bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terror management among Chinese: Worldview defence and intergroup bias in resource allocation
Authors: Tam Kim‐Pong , Chiu Chi‐Yue , Lau Ivy Yee‐Man
Published: May 2007

Management of terror of death and its subsequent reactions has been held to be universal. However, with only a few exceptions empirical efforts have so far been focused on people from North American and European countries. Would Eastern philosophical traditions render differential management of the terror of death? The present research aimed at testing the generality of terror management in Hong Kong Chinese samples. Across four studies, we found robust and consistent mortality salience effects, which attest to the generality of terror management. As in previous studies, compared to control participants, mortality salient participants displayed a stronger ingroup bias in person evaluation (Studies 1, 3). Additionally, we found a robust mortality salience effect on intergroup bias in resource allocation (Studies 2A, 2B, 3), which has not been examined in previous terror management research.
Estimating values for recreational fishing at freshwater dams in Queensland*
Authors: Rolfe John , Prayaga Prabha
Published: May 2007

In this paper, estimates of value for recreational fishing are reported for three major freshwater impoundments in Queensland, Australia, using both travel cost and contingent valuation methods. Policy analysts often require estimates of value when analysing the importance of recreation against other uses of impoundments, or when considering the potential for further investments, such as with fish stocking programs. Different forms of the travel cost method are used to estimate separate consumer surpluses associated with two key subgroups of recreational anglers: frequent and occasional anglers. A contingent valuation study is used to estimate the marginal values associated with a potential improvement in fishing experience. The results of the travel cost analysis provide strong evidence that recreational values vary between different groups of anglers and across sites, while the contingent valuation estimates provide values for additional marginal benefits of recreational angling.
Input usage, output mix and industry deregulation: an analysis of the Australian dairy manufacturing industry*
Authors: Balcombe Kelvin , Doucouliagos Hristos , Fraser Iain
Published: May 2007

In this paper we estimate a Translog output distance function for a balanced panel of state level data for the Australian dairy processing sector. We estimate a fixed effects specification employing Bayesian methods, with and without the imposition of monotonicity and curvature restrictions. Our results indicate that Tasmania and Victoria are the most technically efficient states with New South Wales being the least efficient. The imposition of theoretical restrictions marginally affects the results especially with respect to estimates of technical change and industry deregulation. Importantly, our bias estimates show changes in both input use and output mix that result from deregulation. Specifically, we find that deregulation has positively biased the production of butter, cheese and powders.
Return Migration: Theory and Empirical Evidence from the UK
Authors: Dustmann Christian , Weiss Yoram
Published: May 2007

In this article, we discuss forms of migration that are non‐permanent. We focus on temporary migrations where the decision to return is taken by the immigrant. These migrations are likely to be frequent, and we provide some evidence for the UK. We then develop a simple model that rationalizes the decision of a migrant to return to his/her home country, despite a persistently higher wage in the host country. We consider three motives for a temporary migration: (i) differences in relative prices between host and home country, (ii) complementarities between consumption and the location where consumption takes place, and (iii) the possibility of accumulating human capital abroad, which enhances the immigrant's earnings potential back home. For the last return motive, we discuss extensions that allow for immigrant heterogeneity, and develop implications for selective in‐ and out‐migration.
Informal Work and Protest: Undocumented Immigrant Activism in France, 1996–2000
Authors: Iskander Natasha
Published: May 2007

Nominally, the wave of protests by undocumented immigrants that swept through France in the late 1990s successfully challenged the restrictive Pasqua immigration laws. However, despite appearances, the mass movement was at base a labour protest: undocumented workers demonstrated against immigration laws that undermined the way they navigated informal labour markets and, in particular, truncated their opportunities for skill development. Furthermore, it is proposed in this article that examining social movements for their labour content can reveal erosions of working conditions and worker power in informal sector employment. A case study of the Paris garment district is presented to demonstrate how the spread of ‘hybrid‐informality’ made legal work permits a prerequisite for working informally and relegated undocumented immigrants to lower quality jobs outside the cluster.
A Marriage Made in Heaven? Mismatches and Misunderstandings between Worker Centres and Unions
Authors: Fine Janice
Published: May 2007

Worker centres, community‐based mediating institutions that provide support to low‐wage workers in the United States, have grown from five in 1992 to 160 in 2007. With unions increasingly targeting low‐wage immigrant workers employed in non‐footloose industries for organizing drives, it would seem that worker centres and unions are a match made in heaven. On the ground, however, it has been more of a mismatch. This article examines the underlying sources of the mismatch embodied in the structures, ideologies and cultures of worker centres and unions.
From Coping Strategies to Tactics: London's Low‐Pay Economy and Migrant Labour
Authors: Datta Kavita , McIlwaine Cathy , Evans Yara , Herbert Joanna , May Jon , Wills Jane
Published: May 2007

