bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Provision of Social Security: The Challenge in South Asia
Authors: Seeta Prabhu K. , Iyer Sandhya V.
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of widespread poverty and deprivation in South Asian countries points towards the need to adopt a wider concept of social security that would include both promotional and protective social security. This article advocates this view against the backdrop of the coverage and financing of existing social security programmes and points to the inadequacies of these measures in attaining the objectives of higher economic growth and the eradication of poverty. A character istic feature of current social security programmes in South Asian economies is that they are designed in a conceptual vacuum and are implemented mainly as wel fare measures. The emphasis is on promotional measures and even within that cat egory, on poverty alleviation programmes. A balanced provision of promotional and protective social security measures is not evident in any country. Some esti mates of the resource requirements for providing such balanced social security suggest that the cumulative cost of essential human investment over the period 1995-2010 would be over 4-5 per cent of GDP. Such allocation of resources towards the wider connotation of social security is essential for the South Asian countries to reap the benefits of the linkages between social attainments and eco nomic growth, a la East Asia.
South Asian Monetary Integration in Light of the Optimum Currency Area Criteria Patterns of Shocks: A Comment
Authors: Saxena Sweta Chaman
Published: March 2007

The objective of this note is to bring out the inconsistency in empirical estimation and conclusions that are derived in Maskay (2001). The estimation of the structural VAR model doesn't reject the over-identifying restrictions for all countries, as emphasized by Maskay (2001). The correlation coefficients of the supply shocks do show subsets of countries that can possibly form an OCA. The size and the speed of adjustment point out that any loss in policy independence may be negligible.
New Media and the `Pluralization of Life-Worlds'
Authors: LIEVROUW LEAH A.
Published: March 2007

This article asks whether, and in what ways, new media technologies contribute to variations in information resources and communication relations from place to place that may encourage social integration or differentiation. Current perspectives on differentiation theory are briefly discussed, and a model is presented which suggests how the generation, circulation and use of information in society create different social milieux or information environments. Recent studies of new media use are used to illustrate how ICTs might contribute to social differentiation.
Conversational Interruptions in Israeli—Palestinian `Dialogue' Events
Authors: ZUPNIK YAEL-JANETTE
Published: March 2007

Previous cross-cultural research has not undertaken in situ analysis of conversational style between groups in severe political conflict. The present study is a quantitative and ethnographic study of conversational interruptions in one Israeli-Palestinian `dialogue' event which took place during the Palestinian Uprising. Findings indicate that the previously documented divergent cultural styles of the two groups underwent a process of change. Specifically, the Israeli dugri interruptive style dominated interactions between Israelis (intragroup) and between Israelis and Palestinians (intergroup). However, fewer interruptions were found in the intergroup interaction. Conversely, the Palestinian musayra style of non-interruptions was more significant in the intragroup Palestinian-Palestinian interaction than in interaction with Israelis, where Palestinian interruptions dominated. The political context of events and the erosion of the musayra style are suggested as factors that explain results. Implications are discussed.
The Economy, Accountability, and Public Support for the President of the European Commission
Authors: Gelleny Ronald D. , Anderson Christopher J.
Published: March 2007

Using public approval for the President of the European Commission as an example, we investigate whether there are economic effects on public support for political authority: (1) when democratic accountability is absent; and (2) when public information about authorities is low. We find that economic effects as traditionally defined are weak, but that people make utilitarian assessments even when authorities cannot be held directly accountable. Moreover, the analyses suggest that voters with low levels of information, interest or awareness behave in ways that cannot be empirically distinguished from the behavior of well-informed voters. The findings imply that citizens employ utilitarian considerations when assessing political authorities even when they cannot hold them accountable or when they have little information about them.
Reducing Gun Violence:
Authors: SHERMAN LAWRENCE W.
Published: March 2007

The objective of this article is to review what research we do have, what research we do not have, and how we can use what research we do have to reduce gun violence. It is also suggested how we can use new legislation to do more of the research we desperately need. For while we can conduct many experiments in enforcement strategies without new legislation, we cannot adequately test most legislative proposals without actually passing legislation. In cybernetic terms, it is `smart' policy to treat new legislation as experiments, and to design it in ways that will optimize our ability to learn from each new law.
The Day to Count:
Authors: STANKO ELIZABETH A.
Published: March 2007

This article presents the findings of an innovative methodology that examines the impact of domestic violence on key service providers in the UK. An audit of calls to police over one 24-hour period reveals that it is largely women who contact police about domestic violence. The audit also documented that more women escaping domestic violence live in refuges in the UK on one day than contact police for assistance. The article briefly comments on the impact of the audit on public awareness.
Community Nurse Learning Disabilities: A Case Study of the Use of an Evidence-Based Screening Tool to Identify and Meet the Health Needs of People with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Hunt Cath , Wakefield Sue , Hunt George
Published: March 2007

