bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intentionality as Measured in the Persistence and Elaboration of Communication by Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Leavens David A. , Russell Jamie L. , Hopkins William D.
Published: February 2005

In human infancy, 2 criteria for intentional communication are (a) persistence in and (b) elaboration of communication when initial attempts to communicate fail. Twenty‐nine chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were presented with both desirable (a banana) and undesirable food (commercial primate chow). Three conditions were administered: (a) the banana was delivered (successful communication), (b) half of the banana was delivered (partially successful communication), and (c) the chow was delivered (failed communication). The chimpanzees exhibited persistence in and elaboration of their communication in every condition except when the banana was delivered. Thus, their communication was about a specific item, demonstrating that both intentionality and nonverbal reference are capacities shared by humans with our nearest living relatives, the great apes.
Financing Public Investment through Foreign Aid: Consequences for Economic Growth and Welfare*
Authors: Chatterjee Santanu , Turnovsky Stephen J.
Published: February 2005

The paper develops a theoretical framework for understanding the mechanism through which foreign aid affects macroeconomic performance. The authors find that the long‐run impact of an aid program and the nature of the transitional dynamics it generates depend crucially on (i) the elasticity of substitution in production, (ii) whether the aid flow is tied to investment activity or not, (iii) how the recipient government chooses to react to the flow of external assistance, and (iv) whether the aid program is permanent or temporary. Structural characteristics of the recipient are important in determining the extent to which external assistance can aid growth and welfare.
The Intergenerational Overlap and Human Capital Formation*
Authors: Stark Oded , Wang Yong
Published: February 2005

A new microeconomic explanation for the divergent experiences of economies in forming human capital is proposed. It is suggested that the positive effect of a longer life expectancy on human capital formation arises from two separate effects: a life‐expectancy effect and a prolonged intergenerational overlap effect. It is argued that the duration of the overlap between generations and the associated parental support can affect the marginal cost of human capital formation and hence its level: parental support is cheaper than market financing. The strong correlation between the formation of human capital and life expectancy is thus attributed not merely to a higher marginal benefit arising from a longer payback period but also to a lower marginal cost arising from a prolonged intergenerational overlap. Conditions are provided under which a longer overlap results in a higher level of per capita output.
Dynamic Structure, Exogeneity, Phase Portraits, Growth Paths, and Scale and Substitution Elasticities
Authors: Jensen Bjarne S. , Alsholm Preben K. , Larsen Morgens E. , Jensen Jens Martin
Published: February 2005

The paper studies autonomous dynamic systems that allow for the existence of economic growth per capita without dynamically generating explosive solutions. The implications of any degree of homogeneity, including increasing returns to scale in production, must be carefully examined in two and higher dimensions. The necessity of introducing some exogenous state variables is demonstrated within homogeneous dynamic systems. The authors solve and demonstrate the dynamic implications of scale and the substitution elasticities in various basic (two‐factor) and augmented (multifactor) aggregate growth models.
A Schumpeterian North–South Growth Model of Trade and Wage Inequality*
Authors: Grieben Wolf‐Heimo
Published: February 2005

The paper presents a dynamic general‐equilibrium model of interindustry North–South trade that is used to analyze the effects of trade liberalization on the Northern wage distribution. Both countries have a low‐tech sector where consumer goods of constant quality are produced by use of unskilled labor. The North also has a high‐tech sector that employs skilled labor and features a quality‐ladder model structure with endogenous growth. Both innovation and skill acquisition rates are endogenously determined. In a balanced trade equilibrium, it is found that Southern‐originated (Northern‐originated) trade liberalization leads to an increase (decrease) in Northern wage inequality both between skilled and unskilled workers and within the group of skilled workers. The endogenous change in the Southern terms of trade determines the direction of change in unskilled wages in both the North and the South.
The Prevalence and Outcomes of Care Proceedings Involving Parents with Learning Difficulties in the Family Courts
Authors: Booth Tim , Booth Wendy , McConnell David
Published: February 2005

Background  Parents with learning difficulties are known to face a high risk of losing their children. This paper reports findings from a study designed to throw light on the numbers of parents with learning difficulties and their children coming before the Family Courts in Children Act proceedings and what happened to them as a result.

Method  The paper presents descriptive information on the characteristics of the parents and children, the basis of professional concerns in these cases, and details of the final outcomes and placement decisions extracted from a documentary review of court files.

Results  Parents with learning difficulties were found to be disproportionately represented in care proceedings and their children were significantly more likely to be freed for adoption than the children of any other group of parents.

