bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation Sensitivity Calculations Using the Adjoint of the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) Analysis System
Authors: Zhu Yanqiu , Gelaro Ronald
Published: January 2008

The adjoint of a data assimilation system provides an efficient way of estimating sensitivities of analysis or forecast measures with respect to observations. The NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) has developed an exact adjoint of the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) analysis scheme developed at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The development approach is unique in that the adjoint is derived from a line-by-line tangent linear version of the GSI. Availability of the tangent linear scheme provides an explicit means of assessing not only the fidelity of the adjoint, but also the effects of nonlinear processes in the GSI itself. In this paper, the development of the tangent linear and adjoint versions of the GSI are discussed and observation sensitivity results for a near-operational version of the system are shown. Results indicate that the GSI adjoint provides accurate assessments of the sensitivities with respect to observations of wind, temperature, satellite radiances, and, to a lesser extent, moisture. Sensitivities with respect to ozone observations are quite linear for the ozone fields themselves, but highly nonlinear for other variables. The sensitivity information provided by the adjoint is used to estimate the contribution, or impact, of various observing systems on locally defined response functions based on the analyzed increments of temperature and zonal wind. It is shown, for example, that satellite radiances have the largest impact of all observing systems on the temperature increments over the eastern North Pacific, while conventional observations from rawinsondes and aircraft dominate the impact on the zonal wind increments over the continental United States. The observation impact calculations also provide an additional means of validating the observation sensitivities produced by the GSI adjoint.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Mexico and France
Authors: Blasco Maribel , Zølner Mette
Published: January 2008

Scholarship on corporate social responsibility (CSR) shows both that the concept itself is interpreted in a multitude of different ways and that significant cross-cultural differences exist in the way that business approaches the question of social responsibility and ethics. Little comparative work, however, has yet been carried out that investigates the reasons behind such differences. The authors analyze the cases of Mexico and France by drawing on Enderle’s practical, semantic, and theoretical dimensions of business ethics. The authors further integrate the concept of “normative institutions” to explore attitudes toward CSR and assess the likely future adoption of CSR practices in each country. The article concludes that despite similar institutional conditions in Mexico and France, the interplay of those institutions combined with the historical role of business and its relationship with society produces quite different articulations of CSR in each country. The article highlights the need for further studies that explore how institutions enable and constrain business’ articulation of social responsibility.
The Humanistic Psychology of Human Evil: Ernest Becker and Arthur Koestler
Authors: Bartlett Steven James
Published: January 2008

Little effort has been made in psychology and psychiatry to study pathologies that afflict, not the aberrant neurotic or psychotic individual or social group, but the greater population of the psychologically normal. A study of such “universal pathologies” requires a focus on the “ evil of banality,” and not the more restricted “banality of evil.” Where the latter phrase was used by Hannah Arendt to refer to the psychological normality of delimited groups of individuals who perpetrate evil (specifically, Nazi leaders during the Holocaust), the “evil of banality” refers to pathologies of normality—to the psychological constitution of the average person that predisposes him or her to participate in aggression and destruction. The article begins by summarizing conclusions reached in the author's The Pathology of Man: A Study of Human Evil (Charles C. Thomas, 2005). This study provides an up-to-date frame of reference within which are discussed the complementary and insightful observations concerning human evil made by two psychologically oriented humanists, Ernest Becker and Arthur Koestler.
The Predictive Validity of Dynamic Assessment
Authors: Caffrey Erin , Fuchs Douglas , Fuchs Lynn S.
Published: January 2008

The authors report on a mixed-methods review of 24 studies that explores the predictive validity of dynamic assessment (DA). For 15 of the studies, they conducted quantitative analyses using Pearson's correlation coefficients. They descriptively examined the remaining studies to determine if their results were consistent with findings from the group of 15. The authors implemented analyses in five phases: They compared the predictive validity of traditional tests and DA, compared two forms of DA, examined the predictive validity of DA by student population, investigated various outcome measures to determine whether they mediate DA's predictive validity, and assessed the value added of DA over traditional testing. Results indicated superior predictive validity for DA when feedback is not contingent on student response, when applied to students with disabilities rather than at-risk or typically achieving students, and when independent DA and criterion-referenced tests were used as outcomes instead of norm-referenced tests and teacher judgment.
Classroom-Based Research in the Field of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Conroy Maureen A. , Stichter Janine P. , Daunic Ann , Haydon Todd
Published: January 2008