Health screening and follow-up was provided for 35 adults with learning disabilities who live in the community, using the OK Health Check as a screening tool. This paper reports how community nurses for people with learning disabilities can help overcome barriers faced by people with learning disabilities in accessing primary and generic health services. The ability of a community nurse to achieve effective health outcomes for people with learning disabilities in partnership with other professionals is also demonstrated.
Parents with a Learning Disability and Their Views on Support Received: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Guinea Sandra M.
Published: March 2007

Parents who happen to have learning disabilities are often faced with adverse environmental pressures, in addition to the difficulties in meeting the demands of child rearing and family life. Research evidence has indicated that, while support for such families is crucial, the quality of that support plays a significant factor in family breakdown. As part of an ongoing study of parental needs, support was examined from the parents' point of view: how it met their expectations, and whether there was a mismatch between what they received and their `ideal world'. In general, parents in this present study were happy with the support received, although they would have liked more. Findings from parental opinion enabled recommendations to be made about future service delivery to such families.
Assessing the Needs of Learning Disabled Young People with Additional Disabilities
Authors: Kerr Gifford R. D.
Published: March 2007

This article describes the social and functional characteristics of a group of learning disabled young people with additional severe disabilities, identified through a school-based survey of 12-to 16-year-olds. The study was carried out as part of a larger piece of work to develop the knowledge base for the first learning disabilities joint investment plan in one coterminous health and local authority inner-city area. Compared with the results of a survey conducted in 1977, any change in the prevalence of severe disability, or of the most severely physically disabled, has been relatively small. However, the prevalence of severe disability was found to be markedly higher among young people of South Asian background, compared with the rest of the population. Some of the implications for service planning and provision are discussed.
Do Families and Care Managers Have a Similar View of Family Coping?
Authors: Grant Gordon , Whittell Bridget
Published: March 2007

This article seeks an answer to the question, `Do families and care managers have a similar view of family coping?' Using a coping inventory influenced by the transactional stress-coping model, family carers and their care managers were interviewed separately about successful family coping. The findings support the view that families report more successful coping strategies than seem to be acknowledged by care managers. Some tentative explanations for these differences are offered, including ways in which caring and coping are socially constructed by each group as well as by structural factors in the work environment.
Health Checks for People with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Cassidy Geraldine , Martin David M. , Martin Graham H. B. , Roy Ashok
Published: March 2007

By offering annual health checks to people with learning disabilities a variety of health conditions were detected and treated. Health checks took place at a general practice surgery and were performed by a consultant psychiatrist in learning disability, a general practitioner (GP) and a community learning disability nurse. Thirty-five people attended full health checks at T1 (year 1) and T2 (a year later). Health status was quantified by measuring changes at T2. Contrary to other research findings, people with learning disabilities at this surgery consulted their GPs more frequently, were prescribed significantly more medication and were more likely to be prescribed medication than controls. At T1 33 (94 percent) people had a physical health problem that warranted intervention and 25 (71 percent) people had problems with their mental health. At T2 referrals and other interventions were reduced but still warranted extending the health checks into future years.
`Cutting Doesn't Make You Die'
Authors: Harker-Longton Wendy , Fish Rebecca
Published: March 2007

This article describes an exploration of the subjective experiences of self-injurious behaviour from the perspective of a woman with mild intellectual disabilities, Catherine (pseudonym). At the time of the study, Catherine was detained in a medium secure unit for adults with intellectual and associated disabilities, and had lived there for approximately 4 years. The study draws together her views and explores her understanding and experiences of her self-injurious behaviour using a qualitative, phenomenographic method. Catherine agreed to participate in in-depth discussions with the researcher, a nurse who had previously worked closely with her. The results offer sections of transcripts to illustrate the direction and focus of the discussions, which emphasize service issues and functions of Catherine's self-injury.
The Assessment of Behavioural Decline in Adults with Down's Syndrome
Authors: McKenzie Karen , Harte Cyan , Patrick Shona , Matheson Edith , Murray George C.
Published: March 2007

