bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New ICTs and the Problem of ‘Publicness’
Authors: Heller Mária
Published: August 2006

Global developments and the appearance of new devices in information and communication technology have radically modified people's communicative practices and their information-handling behaviours, while both scientific and lay representations of communications and communicative situations have also changed, necessitating the elaboration of a complex theory of communications. The article attempts to give an analytical description of the underlying structure of the field of all forms of communications, using structuring semantic oppositions that explain the norms and strategies that govern people's communicative behaviour. The semantic dichotomies public/private, public/non-public, direct/ mediated build a framework wherein each field is defined according to these oppositions. They help to understand how speakers attempt to place themselves, their partners and their communicative acts and how they construct their communications in this structured space. The semantic oppositions discussed in this article constitute one aspect of a complex theory of communications that covers all forms of communication from personal to mass media and takes into consideration the existence of overlapping public spheres as well as attempting to explain people's communicative behaviours in terms of intentions and success, norms and strategies.
Rethinking Politics in the World of ICTs
Authors: Bentivegna Sara
Published: August 2006

This article explores the relationship between ICTs and politics. The first part of the article briefly looks back over the literature reconstructing the framework within which this relationship has been located. According to the optimistic approach, ICTs could act as a catalyst in establishing democracy worldwide: great expectations have been nurtured but they have been frustrated by reality. From the pessimistic perspective, this outcome is not surprising as politics in the virtual world reflects politics in the real world. Both approaches share a traditional idea of politics and therefore fail to find any relevant change. But significant changes have occurred, as shown by how citizens have refocused their political attention outside the formal political arena. Social movements, civil associations, single issue groups or even discussion groups can be considered indicators of what has been called ‘life politics’ or ‘sub-politics’. In a nutshell, this new kind of politics crosses the boundaries between politics, cultural values, civil values and identity processes. The picture that emerges gives us a different idea of politics to which ICTs make a significant contribution.
Information Technologies, Social Change and the Future
Authors: Sousa Helena
Published: August 2006

The main objective of this article is to equate social change and new information and communication technologies (ICTs). From a multitude of theoretical entry points, the author decided to outline the key concept of time and to discuss its explanatory possibilities in a specific context: the development of online journalism in Portugal over the last decade. She takes the view that general formulations about the relationship between social change and technology could not elucidate the nature of social transformations nor the driving and opposing forces in particular contexts. Technology per se is not a relevant explicative variable but, in context, it certainly contributes to clarify social change. This article argues that the understanding of different simultaneous rhythms of change requires complementary incursions through the past, the present and the empirically accessible future.
Rethinking ICTs
Authors: Hamelink Cees J.
Published: August 2006

Developments in the field of information and communication technologies (ICTs) may in the near future increasingly lose sight of the human scale. The assessment of emerging technologies and their application in terms of the human condition seems urgently needed, therefore. A useful field for such an assessment is the digitalization of health care.
Markets of Protection
Authors: Shah Alpa
Published: August 2006

This article explores the continuities between the local state and the ‘terrorist’ extreme left-wing armed guerrilla Naxalite movement, the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC), in Jharkhand, Eastern India. The article shows how the MCC gained grassroots support by having greater control over a ‘market of protection’, and not through a shared ideology. This protection is a ‘doubleedged commodity’ – it is protection to access the informal economy of the state but also protection from the possibilities of the protector’s activities. In selling protection, the MCC competes in a market previously controlled by the state. The MCC increases its control over the market as an idea of its immense power – as well as fear of the organization, emerging from both its visible and invisible qualities, including its propensity for violence – is created among its targets. Unveiling this market of protection demonstrates the contested boundaries between the state and the ‘terrorist’ in rural Jharkhand.
Performers of Sovereignty
Authors: Hansen Thomas Blom
Published: August 2006

The police force was the most hated and visible representation of South Africa's apartheid state. The massive crime wave after 1994 and the new anxieties in a democratic South Africa have made security the primary concern in everyday life in the country. This article explores the paradoxes of policing, state violence and community involvement in security in a township in Durban. An important theme is the change of the symbolic locus of sovereignty from being a distant and impersonal state to becoming the local community in the township. The central proposition is that policing under democratic conditions is more complex and more imperative than before – both as performative and visible law-maintaining violence, as well as spectral and effective law-making violence.
A Qualitative Study of Early Family Histories and Transitions of Homeless Youth
Authors: Tyler Kimberly A.
Published: August 2006