This article examines the means by which low‐paid migrant workers survive in a rapidly changing and increasingly unequal labour market. In a departure from the coping strategies literature, it is argued that the difficulties migrant workers face in the London labour market reduces their ability to ‘strategize’. Instead, workers adopt a range of ‘tactics’ that enable them to ‘get by’, if only just, on a day‐to‐day basis. The article explores these tactics with reference to the connections between different workers’ experiences of the workplace, home and community, and demonstrates the role of national, ethnic and gender relations in shaping migrant workers’ experiences of the London labour market and of the city more widely.
ENDOGENOUS GROWTH, HUMAN CAPITAL, AND INDUSTRY WAGES
Authors: Winter‐Ebmer Rudolph
Published: May 2007

Lucas' model (1988) of external effects of human capital formation is taken as a starting point for looking at the impact of human capital on wages. Even though most empirical tests of New Growth Theory are made using time‐series and cross‐sections of countries — with good reasons — I suggest a microeconometric approach in order to test Lucas' basic assumption of external effects of human capital. As a first step, internal effects of education are filtered out by using wage functions for individuals in Austria. In the second step, resulting industry wage premiums are regressed on industry‐specific characteristics and, above all, on average human capital in the industry to account for external effects of human capital.
The application of a research project selection method
Authors: Bell D. C. , Read A. W.
Published: May 2007

This paper describes the application of a linear programming model to project selection and resource allocation problems in two industrial R & D laboratories. Mathematical models have not been widely used in practice because of the inherent uncertainty of research. The model discussed here yields information about the outcome of decisions under conditions of uncertainty. The elements of the model are developed, using simple examples, and the form of the complete model outlined. Benefit evaluation is carried out using probabilistic networks and uncertainty in benefits included by utilizing the concept of certainty equivalence. The use of the model in practical situations is discussed, with examples of the information obtained from the solution, and sensitivity studies to investigate the uncertain environment are described. The result is a flexible model, which produces information necessary for planning purposes and which is acceptable to practising R & D Managers.
Economic optimization of technical‐scientific research plans
Authors: Trattner E. , Zidaroiu C.
Published: May 2007

Abstract. The criterion according to which the plans of a research organization can be optimized with respect to modelling R & D management consists in maximizing such profits as the envisaged results of research investigations may practically achieve throughout their application. The constraints are the available time and financial resources of the research organization, any investment outlays to be made by the beneficiaries and the time and money expenditures required for the solution of each individual theme competing for inclusion in the investigation plan. Mathematically it is a linear programming problem with bivalent variables. Because of the reduced size of the system a dynamic programming approach is also possible.
An R & D planning and control servosystem: A case study*
Authors: Souder William E.
Published: May 2007

This paper describes a planning and control system (PACS) to aid R & D decision‐making which has been developed and used at the Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. The planning model portion of the integrated system is a two‐dimensional dynamic programming resource allocation algorithm which performs project selection, budgeting and scheduling. Behavioral parameters that can be used to simulate certain organizational factors are included in the planning model. The control model portion of the integrated system develops cost‐effectiveness measures of variances between actual and planned performances for ongoing projects over time, which provide early warnings of pending project failures and guide control action. Applications of the system at Monsanto indicate that it significantly aids the development of satisfactory organizational decisions and also provides a laboratory for pretesting decisions.
Research on the interface factor in the development and utilization of new technology
Authors: Gruber William H.
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe interface factor in the development and utilization of new technology is analyzed with questionnaire surveys. The interface factor is found to determine R&D performance in a study of large manufacturing companies in the United States and in a study of computer utilization performance in commercial banks in the United States. A comparison of the interface factor in the functioning of R & D in the United States and Japan suggests that interface problems may be less serious in Japan. Company experience is reported which indicates that the interface function can be controlled by management policies, procedures and practices. The need for greater attention to the interface factor by executives and by researchers on R & D management is a conclusion which follows from the findings presented in this paper.
A simple model of R & D project dynamics
Authors: Roberts E. B.
Published: May 2007

A simple dynamic model is developed that describes some of the important aspects of research and development projects. Its purpose is illustration of the applicability of dynamic modelling to understanding the key factors affecting R & D performance. The model recognizes the differences among real, perceived, and reported progress on the job. It also includes the effect of schedule pressures on productivity. Simulation results are presented that, among other things, illustrate the trade‐off between meeting schedule and maintaining organizational stability, the effects of rapid problem detection and response, and the difficulties due to the intangible nature of R & D progress.
Costs and benefits of an agricultural research institute
Authors: Simmonds N. W.
Published: May 2007

This paper represents an attempt to assess the economic impact of a publicly funded agricultural research institute in cost‐benefit terms. The institute is the Scottish Plant Breeding Station which was responsible for breeding two successful main‐crop potato varieties. Benefits, achieved and prospective, from new crop varieties are calculated from estimates of resources saved in producing constant crops at reduced acreages but with higher yields. Over the timescale 1951‐97, costs (discounted at 10/SL to 1972) total 9‐7 M/SL and benefits total 29‐8 M/SL (of which 21‐1 M/SL is attributable to the two successful potatoes). The net present value is estimated as 20‐1 M/SL (B/C 3‐1) (very probably in the range 12‐37 M/SL, B/C 2‐2‐4‐8).

