bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Conditional Item-Fit Index for Rasch Models
Authors: Rost Jürgen , von Davier Matthias
Published: October 2007

A new item-fit index is proposed that is both a descriptive measure of deviance of single items and an index for statistical inference. This index is based on the assumptions of the dichotomous and polytomous Rasch models for items with ordered categories and, in particular, is a standardization of the conditional likelihood of the item pattern that does not depend on the item parameters. This approach is compared with other methods for determining item fit. In contrast to many other item-fit indexes, this index is not based on response-score residuals. Results of a simulation study illustrating the performance of the index are provided. An asymptotically normally distributed Z statistic is derived and an empirical example demonstrates the sensitivity of the index with respect to item and person heterogeneity. Index terms: appropriateness measurement, item discrimination, item fit, partial credit model, Rasch model.
Regional Development and Planning: The Story of a Collaboration
Authors: Friedmann John
Published: October 2007

This article takes a critical look at the collaboration between William Alonso and John Friedmann in compiling two early collections of readings on regional development and planning. Important as these volumes were at the time they appeared (1964 and 1975), helping to delineate a new field of study, the world has changed. Metropolitan regions have moved into the foreground of interest, and there is now a much greater concern with questions of environmental sustainability, technological innovations, and the consequences of spatial restructuring in advanced economies. But pulling materials together on these new topics represents a formidable task.
The Future of Regional Science: Remarks Prompted by Professors Alonso and Teitz
Authors: Isard Walter
Published: October 2007

Little-known remarks of William Alonso are presented in this article. They are seminal to the question addressed by the author of whether regional science is a discipline or field of study appropriate for departmental or equivalent status.
Developing Regions Facing China in a Neoliberalized World
Authors: Jilberto Alex E. Fernández , Hogenboom Barbara
Published: October 2007

The rapid expansion of China is one of the key economic and political issues at the start of the twenty-first century. China's importance in South-South trade (and competition) as well as in South-South investment has already brought about many changes for developing regions, and they are likely to be extrapolated in the years to come. The growing economic position of the biggest developing country in the world implies much greater political power, affecting all other countries as well as international relations and global politics. For Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern and Central Europe, the effects are likely to be far reaching. This article first looks into the global expansion of China, providing an overview of some striking economic figures. It also reviews the economic development of China, explaining how its communist party has used neoliberal measures to cause an economic transformation. It then analyzes how this transformation has affected China's role in Asia and China's policies towards the ‘Global South’. Finally, contemporary South-South relations in the context of globalized markets are discussed.
China and Africa
Authors: Konings Piet
Published: October 2007

This article focuses on China's growing engagement with Africa – a subject that has not been given due attention in African studies. Following a review of the various shifts and continuities in Sino-African relations since the 1950s, the study sets out to explain the renewed interest of China in Africa since the end of the 1980s. Africa's interests in China complement much of the agenda being promoted by Beijing. Governing and business elites within Africa see new opportunities in China: trade (growing Chinese markets for African products) and investment opportunities, ways to bolster regime stability, and strategically important partnerships. Particularly attractive for many African rulers is the alternative development model propagated by China: non-interference in state sovereignty, freedom from ‘western hegemony’, and absence of any conditions in giving aid. However, there are also points of tension. One of them is trade since the balance of trade favours China. Local industries (especially manufacturing and textiles) and merchants have been hard hit by the flood of cheap Chinese imports. In addition, the newly created Pan African organizations like the African Union and the New Economic Partnership for African Development(NEPAD) represent a challenge to non-interference in state sovereignty, and call for ‘good governance’.
A Response to the Motion Picture Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Authors: Talley Heather Laine , Casper Monica J.
Published: October 2007

Synopsis: National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing superstar Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) and his racing partner and best friend Cal Noughton Jr. (John C. Reilly) win at all costs, in positions #1 and #2, respectively. That is, until flamboyant French Formula One driver Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) challenges the duo and threatens to supplant their racing dynasty. A dramatic wreck, complete with invisible fire and Ricky Bobby stripping down to his underpants, forces the beleaguered racer to confront what his winning record has cost him. After returning to his childhood home, his stern but loving mother (Jane Lynch) and long-absent badass father (Gary Cole) challenge him to question whether his multimillion-dollar endorsements, McMansion, Barbiesque wife, and cheeky kids represent what being a winner is really all about.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises' Internationalization and the Influence of Importing on Exporting
Authors: Holmlund Maria , Kock Sören , Vanyushyn Vladimir
Published: October 2007