Using intensive qualitative interviews with 40 homeless youth, this study examined their early family histories for abuse, neglect, and other family problems and the number and types of transitions that youth experienced. Multiple forms of child maltreatment, family alcoholism, drug use, and criminal activity characterized early family histories of many youth. Leaving home because of either running away or being removed by child protective services often resulted in multiple transitions, which regularly included moving from foster care homes to a group home, back to their parents, and then again returning to the streets. Although having experienced family disorganization set youth on trajectories for early independence, there were many unique paths that youth traveled prior to ending up on the streets.
Men and Intimate Partner Rape
Authors: Bergen Raquel Kennedy , Bukovec Paul
Published: August 2006

This article explores men's use of sexual violence against their intimate partner. Although there is a growing body of information about men's use of physical violence, there is less data about men's sexual violence in intimate partnerships. Data were collected from 229 men who were enrolled in an intervention program for men who abuse. Of men in this study, 53% had sexually assaulted their partner at least one time. This article will address the ways in which this sample of men sexually abused their partner and the connection between physical and sexual abuse within their relationships.
Police Attitudes Toward Domestic Violence Offenders Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Authors: Logan T K , Shannon Lisa , Walker Robert
Published: August 2006

Police attitudes are important in facilitating a sense of safety and comfort in women seeking justice-system support for protection from partner violence. This study examined police attitudes toward sanctions and treatment for domestic violence offenders compared with other violent and nonviolent offenders. In addition, police attitudes toward domestic violence offenders who do and do not use substances were examined. Officers from one city police department ( n = 315) participated in a survey. Results indicate there is a trend toward attitudes that treatment, rather than sanctions, was more appropriate for domestic violence offenders. In addition, officers rated the use of sanctions higher for domestic violence offenders who abuse alcohol or drugs compared with domestic violence offenders who did not abuse alcohol or drugs. Understanding police attitudes toward domestic violence offenders may have implications for police training and victim services in facilitating the use of the justice system in protecting women from partner violence.
Mental Health Correlates of the Victim-Perpetrator Relationship Among Interpersonally Victimized Adolescents
Authors: Lawyer Steven R. , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Resnick Heidi S. , Kilpatrick Dean G. , Saunders Benjamin E.
Published: August 2006

This research examines mental health correlates of different victim-perpetrator relationships among adolescent victims of interpersonal violence. A large and nationally representative sample of adolescents ( N = 4,023) responded to structured telephone interviews concerning mental health functioning (posttraumatic stress disorder—PTSD, major depressive disorder, substance abuse/dependence, and delinquency). Those reporting histories of sexual ( n = 321) and/or physical ( n = 688) assault were queried about specific aspects of their assaults, including their relationship with the perpetrator. After controlling for demographic and assault-related risk factors, the victim-perpetrator relationship remained a significant risk factor for mental health problems. Adolescents sexually assaulted by nonstrangers were at increased risk for PTSD; those sexually assaulted by acquaintances or people they did not know well were at increased risk for delinquency. Adolescents who were physically assaulted by a family member were at increased risk for PTSD. Explanations for the findings and the need for consistent assessment methods across related studies are discussed.
A Psychometric Typology of U.K. Domestic Violence Offenders
Authors: Johnson Rebecca , Gilchrist Elizabeth , Beech Anthony R. , Weston Samantha , Takriti Rachel , Freeman Richard
Published: August 2006

A number of studies have described subtypes of domestically violent men, and the heterogeneity of domestically violent men is well established. The aim of the current study was to investigate the distribution of subtypes using psychometric measures in convicted domestically violent offenders in England. Four subtypes of offenders were identified: low pathology, borderline, narcissistic, and antisocial. These subtypes were broadly comparable with the family-only, dysphoric/borderline, and generally violent/antisocial types proposed by Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart. The majority of the sample (60%) best fit the generally violent/antisocial profile. However, the reliance on psychometric measurement and lack of corroborative evidence from partners means that further research is necessary to test these findings.
Severity of Intimate Partner Violence and Occurrence and Frequency of Police Calls
Authors: Bonomi Amy E. , Holt Victoria L. , Martin Diane P. , Thompson Robert S.
Published: August 2006

This article evaluates whether female victims of severe physical, psychological, or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) call police more often than other abused women. Abused women (431) reported frequency of contacting police (dependent variable), nature and severity of IPV experienced, and characteristics of themselves and their perpetrator (explanatory variables). A two-part regression model estimated likelihood of police contact among all participants and rate of contact among callers. Women with severe physical or psychological IPV or injury were more likely to call police than were other abused women. Among callers, women made 96% more calls if a weapon was involved, 58% more if they were severely sexually abused, and 40% more if they were severely physically abused. Women with children at home made 32% more calls. These results delineate the level and types of IPV and other characteristics of homes that make single and repeat calls to police.
The Distribution of and Factors Associated With Intimate Terrorism and Situational Couple Violence Among a Population-Based Sample of Urban Women in the United States
Authors: Frye Victoria , Manganello Jennifer , Campbell Jacquelyn C. , Walton-Moss Benita , Wilt Susan
Published: August 2006