Conclusions  On the basis of the research evidence, parents with learning difficulties appear to be treated more harshly because of their disability, raising the question of the interface between disability discrimination legislation and the Children Act in such cases.
The Use of Physical Interventions with People with Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour – the Experiences of Service Users and Staff Members
Authors: Hawkins Sarah , Allen David , Jenkins Rosemary
Published: February 2005

Background  The views of both service users with intellectual disability and their support staff on the use of physical interventions are largely unknown. The research that does exist describes a largely negative pattern of responses. The present study aimed to explore the personal impact of receiving and implementing physical interventions, and also how service users and staff felt the use of such procedures impacted on each other.

Method  Eight service user/staff pairs were interviewed about their experiences of physical intervention within 1 week of their mutual involvement in a behavioural incident requiring restraint use. A qualitative methodology was employed to obtain views on a non‐pain compliance approach to physical intervention.

Results  Service user and staff experiences were intrinsically linked, highlighting the interactional nature of physical interventions. It was apparent that experiences of physical intervention were dependent on far more than the application of techniques alone.

Conclusions  Participants’ accounts were primarily negative. Service user and staff experiences were clearly affected by their appraisals of each other's behaviour throughout the physical intervention process.
Community‐based Residential Supports for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour: The Views of Neighbours
Authors: Robertson Janet , Emerson Eric , Pinkney Lisa , Caesar Emma , Felce David , Meek Andrea , Carr Deborah , Lowe Kathy , Knapp Martin , Hallam Angela
Published: February 2005

Background  The issue of the views of neighbours of community‐based residential supports for people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour has not been examined till date. This study looks at the views of neighbours of two types of community‐based residential supports: non‐congregate settings where the minority of residents have challenging behaviour; and congregate settings where the majority of residents have challenging behaviour.

Materials and methods  A self‐completion questionnaire was used to collect information on contact between neighbours, residents and staff, and the views of neighbours. Information was also collected by semi‐structured interview with service staff on the characteristics of settings.

Results  Sixty‐four questionnaires were returned. Contact between neighbours and service users was limited for both types of setting, with two‐thirds of neighbours not knowing any service users by name, and a third having had no active contact with service users. Neighbours of non‐congregate settings were more likely to think that community care was a ‘good policy’ (76%) than neighbours of congregate settings (53%) and to believe that there were benefits to the neighbourhood from having the group home in the area (46% versus 29%) but these differences were not significant. Contact with people with intellectual disabilities was associated with more positive attitudes to community care and specific characteristics of the settings.

Conclusions  Contact between neighbours and people with severe intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour is limited. However, the majority of neighbours are positive about community care and the problems reported by neighbours are predominantly minor. The results point to the key role that contact plays in fostering positive attitudes. Findings regarding differences between congregate and non‐congregate settings are limited by the small number of responses from neighbours of congregate settings.
Domains of Quality of Life of People with Profound Multiple Disabilities: the Perspective of Parents and Direct Support Staff
Authors: Petry Katja , Maes Bea , Vlaskamp Carla
Published: February 2005

Background  This study considered the general validity of the basic domains of quality of life that appear in theoretical models, in relation to people with profound multiple disabilities. The authors examined how parents and direct support staff operationalized these basic domains for people with profound multiple disabilities. They investigated the effect of the support setting and age of people with profound multiple disabilities on this operationalization.

Methods  A number (n = 76) of parents and direct support staff of people with profound multiple disabilities were interviewed. Transcripts were analysed in depth.

Results  Results showed that the five basic domains as described within the model of Felce & Perry [Research in Developmental Disabilities (1995) vol. 16, pp. 51–74; Quality of Life in Health Promotion and Rehabilitation Conceptual Approaches, Issues and Applications (1996a) Sage Publications; Quality of Life. Vol. I: Conceptualization and Measurement (1996b) American Association on Mental Retardation] were identified spontaneously by more than half of the respondents as being salient for the quality of life of people with profound multiple disabilities. When asked explicitly, this value rose to between 88.2 and 100%. The operationalization of these basic domains by parents and direct support staff differed in several aspects from operationalizations for other target groups. Neither age nor support setting turned out to have a significant effect on the operationalization.

Conclusions  The results supported the multidimensionality of quality of life and the validity of the basic domains for people with profound multiple disabilities. The content of the domains of quality of life differed, however, to a considerable extent for people with profound multiple disabilities. Furthermore, these people are extremely dependent on others for the gratification of their needs and therefore for their quality of life.
How People with Intellectual Disabilities View Their Social Identity: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Beart Suzie , Hardy Gillian , Buchan Linda
Published: February 2005

Objectives  This review aims to show how people who are categorized as having intellectual disabilities view their social identity, and the impact that this identity has on them. It is felt that research in this area gives valuable insights that are directly applicable to, and raise important questions about, clinical work with people with intellectual disabilities.