Classrooms serving students with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are complex environments that include multiple interactions such as those between (a) students and teachers, (b) students and peers, and (c) temporally distant or concurrent classroom-setting factors and subsequent behavioral episodes. As a result, the scientific processes and methods used to investigate the nature of these interactions are often as varied and complex. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss the extent to which research methods and practices evident in current classroom-based studies measure and predict these relationships accurately. To this end, the authors present an overview of common research methodology and related measurement strategies and some considerations for conducting research using these methods in classrooms serving students with or at risk for EBD.
Anti-Despotism and “Rights Talk”
Authors: Zarrow Peter
Published: January 2008

During the last years of the Qing dynasty, intellectuals began to refer to the notion of “human rights” with increasing frequency, and it soon became, in effect, indigenized. In this process, Chinese intellectuals forged a modern conception of rights that was not identical to today's notions but treated rights as morally necessary, along with duties, for any decent society. Rights talk spread rapidly because it was a powerful tool for the critique of Qing despotism and also for the building of a modern state. In a fashion in some ways parallel to the northern Atlantic world two and three centuries previously, late Qing intellectuals combined fears of despotism with dreams of a new constitutional order based on rights-bearing citizens. Anti-despotism thus fueled rights thinking, as was seen not only among radicals but also by the last years of the Qing, among reformers and even officials as well.
Conversion of Proportion-Correct Standard-Setting Judgments to Cutoff Scores on the Item Response Theory θ Scale
Authors: Hurtz Gregory M. , Jones J. Patrick , Jones Christian N.
Published: January 2008

This study compares the efficacy of different strategies for translating item-level, proportion-correct standard-setting judgments into a y-metric test cutoff score for use with item response theory (IRT) scoring, using Monte Carlo methods. Simulated Angoff-type ratings, consisting of 1,000 independent 75 Item × 13 Rater matrices, were generated at five points along the y continuum, at three levels of rater fit to the item characteristics curves, yielding 14,625,000 ratings as the basis of the analyses. These simulated proportion-correct ratings were converted to the IRT y scale using test-level and item-level methods explicated by Kane (1987). Kane's optimally weighted, item-level conversion method initially produced anomalous results; however, it was discovered that imposing a restriction on the weights avoided these anomalies and rendered the optimally weighted method the most statistically efficient. Six areas for future research are outlined for advancing the integration of these classical standard-setting ratings into IRT methodology.
The Role of Compensatory and Retributive Justice in Determining Damages in Employment Disputes†
Authors: Mahony Douglas M. , Klaas Brian S.
Published: January 2008

This study draws on theories of compensatory and retributive justice to examine how jurors and employment arbitrators reach decisions regarding awards and damages in cases involving allegations or wrongful discharge. The authors hypothesized that the decision to provide compensatory justice would be determined by both employee and employer attributes, whereas the decision to provide both compensatory and punitive justice would be determined by employer attributes. These hypotheses were tested using a policy-capturing exercise in which the decision makers were asked to make an award and damages determination in cases in which an employee was challenging his or her termination. Results generally support the hypotheses. Findings suggest that within the context of employment disputes, both jurors and employment arbitrators are influenced by a justice-providing motive that involves both compensating the victim and exacting retribution.
Pay Contingency and the Effects of Perceived Organizational and Supervisor Support on Performance and Commitment
Authors: Pazy Asya , Ganzach Yoav
Published: January 2008

Applying a social exchange perspective, three studies examine how the effects of perceived organizational support (POS) and perceived supervisor support (PSS) on performance and commitment are constrained by pay contingency. Study 1 shows a negative interaction between POS and pay contingency and a positive interaction between PSS and pay contingency in their effects on performance and nonsignificant interactions regarding commitment. In Studies 2 and 3, which were conducted in high pay contingency field settings, performance was affected by PSS but not by POS, whereas commitment was affected by POS but not by PSS. Implications of these moderation effects are discussed.
On the Importance of Conducting Construct-Level Analysis for Multidimensional Constructs in Theory Development and Testing
Authors: Wong Chi-Sum , Law Kenneth S. , Huang Guo-hua
Published: January 2008

On top of not defining explicitly the relationship between multidimensional constructs and their dimensions, many management researchers have conducted their analyses of multidimensional constructs at the dimension level only and assumed that these analyses would be valid at the construct level. This article discusses the potential problems of these practices. Data from two reported management studies are reanalyzed to show that different conclusions might be arrived when analyses are conducted at the construct rather than the dimension level. This finding is especially true when the multidimensional construct is defined under the latent model. Implications are discussed.
Improving Income Positions of Primary Producers in International Marketing Channels: The Lake Victoria—EU Nile Perch Case
Authors: Kambewa Emma , Ingenbleek Paul , van Tilburg Aad
Published: January 2008

