bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A random number
Authors: Nau Richard W.
Published: July 2006

This pedagogical tip presents a physical means for generating a random number - that turns out to be not so random after all.
Getting feedback
Authors: Bibby Pete
Published: July 2006

A simple technique for eliciting primary and secondary feedback from programming students.
Teaching graph algorithms in a corn maze
Authors: Snapp Robert R.
Published: July 2006

This teaching tip illustrates how a field trip to a corn maze can be used to introduce graph algorithms to beginning computer science students.
Raising awareness about academic integrity
Authors: Joyce Donald
Published: July 2006

This paper discusses how academics can promote academic integrity in an environment where students are able to call on an enormous range of electronic resources when completing work for assessment. It argues that educational institutions must adopt comprehensive policies in order to ensure that students understand the importance of acknowledging sources and acquire the necessary skills to do so. Equally important are using "traditional" and electronic methods to detect breaches of academic integrity and responding consistently and fairly when students trangress.
Ubiquitous presenter
Authors: Griswold William G. , Simon Beth
Published: July 2006

In this demonstration participants will experience the potential for fast, scalable active learning in the classroom using standard web technology. Ubiquitous Presenter (UP) enables students with web-enabled devices (computers, laptops, Tablet PCs, cell phones, PDAs, etc.) to interact in (or outside) class in a range of manners and through a modality of their choosing [2,3]. Their input (via a web browser) is immediately and anonymously transmitted to the instructor machine, where it can be reviewed and selected for display to the class via digital projector. The instructor, using a Tablet PC, can additionally comment on, augment, or correct student input real time in class. These activities, along with instructor designed lecture slides and in-class ink are automatically archived on a web server for review after class by both instructors and students.
Technological confidence at an early age
Authors: Byrnes Jessica , Huffner Thomas , McNeal Todd , Pisciotta Lauren , Zweber Zackary
Published: July 2006

How can experience with technology aid younger students in future higher education and careers? A team of five Villanova University students is collaborating with the eighth grade teachers at the Julia de Burgos Bilingual Elementary school in North Philadelphia to assist eighth grade students in developing interdisciplinary exit projects mandated by the city for graduation and progression to high school. The collaboration is part of an eight-year effort to assist in providing meaningful experiences with technology for a school serving an economically deprived neighborhood. It has grown out of a module on equity in access to technology in the course on ethical issues in computer science required of undergraduate majors in the discipline.
Soma
Authors: Janakiram D. , Venkateswarlu R. , Srinivas A. Vijay , Kumar A. Uday
Published: July 2006

Current mobile and distributed applications are being developed using J2ME, J2EE, CORBA, DCOM, etc. Developing applications for distributed and mobile systems is a tedious process, because the applications in these systems are open for change in requirements. So providing a language support for application development in open systems is vital. Component-oriented programming is well suited for open systems [1]. The component interactions is the key issue in composition languages. Software systems can be viewed in two distinct ways. A running system can be seen as a collection of interacting entities. However, at the level of system specification we can view the system as a composition of various software components [1]. To specify systems consisting of interacting components, a composition language is required. Applications built in these languages satisfy the requirements of an open system. Thus there is a need to develop a composition language. The key challenge is to define a set of operators in the language which represent different coordination styles.
Lazy functional programming in Java
Authors: Dekker Anthony H.
Published: July 2006

In this paper, we show how lazy functional programming techniques can be used within the Java programming language. We provide Java implementations of classic examples of lazy lists, such as the Sieve of Eratosthenes, the Eight Queens Problem, and natural-language parsing. We discuss how well these implementations succeed, compared to their original counterparts. We also point out the potential synergy between adding lazy techniques to Java, and adding generic types. The examples we provide would be suitable for teaching functional programming concepts in the context of a Java-based syllabus.
Static check analysis for Java stack inspection
Authors: Chang Byeong-Mo
Published: July 2006

Most static analysis techniques for optimizing stack inspection approximate
permission sets
such as granted permissions and denied permissions. Because they compute permission sets following control flow, they usually take intra-procedural control flow into consideration as well as call relationship. In this paper, we observed that it is necessary for more precise optimization on stack inspection to compute more specific information on
checks
instead of permissions. We propose a backward static analysis based on simple call graph to approximate redundant permission checks which must fail. In a similar way, we also propose a backward static analysis to approximate success permission checks, which must pass stack inspection.
Computational geometry column 47
Authors: O'Rourke Joseph
Published: July 2006

A remarkable theorem is described: "It is possible to tile the plane with non-overlapping squares using exactly one square of each integral dimension." Thus, one can "square the plane."
ACM SIGACT news distributed computing column 22
Authors: Rajsbaum Sergio
Published: July 2006