It has been proposed that two distinct forms of intimate partner violence exist: intimate terrorism and situational couple violence. This article describes the distribution of factors that characterize intimate terrorism and situational couple violence, including controlling behaviors, violence escalation, and injury, among a representative sample of 331 physically assaulted women living in 11 North American cities. In addition, respondent, partner, and relationship characteristics associated with each form of violence are identified. Most women who experienced physical assault also experienced controlling behavior by their male partner. In multivariate analyses, respondent's young age, violence escalation in the relationship, partner's access to guns, previous arrests for domestic violence offenses, poor mental health, and previous suicide attempts or threats were associated with intimate terrorism, defined as experiencing one or more controlling behaviors. These results suggest that situational couple violence is rare and that moderate and high levels of controlling behaviors are associated primarily with partner factors.
Life along the Nafta Highway
Authors: Garcia Maribel
Published: August 2006

This article examines the transnational living strategies utilized by women on the US/Mexico border while critically exploring the contradictory coexistence of successful transnational corridors, such as the NAFTA highway, and the poor residents who live alongside them. The article focuses on the transnational living strategies they use in order to improve their living conditions in Starr County, Texas. The author argues that transmigrant women and their families use migration and settlement in the Lower Rio Grande Valley as a way of improving their standard of living. However, the contradiction is that they end up living in an area known for its poor living conditions and high unemployment rates.This article is an ethnographic study of the ways in which women and their families negotiate poverty in a poor, rural border community while also showing how a poor and rural border area can both exacerbate and alleviate woman's poverty.
Constructing a Worker Identity
Authors: Varghese Linta
Published: August 2006

This article examines the debates over the meaning of ‘worker’ in Workers' Awaaz, a female domestic workers' group in New York City, at three moments in the organization's history.Workers' Awaaz set itself apart from other South Asian groups through its focus on low-wage workers and by attempting to institute an organizing, rather than activist or service model. However, I argue that an infrastructure that divided workers from other membership along lines of occupation and income prevented Workers' Awaaz from engaging in mass-based organizing due to its reinscription of roles of service provider and client. By examining the shifting construction of worker, I hope to illustrate the debates and processes occurring within new organizational forms in the South Asian American community.
Forty-five years of schizophrenia: personal reflections
Authors: Seeman Mary V.
Published: August 2006

Views about schizophrenia can change dramatically, even within one lifetime. In order to illustrate such changes over the last forty-five years, this article uses the example of ‘Mandy’, a composite woman patient with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. It shows that, although there have been many advances over this period, understanding of schizophrenia continues to be elusive, and treatments remain imperfect. Therefore, as perspectives shift and the ground moves beneath us, the psychiatric profession needs to anchor itself firmly in the stories our patients tell us.
Infectious insanities, surgical solutions: Bayard Taylor Holmes, dementia praecox and laboratory science in early 20th-century America. Part 2
Authors: Noll Richard
Published: August 2006

Part I of this article on Bayard Taylor Holmes (1852–1924), a Chicago physician and surgeon, detailed his laboratory research on dementia praecox and his presumed discovery in 1915 of evidence in support of a focal infection theory of its aetiology. In May 1916 he began to experiment with a rational therapy based on this theory: abdominal surgery and daily irrigations of the colon. He operated first on his own son, who had been afflicted with dementia praecox since 1905, but he died four days later. Part II deals with Holmes' continued surgical treatment of dementia praecox patients and the outcomes of the operations. It also describes how Holmes set up the short-lived Psychiatric Research Laboratory of the Psychopathic Hospital at Cook County Hospital in 1917, and discusses the dismissal of a key research colleague, H. M. Jones, whose experimental results directly contradicted those of Holmes.
The Ordeal of St. Sepulchre’S: A Campaign Against Organized Prostitution in Early 19th-Century London and the Emergence of Lower Middle-class Consciousness
Authors: Simpson Antony E.
Published: August 2006