Although fair distribution of incomes within marketing channels and systems receives increasing attention in companies' corporate social responsibility policies, the marketing literature offers few insights that may be helpful to initiate projects that improve incomes of primary producers in mainstream marketing channels. This article deals with the question of how projects that aim at increasing primary producers' incomes can be initiated in mainstream marketing channels: Who is the channel member that is best suited to take initiative, and why should it be this partner? The study analyzes problems at primary levels of a fresh fish channel from East Africa to the European Union, and it examines from downstream whether channel partners are aware of the problems and how responsible they feel for them, and it assesses their willingness to take action. Propositions on the initiation of projects that improve primary producers' incomes are developed and implications are discussed.
Passive microwave remote sensing of seasonal snow-covered sea ice
Authors: Langlois Alexandre , Barber David G.
Published: January 2008

The Arctic is thought to be an area where we can expect to see the first and strongest signs of global-scale climate variability and change. We have already begun to see a reduction in: (1) the aerial extent of sea ice at about 3% per decade and (2) ice thickness at about 40%. At the current rate of reduction we can expect a seasonally ice-free Arctic by midway through this century given the current changes in thermodynamic processes controlling sea-ice freeze-up and decay. Many of the factors governing the thermodynamic processes of sea ice are strongly tied to the presence and geophysical state of snow on sea ice, yet snow on sea ice remains poorly studied. In this review, we provide a summary of the current state of knowledge pertaining to the geophysical, thermodynamic and dielectric properties of snow on sea ice. We first give a detailed description of snow thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity, diffusivity and specific heat and how snow geophysical/electrical properties and the seasonal surface energy balance affect them. We also review the different microwave emission and scattering mechanisms associated with snow-covered first-year sea ice. Finally, we discuss the annual evolution of the Arctic system through snow thermodynamic (heat/mass transfer, metamorphism) and aeolian processes, with linkages to microwave remote sensing that have yet to be defined from an annual perspective in the Arctic.
Tsunami geoscience
Authors: Dawson Alastair , Stewart Iain
Published: January 2008

Research in tsunami geoscience has accelerated markedly ever since the tragedy of the Indian Ocean tsunami of Boxing Day 2004. Yet, for many decades and centuries, scholars have been describing a multiplicity of tsunami events. Thus the Royal Society devoted a whole volume to the effects of the Great Lisbon earthquake and tsunami of November AD 1755 while in the early nineteenth century Charles Darwin was describing the great tsunami at Valdivia, Chile, in his account of the Voyage of the Beagle. Today, research in tsunami geoscience is still finding its feet. Thus, whereas there has been a wealth of publications on the reconstruction of Late Quaternary and Holocene tsunamis, the literature describing evidence for tsunamis in the geological record are rare. In this paper, we describe how our understanding of tsunamis has changed over time and we try also to identify areas of tsunami geoscience worthy of future study.
Towards accurate determination of surface height using modern geoinformatic methods: possibilities and limitations
Authors: Gao Jay
Published: January 2008

Over recent decades several modern geoinformatic height-finding methods have emerged, including global positioning system (GPS), interferometric radar, and airborne laser scanner (ALS) or lidar. In conjunction with the conventional survey and photogrammetric method, they have found wide applications that demand varying levels of accuracy. In this paper, the principles of each method are briefly summarized. The discussion then concentrates on the accuracy level achievable with each method. The factors that affect the accuracy, wherever possible, are comprehensively evaluated. This review has revealed that the highest accuracy achievable is still with the levelling method, followed by the photogrammetric method. This situation is likely to change in light of real-time kinematic GPS coupled with ALS. In contrast to the imaging methods that are suited to obtain highly accurate, fine-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) at a local scale, GPS is the most efficient at obtaining heights at spots or along lines accurately. ALS is the only method applicable to acquisition of subsurface heights in vegetated areas. These airborne methods are complementary to their space-borne counterparts, such as Shuttle Radar Topographic Mapping and Shuttle Laser Altimeter, both being ideal in obtaining DEMs at the regional and global scales. The synergistic use of GPS with lidar offers the best hope in obtaining cm-level accuracies essential for monitoring ground subsidence and tectonic uplift. Height measurements accurate to subcentimetres needed for national levelling surveys are possible only after the tropospheric path delay is externally calibrated using Raman lidar data during GPS data analysis.
Nutrient transport associated with water erosion: progress and prospect
Authors: Yihe Lü  , Bojie Fu  , Liding Chen  , Guohua Liu  , Wei Wei
Published: January 2008