The present study examines two methods of using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales as a measure of behavioural change in people with Down's syndrome who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The first method uses the Vineland scales as the basis of a semi-structured interview and notes all areas of behavioural change identified by staff; the second method scores the Vineland scales using the basal rule outlined in the manual. The comparison of these two methods illustrated that using the second method highlighted a significant decline in scores for the group meeting the criteria for `probable Alzheimer's disease' on a number of domains between baseline and 12-24 months. However, this scoring method also appeared to miss more subtle changes in behaviour, which may be important early indicators of Alzheimer's disease, which were picked up by the first method. The implications of the study are discussed.
Burden among the Caregivers of Children with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Datta Soumitra Shankar , Russell Paul Swamidhas Sudhakar , Gopalakrishna Seetha Cookemane
Published: March 2007

The study considers whether there is a pattern of demographic, caregiver and child characteristics that specifically predict burden among the primary caregivers of children with intellectual disability in a developing country, India. Thirty-one consecutive families with an intellectually disabled child were included. Caregivers and children were measured with a variety of instruments. The putative risk factors significant in the univariate analysis, namely income and expressed emotion, were entered stepwise into a logistic regression model to predict the level of burden. Expressed emotion towards the child with intellectual disability predicted a high level of burden among the caregivers. Age of child and income significant in the univariate analysis were also clinically associated with burden. These results are similar to those obtained in previous studies in industrialized countries and reinforce the importance of focused intervention to modify the family communication style.
Towards a Theory of Marketplace Equity
Authors: Brodie Roderick J. , Glynn Mark S. , van Durme Joel
Published: March 2007

In the last two decades the term ‘equity’ has been used in marketing to describe the asset value of brands, customers, channels, and other marketing relationships. We examine the alternative uses of the term and how they relate together. We also explore issues involved in developing a more general theory of marketplaceequity that integrates branding and relationship thinking with financial thinking. What would be the basis for such a theory? How do existing concepts about brands and relationships relate to a more general theory of marketplace equity and value?
Work-Family Conflict in Contemporary China
Authors: Ling Yan , Poweli Gary N.
Published: March 2007

Conflict between their work and family roles may occur for women and men throughout the global economy. As a result, work-family conflict has been the subject of considerable research in recent years. However, prior studies of work-family conflict have been conducted primarily on American samples. Whether the theories on which these studies have been based and the findings that they have yielded are equally powerful when applied to other highly different cultural domains (e.g. Oriental cultures) is questionable. In this article, we first derive a theoretical framework from extant American-based research and then discuss work-family conflict in an Oriental society, contemporary China. On considering the distinctive work and family contexts in Chinese society, we conclude that Chinese workers experience work-family conflict in a manner not fully captured by an American perspective. Accordingly, we extend the American-based model of work-family conflict by incorporating culture-specific factors particularly relevant to how the Chinese experience work-family conflict in contemporary China.
What Do General Practitioners Tell People with Dementia and their Families about the Condition?
Authors: Downs Murna , Clibbens Richard , Rae Catherine , Cook Ailsa , Woods Robert
Published: March 2007

There has been growing discussion in the literature about the merits and demerits of disclosing a diagnosis to a person with dementia. There is growing empirical evidence that general practitioners (GPs) are reluctant to share the diagnosis with people with dementia. To date little research has examined what GPs tell their patients and their families. The purpose of the reported study was to examine what GPs tell people with dementia and their families about the condition. The study relied on data gathered from an opportunistic sample of 114 GPs who were attending a training course in care of people with dementia. Findings reveal a disparity between what GPs tell the family and the person. People with dementia tend to be given information about the symptoms and the cause is described predominantly as part of ageing. Family members are given information about symptoms, cause, prognosis and available supports. Best practice regarding diagnosis disclosure to people with dementia needs to be established. This includes what people with dementia are told, how they are told and what supports are made available to those who have been told.
Medicalization of Insight and Caregivers’ Responses to Risk in Dementia
Authors: Bond John , Corner Lynne , Lilley Anna , Ellwood Catherine
Published: March 2007

Lack of insight or impaired awareness of deficits in people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias (AD) is a relatively neglected area of study. The terms are widely used in professional and everyday life without a shared understanding of what lack of insight means to health professionals, informal caregivers or people with dementia. Content analysis of 49 psychiatry or psychology texts, in which insight or a synonym is mentioned, found lack of clarity in definitions and their operationalization. In general, insight is defined as the ability to understand one’s own problems. Lack of insight therefore is a professional judgement grounded in the medicalization of dementia. People labelled as lacking insight of their dementia will consequently experience more acutely depersonalization, loss of independence, loss of social and political rights and they will have their behaviour individualized. Caregivers’ understanding of the loss of insight may influence the way they deal with risk during caregiving.
Quality of Life and Deficit Identification in Dementia
Authors: Smyth Kathleen A. , Neundorfer Marcia M. , Koss Elisabeth , Geldmacher David S. , Ogrocki Paula K. , Whitehouse Peter J.
Published: March 2007