Relative to the volume of research into internationalization, inward operations have received much less attention than outward operations. This study addresses this imbalance by focusing on the degree to which firms import, how imports started relative to exports, and what import-related factors affect exporting. Findings from a survey of Finnish SMEs suggest that responding firms rate management interest, limited domestic market, and inquiries from buyers as the most significant incentives to start exporting. Import-experienced exporters assign higher ratings on nearly all export incentives, while pure-exporters consider themselves more dependent on governmental support. Importing per se has a comparatively modest, yet statistically significant, influence on exporting.
A Web-Based Union Database of Journals in Agricultural Libraries of Pakistan
Authors: Zuberi Shahnaz , Razaq Abdul , Tanvir Ashraf
Published: October 2007

The web-based database Union Database of Journals makes an important contribution to improving the national agricultural information system in Pakistan and also provides a model for institutions intending to build similar union catalogues of journals in other fields.
Overseas Students as a Resource
Authors: Havard-Williams Peter
Published: October 2007

Theses, dissertations and project papers prepared by foreign students at the Department of Library and Information Studies at Loughborough University constitute an important and largely untapped source of information about library development in other countries. The second edition of a catalogue of these documents is now being prepared in an effort to make them more widely known. The problems faced by foreign students in adapting to the demands of professional education in Britain are outlined.
Can Peace Be Studied?
Authors: O'Connell James
Published: October 2007

In academic language, peace is treated as an area study. The School of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, is the only university department in Britain exclusively concerned with the study of peace. It concentrates on five areas: peace theory, nuclear and non-nuclear defence, relations between economically developed and developing countries, industrialized societies, and regions in conflict. The School issues three kinds of publications: Peace Studies Papers, Peace Research Reports and Briefings. There are objections to peace studies, but there would be an extraordinary failure by academics if they did not study the conditions of contemporary peace.
Blowing the Whistle On Hazardous Exports
Authors: Abraham Martin
Published: October 2007

The export of hazardous products and technologies, particularly to developing countries, is a profitable business for many transnational corporations. Consumers in developing countries often lack information about such exports. Consumer Interpol was established in 1981 by the International Organization of Consumers Unions to facilitate the exchange of information on hazardous exports and help public interest groups to combat corporate dumping. An early warning system of Consumer Alerts operates through a network of sixty-two Correspondents in forty-three countries. Information is also disseminated through a quarterly periodical and a newsletter. The United Nations has issued a list of 440 hazardous products which helps to alert countries to the dangers.
Meeting the Need for Scientific and Technical Information in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasuriya Nimala R.
Published: October 2007

Sri Lanka, like many other Third World countries, has been hampered in its development programmes due to inadequate provision of scientific and technical information. The main areas and priorities for research and development and the scientific and technological infrastructure in Sri Lanka are described. On the basis of a Unesco feasibility study (1968), the Sri Lanka Scientific and Technical Information Centre (SLSTIC) was established with UNDP aid within the National Science Council of Sri Lanka (now the Natural Resources, Energy and Science Authority). A brief history of the Centre and its main objectives are outlined. The present functional activities of SLSTIC including its services and facilities and national, regional and international cooperative programmes are described, as well as the general library, information and documentation situation in Sri Lanka. Issues and problems in providing information services are analysed and some possible solutions to improve the current situation are suggested.
Constraints On Library Automation in Nigeria
Authors: Agha Stella J.
Published: October 2007

Education and training are the keys to survival in an ever-changing world where some permanency and stability is sought. The identification of specific educational needs for coping with new technology is a necessity. Library and information workers must seek education and training which will enable them to exploit the new technologies and cope with change and innovation. Constraints on the introduction of new technology into the developing countries, using Nigeria as an example, are discussed. While material resources are a major requirement for successful automation, these alone will not guarantee success, for which competent, capable and proficient staff are a prerequisite.
The Role of National Libraries in Uap
Authors: Line Maurice
Published: October 2007

Progress towards UAP is very difficult without the involvement of national libraries. A national acquisition plan can be supported in various ways by a national library; if it plays a central role, this could take the form of a dedicated document supply centre or an integrated reference/supply collection. Document supply, whether centralized or involving union lists, needs planning, coordination and management, for which the national library is a natural centre. Retention for future availability also requires national planning and possibly a national repository. To play a proper role in UAP national libraries may need to reconsider their nature and functions.
The Middle East Book Fair and Conference
Authors: Nazim Ali S.
Published: October 2007

Reviews the development of the Middle East Book Fair, held in Bahrain since 1982. Details are given of numbers attending and exhibiting and opinions regarding the success of the fairs — commercial and otherwise — recorded. A library conference has been held in association with each of the four book fairs that have taken place to date. A complete list of the papers presented at these conferences is included.
ARCHIVES AND ORAL HISTORY: overcoming a lack of resources
Authors: Mazikana Peter C.
Published: October 2007