Along with the major water erosion process, large amounts of soil nutrient can be transported to water bodies that may degrade the erosion sites and result in water pollution problems in the nutrient-receiving water bodies. Because of the far-reaching ecological and environmental impacts of the nutrient transport processes during water erosion, much research has been done on this topic. The progress of this research topic is reviewed from the perspective of nutrient sources, covering triggers, carriers and forms of nutrient transport, and the factors regulating nutrient transport. Although much progress has been made, challenges still lie ahead. A multidisciplinary and integrative approach, therefore, needs to be taken to resolve the theoretical, methodological and practical problems in water erosion and nutrient transport research. More specifically, the interactions between landscape pattern and nutrient transport processes and spatiotemporal scale and scaling are the two central themes of consideration in methodological integration. It is also important to respect the dynamic and stochastic nature of nutrient transport which is closely related to rainfall-runoff events. The human dimension, formerly a relative weak point in research, needs to be strengthened to gain understanding and a more informed practical control over soil and nutrient loss and conservation.
Decision Support Systems for Public Policy Implementation
Authors: Ranerup Agneta
Published: January 2008

This article argues that the Internet not only serves as a basis for public service delivery but features in public policy implementation, with the specific aim of supporting the individual's decisions in educational policy, labor market policy, and pension policy. The present study is based on the actor-network theory and illustrates the process during which a decision support system (DSS), provided via the Internet, is part of public policy implementation, with a focus on pension policy and the choice of premium pension funds. The idea of supporting choice via a DSS was supported by many actors—albeit to a lesser degree by citizens'—active use. Technology has developed from providing information and facilities for changing funds online into offering a DSS for advanced financial decisions. A final conclusion is that there are two ways of supporting citizens in choosing funds: the provision of a DSS and simplifying the available options.
Identifying Events Using Computer-Assisted Text Analysis
Authors: Landmann Juliane , Zuell Cornelia
Published: January 2008

Events such as elections, significant changes in laws, but also extreme weather conditions, may affect societal values and, consequently, public opinion. Accordingly, a central assumption for public opinion surveys is that respondents' behavior is influenced by significant events. It is therefore necessary to consider the impact of potential events when designing a survey and, whenever possible, to control for these. To support the documentation of such societal events, the authors have developed a procedure to identify events using computer-assisted text analysis. Event words are selected and grouped by means of exploratory factor analysis based on a comparison of a large text corpus that forms the reference for a smaller text corpus consisting of media items on significant events. As a result, the factors represent significant events during a specific time period.
Private Voluntary Organizations Engaged in International Assistance, 1939-2004
Authors: McCleary Rachel M. , Barro Robert J.
Published: January 2008

U.S.-based private and voluntary organizations (PVOs) play an important role in international assistance. To assess this role, the authors constructed a new data set that covers more than 1,600 secular and religious PVOs that registered with the U.S. federal government between 1939 and 2004. In the post—World War II period, major revenue patterns are the rise of Evangelical PVOs, decline of Jewish PVOs, and rapid growth of secular PVOs from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. The authors analyze the determinants of changes in PVO size, gauged by real revenue. They focus on the interplay between public revenue (from the federal government, international organizations, and other governments) and private revenue. Specifically, they investigate whether funds from the federal government and other public entities serve as a magnet for subsequent private support.
Disclosure of HIV Status: Experiences and Perceptions of Persons Living With HIV/AIDS and Nurses Involved in Their Care in Africa
Authors: Greeff Minrie , Phetlhu Rene , Makoae Lucia N. , Dlamini Priscilla S. , Holzemer William L. , Naidoo Joanne R. , Kohi Thecla W. , Uys Leana R. , Chirwa Maureen L.
Published: January 2008

Most people with HIV have disclosed their status to someone, often with mixed results. Most health literature seems to favor disclosure by persons living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but it could be that to disclose is not always a good thing. We used a descriptive, qualitative research design to explore the experience of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS stigma of people living with HIV or AIDS and nurses involved in their care in Africa. Focus group discussions were held with respondents. We asked them to relate incidents that they themselves observed, and those that they themselves experienced in the community and in families. Thirty-nine focus groups were conducted in five countries in both urban and rural settings. This article is limited to a discussion of data related to the theme of disclosure only. The sub-themes of disclosure were experiences before the disclosure, the process of disclosure, and responses during and after disclosure.
Maintaining Dignity and Managing Stigma in the Interview Encounter: The Challenge of Paid-For Participation
Authors: Cook Kay , Nunkoosing Karl
Published: January 2008

The interview is both popular and problematic in social research. In this article, we describe and make problematic interviews from a study conducted with impoverished elders in Melbourne, Australia. Participants were paid $20 for each of two interviews. The result of the paid-for participation was double-edged in that it provided funds for impoverished participants, but the payment modified the exchange of free and open discussion. We describe key exchanges within the research interviews to exemplify how participants managed their experience and presentation of stigma and dignity. We demonstrate, with examples from the transcripts, strategies used by participants to gain agency over the process, while at the same time maintain enough of a semblance of conversational genre to make paid-for participation legitimate. We see this as an interesting methodological event that should inform analysis, interpretations, and the validity of interviews, rather than a problem with the interviewee.
The Presentation of “Pro-Anorexia” in Online Group Interactions
Authors: Gavin Jeff , Rodham Karen , Poyer Helen
Published: January 2008