Numerous studies have examined self-identification of deficits in persons with dementia. Few of these studies consider the influence of interpersonal and social factors on deficit identification, and most focus on whether or why deficits are ‘underreported’ by persons with dementia. In our studies, we found considerable variation in deficit identification within and among persons with dementia, and some ‘overreporting’ of deficits in comparison with caregiver reports across all of the domains studied. Thus, focusing on ‘underreporting’ and aggregate level data neglects information that could be important to measuring and understanding quality of life in dementia. Current approaches to measuring and understanding quality of life in dementia make divergent assumptions about the impact of deficit identification. Emerging phenomenological perspectives suggest that proactive interventions that treat deficit identification as an interpersonal and social challenge inherent in the experience of dementia would enhance the quality of life of caregiving dyads.
First among Equals?
Authors: Heller Tom , Heller Lisa
Published: March 2007

Despite various problems associated with the introductionand use of the new generation of drugs for Alzheimer’s disease(cholinesterase inhibitors), expenditure on this aspect of patient care tends to eclipse expenditure on caring and support services. Even though evidence for the effectiveness of many patient-centred approaches is increasingly available, in the UK fixed budgets for various types of service usually means that increased expenditure on medication ensures that support services will inevitably have their funding eroded. Is this the best way to provide effective care for people with dementia? The role of drug companies in this process is examined critically.
Rawls in Germany
Authors: Müller Jan-Werner
Published: March 2007

This article analyses the reception of John Rawls's thought by Otfried Höffe, Jürgen Habermas and other political theorists on the German liberal left. It argues that, ironically, as Rawls's theory has become more historically self-conscious and sociologically oriented since A Theory of Justice, Habermas, while denying any fundamental difference between him and Rawls in this `neo-Kantian family quarrel', has moved in the opposite direction. One might even say that there has been some mid-Atlantic convergence in political theory. Nevertheless, there remain peculiarities of German political thought, in particular its more sociological bent, a (positive or negative) fixation on the state, and the persistently felt need finally to reconcile a perceived conflict between liberalism and democracy.
Performance-Driven Leadership Development
Authors: Holton Elwood F. , Lynham Susan A.
Published: March 2007

High-Performance Leadership. Leading and managing people and organizational systems to achieve and sustain high levels of effectiveness by optimizing goals, design, and management at the individual, process, and organization levels
Thinking Seriously About Human Resource Development
Authors: Pace R. Wayne
Published: March 2007

The Problem and the Solution. It appears that HRD professionals and educators may be operating on different sets of assumptions and beliefs about the field of human resource development. An examination of HRD in terms of making knowledge useful, what people are being prepared to do, and the driving force that brings us together may lead us to understand the field more fully and evolve more commonalties than now exist
Performance Domains and Their Boundaries
Authors: Holton Elwood F.
Published: March 2007

The Problem and the Solution. Performance is multidimensional and often poorly defined. A review of the performance literature in other fields revealed the need for a general performance model that embraces multiple measures and fits any organization. This chapter presents a functional taxonomy of performance that incorporates performance outcomes, performance drivers, and their evaluation In addition, implications for practice are discussed.
Treating Sexually Abused Children and Their Families
Authors: MANNARINO ANTHONY P. , COHEN JUDITH A.
Published: March 2007

This article addresses the ethical issues and dilemmas that clinical practitioners confront when providing services to sexually abused children and their families. The differences between the roles of forensic evaluator and treating therapist are highlighted, with a particular emphasis on the ethical dilemmas related to role boundaries, confidentiality, therapeutic alliance, and court testimony. The position adopted throughout the article is that therapists for sexually abused children should avoid becoming involved in legal/forensic matters because of the inherent conflict associated with these different roles. Recent guidelines promulgated by professional organizations that have a bearing on these issues are discussed. Concrete and practical strategies that clinicians can utilize when dealing with these issues are offered.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Authors: Mezibov Dan
Published: March 2007

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) was established in 1969 to advance nursing education at the baccalaureate and graduate levels. It remains the only national organization dedicated exclusively toward meeting this goal. Representing schools of nursing at 547 universities and four-year colleges nationwide, AACN’s programming is focused on four key areas. These include establishing quality standards for bachelor’s- and graduate-degree nursing education; assisting deans and directors to implement those standards; influencing the nursing profession to improve health care; and promoting public support of baccalaureate and graduate education, research, and practice in nursing. This article highlights several of AACN’s notable firsts in its 30-year history, and reviews the association’s current programs in legislative and regulatory advocacy, curriculum standards, coalition building, accreditation, data collection, workforce development, and other areas.
Genetics, Nursing, and Public Policy: Setting an International Agenda
Authors: Anderson Gwen , Read Catherine Yetter , Monsen Rita Black
Published: March 2007