Methods  The diagnostic criteria for and the process of gaining the identity of intellectual disabilities are considered. The literature on stigma and social identity is reviewed and methodological difficulties within these studies are highlighted.

Results  It is argued that having intellectual disabilities is a powerful and stigmatizing identity. There is a consistent finding in the literature that many people with intellectual disabilities appear unaware of this identity. The possible reasons put forward for this finding are considered, and the clinical implications of the studies reviewed are discussed.

Conclusions  The few studies that have been undertaken offer useful insights into the effects that having an identity of intellectual disabilities has on an individual. It is argued that further research is needed and that this will be particularly applicable to intellectual disabilities services, where many questions concerning the possible impact of an intellectual disabilities identity remain unanswered.
Providing Care for adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Learning Disability Services: Needs‐based or Diagnosis‐driven?
Authors: Bennett Heather E. , Wood Clare L. , Hare Dougal Julian
Published: February 2005

Background  This study assessed whether a Learning Disability Service should develop a specific autism strategy or provide services on a needs‐led basis.

Materials and methods  An autism screening questionnaire had been used to identify individuals scoring above a cut‐off who had (n = 9) or had not (n = 15) received a formal diagnosis of autism. A sample of low scorers (n = 22) were matched to these groups. Questionnaires assessing service provision, needs (disabilities and challenging behaviour), quality of life and knowledge of autism were sent to relatives of individuals living at home or key‐workers for those living in supported housing.

Results  The high scoring groups had similar levels of needs. Those diagnosed with autism received more services in total while the high scoring group without autism diagnoses scored significantly lower on quality of life. Although these differences were not maintained when level of disability was taken into account, it appeared that there was some level of unmet need in the high scorers without autism diagnoses group.

Conclusions  It appeared that resources should be targeted at identifying and addressing the specific needs of individuals presenting with autistic spectrum difficulties.
Social inclusion, social networks and ethnicity: the development of the Social Inclusion Interview Schedule for young people with learning disabilities
Authors: Pawson Nicole , Raghavan Raghu , Small Neil , Craig Sue , Spencer Marion
Published: February 2005

The paper reports on the development and piloting of the Social Inclusion Interview Schedule (SIIS). This uses pictures to explore social networks and feelings of social inclusion. The background, conceptual framework and development of the interview schedule are discussed and interim findings are highlighted. The challenge of not just identifying the constituents of a social network but also attributing some measure of intensity to the relationships and activities identified will be considered. The study site is Bradford in the UK and the study population are young people with learning disabilities and their carers. There is a specific focus on people from the South Asian community resident in the city.
Friendship formation in adults with learning disabilities: peer‐mediated approaches to social skills development
Authors: Moore Tracey , Carey Louise
Published: February 2005

Studies have indicated that people with learning disabilities have few friends. Making friends requires both opportunities and skills. This paper focuses on the development of skills in order to facilitate friendship; an area that has received limited attention in the literature. Traditional social skills approaches are considered briefly, before moving on to discuss peer‐mediated approaches. Peer‐mediated approaches appear promising, with positive changes in the social behaviour of children with disabilities reported. It appears few studies have directly investigated maintenance, and evidence of generalization is limited. Factors that may improve generalization and maintenance are discussed. Finally, consideration is given to whether peer‐mediated approaches actually facilitate friendship, rather than simply increasing interaction.
An education programme for social care staff: improving the health of people who have a learning disability and epilepsy
Authors: Pointu Alison , Cole Christine
Published: February 2005

This article will describe and examine course feedback from a local training initiative, which contributes to the improvements in the health status of people with a learning disability, who have epilepsy. The aim is to analyse how an education programme that focused on epilepsy and its management, together with a borough wide epilepsy protocol developed the skills of the local workforce. This education programme provided a framework for social care staff, enabling them to work both safely and effectively in their support of individuals with learning disabilities that have epilepsy. Learning disability nurses led this training initiative, in response to the health needs of people with learning disabilities. Success was achieved through the collaborative working across a number of agencies and through consultation with family carers and people with learning disabilities. For the purpose of this article the term social care staff refers to people employed within the community residential/day services both in statutory and nonstatutory agencies.
Good practice in befriending services for people with learning difficulties
Authors: Heslop Pauline
Published: February 2005