The article addresses the issue of organized prostitution in London during the 1820s, a crucial time and place in which modern middle-class values were developing and being asserted in an essentially urban setting. An account is given of a prolonged and expensive campaign conducted by one City parish in an effort to suppress the brothels within its boundaries. Analysis of the parish’s motivation, procedural steps, and the eventual outcomes of its activities provide insight into lower middle-class attitudes toward prostitution and the limitations of the legal means available for its control. The study accordingly attempts to provide a dynamic perspective on the early mobilization of representatives of this class against a particular and threatening aspect of urban disorder. It further suggests that this need to confront public behavior incompatible with the values of a modernizing world in this way was peculiar to the lower middle classes and perhaps even helped to create their identity.
Homophobic Violence, Cultural Essentialism and Shifting Sexual Identities
Authors: Tomsen Stephen
Published: August 2006

Contemporary researchers have gathered widespread evidence of same-sex practice and desire with no implications for identity, across a range of historical and social settings. Paradoxically, models of understanding hate crime and homophobic violence that incline towards sexual essentialism have emerged in the same period. Categorizing perpetrators and victims as distinct groups of dangerous heterosexuals and vulnerable ‘sexual minorities’ is a politically seductive position in the media, public bureaucracies and criminal justice systems of contemporary liberal states. Fatal attacks are regarded as extreme expressions of homophobia that encapsulate this group division. But the author’s study of anti-homosexual killings in New South Wales, and related criminal trials, signals the frequent significance of same-sex activity that is not accompanied by homosexual/gay identity among perpetrators and victims, and the relation to perpetrators’ reasoned concerns about masculinity. Expert discourse and legal findings have typically viewed non-gay same-sex activity (by either victims or perpetrators) as the marker of an unresolved struggle for homosexual identity. But more recently, this is interpreted as signalling a lesser mental pathology or problematic male risk taking for pleasure. These shifts have had unexpected negative outcomes for victims without a gay social identity, and some perpetrators in ‘homosexual advance’ cases now derive a benefit from the newer cultural understanding of gay and straight categories.
Cross-cultural Brokering in the Legal, Institutional and Normative Domains: Intercultural Mediators Managing Immigration in Catalonia
Authors: Agustí-Panareda Jordi
Published: August 2006

Intercultural mediation programs have recently been set up in Catalonia in order to manage growing foreign immigration flows. Intercultural mediators, usually immigrants working for local governmental entities and NGOs and brokering in the relationships between immigrants and their new social, cultural and legal setting, accomplish a very wide variety of roles aimed at facilitating the social inclusion of immigrant groups. This article, moving beyond classic approaches to immigrant acculturation and on the basis of ethnographic fieldwork, examines the activities of intercultural mediators as normative and institutional brokers who bridge the gaps between newcomers and the institutions, professionals and the population at large of the host society, in both conflictual and non-conflictual settings. The article examines how intercultural mediators behave as interfaces or entry points to the legal, normative and institutional systems of the host society, as transmitters and enforcers of legal and social norms, as promoters of welfare services and human rights and, more broadly stated, as mediators between different normative, institutional and cultural backgrounds. Its aim is to understand and make better known the work of these emerging actors, who, facilitating the integration of the newly arrived, provide an insightful example of cross-cultural normative brokering. The analysis of this bridging activity, in turn, provides some insights on the nature of their immigrant integration practices, their management of cross-cultural conflict, the impact of their approach to the laws and norms of the host society and the questionable suitability of the mediation label to describe their interventions.
Jungian Spirituality: A Developmental Context for Late-Life Growth
Authors: Patton Julie F.
Published: August 2006

Ira Byock's “opportunities for growth” at the end of life have become defining features of the hospice and palliative care movement and create a strong moral imperative against futile and distracting treatment for the terminally ill. This article examines a larger developmental and cultural context that includes the work of Carl Jung and others who describe similar growth as characteristic of the midlife transition and the movement toward “gerotranscendence” in later life. The author suggests that in developmental terms, gerotranscendence forms a bridge between the work of Jung and that of Byock. She examines archetypal concepts and practices that facilitate psychospiritual growth and argues that these may be used with terminally ill patients to help them engage the process of “dying well.” She notes that these modern findings lie within a long and cross-cultural humanistic tradition that anticipates the development of wisdom for those whose aging occurs within a spiritual framework that involves identifying with the soul rather than with the body.
Integrating Palliative Care: A Postmodern Perspective
Authors: Zimmermann Camilla , Wennberg Richard
Published: August 2006

Hospice and palliative care philosophy is becoming increasingly incorporated into medical practice, education, and research. However, this process of integration may be hindered by continued adherence to several perceived conceptual dichotomies: natural and medicalized death, research and clinical care, and acceptance and denial of dying. These dichotomies were perhaps essential for the initial development of palliative care but could undermine the continuing evolution of care for the terminally ill. In this article, the authors deconstruct these dichotomies and advocate for a fully integrated model of palliative care.
Family Response to End-of-Life Education: Differences by Ethnicity and Stage of Caregiving
Authors: Braun Kathryn L. , Karel Harumi , Zir Ana
Published: August 2006