The role of the archivist in recording oral history generates considerable controversy due to the existing scarcity of resources for the more traditional archival functions. Yet it is argued that it is equally negligent to fail to tap the oral sources that can assist in supplementing the documentary ones. Many Third World archival institutions have embarked on oral history programmes but the exhaustive exploitation of oral history requires resources well beyond their capability. The answer is to involve other institutions or agencies in the recording process. Training of those who will record on behalf of the archives is the key to the success of such a project.
Africa, Asia and Oceania in the Austrian State Archives
Authors: Auer Leopold
Published: October 2007

A considerable amount of archival material relating to Africa, Asia and Oceania has been created by the various activities of Austrian diplomats, merchants and pilgrims since the early modern period. Attempts to inventory this material in the form of subject-oriented guides date back to the beginning of this century. A more systematic approach to a survey of the source material has recently been carried out within the framework of the Guide to the sources of the history of nations. Austria's participation in this project has lasted for almost twenty years, culminating in the publication of a volume intended to give a new impetus to future research in the field of non-European history.
Library and Information Studies in English-Speaking West Africa
Authors: Eziukwu Edoka B.
Published: October 2007

Highlights trends in full-scale educational programmes for library, archival and information services in Anglophone West Africa since the recommendations of the Seminar on Public Library Development in Africa, held in Ibadan in 1953. Equal emphasis is now being placed on the three information fields of traditional librarianship, archival studies and information science. Sub-professional training often receives the same degree of attention as that of professional personnel. There is an immediate need for greater material resources in library and information studies in West Africa, although there is little shortage of well-qualified personnel. The courses offered need to reflect the information needs of illiterate communities and a pilot community library service has been established near the University of Ibadan for this purpose.
A Zimbabwean Librarian Visits North Korea
Authors: Mupawaenda O.T.
Published: October 2007

Presents a Zimbabwean librarian's impressions of a cultural visit to North Korea. Concludes that the importance of information resources in development is recognized by the Koreans, as evidenced by the country's heavy investment in a wide variety of information media.
Rural Community Resource Centres: a sustainable option for Africa?
Authors: Rosenberg Diana
Published: October 2007

Public libraries are no longer seen as crucial to development in Africa. Librarians are therefore re-examining their own relevance to development and are proposing that the establishment of rural information centres to serve the needs of the 80 percent of Africa's population living in rural areas. Examines the underlying factors that determine the success or failure of such centres. Identifies two types of rural information centre: those managed by the local community and those forming part of a public library system. Reviews the historical development of such centres in Africa and elsewhere and questions whether rural communities need information. Considers information transfer mechanisms in rural communities, the need for trained information manpower and the problems of attaining sustainability of information provision.
Popular Documentation and Communication Centres in Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Ana Maria P.
Published: October 2007

Popular documentation and communication centres in Brazil began to appear as a result of urban social movements. At the outset, they intended to preserve the history of the struggles of the lower classes, and gradually developed into popular information services which aim at filling the gap due to the lack of libraries able to answer the informational needs of the subordinated classes. Nowadays they work in collecting, organizing, preserving and transferring documents produced by or for popular movements. Presents a study of the popular centres including their objectives, activities and social function as an example of many forms to deal with information, documentation and communication as an important channel to promote democracy.
Information Policies in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia
Authors: Sattar Abdus
Published: October 2007

Policy documents of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia were reviewed to examine provisions for library and information services and the role of libraries in formulating and implementing national policies. In Saudi Arabia, scattered legislative provisions need to be integrated into a unified policy and the involvement of libraries needs to be institutionalized for the effective development of an information infrastructure. The Malaysian experience of establishing an integrated national policy by involving professionals from universities and other important sectors and implementing information programmes through the National Library has been very successful in developing an appropriate system. This approach may provide a model for other developing countries for an appropriate policy framework and the development of services for effective utilization of national information resources.
Overseas Opportunities for British Library and Information Consultants - the way forward
Authors: Cotton Ros
Published: October 2007

Reviews recent attempts to survey and coordinate the United Kingdom library and information resource in order to obtain more overseas contracts for the supply of library and information skills and services. A meeting of key players held in Canterbury, Kent, in February 1991 initiated "the Canterbury process', which studied the willingness of British library and information professionals to become involved in overseas work, and the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. Further surveys and meetings led to the formation of a pilot Opportunities in Europe Group, to encourage the exploitation of European opportunities for the United Kingdom library and information services sector.
The Zimbabwe International Book Fair
Authors: Mbanga Trish
Published: October 2007