Despite the growing trend for the development of befriending services, there is a paucity of research about the views of people involved with these services and the effectiveness of service provision. This article describes some of the views and experiences of paid workers, volunteer befrienders, service users (befriendees) and family carers involved with seven befriending services for children and/or adults with learning difficulties in England. Although each of the befriending services shared the broad purpose of increasing the friendship circles of the befriendees, their aims and the ways in which they worked, differed considerably. The focus of the article is on some of the key issues that the befriending services faced, factors that were found to contribute to good practice within befriending services and recommendations for good practice.
Fluid injection and surface deformation at the KTB location: modelling of expected tilt effects
Authors: JAHR T. , JENTZSCH G. , LETZ H. , SAUTER M.
Published: February 2005

This investigation is indented to explore the relationship between changes in pore fluid pressure and deformation of the land surface induced by a large‐scale injection experiment at the KTB site. Deformation will be monitored by ASKANIA borehole tiltmeters at five locations. During the year 2003, a network of borehole tiltmeters was installed, data transmission links established and tested, and recording of tilt data started. Our first main interest was to receive data sets of all stations well before the injection experiment to start in May 2004, to be able to evaluate local site effects. Thus, the separation of injection‐induced effects will be more reliable. Principal 3D numerical modelling (poro‐elastic modelling and investigations, using the finite element method, FEM) of poro‐elastic behaviour showed that significant tilt amplitudes can be expected during controlled fluid injection. Observed deformation will be investigated within the framework of the fluid flow behaviour and resulting deformation. Two models have been used: a coupled hydro geomechanical finite element model (abaqus) and, as a first step, also a multi‐layered poro‐elastic crust (poel). With the numerical model two effects can be quantified: (i) the deformation of the upper crust (tilt measurements) and (ii) the spatial distribution and the changes of material properties in the KTB area. The main aim of the project is to improve the knowledge of coupled geomechanic–hydraulic processes and to quantify important parameters. Thus, the understanding of fracture‐dominated changes of the hydrogeological parameters will be enhanced, geomechanical parameter changes and the heterogeneity of the parameter field quantified. In addition, the induced stress field variation can be explained, which is believed to be mainly responsible for the increase of local seismic activity. Here, we introduce the tiltmeter array at the KTB site, the modelling for a poro‐elastic crust and the preliminary FEM modelling.
Main and trace elements in KTB‐VB fluid: composition and hints to its origin
Authors: MÖLLER P. , WOITH H. , DULSKI P. , LÜDERS V. , ERZINGER J. , KÄMPF H. , PEKDEGER A. , HANSEN B. , LODEMANN M. , BANKS D.
Published: February 2005

The pilot hole (VB) of the German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB) was drilled to a depth of 4000 m, where large amounts of free fluids were met. The KTB‐VB 4000 m fluid can be related to either Mesozoic seawater or formation water from Permo‐Carboniferous sedimentary rocks of the Weiden embayment. During the Upper Cretaceous uplift of the Bohemian Massif both fluids could have passed organic‐rich Triassic to Carboniferous formations of the Weiden embayment before invading the uplifted and fractured basement rocks of Devonian amphibolites and metagabbros, where the chemical composition of the fluids was changed by albitization, adularization, and chloritization. Results of chemical mass balances for both sources are presented. In order to concentrate the formation water from the Weiden embayment significant amphibolitization has to be assumed. During a 1‐year pumping test the chemical composition of the 4000 m fluids remained constant. The accuracy of chemical analyses is critically reviewed. An improved preconcentration method of rare earth elements and yttrium in high‐Ca‐bearing saline fluids is described.
The upper continental crust, an aquifer and its fluid: hydaulic and chemical data from 4 km depth in fractured crystalline basement rocks at the KTB test site
Authors: STOBER I. , BUCHER K.
Published: February 2005