Although pro-anorexia online support forums and the narratives that occur within them are increasingly the focus of research, none, to date, focuses closely on issues of identity within this online context. Our aim in conducting this study was to examine the presentation of pro-anorexia via an interpretive phenomenological analysis of postings to a pro-anorexia (“pro-ana”) online discussion forum. Analysis indicates that pro-anorexic identities are normalized and strengthened through the normalization of participants' pro-ana thoughts and behaviors, and the group bond created through sharing a secret identity. This process renders participants less likely to reveal their pro-ana identity to friends and family in the real world. The implications of our findings are discussed in relation to the theory of identity demarginalization.
A Context of Uncertainty: How Context Shapes Nurses' Research Utilization Behaviors
Authors: Scott Shannon D. , Estabrooks Carole A. , Allen Marion , Pollock Carolee
Published: January 2008

Context has often been cited as a significant factor in shaping research utilization behavior, yet scholars have been unable to provide specific detail as to how and why it is important. From an ethnographic study of research utilization in a pediatric intensive care unit, we determined that the primary characteristic of this nursing unit was uncertainty. We identified four major sources of uncertainty: (1) the precarious status of seriously ill patients, (2) the inherent unpredictability of nurses' work, (3) the complexity of teamwork in a highly sophisticated hospital environment, and (4) a changing management. We found that uncertainty shaped nurses' behaviors such that research use was irrelevant. Reducing uncertainty is a necessary precursor to any increase in research utilization by nurses. Future knowledge translation strategies need to begin by decreasing and managing uncertainty.
Reshaping ICU Ward Round Practices Using Video-Reflexive Ethnography
Authors: Carroll Katherine , Iedema Rick , Kerridge Ross
Published: January 2008

In this article, we outline a study method with which structural changes to clinical communication were achieved within a local intensive care unit (ICU). The study method involved in-depth, round-the-clock observation, interviewing, and video filming of how intensivists conducted their practices, as well as showing selected footage to the clinicians for feedback. This feedback component iteratively engaged clinicians in problem-solving their own communication difficulties. The article focuses on one such feedback meeting and describes changes to the morning ward round and planning meeting that this feedback process catalyzed: greater time efficiency, a greater presence of intensivists in the ICU, more satisfied nursing staff, and a handover sheet to improve the structure of clinical information exchanges. We argue that in embodying not a descriptive but an interventionist approach to health service provision, this video-ethnographic method has great significance for enhancing clinicians' and researchers' understanding of the rising complexity of in-hospital practices, and for enabling them to intervene in these practices.
Personal Resiliency: Serious Diagnosis and Prognosis With Unexpected Quality Outcomes
Authors: Denz-Penhey Harriet , Murdoch Campbell
Published: January 2008

In this grounded theory study we set out to identify what was common in stories of people with serious disease who had less than a 10% chance of survival, and who had a good quality of life at the time of first interview. A core category of personal resiliency was the organizing theme. This was a way of being and acting in the world that had the person strongly connected to life through relationships and a quality-of-life experience that made their illness secondary to their living. Whereas individual participants might not have had this sense of resiliency at the beginning of their illness, they developed it during the time they were ill, both prior to and during their recovery. Resiliency has five dimensions: Connectedness to their social environment, to family, to their physical environment, to their sense of inner wisdom (experiential spirituality), and a personal psychology with a supportive mindset and way of living which supported their values.
Using Visual Methods to Uncover Context
Authors: Keller Colleen , Fleury Julie , Perez Adriana , Ainsworth Barbara , Vaughan Linda
Published: January 2008

The accurate assessment of physical activity and dietary intake is essential for assessing the relationships between physical activity, dietary intake, and health outcomes. However, the measurement of physical activity and dietary intake among women, particularly minority women, poses unique challenges related to gender, ethnicity, and social context. Measures that are not culturally relevant or sensitive to the experiences, traditions, or beliefs of ethnically diverse women might result in data that are unreliable, or which cannot be interpreted. Visual methods show promise for elucidating concepts that are important to refine established measures for assessing dietary intake and physical activity in diverse ethnic groups. Hispanic women, a largely understudied subgroup that experiences long-term health risks associated with dietary and physical activity behaviors, serves as the focal group for this discussion of the potential for visual methods to develop culturally and contextually relevant and valid approaches to outcome assessment.
Taking the Hit: Focusing on Caregiver “Error” Masks Organizational-Level Risk Factors for Nursing Aide Assault
Authors: Morgan Debra G. , Crossley Margaret F. , Stewart Norma J. , D'Arcy Carl , Forbes Dorothy A. , Normand Sandy A. , Cammer Allison L.
Published: January 2008