In the last decade of the 20th century, government sponsored and private-sector research endeavors in genetics have unveiled remarkable new knowledge that has the potential to improve human health on a global scale. The purpose of this article is threefold. The authors (a) draw attention to accomplishments achieved thus far in setting policies for genetic nursing, (b) recommend a holistic agenda for advancing genetic nursing education policies nationally and internationally, and (c) recommend essential components of policy development that depict nursing’s interest in genetic concerns globally. The authors encourage nurses worldwide to participate in health, social, ethical, and public policy deliberations related to genetics.
A Task Force to Study Quality of Care in Maryland Nursing Facilities: A Case in Point
Authors: Spellbring Ann Marie
Published: March 2007

The number of residents with complex medical needs and acuity levels has been increasing in nursing homes in this country. The general philosophy of care has evolved from one of custodial care to promoting each resident’s highest level of functioning. The author was part of a task force process mandated by the legislature in Maryland to study the quality of nursing home care in the state. The final recommendations made by the task force took form in legislative proposals submitted to the General Assembly in the 2000 legislative session and resulted in the passage of six pieces of legislation directed at improving the quality of care in Maryland nursing home facilities. The author provides an excellent case example of how nurses can use their expertise and political skills to contribute successfully to the policy process.
Legislative Decision Making and Health Policy: A Phenomenological Study of State Legislators and Individual Decision Making
Authors: Kerschner Sarah W. , Cohen Judith A.
Published: March 2007

Phenomenology was used in interviewing 4 state legislators, all members of the House or Senate health and welfare committees. Data analysis revealed three essential elements as forming the essential structure of individual legislative decision making on issues of health policy. The first essential element, understanding the issue, was described via the themes of listening and learning about the issue. The second essential element, shaping a personal stand, was described as critically evaluating the issue to form a personal opinion. The third element, weighing for action, was revealed through themes of evaluating alternatives to choose which strategies to consider and pursue. Influences that affect decision making were grouped into eight categories: prominence, values, constituents, life experience, source of information, respected colleague, time, and political process. Nurses working to influence the development of health policy may be more effective by developing strategies within the described essential structure of decision making.
States Respond to Nursing Shortage
Authors: Brodeur Melissa A. , Laraway Alisha Sackheim
Published: March 2007

The current nursing shortage poses a significant threat to the quality of health care delivery in the United States. High-profile studies examining the dangers of inadequate nurse staffing in hospitals and increased attention from the media have resulted in a public outcry for action. State and federal policy makers have acknowledged the concerns of their constituents and have been spurred into action. This article presents an overview of legislation that states have introduced to address issues relative to the nursing crisis. The legislative proposals to be discussed are the establishment of staffing ratios, placing limits on mandatory overtime, and the creation of nursing commissions.
The Adhesion of Polymers To Fibrous Masses
Authors: Wake W.C.
Published: March 2007

Artificial leathers are mainly polymer-textile composites. Ensuring an adhesive bond between the components involves surface wetting and sometimes penetration of the textile structure by the polymer. Positive pressure applied over a period of time is required to penetrate closely packed ordered arrays of fibres and penetration is advantageous. The extent of penetration can be measured by water retention in a gravita tional field or by photomicrography of thin microtomed sections. Dis placement of a polymer coating from a substrate by water is analysed into components of the surfaces forces involved and measurement of the contact angles of water on coating and on substrate is recommended as an aid to predicting behaviour.
High Performance Polypropylene Extrusion Coating Resins
Authors: Phillips Edward M. , Mchugh Kathleen E. , Bradley Mark B.
Published: March 2007

This paper describes the processing characteristics and properties of PF-611, a new high performance polypropylene (PP) extrusion coating grade. A result of technology developed at the Himont Research and Development Center, this resin exhibits strain hardening behavior when the polymer melt is extended As a result PF-611 does not exhibit melt resonance at draw ratios greater than 100:1 while providing thin uniform coatings. Therefore, it is not necessary to minimize draw ratios by reducing the die gap to prevent the onset of melt resonance. The ex ceptional melt strength of PF-611 permits coextrusion coating with conventional PP grades and non-PP barrier resins without significant reduction in processability (high maximum line speeds, low coat weights and low neck-in)
Co-Extrusion Coating of Woven Fabrics
Authors: Mamish Abboud L.
Published: March 2007

In the extrusion coating process, anchorage of the extruded film to the substrate (i e , paper, cloth, foil ) is very essential An improper bond between the two surfaces can sometimes lead to catastrophic failures and product non-func tionality.