Detailed information on the hydrogeologic and hydraulic properties of the deeper parts of the upper continental crust is scarce. The pilot hole of the deep research drillhole (KTB) in crystalline basement of central Germany provided access to the crust for an exceptional pumping experiment of 1‐year duration. The hydraulic properties of fractured crystalline rocks at 4 km depth were derived from the well test and a total of 23100 m3 of saline fluid was pumped from the crustal reservoir. The experiment shows that the water‐saturated fracture pore space of the brittle upper crust is highly connected, hence, the continental upper crust is an aquifer. The pressure–time data from the well tests showed three distinct flow periods: the first period relates to wellbore storage and skin effects, the second flow period shows the typical characteristics of the homogeneous isotropic basement rock aquifer and the third flow period relates to the influence of a distant hydraulic border, probably an effect of the Franconian lineament, a steep dipping major thrust fault known from surface geology. The data analysis provided a transmissivity of the pumped aquifer T = 6.1 × 10−6 m2 sec−1, the corresponding hydraulic conductivity (permeability) is K = 4.07 × 10−8 m sec−1 and the computed storage coefficient (storativity) of the aquifer of about S = 5 × 10−6. This unexpected high permeability of the continental upper crust is well within the conditions of possible advective flow. The average flow porosity of the fractured basement aquifer is 0.6–0.7% and this range can be taken as a representative and characteristic values for the continental upper crust in general. The chemical composition of the pumped fluid was nearly constant during the 1‐year test. The total of dissolved solids amounts to 62 g l−1 and comprise mainly a mixture of CaCl2 and NaCl; all other dissolved components amount to about 2 g l−1. The cation proportions of the fluid (XCa approximately 0.6) reflects the mineralogical composition of the reservoir rock and the high salinity results from desiccation (H2O‐loss) due to the formation of abundant hydrate minerals during water–rock interaction. The constant fluid composition suggests that the fluid has been pumped from a rather homogeneous reservoir lithology dominated by metagabbros and amphibolites containing abundant Ca‐rich plagioclase.
Consumer Support Networks: assessment of need for consumer information and advice service
Authors: Wang Fang , Brennan Carol , Galloway Alison , Hughes Alan
Published: February 2005

Research evidence suggests that UK consumers are facing significant problems with goods and services and are in need of information and advice to avoid or redress such situations. Consumers are not always aware of their rights nor where they can access consumer advice services. In 2000, the Department of Trade and Industry launched the Consumer Support Network (CSN) programme in Great Britain to improve consumer access to expert, accurate and timely advice. One challenge faced by these Networks and many other agencies is to assess the needs of consumers for consumer information and advice services. A needs assessment is required as a key element in the effective planning and development of services in each Network at a local level. The focus of the needs assessment at the local level is to encourage Networks to consider suitable solutions to meet the needs of people in their communities. This paper provides a review of the development of Consumer Support Networks in Great Britain and discusses the importance of needs assessment to service providers such as CSNs and other agencies. It reveals the complexity associated with conducting effective needs assessments including the various aspects of needs, consumer segmentation and characteristics of consumer information and advice. Further research is being carried out at Queen Margaret University College, UK, with a view to the development of a scientific model for the assessment of need for consumer information and advice services.
Time price differentials in the rent‐to‐own industry: implications for empowering vulnerable consumers
Authors: Kolodinsky Jane , Murphy Meaghan , Baehr Amos , Lesser Seth
Published: February 2005

Rent‐to‐own enterprises represent a lucrative and rapidly growing industry. They are of particular concern to social service agencies, policy makers and consumers because they target a vulnerable, economically disadvantaged segment of the population. This article presents an investigation of a major player in the industry in one US state that fell under scrutiny by the courts because of a question of whether it is a retail enterprise covered by truth in lending legislation. Findings indicate that the average time price differentials charged by the largest retailer in this state exceed by more than three times the regulated 30% cap on interest rates. Rent‐to‐own is an example where regulation must be put into place so consumers can make more informed decisions. Such regulation, however, must be accompanied by financial literacy education that will further empower vulnerable consumers in the marketplace.
Consumer involvement and acceptance of biotechnology in the European Union: a specific focus on Spain and the UK
Authors: Vilella‐Vila Marta , Costa‐Font Joan , Mossialos Elias
Published: February 2005

Biotechnology stands out as a clear‐cut example of an industry where legislation on new technologies has been shown to be linked with public attitudes. Indeed, consumer consultation has played a leading role in the acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food as well as in government policy and legislation. This paper examines the issue of consumer consultation by analysing how public opinion has conditioned the acceptance of GM food in the European Union in general and specifically in Spain and the UK. We draw upon the evidence of two Eurobarometer surveys (46.1 and 52.1) to argue that consumer decision making on new technologies is an information‐dependent factor explaining consumer rejection to non‐transparent introduction of GM food. Individuals feel ill‐prepared to make decisions and rely on trusted information advisors such as consumer organizations. Findings suggest significant information dependency as well as widespread heterogeneity in attitudes towards the applications of biotechnology. Finally, the role played by information channels indicates that consumer participation should precede the adoption of communication policies, as they might need to adapt to the specific cultural characteristics of each country.
Moral economies of a translocal village: obligation and shame among South Indian transnational migrants
Authors: VELAYUTHAM SELVARAJ , WISE AMANDA
Published: February 2005