The authors developed and tested 5 educational booklets to improve end-of-life knowledge, attitudes, intention, and practices in a multiethnic sample of family caregivers of well, homebound, and institutionalized elders. Of 570 participants, 424 (74%) read at least 1 booklet and completed pretests and posttests. At 3-month follow-up, small improvements were seen in completion of advance directives, and significant increases were seen in proportions of caregivers with funeral or burial plans and willingness to consider hospice. The booklets had wide appeal, but end-of-life measures varied by care-giver stage and ethnicity, suggesting that these factors need to be considered in developing education interventions for family caregivers.
Operational and Financial Performance of Newly Established Hospices
Authors: McCue Michael J. , Thompson Jon M.
Published: August 2006

The objective of the study was to examine the financial and operating performance of newly established, free- standing hospices relative to existing, freestanding hospices. A nonparametric median test was used to compare the median values of operating and financial performance measures between newly established hospices and existing hospices. Operating and financial data were measured for the 2 groups using cost report data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The authors sampled 44 new, freestanding hospices and selected 312 freestanding existing hospices and analyzed their data over 2 years from 2002 to 2003. The study found that 91% of these new hospices were owned by for-profit organizations and were located in the southern region of the United States. New hospices served fewer patients; however, they had a longer length of stay compared to existing hospices. They offered fewer imaging services and radiation therapy services. New hospices generated significantly higher revenue but incurred significantly higher expenses. The results suggest that longer lengths of stay allow these newer hospices to increase revenue and improve overall profitability.
Meaning Construction in Palliative Care: The Use of Narrative, Ritual, and the Expressive Arts
Authors: Romanoff Bronna D. , Thompson Barbara E.
Published: August 2006

Individuals and families make sense of the world and their experiences through a process of meaning construction. Narrative is an important means of constructing meaning. The diagnosis of life-threatening or life-altering illness often forces revision in the life narrative and the reconstruction of meaning. This article discusses the process of meaning construction and highlights the use of narrative, the expressive arts, and ritual to create meaning and connection. All members of the palliative care team play an important role in helping patients and families tell the stories of their illness and their lives and find meaning and purpose at the end of life. The use of rituals is discussed along with verbal and art-based methods for eliciting patient and family narratives. The relationships among patient, family, and practitioner are seen as powerfully therapeutic and potentially transformative for all involved.
The Attitudes of Greek Physicians and Lay People on Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients
Authors: Parpa Efi , Mystakidou Kyriaki , Tsilika Eleni , Sakkas Pavlos , Patiraki Elisabeth , Pistevou-Gombaki Kyriaki , Galanos Antonis , Vlahos Lambros
Published: August 2006

The purpose of this article is to explore the attitudes of lay people and physicians regarding euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in terminally ill cancer patients in Greece. The sample consisted of 141 physicians and 173 lay people. A survey questionnaire was used concerning issues such as euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and so forth. Many physicians (42.6%) and lay people (25.4%, P = .002) reported that in the case of a cardiac and/or respiratory arrest, there would not be an effort to revive a terminally ill cancer patient. Only 8.1% of lay people and 2.1% of physicians agreed on physician-assisted suicide ( P = .023). Many of the respondents, especially physicians, supported sedation but not euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. However, many of the respondents would prefer the legalization of a terminally ill patient's hastened death.
Talking to Students
Authors: Still Brian
Published: August 2006

For some time, writing teachers have used audio feedback to assess students' work. But previous methods using audiocassettes are now dated or impractical for online or distance classrooms. Voice commentary can still be used to evaluate students' writing, however, using Microsoft Word's commenting feature for embedding voice comments. This article explains why this method of commentary is used; discusses students' reactions to the method, tracked over a 2-year period; and provides detailed instructions for using the software.
Situating Organizational Action: The Relational Sociology of Organizations
Authors: Mutch Alistair , Delbridge Rick , Ventresca Marc
Published: August 2006

