fenofibrate (KD + F). Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) threshold and latencies to the onset of status epilepticus induced by lithium–pilocarpine were used to assess diet treatments with anticonvulsive effects. Myoclonic and generalized seizure PTZ thresholds were increased in F‐ and KD‐treated animals in comparison to control. No difference was observed between KD + F group and the others groups (control, F, KD). Latencies to the onset of status epilepticus were increased in F and KD groups compared to control. Fenofibrate exerts anticonvulsive properties comparable to KD in adult rats using PTZ and lithium–pilocarpine models. The underlying mechanisms such as PPARα activation and others should be investigated. These findings may provide insights into future directions to simplify KD protocols.
Report of the American Epilepsy Society and the Epilepsy Foundation Joint Task Force on Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy
Authors: So Elson L. , Bainbridge Jacquelyn , Buchhalter Jeffrey R. , Donalty Jeanne , Donner Elizabeth J. , Finucane Alexandra , Graves Nina M. , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Montouris Georgia D. , Temkin Nancy R. , Wiebe Samuel , Sierzant Tess L.
Published: November 2008

The American Epilepsy Society and the Epilepsy Foundation jointly convened a task force to assess the state of knowledge about sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The task force had five charges: (1) develop a position statement describing if, when, what, and how SUDEP should be discussed with patients and their families and caregivers; (2) design methods by which the medical and lay communities become aware of the risk of SUDEP; (3) recommend research directions in SUDEP; (4) explore steps that organizations can take to perform large‐scale, prospective studies of SUDEP to identify risk factors; and (5) identify possible preventive strategies for SUDEP. Some of the major task force recommendations include convening a multidisciplinary workshop to refine current lines of investigation and to identify additional areas of research for mechanisms underlying SUDEP; performing a survey of patients and their families and caregivers to identify effective means of education that will enhance participation in SUDEP research; conducting a campaign aimed at patients, families, caregivers, coroners, and medical examiners that emphasizes the need for complete autopsy examinations for patients with suspected SUDEP; and securing infrastructure grants to fund a consortium of centers that will conduct prospective clinical and basic research studies to identify preventable risk factors and mechanisms underlying SUDEP. For now, the principal effort in preventing SUDEP should be prompt and optimal control of seizures, especially generalized convulsive seizures.
The founding of the American Epilepsy Society: 1936
Authors: Goodkin Howard P.
Published: November 2008

Following its collapse as a result of World War I, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) was reorganized in 1935; and William G. Lennox was appointed its president. Among his initial efforts was developing a professional organization that would be dedicated to the study and care of people with epilepsy and would serve as the International League’s American chapter. His efforts resulted in the founding of the American Epilepsy Society (AES) in Kansas City, MO, on May 12, 1936. This article presents previously lost details of Lennox’s role in establishing the AES and in defining its mission.
Everyday Discrimination Experienced by Conservative Christians at the Secular University
Authors: Hyers Lauri L. , Hyers Conrad
Published: November 2008

Two studies explore everyday discrimination experienced by conservative Christians in a secular university setting. In Study 1, 42 conservative Christian students documented 87 Anti‐Christian incidents in one week of diaries. Incident frequency and type (e.g., Stereotyping, Hostility, and Interaction Difficulties) paralleled past research of more traditionally studied target groups (e.g.,

Hyers, 2007a

;

Swim, Hyers, & Cohen, 1998

). Unique patterns emerged as well (e.g., Overt Derogation and Belief Conflicts). In Study 2, a general sample of university students rated their sympathy for Anti‐Christian, Sexist, and Anti‐Black Racist incidents. Students had less sympathy for Anti‐Christian incidents than for Anti‐Black Racism and Sexism, though Christian students were more sympathetic to all types of prejudice. For Anti‐Christian incidents, sympathy was highest for antagonistic types (e.g., Hostility and Teasing), moderate for Derogation, Belief Conflicts, and Stereotyping, and lowest for Interaction Difficulties. Implications for conceptions of everyday discrimination, diversity, and higher education are discussed.
Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans: What Might a Sociological Embeddedness Perspective Offer Disaster Research and Planning?
Authors: Iversen Roberta Rehner , Armstrong Annie Laurie
Published: November 2008

The Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans situation was commonly called a “natural disaster”—an anomalous “event” that disrupted lives, spaces, and organizations. Research and planning attention then focused on particular aspects of the event and on restoring order. In contrast, sociologists and similar‐thinking scholars have increasingly viewed disaster situations from multiple locations and histories, often using systems theory. Here, reanalysis of empirical material from ethnographic research in New Orleans pre‐ and post‐Katrina suggests that a sociological embeddedness perspective illustrates the dynamic seamlessness of past, present, and future economic contexts and social actions. The perspective's constitutive concepts of weak, strong, and differentiated ties highlight the role of local knowledge, intermediary‐led workforce networks, and sustained participatory planning in creating a robust economic environment. Toward this end, disaster research, planning, and theory building could incorporate network tie assessments into social vulnerability protocols, compare embeddedness with other perspectives, and learn from related international experiences.
Inter‐Group Aggression in New Orleans in the Immediate Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Kemmelmeier Markus , Broadus Angela D. , Padilla Joshua B.
Published: November 2008