Abstract In this article, we develop the concept of the translocal village as a subset of transnationalism to describe the highly circumscribed social relations that often emerge from small‐scale translocalized rural villages. In the article we explore the translocal dimensions of a rural South Indian village in Tamil Nadu as a case study to advance this theoretical position. Like all transnational communities involved in the production of locality, identity and social viability, Soorapallam villagers and fellow Musuguntha Vellalar caste members now based in Singapore maintain strong social and cultural ties with their village. However, what is most interesting about this community is that its involvement in translocal practices is determined by a moral economy of obligations and responsibilities based on caste membership, which, in turn, is regulated by regimes of affect and policed through the gaze of fellow translocals. We will demonstrate the specific ways in which this moral economy is reproduced and maintained across distance.
The cliquishness of world cities
Authors: DERUDDER BEN , TAYLOR PETER
Published: February 2005

Abstract Through an exploratory analysis of the world city network, we confront the dearth of studies on inter‐urban networks on a global scale. In the first section, we outline how a formal theoretical specification of the world city network as a social network has guided an extensive data gathering effort. Through this specification it becomes possible to apply standard techniques of network analysis to world cities. In the second section we outline a framework within which to explore the complex patterns that arise from the formal specification of the world city network. The conjectural use of connectivity, world city cliques and clique‐by‐clique comembership is then used in the third section as the input to an exploratory analysis of the measures of connectivity at different thresholds. The main findings are the two city dominance of the New York–London dyad, and the observation that inter‐city links at the global level retain an important regional dimension. Exemplary cases are the thorough interrelatedness of North American, Pacific Asian and European world cities.
The strategies that bind: NGO coalitions and their influence
Authors: YANACOPULOS HELEN
Published: February 2005

Abstract This article examines NGOs as strategic organizations that form coalitions in order to influence other actors, particularly international financial institutions. It has three primary aims: to examine NGOs as strategic organizations; to look at a particular type of NGO network, the coalition, which unlike a network involves more value and commitment; and to assess the factors that contribute to their strategies such as changes to the NGO environment. To do this, the resource dependency perspective is utilized to evaluate the influence of various resources (funding, legitimacy and information) on NGOs’ organizational strategy. Oxfam International, the NGO Working Group on the World Bank, and the Bretton Woods Project are three NGO coalitions examined. I conclude that there are differences between NGO networks and coalitions and that the coalitions strategically act and react to changing resources in their environments.
Do External Auditors Perform a Corporate Governance Role in Emerging Markets? Evidence from East Asia
Authors: FAN JOSEPH P. H. , WONG T. J.
Published: February 2005

In emerging markets, the agency conflicts between controlling owners and the minority shareholders are difficult to mitigate through conventional corporate control mechanisms such as boards of directors and takeovers. We examine whether external independent auditors are employed as monitors or as bonding mechanisms, or both, to alleviate the agency problems. Using a broad sample from eight East Asian economies, we document that firms with agency problems embedded in the ownership structures are more likely to employ Big 5 auditors. This relation is evident among firms that raise equity capital frequently. Consistently, firms hiring Big 5 auditors receive smaller share price discounts associated with the agency conflicts. Also, we find that Big 5 auditors take into consideration their clients' agency problems when making audit fee and audit report decisions. Taken together, these results suggest that Big 5 auditors do have a corporate governance role in emerging markets.
Enforced Standards Versus Evolution by General Acceptance: A Comparative Study of E‐Commerce Privacy Disclosure and Practice in the United States and the United Kingdom
Authors: JAMAL KARIM , MAIER MICHAEL , SUNDER SHYAM
Published: February 2005

We present data on privacy practices in e‐commerce under the European Union's formal regulatory regime prevailing in the United Kingdom and compare it with the data from a previous study of U.S. practices that evolved in the absence of government laws or enforcement. The codification by the E.U. law, and the enforcement by the U.K. government, improves neither the disclosure nor the practice of e‐commerce privacy relative to the United States. Regulation in the United Kingdom also appears to stifle development of a market for Web assurance services. Both U.S. and U.K. consumers continue to be vulnerable to a small number of e‐commerce Web sites that spam their customers, ignoring the latter's expressed or implied preferences. These results raise important questions about finding a balance between enforced standards and conventions in financial reporting. In the second half of the 20th century, financial reporting has been characterized by both a preference for legislated standards and a lack of faith in its evolution as a body of social conventions. Evidence on whether this faith in standards over conventions is justified remains to be marshaled.
Employee Stock Options, Equity Valuation, and the Valuation of Option Grants Using a Warrant‐Pricing Model
Authors: LI FENG , WONG M. H. FRANCO
Published: February 2005