The Distributed Computing Column covers the theory of systems that are composed of a number of interacting computing elements. These include problems of communication and networking, databases, distributed shared memory, multiprocessor architectures, operating systems, verification, Internet, and the Web. This issue consists of:• "Distributed Computing in India," by Sukumar Ghosh.Many thanks to Sukumar for his contribution to this issue.Notice that ICDCN www.icdcn.org (International Conference on Distributed Computing and Networks), formerly known as IWDC (Intl. Workshop on Distributed Computing), held in India, is trying to attract more PODC/DISC like papers this year. The paper Submission Deadline is May 15, 2006.
SIGACT news logic column 15
Authors: Pucella Riccardo
Published: July 2006

Some comments about the last Logic Column, on nominal logic. Pierre Lescanne points out that the terminology "de Bruijn levels" was introduced in the paper
Explicit Substitutions with de Bruijn's Levels
, by Pierre Lescanne and Jocelyne Rouyer-Degli, presented at the 1995 RTA conference. He also points out that Stoy diagrams were probably invented by Stoy, but appear in work by Bourbaki as early as 1939 (published in 1954). Merci, Pierre.That article also initiated what is bound to be an interesting discussion. The critique of higherorder abstract syntax in that article prompted Karl Crary and Robert Harper to prepare a response to the leveled criticisms. The response should appear in an upcoming Column.In this issue, Alexander Kurz describes recent work on the topic of specifying properties of transition systems. It turns out that by giving a suitably abstract description of transition systems as coalgebras, we can derive logics for capturing properties of these transition systems in a rather elegant way.
Imparting effective software engineering education
Authors: Ali Muhammad Raza
Published: July 2006

Software plays a critical role in industry, academia and everyday life. Owing to the fact that practices in other fields such as science, engineering and business have changed over the years. Nature of real world problems is rapidly changing. As a result Software engineering has emerged as perhaps the most dynamic discipline of engineering, software engineers of the twenty-first century face new challenges and their roles are being constantly redefined. In order to better equip software engineers for these roles, software engineering education has to be constantly reviewed and innovations must be introduced. This paper suggests some measures (utilizing some recent innovations) that can help improve software engineering education Better preparing software engineering students for professional careers. Target audiences for this paper are mainly those software engineering educators who are willing to improve education at their universities/colleges.
A critical programmer searches for professionalism
Authors: Schaefer Robert
Published: July 2006

The phrase "critical programmer" in this article's title is meant to be thought of as the programmer who carefully, respectfully, questions conventional wisdom. The particular conventional wisdom under consideration here (held mainly by those who do not write programs, as part of a team, for pay) to be
critically
thought about is the
accountability
of the software programmer, whether the programmer should alone be held strictly accountable for software faults, that if the programmer were provided a more rigorous education, if the programmer were to conduct him or herself in a more professional manner and held to a greater professional standard, that fewer software faults would result. The critical question is, is the premise valid? Should the programmer be the one solely held accountable for software faults? Would greater education and professionalism solve
all
software faults or
only some, and
if only
some
, then
which ones
? The critical analysis that follows investigates these as well as other radical questions, (radical as in "root", not as in "revolutionary"), such as: What is accountability? What is trust? What is professionalism? Where do software faults come from, and What can be done?
Software engineering education (SEEd)
Authors: Henderson Peter B.
Published: July 2006

I hope you took some time to read Dennis Frailey contribution "What Math is Relevant for a CS or SE Student? -- An Employer's Perspective" in the previous SEEd column as it provided many useful insights for both software educators and practitioners. In this column Tim Lethbridge provides his reflections on this years Conference on Software Engineering and Training, CSEE&T 2006. Before reading Tim's contribution, there are two brief points I would to highlight.
Reflections on CSEE&T 2006
Authors: Lethbridge Timothy C.
Published: July 2006

The 19th Conference on Software Engineering Education and Training (CSEE&T) was held at the Turtle Bay Resort, on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, April 19-21, 2006.
Growing up is painful
Authors: Wing Michael
Published: July 2006

Anyone who's raised teenagers knows it. Anyone who remembers his or her own teens does, too. Years of dealing with peer pressure. Trying to fit in with the crowd, or rejecting them utterly and going one's own way. Getting kicked around by the older crowd. Deciding whether to grow up to be like one's friends, one's parents, or one's heroes.
Effects of Combination of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker on Ox-LDL Levels and Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Dahl Rats
Authors: Takayama Makoto , Arakawa Emi , Yao Kozo , Ina Yasuhiro , Sato Hitoshi , Hasegawa Kazuhide , Kohno Hiroaki , Ohno Tetsuji
Published: July 2006