Because extrusion coating process conditions—polymer melt temperature, lami nating mp pressure, air gap, film (coating) thickness, as well as substrate composi tion—play a major role in determining how successful this coating step would be, their effects on the degree of "physical" adhesion is investigated.

Data from the aforementioned process investigation strongly reveal that the extru sion melt temperature and film (coating) thickness are the two factors that pre dominantly affect the degree of mechanical anchorage between the film and woven fabric
Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Coated Fabrics
Authors: Oertel Richard W. , Brentin Robert P.
Published: March 2007

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) can provide abrasion-, weather-, fuel-, tear-, and water-resistant coatings for high performance coated fabrics. The thermoplastic nature of the resin coupled with wide chemistry formulating latitude enable unique structures to be made that can be fabricated economically.
Plasticizer Free Coated Textiles in Water Protection Systems
Authors: Kooy M.G.
Published: March 2007

The concept of building work sealing is known in engineering, civil engineering, and hydraulic engineering.
Ultraviolet Radiation Cured Coatings for Shrinkresist Wool Fabrics
Authors: Dodd K.J. , Carr C.M.
Published: March 2007

In a preliminary study, the potential for several ultraviolet radiation curing polymer systems as shrinkresist agents for 100% wool fabric has been evalu ated. The impact of these formulations on fabric mechanical properties, and stiffness in particularly was also assessed.
New Applications for Breathable Hydrophilic and Non-Hydrophilic Coatings
Authors: Krishnan Kris
Published: March 2007

I wish to discuss various topics that are of great importance to my company and the textile coatings industry in the United States I will briefly review hydrophobic and hydrophilic polyurethane coatings in this paper The textile indus try has seen significant changes in the last few years, and imports have eroded our in dustry to a great extent To turn the tide, we have concentrated on high tech textiles and niche markets to survive in the late 1990s and into the 21st century
Building Bridges in the Coated Fabrics Industry
Authors: Leipnik Peter
Published: March 2007

The benefits of forming strategic alliances with Australian companies targeting the growing Asian markets is examined. In broad terms, a strategic alliance can be described as some type of relationship involving two companies who share certain characteristics in common, and can see the potential for gaining advantages from being involved with one another.
Aramid Fibers and New Adhesion Systems to Elastomers. Application and Performance
Authors: Janssen H.
Published: March 2007

This paper will highlight some new developments in the use of aramid fibers, with special reference to transmission belts. It covers both yarn activation systems and dip systems, which together ensure a balanced property profile in terms of mechamcal performance, adhesion, and fatigue behavior in elastomeric matrices.
How to Improve Thermal Comfort of the Car Seat
Authors: Fung Walter
Published: March 2007

This paper is a continuation of work previously presented in which those properties of the car seat laminate that influence seat thermal comfort were identified. Twenty-three trial laminates were evaluated by human subjects.
Interpretation of Interaction Effects in Logit and Probit Analyses
Authors: HUANG CHI , SHIELDS TODD G.
Published: March 2007

Scholars have argued that more restrictive registration laws most drastically deter the least educated citizens from political participation. Others, however, argue that the most educated, rather than the least educated, are most drastically impeded by restrictive registration requirements. These opposing conclusions have dramatically different implications concerning registration reform in the United States. In this analysis, we urge scholars to take the arguments made by Nagler more seriously, and we argue that past models have not fully considered the inherently nonlinear functional form of the logit and probit models. Using graphical displays, we show that citizens with moderate levels of education are actually those who are “hardest hit” by restrictive closing dates. Consequently, we moderate all prior conclusions and show evidence that it is neither the most nor the least educated who are the “hardest hit” by early closing dates.
Absentee Voting, Mobilization, and Participation
Authors: KARP JEFFREY A. , BANDUCCI SUSAN A.
Published: March 2007

Liberal absentee laws are designed to make voting easier, which should stimulate turnout. Using data from the National Election Studies, we test the hypothesis that persons who choose to vote early are already highly motivated to participate in the political process. We find support for this hypothesis, which raises questions about the extent to which liberal absentee laws can expand the electorate. Furthermore, contrary to past research, we see the Republican advantage in absentee voting as a result of self-selection rather than party mobilization.
The Policy Biases of Political Activists
Authors: Shaffer Stephen D.
Published: March 2007