We investigate the use of a warrant‐pricing approach to incorporate employee stock options (ESOs) into equity valuation and to account for the dilutive effect of ESOs in the valuation of option grants for financial reporting purposes. Our valuation approach accounts for the jointly determined nature of ESO and shareholder values. The empirical results show that our stock price estimate exhibits lower prediction errors and higher explanatory powers for actual share price than does the traditional stock price estimate. We use our valuation approach to assess the implications of dilution on the fair‐value estimates of ESO grants. We find that the fair value is overstated by 6% if we ignore the dilutive feature of ESOs. Furthermore, this bias is larger for firms that are heavy users of ESOs, small, and R&D intensive, and for firms that have a broad‐based ESO compensation plan.
Occurrence and risk indicators of increased probing depth in an adult Brazilian population
Authors: Susin Cristiano , Valle Patricia , Oppermann Rui V. , Haugejorden Ola , Albandar Jasim M.
Published: February 2005

Background/Aims: There is little information about the occurrence and risk indicators for periodontal diseases in Latin America. The present study describes the prevalence, extent and severity of periodontal probing depth (PPD) and assesses the association between demographic, behavioural and environmental risk indicators and the extent and severity of PPD in this population.

Materials and Methods: The target population was urban adults aged 30 years in Rio Grande do Sul state in South Brazil. A representative sample was selected using a multi‐stage, probability, cluster sampling strategy and included 853 dentate subjects 30–103 years of age. A full‐mouth clinical examination was carried out at six sites per tooth on all permanent teeth, excluding third molars, and was conducted in a mobile examination centre.

Results: Approximately 65% and 25% of the subjects and 19% and 5% teeth per subject had PPD 5 and 7 mm, respectively. 31.6%, 33.7% and 34.7% subjects had generalized, localized or no PPD 5 mm, respectively. Probing depth increased in prevalence with increasing age, and leveled off at around 50 years of age and beyond. PPD 5 mm was significantly higher in males than in females, and in non‐Whites than in Whites. Cigarette smokers had a significantly higher occurrence of PPD 5 mm than non‐smokers, and this relationship was dose dependent. A multivariate model showed that generalized PPD 5 mm was associated with subjects aged 40 years, males, non‐Whites and moderate or heavy cigarette smokers (relative risk ratios: 2.0, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 and 6.8, respectively).

Conclusion: Moderate and deep probing depth was a common finding in this urban adult Brazilian population. Older age, male gender, non‐White race and moderate and heavy cigarette smoking were significant risk indicators of increased PPD, and these may be useful indicators of periodontal disease high‐risk groups.
Periodontal health improves systemic inflammatory and haemostatic status in subjects with coronary heart disease
Authors: Montebugnoli L. , Servidio D. , Miaton R. A. , Prati C. , Tricoci P. , Melloni C. , Melandri G.
Published: February 2005

Objectives: A relationship between poor oral health and coronary heart disease (CHD) and systemic inflammatory and haemostatic factors has been recently documented in an Italian population. The present study was performed to assess whether intensive dental care may produce a periodontal improvement along with a change in systemic inflammatory and haemostatic factors.

Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 18 males aged 40–65 years with proven CHD and elevated values of systemic inflammatory and haemostatic factors. A detailed description of their oral status was given by using two different dental indices (clinical periodontal sum score and clinical and radiographic sum score). Blood samples were taken for measurement of the following systemic markers of inflammation [(C‐reactive protein (CRP), leucocytes, fibrinogen)] and haemostatic factors [(von Willebrand factor, fibrin D‐dimer and oxidized‐low density lipoprotein (Ox‐LDL)]. All parameters were determined in each subject at baseline, after 4 months as a control and 3 months after an intensive protocol of scaling and root planing. anova for repeated measures was used for the statistical analysis.

Results: No statistical difference was found between values at baseline and at the 4‐month‐control. All oral indexes showed a significant decrease (p<.01) 3 months after periodontal treatment. All systemic inflammatory indexes decreased but only the decrease in CRP reached statistical significance (p<.05). A significant decrease (p<.01) was also found as regards Ox‐LDL among haemostatic factors.

Conclusions: Preliminary results from the present study suggest an association between poor oral status and CHD, and provide evidence that the improvement of periodontal status may influence the systemic inflammatory and haemostatic situation.
Dimensional ridge alterations following tooth extraction. An experimental study in the dog
Authors: Araújo Mauricio G. , Lindhe Jan
Published: February 2005

Objective: To study dimensional alterations of the alveolar ridge that occurred following tooth extraction as well as processes of bone modelling and remodelling associated with such change.