In discussion it is pointed out that few cost‐benefit studies of agricultural research are available and that the administrative implications of the present study are far from clear. Plant breeding, in general, being largely free of environmental or welfare effects, seems to be economically attractive and socially benign; and it must become even more attractive with rising food prices and land values.
Three‐dimensional representation of company business and investigational activities
Authors: Carson J. W.
Published: May 2007

This paper describes a management aid devised to illustrate the inter‐relationships between present company business activities and the investigational activities of the various company R&D functions. It is based on the‐ construction of a three‐dimensional model in which the raw material, process and market parameters are the axes. Use of the model can facilitate project definition and selection in R and D departments and can be extended as a management aid in studies of R & D resource allocation and acquisition studies.
Recycling in the garment industry
Authors: Lund G.
Published: May 2007

An analysis of the present situation. regarding the wastes produced by the United Kingdom garment industry is presented. It appears that fairly considerable amounts of materials uneconomic for conventional recycling are at present being wasted. Possibilities for utilization of these wastes are discussed.
Technical information, technical assistance, and technology transfer—the need for a synthesis*
Authors: Rubenstein A. H.
Published: May 2007

In the literature and often in practice, technical assistance, technical information, and technology transfer are treated as three separate activities. This paper discusses the relationship between them. Illustrations are given of the inability of overspecialized systems to effectively serve a broad range of needs. Some suggestions are made for research that is needed in this area. to help improve the design of systems and institutions and the training of people to carry out these functions. Some experimental ideas are presented which can help to resolve some of the policy and design problems in this area.
Innovation in acceptable doses: problems of supplementing educational technology innovations in firms
Authors: Bierfelder W.
Published: May 2007

This paper gives the interim results of a research study of innovation in educational technology, and of obstacles to such innovation, based on interviews with senior management in 160 major firms. The special characteristics of innovation in this area are considered, including the duality between hardware and software, and the need to proceed by large steps. An analysis is made of the nature and sources of resistance to innovation, and of the possible means of overcoming it, including ‘gatekeeper’ activities. It is concluded that simple analyses and solutions are unlikely to be successful, and that a multi‐dimensional approach is required.
The Creative Catastrophe
Authors: Bergen S. A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The literature of creativity consists mainly of prescriptive techniques and catalogues thereof. No unifying framework or vocabulary has emerged to enable comparisons to be made. It is suggested that the Catastrophe Theory of Thorn, though controversial, can contribute to this end.

A version of the theory is used in an attempt to describe factors influencing success or failure in new product development and design in manufacturing industry and to indicate the position of de Bono's Lateral Thinking’ in the field of creativity.
Correlates of turnover propensity of software professionals in small high tech companies
Authors: Garden Anna‐Maria
Published: May 2007

Abstract

The intent of this study is to shed some empirical light on the turnover propensity of software professionals in small software companies. Different sized firms were included to examine whether organizational size affected the relationships between the time the employees expected to stay in their present company, and a range of personal and organizational characteristics. A sample of 339 employees completed a questionnaire on their experience of and reactions to working in their current firm. None of the usual demographic indicators, e.g. age or tenure, was related to turnover propensity. The more time spent on programming, debugging or implementation, the shorter the time expected to stay. Satisfaction with both job and senior management was strongly related to expecting to stay longer, although satisfaction with project team or immediate boss showed virtually no relationship at all. The effect of organizational size occurred primarily with different company atmosphere qualities and certain work conditions. A warm atmosphere, fun and enjoyment, and friends in the company were important correlates only for the companies with below 50 people. Autonomy was a critical theme in the companies with 150–250 people, and recognition and advancement were important in the large company with approximately 2,000 employees. This suggests that the critical issues managers are confronted with would be different in organizations of different sizes.
The Effect of Different Cultural Lenses on Reliability and Validity in Observational Data: The Example of Chinese Immigrant Parent–Toddler Dinner Interactions
Authors: Wang Yan Z. , Wiley Angela R. , Zhou Xiaobin
Published: May 2007