This paper advances a relational sociology of organization that seeks to address concerns over how organizational action is understood and situated. The approach outlined here is one which takes ontology seriously and requires transparency and consistency of position. It aims at causal explanation over description and/or prediction and seeks to avoid pure voluntarism or structural determinism in such explanation. We advocate relational analysis that recognizes and engages with connections within and across organization and with wider contexts. We develop this argument by briefly reviewing three promising approaches: relational pragmatism, the social theorizing of Bourdieu and critical realism, highlighting their ontological foundations, some similarities and differences and surfacing some methodological issues. Our purpose is to encourage analysis that explores the connections within and between perspectives and theoretical positions. We conclude that the development of the field of organization theory will benefit from self conscious and reflexive engagement and debate both within and across our various research positions and traditions only if such debates are conducted on the basis of holistic evaluations and interpretations that recognize (and value) difference.
A Critical Realist Approach To Institutional Entrepreneurship
Authors: Leca Bernard , Naccache Philippe
Published: August 2006

Recent works in institutional analysis have challenged the traditional deterministic view, whereby institutional pressures explain actors’ actions and behaviours, and have called for the restoration of agency to this analysis. This presents institutional analysis with a major challenge: how to consider simultaneously the influence of both actors’ actions and the structures in which they are embedded, without conflating them? This issue is especially crucial when trying to analyse institutional entrepreneurs’ strategies. In this paper, we outline a non-conflating model of institutional entrepreneurship, by drawing on critical realism. We illustrate this model by mean of an illustrative case study.
Agency and Institutions: The Enabling Role of Individuals’ Social Position
Authors: Battilana Julie
Published: August 2006

Although early neo-institutional studies did not explicitly tackle the issue of agency, more recent studies about institutional entrepreneurship have brought it to the forefront. Institutional entrepreneur-ship has been presented as a promising way to account for institutional change endogenously. However, this notion faces the paradox of embedded agency. To overcome this paradox, it is necessary to explain under what conditions actors are enabled to act as institutional entrepreneurs. Some neo-institutional theorists have already addressed this issue. Their studies focus mainly on the organizational and organizational field levels of analysis. In this paper, I aim to complement their work by examining under what conditions individuals are more likely to engage in institutional entrepreneurship. By doing so, I take into account the individual level of analysis that neo-institutional theorists often tend to neglect. Relying on Bourdieu’s conceptualization of fields, I propose that individuals’ social position is a key variable in understanding how they are enabled to act as institutional entrepreneurs despite institutional pressures.
Political Parties in Dire Straits?
Authors: de Vreese Claes H.
Published: August 2006

This article investigates the challenges that political parties face in referendums. While political parties are still key actors in a referendum campaign, a number of factors weaken their position. Ambiguous cueing, internal dissidence, electoral volatility and limited impact on citizens’ prime information sources reduce the influence of political parties. Large, centrist political parties have the worst performance record in terms of getting their voters to follow the recommendation of the party, while smaller, ideologically strongly profiled parties are more successful in aligning their voters with party policy. At the individual level, we find that, in particular, efficacious voters are likely to disregard the recommendation of their preferred party, while politically disinterested voters are more likely to follow the party endorsement. The article concludes with a discussion of the contingent nature of party control over referendums.
Role of The Political Elite in Swiss Direct-Democratic Votes
Authors: Kriesi Hanspeter
Published: August 2006

The article contends that the political elite play a crucial role not just in representative systems, but also in the direct-democratic process. On the basis of the Swiss experience, the empirical analysis shows that the outcome of the direct-democratic vote heavily depends on the issue-specific configuration of power in the political elite, and that the impact of the mobilization of its different parts is, indeed, more complex than is usually suggested by the critics of the direct-democratic process. The results support the idea that consensual elites readily get their way, but that the situation is more complex when elites are divided. In a nutshell, the analysis shows that the coalition formation among political elites is a key determinant of the outcome of direct-democratic votes.
How Parties Affect Vote Choice in European Integration Referendums
Authors: Hobolt Sara Binzer
Published: August 2006

Direct democracy allows citizens to undercut the will of their elected representatives. Yet, while the electorate has the final say in referendums, political parties are in a privileged position to influence voters’ perceptions of the issue on the ballot. By developing a model on voting behaviour in referendums, this article examines how and to what extent parties can influence referendum outcomes. It argues that as pivotal information providers in referendum campaigns, political parties can influence the framing of and uncertainty associated with the ballot proposal and thus, in turn, affect voting behaviour. These propositions are evaluated empirically in a ‘controlled comparison’ of the two Danish referendums on the Maastricht Treaty, as these cases allow us to examine how changes in party strategies affect changes in referendum outcomes.
Direct Democracy and Political Parties in America
Authors: Bowler Shaun , Donovan Todd
Published: August 2006