The nature of policy differences between political strata are examined with survey data from 1952 to 1976. In identifying policy biases, one must consider the interaction between issue area, time period, and partisan grouping. Prior to 1966, a conservative bias on do mestic economic issues existed among the more active, due to the conservative bias of the higher SES and hyperactivity among conservative Republicans. After 1966, no consistent bias on domestic economic issues existed among the more active, due to hyperactivity among liberal Democrats as well as conservative Republicans. After 1966 a definite liberal bias existed among activists on black rights and social-cultural issues, because of the greater liberalism of the more educated, and hyperactivity among Democratic liberals. Foreign affairs patterns are more complex, though there is usually an inter nationalist bias among activists, due to the greater internationalism of the more educated.
Trends in Public Support for Egypt and Israel, 1956-1978
Authors: Iyengar Shanto , Suleiman Michael
Published: March 2007

This essay examines public support for Israel and Egypt between 1956 and 1978. Changes in support for the two Middle Eastern adversaries are examined in relation to changes in U.S. Middle Eastern policy. The results suggest that changes in public images of the two nations tend to follow changes in official policy. As American policy has shifted toward a more neutral stance, public evaluations of the two nations have converged and by 1977, Israel was favored over Egypt by a narrow margin. Variations in public evaluations of the two nations are also investigated. Besides Jewish Americans, the more educated and more affluent tend to rate Israel more favorably. Among nonwhites, the poor, and less- educated, Egypt and Israel tend to be rated evenly. In conclusion, it is noted that if cur rent U.S. Middle Eastern policy is maintained, public images of Egypt are likely to im prove gradually.
Effects of Campaign Spending On Local Elections
Authors: Arrington Theodore S. , Ingalls Gerald L.
Published: March 2007

Data on Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, N.C. elections held between 1975 and 1980 were collected. The effects of campaign spending, party, sex, race, and incumbency are examined in five types of elections in this single area: nonpartisan school board, single member district primaries, single member district general partisan elections, multiple seat primaries, and multiple seat general partisan elections. Three conclusions are worthy of note: (1) Money is as important in partisan elections as in primaries and school board contests, (2) Campaign spending plays a stronger role in single member district elections and incumbency a stronger role in multiple seat elections, (3) incumbency, party, and campaign spending are not as strongly related to the vote as is suggested by studies that focus on many different constituencies for one office.
The Seats/Votes Relationship and the Identification of Partisan Gerrymandering in State Legislatures
Authors: Basehart Harry
Published: March 2007

This study explores the relationship between seats and votes and the value of this relationship in evaluating districting plans of the lower houses of 15 state legislatures. Partisan bias, the difference between the seats won by the Democratic and Republican parties when they are projected to have the same percentage of the vote, is calculated for each state for the 1982 and 1984 elections. For partisan bias to be useful in evaluating districting plans, it must be stable enough from one election to the next to predict the share of the seats a party will get at the next election given x percentage of the vote. Predictions for 1984 are made for each state by using projection analysis; unfortunately, many of the predictions are not accurate. This calls into question the use of the seats/votes relationship to evaluate districting plans.
Belief Congruence of Governmental and Interest Group Elites With Their Constituencies
Authors: Sabatier Paul A. , McLaughlin Susan M.
Published: March 2007

Most studies of belief congruence between elites and their constituencies have dealt with a single type of political institution, such as legislatures, political parties, or bureaucracies. This article compares the extent of congruence between governmental and interest group elites with their constituencies. After discussing elites' incentives to appeal both to their very broad "claimed" constituency and to a much narrower "activist" constituency, we suggest a number of reasons for hypothesizing that governmental elites will do a better job than interest group leaders of mirroring the beliefs of their broader "Claimed" Constituency. Survey data from a number of governmental and interest group elites involved in a longstanding environmental dispute at Lake Tahoe generally support this contention.
An Agenda Paper
Authors: Weatherford M. Stephen , James Henry
Published: March 2007

Political business cycle models of economic policymaking have been welcomed by both political scientists and economists. They improve on economic approaches by explicitly modeling a political component (the electoral incentive) in the economic policymaking process. And they improve on previous political science work by supplanting the case study-dominated institutional literature with a highly abstract, quantitative method. More than a decade's empirical work on these models has shown that early versions abstracted too radically from the details of political institutions and processes, and various ad hoc reformulations, have sought to improve the theory's explanatory power. This article reviews the political business cycle literature, placing it into the perspective of the trade-off between parsimonious, nomothetic approaches and more detailed, contextualized approaches to policy studies. On the basis of this review, an alternative model of the economic policymaking process is proposed and outlined.
Senate Defense Budgeting, 1981-1988
Authors: Carter Ralph G.
Published: March 2007