In an effort to assess the cardiovascular benefits of combined angiotensin receptor blockage and calcium channel antagonism, we assessed the chronic effects of the angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker candesartan, the calcium channel blocker benidipine, and the use of a combination therapy in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats. DS rats receiving a high salt diet were treated with either benidipine (4 mg/kg), candesartan (1 mg/kg) or both. Rat blood pressure was measured using a tail-cuff method. Following 12 weeks, the effect on heart weight, plasma-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) level, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, and histology of the heart and aorta was assessed. Blood pressure, heart weight and plasma ox-LDL levels increased, while endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation decreased in the DS rats. Candesartan and benidipine inhibited the increase in blood pressure and heart weight, and the decrease in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. The use of benidipine alone or a combination significantly inhibited the increase in ox-LDL levels, whereas candesartan alone had no significant effect on ox-LDL levels. The present findings indicate that, if the monotherapy using ARB could not achieve adequate control of blood pressure, the combination therapy with ARB and benidipine provides the additional reductions in hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, the combination therapy inhibits cardiovascular dysfunction and ox-LDL levels more effectively than use of ARB alone. These results contribute to the possibility of lowering ox-LDL levels as a means of enhancing cardiovascular protection.
Pouchitis in Ulcerative Colitis: Correlation between Predictors from Colectomy Specimens and Clinico-Histological Features
Authors: Fogt F. , Deren J.J. , Nusbaum M. , Wellmann A. , Ross H.M.
Published: July 2006

Pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis is usually of ill-defined etiology and is encountered with sclerosing cholangitis, bacterial overgrowth, and ischemia. Recently, appendiceal involvement, ileitis, and fissures in the colectomy specimen have been associated with short- and long-term development of pouchitis. To corroborate these recent findings, the histology of 40 colectomies (70% males; mean age 46.3 years, age range 20–70 years; mean follow-up period 3.7 years, range 1–13 years) with yearly follow-up biopsies was correlated with pouchitis and clinical symptoms. Appendicitis, fissures, and ileitis were present in 47, 45 and 5% of the patients, respectively. Pouchitis in patients with appendicitis or with fissures was noted in 44 and 50% at first biopsy and in 70 and 58% during follow-up (p = NS). Of the patients without appendicitis or without fissures, 33 and 33% demonstrated pouchitis at the first biopsy and 30 and 55% during follow-up (p = NS). Clinico-histological correlation revealed normal/near-normal biopsies with the lowest clinical severity score in 77% and with the highest clinical score in 43% (p < 0.025). The histological findings of appendiceal involvement, fissuring ulcers, and ileitis in colectomies for ulcerative colitis do not correlate with the finding of pouchitis in early or late pouch biopsies. A high clinical suspicion score is frequently not correlated with significant inflammation of the pouch.
The pH of the Skin Surface and Its Impact on the Barrier Function
Authors: Schmid-Wendtner M.-H. , Korting H.C.
Published: July 2006

The ‘acid mantle’ of the stratum corneum seems to be important for both permeability barrier formation and cutaneous antimicrobial defense. However, the origin of the acidic pH, measurable on the skin surface, remains conjectural. Passive and active influencing factors have been proposed, e.g. eccrine and sebaceous secretions as well as proton pumps. In recent years, numerous investigations have been published focusing on the changes in the pH of the deeper layers of the stratum corneum, as well as on the influence of physiological and pathological factors. The pH of the skin follows a sharp gradient across the stratum corneum, which is suspected to be important in controlling enzymatic activities and skin renewal. The skin pH is affected by a great number of endogenous factors, e.g. skin moisture, sweat, sebum, anatomic site, genetic predisposition and age. In addition, exogenous factors like detergents, application of cosmetic products, occlusive dressings as well as topical antibiotics may influence the skin pH. Changes in the pH are reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of skin diseases like irritant contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, acne vulgaris and Candida albicans infections. Therefore, the use of skin cleansing agents, especially synthetic detergents with a pH of about 5.5, may be of relevance in the prevention and treatment of those skin diseases.
Arnold-Chiari Syndrome (Type I)
Authors: Tasdemir Nebahat , Tacar Orhan , Demirant Ayda , Tasdemir Serhan
Published: July 2006

Arnold-Chiari syndrome is a rare malformation of the brain that is generally present from birth. This type of brain malformation may be associated with other anomalies including hydrocephalus, myelomeningocele, syringomyelia and spina bifida. There are 3 types of Arnold-Chiari malformation (types I, II and III). The clinical symptoms of all 3 types include torticollis, opisthotonus, headache, vertigo, vocal cord paralysis, apnea, nystagmus, dysphagia and ataxia. The Chiari I malformation is considered to be congenital, although there have been reported cases of an acquired form. The incidence of this malformation has been found to be ∼0.56% via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. The malformation is characterized by a displacement of the cerebellar tonsils, medulla and the fourth ventricle into the spinal canal. The diagnosis can be difficult because not all patients present the classical symptoms of herniated tonsils. However, this anomaly may be diagnosed with MRI. Here we describe a case study of a 22-year-old female patient in a neurology clinic complaining of both headache and vertigo. We determined via MRI that there was a hernia of the cerebellar tonsillar located inferiorly to the foramen magnum. On the other hand the width of the fourth ventricle and the parenchyma tissue of the cerebellum were normal. This type of malformation may prove to be the cause of headache and vertigo in some people. MRI may therefore be a useful tool to aid in the accurate diagnosis of their symptoms.
First Trimester Markers for Pre-Eclampsia: Placental vs. Non-Placental Protein Serum Levels
Authors: Zwahlen Marcel , Gerber Susan , Bersinger Nick A.
Published: July 2006