This study used a mixed methodology to investigate reliability, validity, and analysis level with Chinese immigrant observational data. European‐American and Chinese coders quantitatively rated 755 minutes of Chinese immigrant parent–toddler dinner interactions on parental sensitivity, intrusiveness, detachment, negative affect, positive affect, and parents' confidence. They also gave qualitative coding rationales for their quantitative ratings. Analysis of quantitative ratings indicated systematic differences associated with coder ethnicity. Such differences could threaten the reliability between coders with different ethnicities. Analysis of qualitative rationales revealed different cultural links between concepts and behavior cues, which could challenge the cross‐cultural validity of a macro‐level coding system. When a coding system is incongruous with coders' cultural schemata, even after intensive training, the effect of culture cannot be eliminated. Implications of these findings for observational cultural research are discussed.
Use of the Support Group Method to Tackle Bullying, and Evaluation From Schools and Local Authorities in England
Authors: SMITH PETER K. , HOWARD SHARON , THOMPSON FRAN
Published: May 2007

The Support Group Method (SGM), formerly the No Blame Approach, is widely used as an anti‐bullying intervention in schools, but has aroused some controversy. There is little evidence from users regarding its effectiveness. We aimed to ascertain the use of and support for the SGM in Local Authorities (LAs) and schools; and obtain ratings of satisfaction with its use; sources of evidence for such ratings; and comments on how it is used in practice. Questionnaires were sent to LAs and schools in England, and were available on a website; useful replies were obtained from 57 LAs and 59 schools. Some two‐thirds of LAs were supportive of the SGM in general terms, although fewer said they had sufficient evidence to judge effectiveness. The modal rating when given was ‘satisfactory’. Most schools had used SGM for 1–5 years, often across the whole school. Two‐thirds received direct training in the method. Over one‐half of schools gave a rating of effectiveness, based on teachers, pupils and parents; the modal rating was ‘very satisfactory’. Responses and open‐ended comments revealed that details of use varied considerably and that some schools had substantially modified the method. In summary, a majority of LAs and schools that responded were satisfied or very satisfied with SGM. However, some confusion about the ways of implementing SGM was evident; this might explain some hostile comments reported elsewhere. Issues of parental involvement, and backup availability of sanctions, were commonly mentioned. Further research based directly on pupils and parents would supplement the findings of this survey.
Violence in School: What Can We Do?
Authors: LINES DENNIS
Published: May 2007

A common disruption to learning and stability in schools occurs when pupils fight or become aggressive. This paper considers the issues of anger management, violence control and fighting reduction through a counselling programme with a high‐risk pupil in secondary school. It begins by examining some of the thinking on young people and violence and aggression. Then, the author considers the place of counselling in schools in relation to this issue. Interventions for the practitioner to consider are discussed, including how to make a clear diagnosis of the nature of violence for the particular youngster, an analysis of anger‐triggers and an ambitious attempt to modify a belief‐system that holds that ‘might is right’. The author argues that occasional incidents of violent disruption are a reality in education, and while media reporting exaggerates the problem, schools need more imaginative strategies with the few targeted individuals than exclusion from school.
The Influence of Classic Chinese Philosophy of Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism on Classroom Discipline in Hong Kong Junior Secondary Schools
Authors: HUE MING‐TAK
Published: May 2007

Discipline is a crucial aspect of teachers' and students' classroom lives. Hong Kong secondary teachers, as elsewhere, are concerned with students' misbehaviour. This article examines teachers' constructs of classroom discipline and strategies adopted for behaviour management. Qualitative data were collected by interviews and classroom observation. Sixty teachers were involved. Eighteen classrooms were observed. The influence of the three schools of classic Chinese philosophy, Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism, emerged as a main theme from the data. It was prominent as their key principles were incorporated into the teachers' personal system of classroom discipline. The findings illuminate the influence of Chinese culture in Hong Kong classrooms. Implications for the promotion of culturally responsive classrooms and the development of educational policies on pastoral care are drawn.
Developing Capacity for Social and Emotional Growth: An Action Research Project
Authors: DOVESTON MARY
Published: May 2007

This article reports an action research project in which children, their teacher and the author, and an advisory teacher from a Local Authority collaborated as co‐researchers in a project to improve working relationships in the classroom. Both appreciative enquiry and emancipatory research informed the project. This article focuses on one aspect of the project: the development of active listening skills. In an initial consultation, the teacher described her difficulty in teaching a mixed‐year class of 7–9‐year‐old children who had difficulties in functioning as a group. During the initial whole class consultation, the themes that emerged as pertinent for making the class more fun to be in were: listening, caring and co‐operating. Three strands: greetings, active listening and co‐operative activities were explored during eight multi‐sensory sessions and applied during class time over a period of three months.