From its beginnings in 1983, the Zimbabwe International Book Fair has become Africa's premier book fair. Describes the growth of the Fair to 1993, and plans for the 1994 Fair. Associated activities such as the production of a 'Book in a Day', special exhibits and meetings, are also described. The support of donors has been a crucial factor in the Fair's success.
No More Water à la Carte!
Authors: Rodda John C.
Published: October 2007

Governments are cutting funds for hydrological services just as the demand for water is rising. Data on water resources are vital to ensure that the present situation of the Aral Sea is not replicated all over the world.
Village-level Information and Comm unica tion for Water Supply and Sanitation: the Approtech Asia experience
Authors: Minnatullah K.M.
Published: October 2007

Villagers in Sri Lanka learn to help themselves to safe water supplies through a Community Information Planning System developed by non-governmental organizations.
Monitoring Water Supply and Sanitation in the Western Pacific
Authors: Fisher Bruce W.M.
Published: October 2007

It is sometimes difficult to define just what adequate safe water supply or sanitation are in a country. In Pacific island countries, an evening bath in the warm sea is often preferred to using the flush latrines recommended by foreign experts. Monitoring systems have to be flexible enough to take account of such local customs.
Providing Information Services in Water, Sanitation, and Health
Authors: Campbell Dan B.
Published: October 2007

For more than ten years, the Water and Sanitation for Health Information Center has provided information to thousands of users in more than seventy countries and learned important lessons from its associated information networks.
Networking Environmental and Sanitation Information : REPIDISCA at the forefront
Authors: Miyashiro Marta
Published: October 2007

The Pan American Information Network on Environmental Health (REPIDISCA) has achieved hard-won results in twenty-four countries in Latin America and the Caribbean; however, a lot of effort and dedication are still needed to encourage users to make the use of information a regular part of their professional lives.
Focus on ... IRC International Water and Sanitation Cen tre
Authors: de Jong Dick
Published: October 2007

In December 1993 the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre celebrated its 25th anniversary. The centre was established in 1968 by agreement between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Netherlands Government. WHO designated the centre as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Community Water Supply and Sanitation, a status IRC has continued to maintain. Since 1981, IRC has operated as an independent, international, non-profit organization.
Issues: 2
Authors: Dietvorst Cor
Published: October 2007

Despite the concern for improving information management in water and sanitation institutions in developing countries, most of the demand for information seems to come from users in the North.
Documentation and Information in Italy
Authors: Carosella Maria Pia
Published: October 2007

Italy lacks a national information policy as such, but key information organizations do exist, and some cooperate with others. Italy also has several national or international information focal points or referral centres. Describes: the work of public and research institutions, information and documentation services, and professional associations of library, information and documentation workers; the different elements participating in the information market, including online information systems,
New Technology and Access to Primary Documents: a prospective view
Authors: Miranda Antonio
Published: October 2007

Developments in information technology are bringing about fundamental changes in the ways in which users get access to primary documents, and give rise to some interesting paradoxes.
The Management of Public Sector Records Project: managing the records lifecycle
Authors: Thurston Anne , Cain Piers
Published: October 2007

Governments require rapid access to information in order to function effectively, yet existing records are under-utilized and grow in volume day by day. The Management of Public Sector Records Project aims to help developing country governments solve this problem through awareness-raising and training.
Evaluating the Impact of CD-ROM Databases on Agricultural Development in Africa
Authors: Gooch Peter , Gashaw Kebede Getaneh  , Woolley Liz
Published: October 2007

The impact of agricultural databases on CD-ROM in African research institutions has been affected by lack of confidence among library and information staff, lack of familiarity of users with the system, and lack of awareness of managers as to the potential of CD-ROM as a support for research.
The United Arab Emirates and the Internet: cultural and social implications for higher education
Authors: Jones Adele M. E.
Published: October 2007

Electronic media such as the Internet promise to have a huge impact on educational institutions and information centres in the United Arab Emirates. While cost has not been a factor in the implementation of such networks in the Gulf region, social and cultural implications are likely to be profound. The utilization of such information technology needs to be closely allied with appropriate curriculum developments which incorporate cultural perspectives, language needs and the diverse skill levels of likely users in the newly emerging tertiary education sector in the UAE.
Library Development in Eritrea: a new struggle in a new country
Authors: Macmillen Sandy
Published: October 2007