Background/Aim: Parallel investigation, in a matched case-control study, of the association of different first-trimester markers with the risk of subsequent pre-eclampsia (PE). Method: The levels of different first trimester serum markers and fetal nuchal translucency thickness were compared between 52 cases of PE and 104 control women by non-parametric two-group comparisons and by calculating matched odds ratios. Results: In univariable analysis increased concentrations of inhibin A and activin A were associated with subsequent PE (p < 0.02). Multivariable conditional logistic regression models revealed an association between increased risk of PE and increased inhibin A and translucency thickness and respectively reduced pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and placental lactogen . However, these associations varied with the gestational age at sample collection. For blood samples taken in pregnancy weeks 12 and 13 only, increased levels of activin A, inhibin A and nuchal translucency thickness, and lower levels of placenta growth factor and PAPP-A were associated with an increased risk of PE. Conclusions: Members of the inhibin family and to some extent PAPP-A and placental growth factor are superior to other serum markers, and the predicitive value of these depends on the gestational age at blood sampling. The availability of a single, early pregnancy ‘miracle’ serum marker for PE risk assessment seems unlikely in the near future.
Conjugated Estrogens and Tibolone Modify the Gonadotrophin Glycosylation Pattern in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Hernandez-Valencia Marcelino , Zarate Arturo , Sandoval Angelica , Ruiz Miriam , Timossi Carlos , Amato Dante , Basurto Lourdes
Published: July 2006

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the percentage of glycosylation of FSH and LH when using conjugated estrogens and tibolone as hormonal therapy (HT) in postmenopausal compared with regular menstrual cycles. Design: The study had three groups, with 10 participants in each group. The control group consisted of 10 women with normal menstrual cycles, a second group with 10 postmenopausal patients who received conjugated estrogens (Premarin 0.625 mg), and a third group had 10 patients who received tibolone (Livial 2.5 mg). All patients had hormonal determinations before and 6 months after the use of HT. Concavalin-A was used to separate the different glycosylated species of gonadotrophins, defined as unbound (UB: triantennary and bisecting oligosaccharides), weakly bound (WB: biantennary and truncated oligosaccharides), and firmly bound isoforms (FB: hybrid- and high-mannose-type oligosaccharides) in patients serum. Elusions containing the fractions with the isoforms were concentrated using Centriprep membranes (Amicon, Beverly, Mass., USA) and the different gonadotrophins isoforms were quantified by chemiluminescence using an automated system Immulite. Results: The pattern of distribution of gonadotrophins glycosylation in patients treated with conjugated estrogens and tibolone was similar to that observed in the control group with normal menstrual cycles, although with different glycosylation percentage. When the glycosylation percentages were compared for FSH, in the fraction UB the glycosylation did not have significant differences, but the fraction WB that has isoforms with high amounts of oligosaccharides showed a different percentage of glycosylation, where the recovery percentage was bigger with tibolone use (p < 0.05). The FB fraction had similar hormonal glycosylation with estrogens and tibolone use. When compared, LH glycosylation showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the fraction UB with a bigger glycosylation degree, and in the fraction FB with a smaller glycosylation percentage, both in the tibolone group compared with conjugated estrogens use. Conclusions: Our results show that there are different percentages of glycosylation of gonadotrophins depending on type of HT (conjugated estrogens vs tibolone), and this could be of utility in young women with ovarian problem since to know the isoform that more favors to cellular activity could help a better therapeutic.
IgE-Mediated Allergen Presentation and Blocking Antibodies: Regulation of T-Cell Activation in Allergy
Authors: van Neerven R.J.J. , Knol E.F. , Ejrnaes A. , Würtzen P.A.
Published: July 2006

It is well established that both the production of IgE by B lymphocytes and the maturation and recruitment of eosinophils in late-phase reactions are dependent on the activation of allergen-specific type-2 T-helper cells. What is less well known is the fact that efficient activation of allergen-specific T cells upon low-dose exposure to allergens is critically dependent on IgE-mediated or -facilitated allergen presentation. In fact, changes in the level of IgE-mediated allergen presentation may account for many of the immunological effects described for specific immunotherapy or anti-IgE treatment. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge, and will discuss the clinical relevance of blocking IgG antibodies induced by specific immunotherapy and anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies that both interfere with IgE-mediated allergen presentation.
Denial of Symptoms and Psychopathology in Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Viglione Valentina , Muratori Filippo , Maestro Sandra , Brunori Elena , Picchi Lara
Published: July 2006