The results produced evidence of improvement in promoting listening and social skills. It was, however, the inductive aspects of the Action Research process that were the most illuminating, leading to a better understanding of the complex interplay of factors that contribute to improved working relationships within a class. The knowledge and insights discovered through action research and collaborative working are at least as important as specific skill training and were seen as integral to the emotional and social development of teachers and children.
On the Determinants of SME Cash Holdings: Evidence from Spain
Authors: García‐Teruel Pedro J. , Martínez‐Solano Pedro
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  This work analyses the factors that might explain the level of cash holdings in a sample of 860 small and medium‐sized firms from Spain during the period 1996–2001. The empirical results show that firms have a target cash level to which they attempt to converge. The level of this target is higher for firms with more growth opportunities and larger cash flows. In contrast, the target level for cash holdings falls when the use of bank debt and the presence of substitutes for cash increase. Moreover, when the interest rates in the economy increase firms reduce their cash holding.
Seepage forces, important factors in the formation of horizontal hydraulic fractures and bedding‐parallel fibrous veins (‘beef’ and ‘cone‐in‐cone’)
Authors: COBBOLD P. R. , RODRIGUES N.
Published: May 2007

Bedding‐parallel fibrous veins (‘beef’ and ‘cone‐in‐cone’) are common to a number of sedimentary basins, especially those containing black shale. The type locality is SW England. The commonest mineral in the fibres is calcite. The fibres indicate vertical opening, against the force of gravity. In the past, this has been attributed to fluid overpressure. However, a simple analysis, based on Von Terzaghi's concepts, leads to the conclusion that, for the fractures to be horizontal, either the rock must be anisotropic, or it must be subject to horizontal compression. By means of a more complete analysis, supported by physical models, we show that horizontal fractures are to be expected, even if the rock is isotropic and there are no tectonic stresses. Upward fluid flow, in response to an overpressure gradient, imparts seepage forces to all elements of the solid framework. The seepage forces counteract the weight of the rock, and even surpass it, generating a tensile effective stress. The process may lead, either to tensile hydraulic fracturing, or to dilatant shear failure. We suggest that these two failure modes, and the availability of suitable solutes, explain the frequent occurrence of ‘beef’ and ‘cone‐in‐cone’ respectively.
The contribution of fetal drug exposure to temperament: potential teratogenic effects on neuropsychiatric risk
Authors: Weiss Sandra J. , Jonn‐Seed Mary St. , Harris‐Muchell Carolyn
Published: May 2007

Background:  Preliminary evidence indicates that fetal drug exposure may be associated with alterations in temperament. However, studies often do not dissociate the potential effects of drug exposure from other perinatal or environmental factors that could influence temperament phenotypes.

Methods:  High risk children (n = 120) were followed from birth to 6 months of age to determine the effects of fetal drug exposure on temperament, after controlling for the child's gender, gestational age, medical morbidity, ethnicity, and maltreatment as well as the mother's stress, income adequacy, and quality of caregiving. Methods included medical chart review, questionnaires, and videotapes of mother–child interaction.

Results:  Preliminary analyses indicated that fetal drug exposure was associated with both distractibility and intensity of children's responses to the environment at 6 months of age. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, drug exposure accounted for 12% of the variance in distractibility but was not a significant predictor in the regression model for intensity.

Conclusions:  Findings suggest that drug‐exposed children may experience difficulty sustaining their focus of attention and be more easily distracted by environmental stimuli than non‐drug‐exposed children. Results converge with previous research to implicate cortical hyperarousal, stemming from teratogenic effects on the dopaminergic system during fetal development.
Neural and behavioral correlates of expectancy violations in attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Durston Sarah , Davidson Matthew C. , Mulder Martijn J. , Spicer Julie A. , Galvan Adriana , Tottenham Nim , Scheres Anouk , Xavier Castellanos F. , Van Engeland Herman , Casey B.J.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder in childhood with established problems in cognitive control and associated fronto‐striatal circuitry. More recently, fronto‐cerebellar circuits have been implicated in this disorder. Both of these circuits are important in predicting the occurrence and timing of behaviorally relevant events and in detecting violations of these predictions. Therefore, we hypothesized that the ability to predict the occurrence of frequent events would be compromised in ADHD, as well as the ability to adapt behavior when expectancy was violated.

Methods:  We used rapid, mixed‐trial, event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine cognitive and neural processes in two independent samples of children and adolescents with ADHD and matched controls. Subjects performed a variation of a go‐no/go task where the predictability of stimulus identity (what) and timing (when) was manipulated.

Results:  Behaviorally, children and adolescents with ADHD had increased variability in reaction times, and decreased benefit in reaction time when events were predictable. Differences in accuracy between groups were most reliable for temporally unpredictable trials. Functional imaging results from both samples showed that relative to the control children and adolescents, individuals with ADHD had diminished cerebellar activity to violations of stimulus timing and diminished ventral prefrontal and anterior cingulate activity to violations in stimulus timing and identity.