Studying Senate roll call votes during the Reagan administration sheds light on the interaction of party, ideology, and local economic benefit as explanatory factors in a senator's decision to support the president's position on defense spending issues. Party and ideology are found to be the most important of these three, but their effects change when moving from consideration of major procurement issues to those involving the use, training, and readiness of the nation's military. Further, incorporating issue-based differences and indirect effects into the analysis suggests the effects of local economic benefit are not as inconsequential as some recent studies have argued. In summary, these findings focus attention on the role played by elections and the circumstances in which presidential leadership may be most effective on defense spending issues.
Historical Trends in U.S. Senate Elections, 1912-1988
Authors: Gross Donald , Breaux David
Published: March 2007

Trends in electoral competition in U.S. senatorial elections for the period of 1912 to 1988 are examined via interrupted time-series analysis. The analysis documents that, contrary to what is often argued in the congressional elections' literature, there have been important changes in the nature of competition in senatorial elections. While senatorial elections, overall, remain more competitive than House elections, there has been a trend, since 1970, towards less competitive nonsouthern senatorial elections. As in the explanation for declining competition in House elections, a combination of party disaggregation and weakened opponents may be used to explain the recent decline in competition in nonsouthern senatorial elections.
Management of Political Influence
Authors: Wyrick Thomas L.
Published: March 2007

This article develops an analytical model of partisan redistricting (gerrymandering) in which control of state government is used to promote party and incumbent goals. The model suggests that elected officials confront a tradeoff between margins of victory for their party's House candidates and the number of seats captured. Aregression analysis of 1982 House election results provides empirical support for the model. The findings indicate that a complete reversal of party control of state government prior to redistricting would make it possible for the dominant party to gain 6% to 7% additional House seats, and would permit it to protect between 17% and 25% of its candidates from significant challenges from the other party. Studies which attempt to measure the presence of gerrymandering by concentrating on one measure or the other, but not both, will underestimate the effectiveness of redistricting as a partisan tool.
The Determinants of Presidential Foreign Policy Choice
Authors: Lindsay James M. , Sayrs Lois W. , Steger Wayne P.
Published: March 2007

What explains presidential decision making on foreign policy? This question is addressed by assessing the relative influence of the international and domestic environments on presidential foreign policy choice. Unlike previous studies, which have focused on the relatively small number of presidential decisions to use force, the authors look at the broad range of conflictual and cooperative policies that presidents have pursued. Using data from the Conflict and Peace Data Bank, they estimate a model of presidential foreign policy choice over the years 1948 through 1978. The results indicate that presidents respond mostly to the rhythms of international events and not domestic politics when making foreign policy. In particular, little evidence is found to support the findings or earlier research that public approval influences presidential decision making on foreign policy.
At the Water's Edge
Authors: McCormick James M. , Wittkopf Eugene R.
Published: March 2007

This research evaluates two different perspectives on congressional-executive relations across four major foreign policy issue areas using congressional voting from 1947 to 1988. Both a bipartisan perspective and a partisan/ideological perspective are evaluated across high politics issues-national security and foreign relations votes—and low politics issues-foreign aid and trade votes. In addition, we examine the impact of the Vietnam War on voting in each issue area. In general, we find that although high politics issues elicit more bipartisanship than low politics, party and ideology seem to account better for congressional voting across all four issue areas. The effect of the Vietnam War is to lessen bipartisanship and to exacerbate partisan and ideological divisions, especially on national security votes and somewhat less so on foreign aid votes.
Church Participation and Political Participation
Authors: Peterson Steven A.
Published: March 2007

The spillover effect postulates that participation in nonpolitical realms of people's lives will affect their political orientations and behavior. Data from the 1987 NORC General Social Survey are used to test these expectations with respect to participation in religious organizations. Results indicate that greater involvement in churches goes with more conservatism and somewhat greater politicization, although there are some variations by race, sex, and denomination.
Moving Toward Unity
Authors: Atkeson Lonna Rae
Published: March 2007

Conventional wisdom suggests that presidential nomination campaigns are inherently divisive and that the intraparty division fostered during the nomination campaign continues into the general election contest. Division occurs within the party between those preferring a nomination winner, the in-group, and those preferring a nomination loser, the out-group. This study examines in-group/out-group relations during the 1980 presidential nomination and general election campaigns. The author found clear evidence of intraparty division during the nomination period. However, during the general election the in-group/out-group relationship is ameliorated The author suggests that the institutional process, moving from a nomination to a general election campaign, helps to reduce factional division among the party's rank-and-file membership.