Reviews the present situation of libraries in Eritrea since the country gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993. Eritrea has no national library, national bibliography or legal deposit system. Outlines the history of the country and the problems of publishing in several local languages. Describes the Asmara University Library, school and public libraries, and the Research and Documentation Centre (RDC), which contains valuable collections on all aspects of the country's history and development.
The role of the second language in third language acquisition: the case of Germanic syntax
Authors: Bardel Camilla , Falk Ylva
Published: October 2007

In this study of the placement of sentence negation in third language acquisition (L3), we argue that there is a qualitative difference between the acquisition of a true second language (L2) and the subsequent acquisition of an L3. Although there is considerable evidence for L2 influence on vocabulary acquisition in L3, not all researchers believe that such influence generalizes to morphosyntactic aspects of the grammar. For example, Håkansson et al. (2002) introduce the Developmentally Moderated Transfer Hypothesis (DMTH), which incorporates transfer in Processability Theory (PT). They argue against syntactic transfer from L2 to L3. The present study presents counter-evidence to this hypothesis from two groups of learners with different L1s and L2s acquiring Swedish or Dutch as L3. The evidence clearly indicates that syntactic structures are more easily transferred from L2 than from L1 in the initial state of L3 acquisition. The two groups behave significantly differently as to the placement of negation, a difference that can be attributed to the L2 knowledge of the learners in interaction with the typological relationship between the L2 and the L3.
Ethnic Boundaries in High School Students' Networks in Flanders and the Netherlands
Authors: Baerveldt Chris , Zijlstra Bonne , de Wolf Muriel , Van Rossem Ronan , Van Duijn Marijtje A. J.
Published: October 2007

Ethnic boundaries were tested in students' networks in 34 Flemish and 19 Dutch high schools. Each network consisted of a school cohort in an intermediate level of education (track). While students from the native majority predominantly had friendships within their own ethnic category, minority students often had more inter-ethnic than intra-ethnic friendships. However, a multilevel p2 model for analysing the networks showed that this was due mainly to the quantitative dominance of native students in the networks. Native students were more inclined than minority students to engage in inter-ethnic friendships. The study found ethnic boundaries to be stronger in the Dutch networks than in the Flemish networks. It is unclear whether this is due to methodological reasons or to more substantial differences between the Netherlands and Flanders.
Structural Identity and Equivalence of Individuals in Social Networks
Authors: Pizarro Narciso
Published: October 2007

There are two problems in structural sociology that have attracted the attention of researchers: first, the creation of individual identity by means of the social networks in which individuals are embedded; second, that of structural equivalence, i.e. the problem of non-identification of individuals by means of those social networks. The aim of this article is to bring both problems together under a common framework from which both identity and equivalence of individuals in social networks will simultaneously emerge. Or in other words, the study attempts to show that structural determinations of identity and equivalence are just the same. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to go beyond the duality approach insofar as duality represents social structure either as a network of interconnected social circles or as a network of individuals who are linked by one or some given relations. Accordingly, the concept of place and place analysis is used.
Preferences of the Dutch general public for a good death and associations with attitudes towards end-of-life decision-making
Authors: Rietjens Judith AC , van der Heide Agnes , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje D , van der Maas Paul J , van der Wal Gerrit
Published: October 2007

Background: Euthanasia and other end-of-life decisions are acceptable to the large majority of the Dutch public. Insight in the relationships of such acceptance, with characteristics considered important for a ‘good death’, may contribute to the understanding of this liberal attitude. Method: Questionnaires were mailed to 1777 members of the Dutch public (response: 78%), containing questions relating to a good death, attitudes towards euthanasia, terminal sedation and increasing morphine, and demographics. Associations between characteristics of a good death and attitudes towards these end-of-life decisions were analysed. Findings: Characteristics that were considered important for a good death were: the possibility to say goodbye to loved ones (94%), dying with dignity (92%), being able to decide about end-of-life care (88%), and dying free of pain (87%). Acceptance of euthanasia, terminal sedation and increasing morphine were related to the wish to have a dignified death, and with concerns about burdening relatives with terminal care. Acceptance of euthanasia was also associated with the wish to be able to decide about medical end-of-life treatments and about the moment of death. Interpretation: Besides saying farewell and dying pain free and with dignity, many members of the Dutch public consider values of control and maintenance of independence as important for a good death.
Atropine drops for drooling: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: De Simone Gustavo G , Eisenchlas Jorge H , Junin Marta , Pereyra Facundo , Brizuela Rafael
Published: October 2007