Conclusions:  These findings are consistent with the view that disruptive behaviors in inappropriate contexts, a major criterion in diagnosing ADHD, may be related to an impaired ability to predict temporal and contextual cues in the environment, thus hindering the ability to alter behavior when they change. This ability requires intact fronto‐cerebellar, as well as fronto‐striatal circuitry.
Heart rate and reinforcement sensitivity in ADHD
Authors: Luman Marjolein , Oosterlaan Jaap , Hyde Christopher , Van Meel Catharina S. , Sergeant Joseph A.
Published: May 2007

Background:  Both theoretical and clinical accounts of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) implicate a dysfunctional reinforcement system. This study investigated heart rate parameters in response to feedback associated with reward and response cost in ADHD children and controls aged 8 to 12.

Methods:  Heart rate responses (HRRs) following feedback and heart rate variability (HRV) in the low frequency band (.04–.08 Hz), a measure of mental effort, were calculated during a time production paradigm. Performance was coupled to monetary gain, loss or feedback‐only in a cross‐over design.

Results:  Children with ADHD exhibited smaller HRRs to feedback compared to controls. HRV of children with ADHD decreased when performance was coupled to reward or response cost compared to feedback‐only. HRV of controls was similar across conditions.

Conclusions:  Children with ADHD were characterised by (a) possible abnormalities in feedback monitoring and (b) motivational deficits, when no external reinforcement is present.
The verbal information pathway to fear and heart rate changes in children
Authors: Field Andy P. , Schorah Hannah
Published: May 2007

Background:  Although many studies have now demonstrated that threat information is sufficient to change children's beliefs and behaviours towards novel animals, there is no evidence to suggest that it influences the physiological component of the fear emotion.

Methods:  An experiment is reported in which children (N = 26) aged between 6 and 9 were given threat, positive or no information about three novel animals and then asked to place their hands into boxes that they believed to contain each of these animals. Their average heart rate during each approach task was measured.

Results:  One‐way analysis of variance revealed significant differences in the average heart rate when approaching the three boxes: heart rates were significantly higher when approaching the box containing the animal associated with threat information compared to when approaching the control animal.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that fear information acts not only upon cognitive and behavioural aspects of the fear emotion, but also on the physiological component.
Fair trade and global cognitive orientation: a focus on Spanish fair trade consumers
Authors: Goig Ramón Llopis
Published: May 2007

In the past few years, there has been an increase in the ‘ethical consumer’, characterized by more reflexive values like solidarity, social responsibility, multiculturalism and ecology. This idea has found support in the appearance and development of proposals like fair trade, along with others, such as responsible consumption, the recycling business or sustainable development. In a parallel way, also during the past few years, various analysts have pointed out that the phenomenon of globalization is changing not only the aspect of the world but also our way of perceiving it, which is progressively becoming a ‘global orientation’. In the framework of these two tendencies, this paper examines the extent to which ‘global orientation’ is also a characteristic of consumers of fair trade products. The paper presents a two‐phase exploratory study. The first phase, of a quantitative nature, showed the greater global orientation of Spanish consumers of fair trade products, and it obtained a typology of them. This typology showed, however, that not all the clusters of consumers of fair trade products have a high global orientation, which reveals that the relationship between this dimension and the consumption of fair trade products is not a direct, straightforward one. The subsequent qualitative study examined the components of this global orientation in each of the three clusters where the consumption of fair trade products was the highest. The results showed that the purchase of fair trade products is influenced by the ‘global orientation’ of the consumer, although other factors, such as a sense of social responsibility and trust in international non‐governmental organizations, can condition this influence.
Sport and globalization: transnational dimensions
Authors: GIULIANOTTI RICHARD , ROBERTSON ROLAND
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The aims of this special issue are to both raise the social scientific status of sport and to advance understanding of transnational processes through the role of sport in global change. The Introduction argues that sport, like globalization, can be understood in transdisciplinary terms, and the papers included contributions informed by sociology, anthropology, political sciences and history. As well as placing the issue in the context of recent studies of sport and globalization, the Introduction outlines the seven papers. Placed together they move from analyses of broader globalizing and multi‐sport issues towards consideration of how transnational processes impact upon individual sports – with examples from cricket, baseball and association football – ending with regional and national dimensions.
Not playing around: global capitalism, modern sport and consumer culture
Authors: SMART BARRY
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The development of modern sport is bound up with processes of economic and cultural transformation associated with the global diffusion of capitalist forms of consumption. In this article I draw attention to aspects of the globalization of modern sport that were becoming apparent towards the close of the nineteenth century and then move on to consider the factors that contributed to sport becoming a truly global phenomenon in the course of the twentieth century. Consideration is given to the development of international sport and sports goods companies, the growth in media interest and the increasing significance of sponsorship, consumer culture and sporting celebrities. The global diffusion of modern sport that gathered momentum in the course of the twentieth century involved a number of networked elements, including transnational communications media and commercial corporations for which sport, especially through the iconic figure of the transnational celebrity sport star, constitutes a universally appealing globally networked cultural form. Association with sport events and sporting figures through global broadcasting, sponsorship and endorsement arrangements offers commercial corporations unique access to global consumer culture.
Imagined communities in the global game: soccer and the development of Dutch national identity
Authors: LECHNER FRANK J.
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Using the recent history of Dutch soccer as an illustrative case, this article supports a line of argument in globalization studies that generally focuses on the variable reverberations of globalization and more specifically suggests that globalization entails the embattled redefinition of national identities. I show how the involvement of the Dutch national team in global competition aided the construction of a myth of national football distinction and how media coverage and discourse turned this myth into a key element of a re imagined national community. The Dutch view of themselves as a unique soccer nation fits familiar global patterns, and a sociologically informed critique of their romantic soccer self‐image displays the myth as myth. At the same time, however, the critique is part of the discourse, which involves more than an a historical expressive myth erected as a defence against globalization. I argue that it is more complex, more reflexive and more fluid than some accounts of soccer nationalism would lead us to expect or than nostalgic neopatriots might prefer. The article thus also offers a critique of a standard critique of national sports image‐making, which fits with a promising thrust in soccer and globalization scholarship.
Two pools of Triton X‐100‐insoluble GABAA receptors are present in the brain, one associated to lipid rafts and another one to the post‐synaptic GABAergic complex
Authors: Li Xuejing , Serwanski David R. , Miralles Celia P. , Bahr Ben A. , De Blas Angel L.
Published: May 2007