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the city of New Orleans witnessed an emerging conflict between the residents who survived the storm and the rescuers charged with assisting them. This particular type of inter‐group conflict has not been documented before, as it uniquely entails survivors acting against their very self‐interest, and rescuers subverting their helping roles. We argue that Drury and Reicher's Elaborated Social Identity Model explains the nature of the inter‐group aggression. Drawing on published first‐person accounts, we document how the power differential between rescuers and survivors shaped inter‐group perceptions and eventually rendered inter‐group aggression acceptable. While inter‐group aggression reflects only one facet of the aftermath of Katrina, we conclude that it must be interpreted as meaningful social action commensurate with the groups' emerging collective identities.
Exploring the Gender Gap in Support for a Woman for President
Authors: Simon Stefanie , Hoyt Crystal L.
Published: November 2008

The gender gap in support for a female presidential candidate gathered much media attention with Hillary Clinton as a frontrunner for the 2008 democratic presidential nomination. Two common explanations for this gap are that women have more liberal gender role and political attitudes. We contend that another important, and distinct, factor for heightened support among women is a shared social identity. We tested these three explanations across two studies. In Study 1, hierarchical regression analyses revealed that both attitudes toward women and sex independently predict a significant proportion of the variance in willingness to elect a woman for president. In Study 2, hierarchical regression analyses showed that when entered together, attitudes toward female authority and sex independently predict support, but when political attitudes was entered, only sex and political attitudes predicted support for Clinton. Finally, as expected, when primed with their gender identity, women increased their support for Clinton and men decreased their support, and women perceived her more favorably and men less so. In sum, these studies strongly support the arguments that the gender gap in support for female presidential candidates stems in part from women's more liberal gender role and political attitudes, and also from women sharing the same gender social identity as a female candidate for commander in chief.
Market Segmentation: The Role of Opaque Travel Agencies
Authors: Shapiro Dmitry , Shi Xianwen
Published: November 2008

This paper investigates the role of discount travel agencies such as Priceline and Hotwire in the market segmentation of the hotel and airline industries. These agencies conceal important characteristics of the offered services, such as hotel locations or flight schedules. We explicitly model this opaque feature and show that it enables service providers to price discriminate between those customers who are sensitive to service characteristics and those who are not. Service providers can profit from such discrimination despite the fact that the opaque feature virtually erases product differentiation and thus intensifies competition. The reason is that the intensified competition for less sensitive customers enables service providers to commit to a higher price for more sensitive customers, which leads to higher profits overall. This explains why airlines or hotels are willing to lose the advantage of product differentiation and offer services through discount travel agencies.
Recruitment, Training, and Career Concerns
Authors: Bar‐Isaac Heski , Ganuza Juan‐José
Published: November 2008

We examine training and recruitment policies in a two‐period model that nests two forms of production, “routine” work where ability and effort are substitutes and “creative” work where they are complements. Alternative ways of improving average ability have opposite implications for agents' career concerns. Although teaching to the top (training complementary to ability) or identifying star performers increases agents' career concerns, teaching to the bottom has the opposite effect. The paper also makes more general comments relating to models of reputation.
Input Suppliers, Differential Pricing, and Information Sharing Agreements
Authors: Creane Anthony
Published: November 2008

It is common for firms to systematically share information with their input suppliers. Although such agreements with horizontal rivals have been analyzed, there has been little work examining vertical sharing, and that analysis has focused on suppliers that set uniform prices. However, there has been a systematic change in the US policy toward vertical relationships in the past decades: both FTC inaction and courts rulings have curtailed the effect of Robinson‐Patman, a law meant to prevent differential pricing. Furthermore, it is not clear if differential pricing reflects the suppliers' or the buyers' power. The interaction of these effects is examined.
Little Firms and Big Patents: A Model of Small‐Firm Patent Signaling
Authors: Gick Wolfgang
Published: November 2008

Patent strategies of small technology‐intensive firms are difficult to explain with standard incentive arguments based on intellectual property rights. This paper develops a rationale for patent filing as a disclosure strategy. We develop a two‐sender signaling game to study patenting incentives of two technology start‐ups to file in a large‐scale patent system with the goal to attract a user firm. Both start‐ups may decide to invest in costly modification of their patent application before filing. The paper identifies a separating equilibrium in which the high‐quality inventor files and so separates from its technology competitor. Of particular interest is the study of pooling and semi‐separating equilibria, as well as the impact of subsidies. We find that a higher quality of a country's inventions, reflected in the possible innovative steps and thus in higher expected profits for foreign user firms, may increase the chance of the relatively lower‐quality inventor to enter international technology markets.
Signaling Quality in an Oligopoly When Some Consumers Are Informed
Authors: Yehezkel Yaron
Published: November 2008

This paper considers a signaling game between two competing firms and consumers. The firms have common private information concerning their qualities, and some of the consumers are informed about the firms' qualities. Firms use prices and uninformative advertising as signals of quality. The model reveals that in the separating equilibrium, prices are first climbing and then declining with the proportion of informed consumers, while the expenditure on uninformative advertising is declining. Firms' profits are highest when the proportion of informed consumers is at an intermediate level. Pooling equilibria exist if the proportion of informed consumers is below a certain threshold.