Objective: To evaluate the psychopathological status and denial of symptoms in a sample of 38 consecutively admitted adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). Method: The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children was used to determine the categorical diagnosis of eating disorder. The anorexic adolescents completed the EAT-40 (Eating Attitude Test) and, on the basis of its score, the sample was dichotomized in a false-negative group (FNG) scoring under 30 and a positive group (PG) scoring over 30. We compared these two subgroups in terms of clinical variables (age of onset and admission, duration of illness prior to admission, diagnosis, BMI) and psychopathology assessed by the CBCL (Child Behaviour Checklist) and the YSR (Youth Self-Report). In order to evaluate the possible role of diagnosis and BMI on the EAT score we also dichotomized the sample with respect to the diagnosis (full vs. partial AN) and to the mean female BMI (≤15 vs. >15). Results: A significant difference was found in terms of duration of illness prior to admission, which was briefer in the FNG. Higher CBCL and YSR values were found in the PG with significant differences in terms of YSR internalizing symptoms. A large amount of significantly positive Pearson’s correlations were found between the CBCL and YSR values in the FNG. No significant Pearson’s correlations were found between EAT, BMI and diagnosis. Conclusions: The lower CBCL and YSR values in the FNG seem to point out a tendency of this group to deny anxiety and depression as well as an eating pathology; the longer duration of illness prior to admission in the PG seems to support the hypothesis that the PG may be considered to be not so much more disturbed as more aware of its eating attitudes and psychopathology. The nature of denial in anorexic adolescents is discussed.
Effect of 15d-PGJ2 on the Expression of CD40 and RANTES Induced by IFN-γ and TNF-α on Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells (HK-2)
Authors: Zhang Ya Jie , Yang Xiao , Kong Qing Yu , Zhang Yun Fang , Chen Wei Ying , Dong Xiu Qing , Li Xiao Yan , Yu Xue Qing
Published: July 2006

Background/Aims: Recent evidence shows that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) ameliorates a variety of inflammatory conditions. CD40 is a co-stimulatory molecule and its ligation induces production of different proinflammatory cytokines including RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed), which are considered as important factors in the initiation and maintenance of inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PPAR-γ on CD40 and RANTES production on cultured human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. Methods: HK-2 cells were maintained under defined in vitro conditions and treated with either PPAR-γ agonist 15-deoxy-12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) or 15d-PGJ2 + PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662, and then stimulated with a combination of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The CD40 and RANTES levels were investigated. Results: HK-2 cells expressed low levels of CD40 and RANTES. Activation of HK-2 cells by combined treatment of TNF-α and IFN-γ results in strong synergistic effects on the expression of CD40 and the secretion of RANTES. 15d-PGJ2 significantly decreased CD40 and RANTES expression and GW9662 partly abrogated the inhibition of 15d-PGJ2 on CD40 and RANTES. Conclusion: 15d-PGJ2 significantly decreased CD40 and RANTES expression in HK-2 cells, which were partially mediated by PPAR-γ-dependent pathways. These results point to PPAR-γ as a remarkable new target in the prevention of tubular inflammatory injury associated with renal disease.
Development and Validation of Scores From an Instrument Measuring Student Test-Taking Motivation
Authors: Eklöf Hanna
Published: July 2006

Using the expectancy-value model of achievement motivation as a basis, this study's purpose is to develop, apply, and validate scores from a self-report instrument measuring student test-taking motivation. Sampled evidence of construct validity for the present sample indicates that a number of the items in the instrument could be used as an indicator of student test-taking motivation. Exploratory factor analyses suggests that the test-taking motivation construct is distinct from general attitudes toward a subject and that task value perceptions are distinct from task performance expectancies. The instrument needs further development to consolidate its psychometric properties and to elaborate on the test-taking motivation construct in relation to the expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation.
A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Reilly's Role Overload Scale
Authors: Thiagarajan Palaniappan , Chakrabarty Subhra , Taylor Ronald D.
Published: July 2006

In 1982, Reilly developed a 13-item scale to measure role overload. This scale has been widely used, but most studies did not assess the unidimensionality of the scale. Given the significance of unidimensionality in scale development, the current study reports a confirmatory factor analysis of the 13-item scale in two samples. Based on the results, a 6-item unidimensional scale is recommended. Scores from this scale correlate in predicted fashion with external criterion variables related to role overload.
Factor Analyses and Score Validity of the Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism Scale in an Adolescent Sample
Authors: Nelis Sharon M. , Rae Gordon , Liddell Christine
Published: July 2006