Rat forebrain synaptosomes were extracted with Triton X‐100 at 4°C and the insoluble material, which is enriched in post‐synaptic densities (PSDs), was subjected to sedimentation on a continuous sucrose gradient. Two pools of Triton X‐100‐insoluble γ‐aminobutyric acid type‐A receptors (GABAARs) were identified: (i) a higher‐density pool (ρ = 1.10–1.15 mg/mL) of GABAARs that contains the γ2 subunit (plus α and β subunits) and that is associated to gephyrin and the GABAergic post‐synaptic complex and (ii) a lower‐density pool (ρ = 1.06–1.09 mg/mL) of GABAARs associated to detergent‐resistant membranes (DRMs) that contain α and β subunits but not the γ2 subunit. Some of these GABAARs contain the δ subunit. Two pools of GABAARs insoluble in Triton X‐100 at 4°C were also identified in cultured hippocampal neurons: (i) a GABAAR pool that forms clusters that co‐localize with gephyrin and remains Triton X‐100‐insoluble after cholesterol depletion and (ii) a GABAAR pool that is diffusely distributed at the neuronal surface that can be induced to form GABAAR clusters by capping with an anti‐α1 GABAAR subunit antibody and that becomes solubilized in Triton X‐100 at 4°C after cholesterol depletion. Thus, there is a pool of GABAARs associated to lipid rafts that is non‐synaptic and that has a subunit composition different from that of the synaptic GABAARs. Some of the lipid raft‐associated GABAARs might be involved in tonic inhibition.
AMPA‐mediated excitotoxicity in oligodendrocytes: role for Na+–K+–Cl−co‐transport and reversal of Na+/Ca2+exchanger
Authors: Chen Hai , Kintner Douglas B. , Jones Mathew , Matsuda Toshio , Baba Akemichi , Kiedrowski Lech , Sun Dandan
Published: May 2007

We investigated the role of Na+–K+–Cl−co‐transporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) and reversal of Na+/Ca2+exchanger (NCXrev) in glutamate‐mediated excitotoxicity in oligodendrocytes obtained from rat spinal cords (postnatal day 6–8). An immunocytochemical characterization showed that these cultures express NKCC1 and Na+/Ca2+exchanger isoforms 1, 2, and 3 (NCX1, NCX2, NCX3). Exposing the cultures to alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) plus cyclothiazide (CTZ) led to a transient rise in intracellular(), which was followed by a sustainedoverload, NKCC1 phosphorylation, and a NKCC1‐mediated Na+influx. In the presence of a specific AMPA receptor inhibitor 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2, 3‐dione (CNQX), the AMPA/CTZ failed to elicit any changes in. The AMPA/CTZ‐induced sustainedrise led to mitochondrial Ca2+accumulation, release of cytochromecfrom mitochondria, and cell death. The AMPA/CTZ‐elicitedincrease, mitochondrial damage, and cell death were significantly reduced by inhibiting NKCC1 or NCXrev. These data suggest that in cultured oligodendrocytes, activation of AMPA receptors leads to NKCC1 phosphorylation that enhances NKCC1‐mediated Na+influx. The latter triggers NCXrevand NCXrev‐mediatedoverload and compromises mitochondrial function and cellular viability.
Retracted: Chronic NMDA administration to rats up‐regulates frontal cortex cytosolic phospholipase A2and its transcription factor, activator protein‐2
Authors: Rao Jagadeesh S. , Ertley Renee N. , Rapoport Stanley I. , Bazinet Richard P. , Lee Ho‐Joo
Published: May 2007