We examine the origins of direct democracy in the American states and assess how direct democracy has affected American political parties. We find adoption of the most directly democratic forms of the initiative in states where Populist forces were strongest in the 1890s. Use of the initiative throughout the twentieth century led to more restrictive state legal environments for parties and was associated with weaker traditional party organizations. American parties have subsequently challenged restrictions placed on their organizations and on their ability to engage in campaigns. By the end of the twentieth century, American party organizations were visible actors in direct democracy campaigns, however their role is different from that of parties in Europe.
Popular Support for Direct Democracy
Authors: Donovan Todd , Karp Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2006

The expanding use of direct democracy in many established democracies reflects a desire to provide citizens with more opportunities to be involved in the political process. These changes are assumed to be embraced by those who demand greater citizen involvement, though the underlining motivation remains unclear. One theory assumes that support is likely to come from citizens who have a deep interest in politics and are politically active. Another theory offers a contrasting view, claiming that those who find themselves on the periphery of politics, and are largely disenchanted, find such proposals attractive. We examine these theories drawing on public opinion surveys from six established democracies. We find that younger citizens and those who are more interested in the political process are more supportive of direct democracy, while political disaffection has a less consistent impact.
Read my lips
Authors: Massaro Dominic W. , Bosseler Alexis
Published: August 2006

A computer-animated tutor, Baldi, has been successful in teaching vocabulary and grammar to children with autism and those with hearing problems. The present study assessed to what extent the face facilitated this learning process relative to the voice alone. Baldi was implemented in a Language Wizard/Tutor, which allows easy creation and presentation of a vocabulary lesson involving the association of pictures and spoken words. The lesson plan included both the receptive identification of pictures and the production of spoken words. A within-subject design with five children with autism followed an alternating treatment in which each child continuously learned to criterion sets of words with and without the face. The rate of learning was significantly faster and the retention was better with the face. The research indicates that at least some children with autism benefit from the face in learning new language within an automated program.
Mothers' attributions following their child's diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder
Authors: Dale Emily , Jahoda Andrew , Knott Fiona
Published: August 2006

Although the impact of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) on the family is well recognized, the way mothers attempt to make sense of the diagnosis is largely unexplored. However, in other disabilities, attributions have been shown to predict a variety of outcomes including maternal wellbeing and engagement in treatment. Using Weiner's (1985) three-dimensional model, 16 mothers were interviewed to examine the nature and impact of their beliefs about their child's ASD using semi-structured interviews and measures of depression, parenting stress and expectations for their child's future. The findings suggested that mothers made a diverse and complex range of attributions that were consistent with Weiner's dimensions of locus of cause, stability and controllability. The nature of their attributions reflected particular difficulties associated with ASDs, such as uncertainties regarding cause and prognosis. Taking account of mothers' search for meaning will better enable professionals to support families following diagnosis.
Obesity and physical fitness of pre-adolescent children during the academic year and the summer period: effects of organized physical activity
Authors: Christodoulos Antonios D. , Flouris Andreas D. , Tokmakidis Savvas P.
Published: August 2006

This study examined obesity and parameters of physical fitness in 178 elementary schoolchildren during an academic year as well as after the summer holidays. Results showed significant physical fitness improvements during the school year, with little or no changes in the summer holidays. Children who reported less than 30 minutes of daily participation in physical activity demonstrated lower prevalence rates for overweight and obesity as well as superior fitness performance. The detrimental effect of the summer break on the progress of physical fitness was less in children who did participate in physical activity than in those who did not. Longitudinal modelling using generalized estimating equations demonstrated that physical activity is a major contributing factor for obesity over time, masking the singular effect of various fitness parameters. It is concluded that pre-adolescent children advance in physical fitness mainly during the school year, with physical activity being a beneficial countermeasure for the development of obesity.
‘The most disgusting ever’: children's pain descriptions and views of the purpose of pain
Authors: Kortesluoma Riitta-Liisa , Nikkonen Merja
Published: August 2006

This article examines an area of a larger research project, aimed at investigating hospitalized children's experiences of pain. Descriptions of pain and views regarding the purpose of four to 11-year-old children's pain were investigated. A total of 44 hospitalized children participated in the study. The data were collected by means of a qualitative interview with the children. Using qualitative content analysis, interviews were coded and categories identified. Participant descriptions aimed at generalizing the pain. The children specified the nature of the pain and used paraphrases and metaphors. The study demonstrated that most of the children were able to articulate the purpose that they ascribe to their pain. The findings challenge nursing staff to regard the suffering child as an active partner in assessing their pain. An enhanced understanding can better prepare nurses for participating in the management of hospitalized children's pain.
Parents' experiences of negotiating care for their technology-dependent child
Authors: Reeves Elizabeth , Timmons Stephen , Dampier Sally
Published: August 2006