The factor structure of the Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism Scale (FEICS) is tested in a sample of Irish adolescents. Participants were 661 adolescents with a mean age of 15.9 years ( SD = 1.26). Interpretation of both the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the FEICS show support for the two-factor structure of the FEICS with a Perceived Criticism scale and an Emotional Involvement scale. The reliabilities of the subscale scores at both phases were comparable. Validity analyses showed moderate to low positive correlations between the Perceived Criticism scale scores and scores on the problem areas of the Symptom Checklist–90–Revised (SCL-90-R). There were small, consistent negative correlations between the Emotional Involvement scale scores and symptom dimension scores of the SCL-90-R. It is concluded that the FEICS is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing perceptions of perceived criticism but less so for emotional involvement in adolescents.
The Measurement of Work Engagement With a Short Questionnaire
Authors: Schaufeli Wilmar B. , Bakker Arnold B. , Salanova Marisa
Published: July 2006

This article reports on the development of a short questionnaire to measure work engagement—a positive work-related state of fulfillment that is characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. Data were collected in 10 different countries ( N = 14,521), and results indicated that the original 17-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) can be shortened to 9 items (UWES-9). The factorial validity of the UWES-9 was demonstrated using confirmatory factor analyses, and the three scale scores have good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Furthermore, a two-factor model with a reduced Burnout factor (including exhaustion and cynicism) and an expanded Engagement factor (including vigor, dedication, absorption, and professional efficacy) fit best to the data. These results confirm that work engagement may be conceived as the positive antipode of burnout. It is concluded that the UWES-9 scores has acceptable psychometric properties and that the instrument can be used in studies on positive organizational behavior.
The Probability of Obtaining Two Statistically Different Test Scores as a Test Index
Authors: Müller Jörg M.
Published: July 2006

A new test index is defined as the probability of obtaining two randomly selected test scores (PDTS) as statistically different. After giving a concept definition of the test index, two simulation studies are presented. The first analyzes the influence of the distribution of test scores, test reliability, and sample size on PDTS within classical test theory. The second simulation manipulates the number of items and their locations over the latent continuum for a one-parameter logistic model. In addition, comparisons of both applications on the same data are made. The discussion focuses on advantages of applying PDTS for dimensional constructs in classical test theory and item response theory, as well as the disadvantages of making no assumptions about the test score distribution. The simulation studies provide the initial findings about the PDTS under several given empirical conditions. The discussion emphasizes why and when it is useful to consider PDTS in a test description.
Negotiating Peace in Ethnic Wars*
Authors: Sahadevan P.
Published: July 2006

Ethnic war is an asymmetrical military contest for power in which vital interests of the groups are clearly at stake. Wining the war is, therefore, the fundamental objective of the com-batants. Compromise is hard to arrive at in negotiations, so long as the asymmetry of power between the ethnic parties is not altered. Thus, power assumes an important factor in determining the outcome. In this context, finding the linkage between both the war and peace processes, with each influencing the other, this article underscores the relevance of the theory of ‘ripeness’ to explain the phenomenon of war and peace. Power equivalence may induce a negotiation process as a ‘mutually hurting stalemate’ creates ripe moments for the end of the war. However, conditions to start negotiations are different from situations under which a negotiated political settlement is reached. Peace accords in ethnic wars are about power-sharing and autonomy. Generally, the focus is on creating new ethnically balanced institutions, while dismantling some of the centralised political structures. Reforming the State, constituting a part of the solution, would mean, to change its ethnic exclusive character and make it more inclusive one. A durable political solution in an ethnic war may spell out a new social and political contract between the warring parties for peace and development.
The Liberal Capitalist West as the New ‘Global State’*
Authors: Babu B. Ramesh
Published: July 2006

Over the last few decades, especially since the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the collapse of communism, the world is transiting from ‘international’ politics to ‘global’ politics. The transformation comes in the wake of the very old inclusive and constitutive process of expansion of the West, westernization of the international society and that of the globe. This is a compelling phenomenon and has been mainly built on the political, legal and economic ideas (and also the culture) of the liberal capitalist West. The governing structures, organizational patterns and institutional practices of most countries in the world are also inspired by the West. This is the foundation of the nature, extent and form of power the liberal capitalist West led by the US exercises over the rest of the world. This kind of power is increasingly becoming similar in many respects to what the State exercises in the international system. Hence, the liberal capitalist West could be seen as the virtual Global State. Such a conceptualization of the extant global reality has significant implications for the traditional theories of State in international politics.
Discovering Self
Authors: Robinson Jeanene , Biran Mia
Published: July 2006

The present study explored connections between African identity, study habits, and academic achievements. Correlation analyses, using data from 96 Black high school students, indicated multiple connections between these factors. The most important finding was that a sense of collective identity, a subfactor of African identity, was positively related to academic achievement. Implications of the results for the improvement of school curriculums and environments are discussed.
White Women as Postmodern Vehicle of Black Oppression
Authors: Hall Ronald E.
Published: July 2006