Beliefs about the causes of events have implications for emotional reactions, distress, expectations for the future, and behavioral responses. In this article we report on two issues: the organizational context that contributes to nursing aide (NA) assault and reporting, and serendipitous findings that arose from investigating unexpected response rates to a survey. Data were collected in 11 rural nursing homes using a structured prospective event-reporting diary to collect detailed information about incidents of physical aggression, followed by focus groups to further explore NAs' perceptions of these events. Here we report on analysis of 19 focus groups conducted with 138 NAs. Participants described organizational-level factors that constrained their practice, affected their interactions with residents, and created a context that put them at risk for physical assault. These factors also affected their willingness to provide written documentation about aggressive incidents. The key issues were frustration at being blamed for causing aggression, lack of action to address the problem, and a desire for respect and involvement in decision making. Organizational changes are needed to modify the contextual factors contributing to assault risk. Researchers must be willing to modify study designs to more fully understand the nature of the problem studied.
Advocacy of Women Family Caregivers: Response to Nonsupportive Interactions With Professionals
Authors: Neufeld Anne , Harrison Margaret J. , Stewart Miriam , Hughes Karen
Published: January 2008

Support from health and social service professionals assists women in caring for a relative with a chronic condition. However, nonsupportive interactions coexist with supportive interactions and might have unanticipated consequences. The purpose of this ethnographic study was to examine advocacy as a proactive response to nonsupportive interactions with professionals among women family caregivers in four caregiving situations. Data generation included in-depth interviews with 34 women. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic and constant comparative analysis techniques. As a consequence of nonsupportive interactions women experienced negative feelings, a lack of trust, powerlessness, and challenges in their caregiving situations that were catalysts for advocacy involving assertively taking charge in a relationship with a health professional. As advocates women employed strategies of monitoring their relative's condition, educating themselves or others, negotiating or fighting for resources, or campaigning for change. There were stress and fatigue involved in becoming an advocate, but the women also described the experience as one of personal growth. This research provided insight into the role of nonsupportive interactions with professionals as a catalyst for the development of individual-level advocacy initiatives.
The Ethics of Organizational Secrets
Authors: Anand Vikas , Rosen Christopher C.
Published: January 2008

Most organizations are holders of sanctioned and unsanctioned secrets. While some secrets such as product formulas are necessary and ethical, others such as hiding the negative health effects of smoking tobacco are unethical. We examine secrets along two dimensions: The first one examines the beneficiaries and victims/targets of a secret while the second focuses on whether the secret was sanctioned by the secret holders, the organization, or society. Thinking about secrets along these two dimensions helps provide a handle on the complexities involved in understanding the ethics of organizational secrets.
Making Qualitative Research Reports Less Boring
Authors: Caulley Darrel N.
Published: January 2008

In general, like Laurel Richardson, the author finds qualitative research reports boring to read. This article shows how the use of creative nonfiction techniques can make such reports less boring. Creative nonfiction involves writing nonfiction using fiction techniques. Creative nonfiction arose in the 1960s when it was called “The New Journalism.” The word creative in creative nonfiction might imply that it does not keep to the facts, but the aim of creative nonfiction is to tell the truth, and this certainly applies in its application to writing qualitative research reports. The article describes a number of fiction techniques and illustrates them with examples drawn from creative nonfiction writings.
The End of Immanent Critique?
Authors: Browne Craig
Published: January 2008

Immanent critique has been a defining feature of the programme of critical social theory. It is a methodology that underpins theoretical diagnoses of contemporary society, based on its linking normative and empirical modes of analysis. Immanent critique distinctively seeks to discern emancipatory or democratizing tendencies. However, the viability of immanent critique is currently in question. Habermas argued that it was necessary to revise the normative foundations of critical social theory, late-capitalist developments tended to undermine immanent critique. Although there is a need for critical social theory to incorporate aspects of alternative interpretations of the contemporary period, the logics of influential theoretical perspectives on the present, especially postmodernism, the risk society and globalization, will be shown to be inconsistent with some of immanent critique's presuppositions. The synthetic aspirations of critical social theory nevertheless persist in recent attempts to reconcile positive liberty and social justice.
The Constitution of Space
Authors: Löw Martina
Published: January 2008