ExcessiveN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) signaling is thought to contribute to bipolar disorder symptoms. Lithium and carbamazepine, effective against bipolar mania, are reported in rats to reduce brain transcription of an arachidonic acid selective calcium‐dependent cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2), as well as expression of one of its transcription factors, activator protein (AP)‐2. In this study, we determined if chronic administration of NMDA (25 mg/kg i.p.) to rats would increase brain cPLA2and AP‐2 expression, as these antimanic drugs are known to down‐regulate excessive NMDA signaling. Administration of a daily subconvulsive dose of NMDA to rats for 21 days decreased frontal cortex NMDA receptor (NR)‐1 and NR‐3A subunits and increased cPLA2activity, phosphorylation, protein, and mRNA levels. The activity and protein levels of secretory phospholipase A2or calcium‐independent phospholipase A2were not changed significantly. Chronic NMDA also increased the DNA‐binding activity of AP‐2 and the protein levels of its α and β subunits. These changes were absent following acute (3 h earlier) NMDA administration. The changes, opposite to those found following chronic lithium or carbamazepine, are consistent with up‐regulated arachidonic acid release due to excessive NR signaling and may be a contributing factor to bipolar mania.
More than just synaptic building blocks: scaffolding proteins of the post‐synaptic density regulate dendritic patterning
Authors: Vessey John P. , Karra Daniela
Published: May 2007

The dendritic arbor is responsible for receiving and consolidating neuronal input. Outgrowth and morphogenesis of the arbor are complex stages of development that are poorly understood. However, recent findings have identified synaptic scaffolding proteins as novel regulators of these important events. Scaffolding proteins are enriched in the post‐synaptic density where they bind and bring into close proximity neurotransmitter receptors, signaling molecules, and regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. This property is important for dendritic spine morphogenesis and maintenance in the mature neuron. Scaffolding proteins are now being described as key regulators of neurite outgrowth, dendritic development, and pattern formation in immature neurons. These proteins, which include post‐synaptic‐95, Shank and Densin‐180, as well as many of their interacting partners, appear to regulate both the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton to influence dendrite morphology. Through a large array of protein–protein interaction domains, scaffolding proteins are able to form large macromolecular complexes that include cytoskeletal motor proteins as well as microtubule and actin regulatory molecules. Together, the new findings form a persuasive argument that scaffolding proteins deliver critical regulatory elements to sites of dendritic outgrowth and branching to modulate the formation and maintenance of the dendritic arbor.
Skin Colour, Perception of Racism and Depression among Adolescents in Urban Brazil
Authors: Santana Vilma , Almeida‐Filho Naomar , Roberts Robert , Cooper Sharon P.
Published: May 2007

Background:  The relation between race, ethnicity and health has been recognised as having an important role in the understanding of social inequalities in health. In Brazil, miscegenation (the mixing of different ethnicities or races, especially in marriage) is recognised as a sign of racial tolerance, but individuals with black skin colour have poorer social and health indicators than whites. The hypothesis that perceived racial discrimination is associated with depression and depressive symptoms among adolescents living in a Brazilian urban area is analysed, taking into consideration sociodemographic variables, socioeconomic status and skin colour.

Method:  This paper presents results from a cross‐sectional study carried out with a random one‐stage cluster sampling of households in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The study population comprises 973 individuals from 10 to 21 years of age who answered questionnaires about racial discrimination, socio‐demographic and health‐related variables. Major depression according to DSM‐IV criteria was assessed using a validated Portuguese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). The overall prevalence of major depression was estimated as 10.4%.

Results:  No statistically significant differences were found for prevalence of major depression or any depressive symptom according to skin colour (Black versus non‐Black). However, adolescents who reported racial discrimination were more likely to have major depression, even after adjustment for age, sex, socioeconomic status, skin colour and self‐esteem (Adjusted Prevalence ratio = 2.00, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.37–2.97). Low self‐esteem was not associated with racial discrimination.

Conclusion:  Depression among adolescents is a common disorder. Skin colour, a biological component of ethnic differences, was not a factor associated with depression or depressive symptoms. Instead, the perception of racial discrimination was a strong potential risk factor for major depression in this population group, which needs to be addressed in further studies and considered in preventive and mental health care programs.