Introduction: Drooling occasionally occurs in cancer patients, impairing their quality of life. Recommended treatment includes the use of anticholinergic drugs, but there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting it; some recent reports tested the use of sublingual atropine, and further controlled studies have been recommended. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of sublingual atropine for the relief of drooling when compared with a placebo, in a population of patients with upper digestive cancer at the Gastroenterology ‘Bonorino Udaondo’ Hospital. Population and methodology: From March 2002 to March 2003, 22 consecutive patients were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial (gender: M/F=14/8; median age=66, range: 4887 years). Patients were randomly allocated to receive atropine or placebo for 48 hours (phase 1), followed by a wash-out period of 48 hours, and final cross-over during the next 48 hours (phase 2). We evaluated the impact on sialorrhoea, choking, interference with daily and social activities, and global impact from drooling by visual analogue scales (VAS) at the beginning and end of each phase, as well as patients' choice at the end of the study. Results: Mean score for sialorrhoea was 59.6 (SD=28.5) at baseline and 34.9 (SD=27.7) after 48 hours of receiving atropine; 62.1 (SD=27.6) at baseline and 40.7 (SD=30.5) after 48 hours of placebo. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures and two factors was not significant for either the variable sialorrhoea (P=0.58) or any of the secondary outcomes measured. No severe toxicity was reported. Conclusions: This study failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of atropine over placebo in this population; we provide further discussion of results.
Systematic review of educational interventions in palliative care for primary care physicians
Authors: Alvarez Marta Pelayo , Agra Yolanda
Published: October 2007

Background: A literature review of educational interventions in palliative care (PC) for primary care physicians (PCP) was performed, to evaluate its impact in changing professional practice.

Methods: Studies undertaking any educational intervention in PC by PCP, published between 1966 and February 2005, identified through Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Clinical Trials, Educational Resources Information Centre, Research and Development Resource Base in Continuing Medical Education, Spanish Medical Index, using a combined text word and MESH heading search strategy.

Results: Eighteen articles were included with 1653 physicians. Educative methods were: role model training, small group discussions, and distribution of guidelines. Quality of the studies was low. Opioids prescription improved in two studies. Discrepancies were shown between the perception of PCP in symptom management, determined through questionnaires, and the data concerning opioids prescription. Knowledge improved in all studies. Some benefit of multifaceted approach was stated. Carers were satisfied, in general, with the PCP care, but dissatisfied with patients' pain control.

Conclusion: PC education for PCP is poorly studied. Adequate research designs are necessary in future studies with objective outcomes and patient opinion.
Research and the Firm in British Industry, 1919-39
Authors: Sanderson Michael
Published: October 2007

Today the far-seeing industrialist no longer relies solely on the accumulated knowledge of the workers in his own factory, or even those in his own industry and on the chance possibilities of their producing new knowledge at a rate that will meet the needs of industrial expansion, but he sets up organizations for scientific research ... (Sir Arthur Fleming, 1928).1
The modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) in physical geography
Authors: Dark Shawna J. , Bram Danielle
Published: October 2007

Of particular importance to the study of large-scale phenomena in physical geography is the modifiable areal unit problem ( MAUP). While often viewed as only a problem in human geography (particularly demographic studies), the MAUP is an issue for all quantitative studies in geography of spatial phenomena (Openshaw and Taylor, 1979). Increasingly, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems ( GIS) are being used to assess the distribution of phenomena from a large scale. These phenomena are modelled using areal units that can take any shape or size resulting in complications with statistical analysis related to both the scale and method used to create the areal units. In this paper, we define the modifiable areal unit problem, present examples of when it is a problem in physical geography studies, and review some potential solutions to the problem. Our aim is to increase awareness of this complicated issue and to promote further discussion and interest in this topic.
Using the past to constrain the future: how the palaeorecord can improve estimates of global warming
Authors: Edwards Tamsin L. , Crucifix Michel , Harrison Sandy P.
Published: October 2007

Climate sensitivity is defined as the change in global mean equilibrium temperature after a doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration and provides a simple measure of global warming. An early estimate of climate sensitivity, 1.5—4.5°C, has changed little subsequently, including the latest assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The persistence of such large uncertainties in this simple measure casts doubt on our understanding of the mechanisms of climate change and our ability to predict the response of the climate system to future perturbations. This has motivated continued attempts to constrain the range with climate data, alone or in conjunction with models. The majority of studies use data from the instrumental period (post-1850), but recent work has made use of information about the large climate changes experienced in the geological past. In this review, we first outline approaches that estimate climate sensitivity using instrumental climate observations and then summarize attempts to use the record of climate change on geological timescales. We examine the limitations of these studies and suggest ways in which the power of the palaeoclimate record could be better used to reduce uncertainties in our predictions of climate sensitivity.
Increasing Affective Organizational Commitment in Public Organizations
Authors: Nyhan Ronald C.
Published: October 2007