It has become an academic self-evidence that space can only inadequately be conceptualized as a material or earth-bound base for social processes. This could commend a theoretical view of space as the outcome of action, which brings both social production practices and bodily deployment into focus. The action-theoretical perspective allows the constitution of space to be understood as taking place in perception. Not only are things alone perceived but also the relations between objects. This article develops a space-theoretical concept according to which space is constituted through acts as the outcome of synthesis and positioning practices. This opens up a theoretical perspective defining atmospheres as an external effect, instantiated in perception, of social goods and human beings in their situated spatial order/ing. Exclusion and inclusion are accordingly comprehended in terms of perception of the attunement of places. With reference to Anthony Giddens, this article discusses how space can be understood as a duality of structural ordering and action elements.
Insecurity, Conformity and Community
Authors: Yair Gad
Published: January 2008

James S. Coleman was the major proponent of rational choice theory. This article challenges the traditional reading of his work by showing that under the explicit theory of rational choice lay a latent non-rational theory of action. The article shows that instead of rationality, Coleman's psychological starting point was existential insecurity; that instead of the alleged mechanism of the maximization of utility, actors choose to conform to peer values and norms in order to alleviate insecurity; and that the optimal setting for action is provided by intimate and dense communities, rather than unregulated free markets. These three non-rational presuppositions are analyzed and it is suggested that they are crucial for understanding Coleman's assessment of modernity, social change and his call for the rational reconstruction of society.
The Question of European Identity
Authors: Kumar Krishan
Published: January 2008

In the wake of the Iraq war of 2003, and in response to the European reaction to the war, a number of prominent European intellectuals launched a new debate on Europe's identity, and in particular the extent to which it differed from American identity. The debate was sparked by a newspaper article by Jürgen Habermas and Jacques Derrida, which was circulated to several other intellectuals for comment. The Europe-wide debate which ensued — in which several Americans joined — provides a revealing snap-shot of European opinion on the question of Europe's identity. It illustrates in particular the dangers as well as the seductions of seeing that identity mainly in terms of a contrast with America, putatively to the advantage of the Europeans. This article argues that such a contrast fuels an anti-Americanism that is disabling to Europe and conceals many significant — and less selfflattering — aspects of the European inheritance.
Turkey and Postnational Europe
Authors: Baban Feyzi , Keyman Fuat
Published: January 2008

The question of Turkey's membership in the EU has been the subject of debates about the cosmopolitan future of Europe. Using the concept of cosmopolitanism as developed by Beck, Habermas, and Delanty, this article argues that the possibility of an antiontological and multicultural cosmopolitan European community will largely depend on how Europe answers the question of whether Turkey should be granted membership in the EU. Turkey forces a debate on three crucial areas that are directly related to the cosmopolitan future of Europe: (a) Europe's geopolitical place in the global world, (b) postnational forms of a European public sphere, and (c) European identity. The potential for a multicultural and pluralistic cosmopolitanism is a two-way street, and while Turkey's membership will have a transformative impact on the EU, the membership process will also have a similar impact on Turkish democracy and modernity.
Who Whips?
Authors: Meinke Scott R.
Published: January 2008

Little recent research on congressional parties has considered the relationship between the vast extended leadership and shifting partisan dynamics. This article draws on conditional party government theory to argue that elected House leaders use the extended whip networks to achieve somewhat different goals under weaker and stronger party government conditions and that these priorities are reflected in the whip systems' membership. Specifically, the whip system reflects caucus diversity under weaker party government but becomes disproportionately stacked with loyalists as party government conditions grow stronger; this shift reflects heightened leadership focus on agenda coordination and signaling under strong parties. The evidence on whip system composition and selection in the Democratic caucus (95th to 106th Congresses) provides very strong support for this argument. An examination of the Republican conference fails to support the main hypothesis but shows that the 1990s growing GOP majority whip network was unrepresentatively dominated by the cohort of junior members.
Surgical Management of Deep Venous Insufficiency Caused by Congenital Absence of the Infrarenal Inferior Vena Cava
Authors: Arash Mohammadi Tofigh  , Coscas Raphaël , Koskas Fabien , Kieffer Edouard
Published: January 2008

Congenital absence of the inferior vena cava (CAIVC) is a rare vascular defect, commonly reported as a fortuitous finding because patients are typically asymptomatic of the condition itself but are symptomatic of associated conditions such as congenital heart disease, polysplenia, asplenia, and inversion of bowel viscera. The presence of CAIVC is probably underestimated because CAIVC may not be detected by compression B-mode ultrasonography. By use of computed tomography, we diagnosed a case of CAIVC in a young athletic patient with disabling venous stasis symptoms of the lower limbs. Venous prosthetic reconstruction of the infrarenal vena cava provided with early subsiding of edema and healing of stasis ulcers. An intracaval web was found as potentially responsible for the condition. We present and propose our surgical method for this rare disabling condition.
The Incidence of Unplanned Returns to the Operating Room After Peripheral Arterial Bypass Surgery and Its Value as Indicator of Quality of Care
Authors: Ploeg Arianne J. , Lange Chris P. E. , Lardenoye Jan-Willem , Breslau Paul J.
Published: January 2008

Background In recent years, a growing need has arisen to define possible indicators of quality of care.