At the behest of White Americans is a postmodern form of Black oppression via White women as vehicle. In the preferential hiring of White women faculty extended from the women’s rights movement in academe is the racist discrimination against Black and other people of color. The history of women’s rights evolved in the context of racism apparent in the popularity of the Women’s Ku Klux Klan (WKKK). Suffice it to say, that modernistic tradition in the preferential hire of White women is a prerequisite to White supremacy. Thus, in this postmodern era the gap between White women and Black folk hired at prestigious institutions of higher education has introduced a more covert but no less formidable strategy for sustaining Black oppression. Academe must confront this issue to sustain its prestige and credibility.
Living While Black
Authors: Gabbidon Shaun L. , Peterson Steven A.
Published: July 2006

This article examines the effects of select social stressors on the quality of life among Black Americans. Specifically, the authors created a state-level Living While Black index, which includes the Black poverty level by state, the number of Black prisoners by state, the lack of access to health care per Black population, the Black infant mortality rate, the Black homicide rate, and dollars per Black population of Black businesses. Using multivariate statistical techniques, the authors carried out a first-order test of the influence of the living while Black measures on a quality of life index comprising the following measures: number of days per month 5 or more drinks, percentage of Blacks indicating they have mental health problems, suicide rates by state for Blacks, and years of life lost per state for Blacks. The article concludes by discussing the implications of the findings and directions for future research.
A Matter of Life and Death
Authors: Frisby Cynthia M.
Published: July 2006

A2 × 2 experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of message strategies on attitudes toward breast cancer prevention. The researcher used a sample of African American women ( N = 59) and two dependent variables: willingness to have a mammogram and perceived importance of breast cancer screening. Results indicated that message appeals utilizing testimonials taken from real survivors of breast cancer are most effective in increasing willingness to have mammograms and perceived importance of regular screening.
The Political Influence of African American Ministers
Authors: Taylor Steven
Published: July 2006

Since the days of slavery, some of the most influential political figures among African Americans have been members of the clergy. This political prominence of the clergy may have its origins in West Africa, where societal leaders have historically played both secular and religious roles.
Postembryonic Changes in Circadian Photo-Responsiveness Rhythms of Optic Lobe Interneurons in the Cricket Gryllus bimaculatus
Authors: Uemura Hiroyuki , Tomioka Kenji
Published: July 2006

The photo-responsiveness of 2 groups of interneurons responding to light in the protocerebrum was investigated at 2 developmental stages, the last instar nymphs and adults, in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. The cricket is diurnally active during the nymphal stage but becomes nocturnal as an adult. In both adults and nymphs, light-induced responses of optic lobe light-responding interneurons that conduct light information from the optic medulla to the lobula and the cerebral lobe showed a circadian rhythm peaking during the subjective night. Amplitudes of the rhythms were not significantly different between adults and nymphs, but adults showed more stable day and night states than did nymphs. The medulla bilateral neurons that interconnect the bilateral medulla areas of the optic lobe also showed circadian rhythms in their light-induced responses in both adults and nymphs. The rhythm had a clear peak and a trough in adults, and its amplitude was significantly greater than that of nymphs. These results suggest that the 2 classes of interneurons are differentially controlled by the circadian clock. The difference might be related to their functional roles in the animal’s circadian behavioral organization.
Economic Development and Reconstruction on the Gulf After Katrina
Authors: Waugh William L. , Smith R. Brian
Published: July 2006

Recovery from catastrophic disaster presents challenges in terms of the rebuilding of infrastructure, homes, and businesses, but it also presents opportunities to redevelop large tracts of land cleared by wind and flood or cleared as homes and businesses are moved away from hazardous areas. It is an opportunity to rethink the economic bases of damaged communities. The debates in Louisiana and Mississippi concern whether to focus on rebuilding damaged neighborhoods and communities much as they were pre-Katrina, albeit with some modifications to reduce vulnerability to wind and flood, or to use the opportunity created by the storm to redevelop neighborhoods and whole communities. In New Orleans, redevelopment may mean turning low-lying areas into parks and building a new transit system, education villages, and new business centers. In Mississippi, redevelopment, as suggested by new urbanists, may mean replacing damaged communities with resorts, golf courses, boat harbors, and other tourist attractions.
Economic Versus Natural Disasters: If Detroit Had a Hurricane...
Authors: Reese Laura A.
Published: July 2006

This article focuses on the economic development impacts of natural, as opposed to economic, disasters and ultimately argues that many of the approaches and responses to sudden natural disasters might be effectively applied to areas experiencing more chronic economic decay. An evaluation of federal assistance in the wake of a devastating flood in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, indicates that commitment, cooperation, creativity, inclusivity, and flexibility resulted in a redevelopment framework that generated substantial improvements in a remarkably short time. Critical aspects of responses to sudden natural disasters could be applied to cities experiencing slow death: media attention; a sense of urgency coupled with longrange vision; coordinated federal, state, and foundation assistance; an emphasis on community hope; and a focus on the public sector, public investment, public infrastructure, and public pride.
In Search of New Knowledge: Its Origins and Destinations
Authors: Koo Jun
Published: July 2006