The aim of this exploratory study was to understand the negotiation of care as experienced by the parents of technology-dependent children in a hospital context. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a group of six parents. Parents felt that their roles as parents were not considered enough by nurses and they tended to be seen as carers, not parents. Negotiation of care was not always apparent. Instead, nurses often made assumptions about parental involvement in care. Parents wanted to carry out care when in hospital, but were not always given choices. Parents also reported a desire for more confident nurses. This study highlights the need to gain insight into parents' experiences, in order that nurses can provide care in a way negotiated to suit the individual family. Suggestions for further research in this area are offered.
Parting gifts: the spiritual needs of children
Authors: Hufton Emily
Published: August 2006

This article discusses the spiritual lives of children who are facing severe illness or bereavement. Initially, it describes a children's story which had some impact on the author's spiritual views during childhood. The concept of children as spiritual beings is discussed and questions are raised as to why relatively little attention has been given to this as opposed to their religious affiliation. Asserting that children do have a spiritual dimension, the importance of addressing children's spirituality is considered. Discussion is given to ways of assessing and attending to children's spirituality, illustrated with case studies. It is identified that for carers, a degree of self-awareness is crucial in order to develop an open and flexible working definition of what spirituality is and means.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: the current debate and neglected dimensions
Authors: Blew Helen , Kenny Gerard
Published: August 2006

The aim of this article is to identify and highlight the issues facing children, young people and families experiencing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in an United Kingdom context. In presenting these issues it is hoped that wider discussion and awareness of the challenges of this condition may have an effect on the planning and delivery of services within the UK. We seek to highlight that an overreliance on a medical perspective has the effect of neglecting the wider context of the rights of the child and the needs of the family. We advocate for an approach that recognizes the importance of the contributions of other professionals and the implementation of locally-agreed guidelines that incorporate the perspectives of families and the rights of the child.
From cultural to creative industries
Authors: Hui Desmond
Published: August 2006

This article examines the present state of development of cultural industries in the Chaoyang District of Beijing and proposes corresponding strategies for the government. It is the result of a year-long research study commissioned by the district and is significant in three aspects: (1) it is one of the first policy researches commissioned by the Chinese government to a non-mainland body; (2) it is one of the first studies of its kind to use statistics complying with the new National System of Classification on cultural industries; and (3) it is one of the first studies that has led to some concrete follow-up of policies and that has been instrumental in transforming the official concept of ‘cultural’ to ‘cultural and creative’ industries.
In search of the market in China
Authors: Wai Mok Kin
Published: August 2006

This article examines the economic performance of Hong Kong's creative industries. It describes the intermittent growth and economic slowdown of the industries, and, on the other hand, reveals the strategies of the industry sector in penetrating the regional markets of China. By consolidating its financial support to the development of cultural industries in China and/or by extending economic collaboration with the fast-growing economic regions of the mainland, Hong Kong's creative industries demonstrate great flexibility in adapting themselves to the fast-changing scene of the cultural economies in China. Although market barriers remain strong in the mainland market, there is a growing and ever-lasting economic division of labour, as shown in animation and film industries, between Hong Kong and major Chinese cities, which sheds light on the future of Hong Kong's creative sector in the Chinese market.
Commercialization of digital storytelling
Authors: Qiongli Wu
Published: August 2006

Digital Storytelling (DST) is an emergent multimedia expression format, which empowers ordinary people to explore their creativity through producing a 2–5 minute film based on personal stories. This new tool has been taken up internationally by education, community and media parties. This article explores Digital Storytelling's application and commercialization potential in China. The key argument is that a commercial operation of DST would be an appropriate means of integrating cultural tourism, the Beijing Olympics and wireless value-added services (VAS). The first section introduces the concept of Digital Storytelling – its history, definition and international practice. The second section focuses on the opportunities presented by the Chinese market and relevant digital content industries.
Copyright and the creative industries in China
Authors: Montgomery Lucy , Fitzgerald Brian
Published: August 2006

On 27 October 2001 the National People's Congress of China approved amendments to the Chinese Copyright Law that brought it closer in line with the Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights 1994 (TRIPS) and the Berne Convention on Literary and Artistic Works of 1886. Since enacting its first copyright law in 1990, China has been engaged in the development of a copyright regime that accords with international practice. Accession to the WTO in December 2001 and associated amendments to the copyright law mark the latest step in the steady construction of an internationally aligned intellectual property regime. After outlining the reform that has occurred at the formal legal level, this article explores some of the ways that copyright functions within the business models of the film and music industries.