Methods To examine whether unplanned return to the operating room within 30 days after the initial procedure could serve as an indicator to assess quality of care in peripheral arterial bypass surgery, all bypass procedures performed between January 1996 and January 2004 were evaluated. Data were obtained from a prospectively kept hospital registration system.

Results A total of 607 consecutive procedures were performed in 468 patients. The overall unexpected return to the operating room rate was 11.2%. Patients requiring peripheral arterial bypass surgery for critical ischemia with gangrene were significantly more at risk for an unplanned reoperation (20.2%) than patients with disabling claudication (2.1%) ( P < .0001). Patients requiring femorocrural bypass surgery (24.2%) were also more at risk than patients with a suprageniculate bypass procedure (5.2%) ( P < .0001).

Conclusions Unplanned return to the operating room within 30 days after the initial operation can be a useful indicator of quality of care after peripheral arterial bypass surgery. However, a prospective, well-defined registration system to collect all data is essential. Furthermore, the severity of peripheral arterial disease and the type of procedure performed should be taken into account.
Dynamic Cine-Computed Tomography Angiography Imaging of Standard and Fenestrated Endografts: Differing Effects on Renal Artery Motion
Authors: Muhs Bart E. , Vincken Koen L. , Teutelink Arno , Verhoeven Eric L. G. , Prokop Matthias , Moll Frans L. , Verhagen Hence J. M.
Published: January 2008

Different endograft configurations (fenestrated, transrenal, infrarenal) may varyingly affect aortic side branch movement. Renal artery motion was evaluated with 64-slice dynamic cine-computed tomography angiography before and after endovascular aneurysm repair in 16 patients (46 renal arteries). Center-of-mass displacement of the renals was determined per heartbeat for before repair for 3 different endografts; differences were compared, with significance at P < 0.5. Preoperative renal artery motion is significant (1.2 [SD 0.5] mm, range, 0.6-2.). Neither transrenal nor infrarenal endografts alter renal artery motion compared with before repair ( P < .05). Renal artery motion after fenestrated endovascular repair with renal stents reduces motion to 25% of the preoperative value (0.3 [SD, 0.1] mm, range, 0.2-0.5 mm; P = .01). Endograft implantation without stented side branches does not change renal artery motion, potentially allowing significant movement of the renal artery relative to the fenestration. Routine stenting of fenestrations limits postoperative renal artery motion to 0.3 mm, thereby preventing significant branch movement in relation the fenestration.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Stent Fracture Producing Stenosis and Recurrent Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: Case Report
Authors: Klepczyk Lisa , Keeling W. Brent , Stone Patrick A. , Shames Murray L.
Published: January 2008

Endovascular modalities are being increasingly employed in the treatment of a variety of vascular diseases. With new technologies come novel complications, and one such complication unique to endovascular surgery is stent fracture. We present two cases of stent fracture following stenting of the superior mesenteric artery and discuss possible causes and treatments.
A Global Assessment of the Inflammatory Response Elicited Upon Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Vasdekis Spyros N. , Argentou Marianna , Kakisis John D. , Bossios Apostolos , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Karanikolas Menelaos , Karatzas Gabriel
Published: January 2008

The inflammatory response during elective open infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and its impact on outcome is investigated. Twenty high-risk patients were enrolled, and blood samples were obtained at 8 perioperative time points. Endotoxin, cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6), CD11b expression, and nitric oxide were measured. Peak endotoxin levels occurred within 30 minutes of reperfusion and were higher among patients developing complications. Interleukin-6 levels increased during reperfusion, reaching a peak on the first postoperative day. Interleukin-6 increase correlated with aortic clamp time and morbidity. CD11b expression increased 30 minutes after reperfusion, and this effect was greater among patients who developed complications. Endotoxin may be important in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Activated neutrophils may have a central role in tissue injury after reperfusion. Intraoperative CD11b upregulation may be an early marker for postoperative complications after infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
Acute Lower Extremity Ischemia Secondary to Salivary Gland Tumor Embolus
Authors: Bottoni David A. , Franklin Jason H. , Forbes Thomas L.
Published: January 2008

Malignant arterial tumor emboli of sufficient size that is capable of causing organ infarction or ischemia are exceedingly rare. The majority of these emboli are associated with either primary or secondary pulmonary malignancies and commonly occur perioperatively or immediately postoperatively. This study describes an unusual case of acute lower extremity ischemia secondary to a malignant parotid tumor embolus with evidence of left ventricular involvement.