Examining technology flow patterns is the first step for spillover research. Drawing on patent and citation records from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, this article develops technology flow matrices among regions and industries. The examination of a regional technology flow matrix reveals California's dominant position in new knowledge creation. It also shows that disproportionately large technology flows exist among inventors located in the same state, which strongly implies the presence of localization of technology spillovers. The industry-by-industry technology flow matrix illustrates the importance of two industry groups in knowledge creation: Professional and Scientific Instruments (Standard Industrial Classification [SIC] 38, except 3825) and Electronic Components, Accessories, and Communication Equipment (SIC 366, 367). New technology flow matrices derived in this article have important implications for spillover research and technology policy.
Economic Diplomacy in South Asia
Authors: Barua Poonam
Published: July 2006

‘Economic diplomacy’ can serve to open avenues for testing new tracks for business relationships that can deliver a peace dividend. A successful business performance will be defined by new variables such as best business practices, innovation, R&D and cross-cultural skills, which will in turn help in engaging new stakeholders in diverse areas of cooperation. The South Asian and world economic community seems to be working on a set of myths with respect to Indo-Pakistan relations, which are inconsistent with the evidence at hand. The South Asian business community as a whole has always been ahead of its governments in giving support to economic confidence-building measures and doing business where prospects for profits have looked bright and feasible. ‘Strategic philanthropy’ by corporates is giving rise to new trends in corporate citizenship. This may be the best timing for corporates in South Asia to recognise that reducing political tensions and security risks in the region can have a profound long-term impact on their businesses.
The Maoist Insurgency in Nepal
Authors: Upreti B.C.
Published: July 2006

The Maoist insurgency in Nepal is a new development in the politics of South Asian insurgencies. It has emerged and grown in the socio-economic and political conditions of Nepal, and in a decade has become a major political force with the capacity to challenge the state and the country's socio-economic fabric. With its wide ranging domestic, regional and international support base and ideological and material linkages, the Maoist movement is not an isolated phenomenon. The Nepali state has tried to find a military solution to the problem of insurgency. It is, however, a moot question whether the movement can be dealt with by force, which has failed to prevent the insurgency from becoming increasingly violent. Resolution of the conflict will depend upon the perspective of the Nepali ruling elite. The attitude of the present government does not appear to be sufficiently broad based.
Emerging Trend of Ballot-Based Succession in Bangladesh
Authors: Hakim Muhammad A.
Published: July 2006

During the first decade of Pakistan (of which Bangladesh was a part from 1947 to 1971), a trend of undemocratic succession gained ground under an ostensibly parliamentary system. With the military's ascendancy to power through a coup in 1958 the trend was reinforced. In fact, the coup marked the beginning of a protracted militarised era that led to the dismemberment of Pakistan and emergence of Bangladesh as a sovereign country. The bloody birth of Bangladesh could not turn the pattern of succession around; instead, the new country witnessed a prolonged era of military rule. However, a successful mass uprising against a quasi-military regime opened the door of ballot-based succession in Bangladesh. The experience of successions on the basis of ballot since the 1990s can be construed as an emerging trend which is likely to be further consolidated through the next few parliamentary elections.
The Rise of China
Authors: Guihong Zhang
Published: July 2006

This article makes a general assessment of India's perceptions of and responses to the rise of China. There exist three schools of perceptions and responses: those who view China as a benign power and prefer an appeasement approach to it, those who regard China as a threatening power and propose a containment-cum-encirclement policy, and those who consider China as a competitive power and favour a balanced engagement strategy. The assessment is focused on the mainstream school of thought (which perceives China as a competitive power and responds with balanced engagement) on several dimensions of China's rise, its economic growth and military build-up in particular.
Resettlement and Agricultural Change in a Rural Nigerian Environment
Authors: Olawepo R. A.
Published: July 2006

The inundation of about 950 ha of farm land and the consequent construction of Jebba dam on the Niger in Nigeria resulted in the evacuation of about 6,000 rural dwellers who were resettled into new settlements. The evacuees were migrant farmer-fishermen, who remained in new locations after resettlement. The study examined the effect of resettlement on agricultural practices among the people few years after resettlement. Simple random sampling through questionnaire administration of about 30 per cent rural household heads was applied. It was observed that there are a lot of dislocations as a result of resettlement, with disparities amongst the resettlers. The creation of new lake also allowed for influx of fishermen into the lake basin while farming productivity was greatly affected. Despite this, there is little or no improvement of fishing technology while the proportion of livestock has greatly reduced. The lessons from this scheme, however, stand at the threshold of a systematic study of resettlement in Nigeria as a whole.