Affective organizational commitment has been equated to the public service motivation of pubhc employees It is a valuable component of organizational effectiveness However, few management intervention strategies exist that specifically address increasing affective commitment Often successful interventions are designed around correlates of the intended attitudinal construct One hypothesized correlate of affective commitment m organization behavior hterature is trust Trust can be differentiated as interpersonal trust (between the employee and the manager) and systems trust (between the employee and the organization as a whole) This differentiation is significant for the public manager because the relationship between affective commitment and trust can prescnbe two different strategies for an intervention aimed at positively impacting affective commitment For example, if affective commitment is linked to systems trust, an intervention based on a top-down strategy would be the better choice This study tests the relationship of affective commitment and trust m over 600 employees m three different public orgamzations The study finds that interpersonal trust is the significantly stronger correlate of affective commitment These findings suggest that intervention strategies that begin with trust building from the bottom-up are likely to have a higher likelihood of increasing affective organizational commitment than strategies reflecting a systems trust building objective
Acute Transverse Myelitis in Children: Clinical Course and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Defresne Pierre , Hollenberg Henri , Husson Béatrice , Tabarki Brahim , Landrieu Pierre , Huault Gilbert , Tardieu Marc , Sébire Guillaume
Published: October 2007

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical course of acute transverse myelitis in children, to identify prognostic factors, and to compare our findings with published data. Twenty-four children, aged 2 to 14 years and admitted with a diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis, were studied. Clinical features and results of investigations were collected at admission and during the course of the disease. Motor, sphincter, and global outcomes were compared with those in the main adult and pediatric series. During the initial phase, the most common presenting symptoms were pain (88%) and fever (58%). Motor loss preceded sphincter dysfunction in two thirds of patients and became bilateral in half of the patients. When maximal deficit was achieved (plateau), the patients presented a combination of sensory, motor, and sphincter dysfunctions without radicular involvement. The motor loss consistently involved the lower limbs but was inconsistent and moderate in the upper limbs. The mean duration of the plateau was 1 week. The recovery phase was characterized by a progressive improvement of all deficits. Sphincter dysfunction improved more slowly than did the other deficits. A full recovery was achieved by 31% of the patients; minimal sequelae were present in 25% and mild to severe sequelae in 44%. An unfavorable outcome was associated with complete paraplegia ( P = .03) and/or a time to maximal deficit shorter than 24 hours ( P = .005). A favorable outcome was associated with a plateau shorter than 8 days ( P = .03), the presence of supraspinal symptoms ( P = .01), and a time to independent walking shorter than 1 month ( P = .01). The course of acute transverse myelitis in children proceeds through three stages, an initial phase, a plateau, and a recovery phase, each characterized by specific clinical features. The global outcome was favorable in 56% of patients. Several prognostic factors were identified. ( J Child Neurol 2003;18:401—406).
Dissociation of Motor Maturation
Authors: DiMario Francis J.
Published: October 2007

We prospectively acquired clinical data regarding the presentation, evaluation, and developmental progress of all patients identified with dissociated motor maturation to define their clinical outcomes. Children ( N = 8) referred for evaluation of suspected cerebral palsy because of delayed sitting or walking and identified to have dissociated motor maturation were followed with serial clinical examination. All displayed the characteristic “sitting on air” posture while held in vertical suspension and had otherwise normal developmental assessments. This posture is composed of the hips held in flexion and abduction with the knees extended and feet plantar or dorsiflexed. Three children were initially evaluated at 10 months of age owing to absence of sitting and five other children were evaluated at a mean of 14 months (range 12—19 months) owing to inability to stand. Follow-up evaluations were conducted over a mean of 10.5 months (range 5—34 months). Five children were born prematurely at 34 to 36 weeks gestation. Denver Developmental Screening Test and general and neurologic examinations were normal except to note hypotonia in six children and the “sitting on air” posture in all of the children. Four children have older siblings or parents who “walked late” (after 15 months). On average, the children attained sitting by 8 months (range 7—10 months). One child did not crawl prior to independent walking, two children scooted rather than crawled, and five children crawled at an average of 13.5 months (range 10—16 months). All children cruised by a mean of 18 months (range 16—21.5 months) and attained independent walking by 20.1 months (range 18—23.5 months). Neuroimaging and serum creatine kinase enzyme testing were normal in two children who were tested. These eight children conform to the syndrome of dissociated motor maturation. The “sitting on air” posture serves as a diagnostic sign and anticipated excellent prognosis, but follow-up is required to ensure a normal outcome. ( J Child Neurol 2003;18:391—393).
Infantile Sandhoff's Disease: Multivoxel Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Findings
Authors: Alkan Alpay , Kutlu Ramazan , Yakinci Cengiz , Sigirci Ahmet , Aslan Mehmet , Sarac Kaya
Published: October 2007

Sandhoff's disease is a rare, genetic lysosomal storage disease leading to delayed myelination or demyelination. Although neuroimaging findings in this disease have been reported previously, magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings have not been reported. In this report, we present magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy features of two cases with Sandhoff's disease. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed findings indicating widespread demyelination in both cases and neuroaxonal loss and anaerobic metabolism in the second case. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy could provide useful information in the explanation of the clinical picture of cases with Sandhoff's disease. ( J Child Neurol 2003;18:425—428).
Photosensitivity During the Hypersomnic Phase in a Patient With Kleine-Levin Syndrome
Authors: Papacostas Savvas S.
Published: October 2007

The case of an adolescent with Kleine-Levin syndrome is presented who exhibited a consistent and predictable photoparoxysmal self-limited response to intermittent photic stimulation during all relapses of his hypersomnic phase. A possible cause of this association that has not been previously reported is speculated based on observations concerning the two disorders. ( J Child Neurol 2003;18:432—433).
Experience in the Use of the Ketogenic Diet as Early Therapy
Authors: Rubenstein James E. , Kossoff Eric H. , Pyzik Paula L. , Vining Eileen P. G. , McGrogan Jane R. , Freeman John M.
Published: October 2007

The ketogenic diet has traditionally been considered an anticonvulsant therapy of last resort, despite excellent efficacy and limited side effects. We hypothesized that the ketogenic diet would have similar results in patients with new-onset epilepsy. A retrospective study was conducted of patients started on the ketogenic diet since 1994. Thirteen of 460 (2.8%) patients were started on the ketogenic diet as early (zero or one prior anticonvulsant) therapy for seizures. Of those remaining on the diet, 60% (6 of 10) had a > 90% seizure reduction at 6 months and 100% (6 of 6) had a > 90% reduction at 12 months. Patients with infantile spasms were as likely to achieve > 50% seizure reduction at 6 months as patients with other seizure types (75% vs 60%; P = .6). The ketogenic diet can be a valuable therapy before epilepsy becomes intractable. In the 13 patients reported, efficacy without side effects was achieved similarly to that with patients with intractable epilepsy. ( J Child Neurol 2005;20:31—34).
Two Siblings With Familial Idiopathic Scoliosis With Conjugate Gaze Palsy
Authors: Elkay Mürüvet , Incecik Faruk , Hergüner M. Özlem , Yerdelen Deniz , Özcan Kenan , Altunbasak Sakir
Published: October 2007

Familial idiopathic scoliosis with conjugate gaze palsy is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive scoliosis and congenital absence of conjugate horizontal eye movement. In this article, two siblings who had scoliosis and conjugate gaze palsy are presented regarding clinical and laboratory findings. ( J Child Neurol 2005;20:81—83.
Four-Month-Old Infant With Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis and Mitochondrial DNA Deletion
Authors: Unal Sule , Serap Kalkanoğlu H. , Kocaefe Cetin , Gucer Safak , Ozen Seza , Turanlt Guzide , Coskun Turgay
Published: October 2007

Mitochondrial cytopathies are a group of heterogeneous disorders characterized by multisystem involvement. Renal involvement in mitochondrial cytopathies is usually manifested as tubular dysfunction owing to impaired energy metabolism; however, a few cases with glomerular changes have also been reported. Herein we report the case of a 4-month-old Turkish girl with a mitochondrial DNA deletion and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. ( J Child Neurol 2005;20:83—84).
Family Violence: An Expanded Perspective
Authors: Valentine Deborah
Published: October 2007

According to the traditional view of family violence, the etiology of child abuse, incest, and spouse abuse is primarily within or between individuals. This individualistic approach has led to the overemphasis on the culpability of women in the etiology of violence. It has failed to examine the influence of gender and sex-role socialization on individual victims and perpetrators. On the basis of current research, which challenges the individualistic and sexist analysis of family violence, this article presents an expanded interpretation of and alternative methods for treating family violence.
Never-Married Women as Caregivers to Elderly Parents: Some Costs and Benefits
Authors: Simon Barbara Levy
Published: October 2007

A study of fifty never-married women, aged 66-101, from metropolitan areas in the northeastern United States, revealed that most (84 percent) had been the primary caregivers for their aged and dying parents. Most of the women derived satisfaction and legitimacy from their role of nurturer. However, many also paid a high price for providing this care; they became emotionally and physically exhausted, financially depleted, and socially isolated.