Material and Methods: Twelve mongrel dogs were included in the study. In both quadrants of the mandible incisions were made in the crevice region of the 3rd and 4th premolars. Minute buccal and lingual full thickness flaps were elevated. The four premolars were hemi‐sected. The distal roots were removed. The extraction sites were covered with the mobilized gingival tissue. The extractions of the roots and the sacrifice of the dogs were staggered in such a manner that all dogs contributed with sockets representing 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of healing. The animals were sacrificed and tissue blocks containing the extraction socket were dissected, decalcified in EDTA, embedded in paraffin and cut in the buccal–lingual plane. The sections were stained in haematoxyline–eosine and examined in the microscope.

Results: It was demonstrated that marked dimensional alterations occurred during the first 8 weeks following the extraction of mandibular premolars. Thus, in this interval there was a marked osteoclastic activity resulting in resorption of the crestal region of both the buccal and the lingual bone wall. The reduction of the height of the walls was more pronounced at the buccal than at the lingual aspect of the extraction socket. The height reduction was accompanied by a “horizontal” bone loss that was caused by osteoclasts present in lacunae on the surface of both the buccal and the lingual bone wall.

Conclusions: The resorption of the buccal/lingual walls of the extraction site occurred in two overlapping phases. During phase 1, the bundle bone was resorbed and replaced with woven bone. Since the crest of the buccal bone wall was comprised solely of bundle this modelling resulted in substantial vertical reduction of the buccal crest. Phase 2 included resorption that occurred from the outer surfaces of both bone walls. The reason for this additional bone loss is presently not understood.
Minocycline‐associated intra‐oral soft‐tissue pigmentation: clinicopathologic correlations and review
Authors: LaPorta Vincent N. , Nikitakis Nikolaos G. , Sindler Arnold J. , Reynolds Mark A.
Published: February 2005

Background:Intra‐oral minocycline staining of alveolar bone and teeth is well‐described in the literature. Minocycline‐induced discoloration of oral soft tissues is less common and has been often attributed to staining of the underlying bone.

Aim:This report documents the clinical and histopathologic features of a case of actual oral soft tissue minocycline‐induced pigmentation. The patient, a 45‐year‐old Caucasian female, presented with pigmentation of the gingiva, lips, and nail beds of recent onset. The past medical history revealed initiation of minocycline therapy 6 months earlier for dermatological concerns. Histopathologic examination of biopsy specimens from the gingiva and lip showed evidence of increased melanin/melanocytes in the epithelium and melanin/melanophages in the connective tissue. A working diagnosis of drug‐associated pigmentation was determined and the patient discontinued immediately minocycline therapy. Nine months after cessation of minocycline the patient exhibited a marked reduction in pigmentation.

Conclusion:Systemic minocycline treatment has the potential to induce significant and esthetically objectionable discoloration of the gingiva and oral mucosa. A brief review of the literature is presented to help understand this uncommon finding that should be included in the differential diagnosis of spontaneous discoloration of intra‐oral soft tissues.
Inflammatory lesions in the gingiva following resective/non‐resective periodontal therapy
Authors: Zitzmann N. U. , Berglundh T. , Lindhe J.
Published: February 2005

Background: Findings from previous experiments have revealed that inflammatory cell infiltrates may remain in the gingiva following clinically successful non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Purpose: To investigate the presence of inflammatory lesions in the gingiva following a periodontal treatment procedure that included either soft‐tissue resection [gingivectomy (GV)] or non‐resective open‐flap debridement (OFD).

Material and Methods: Fifteen patients with advanced generalized chronic periodontitis were recruited. Following oral hygiene instruction and supragingival debridement, one tooth site in each quadrant (non‐molar, probing pocket depth>5 mm, bleeding on probing+ and >50% bone loss) was selected and a soft‐tissue biopsy was obtained and prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. Using a split‐mouth design, two quadrants were randomly selected for periodontal therapy including GV, while the two remaining quadrants were exposed to non‐resective OFD procedure. Six months after completion of surgical treatment, a new set of biopsies was obtained from GV and OFD sites.

Results: The inflammatory lesions residing in the gingival biopsies obtained prior to surgical therapy were 1.33–1.41 mm2 large and contained similar proportions of CD19+‐ (B‐cells, 15%), CD3+‐ (T‐cells, 7%) and elastase+‐ (polymorphonuclear cells, 2%) cells in the two treatment groups. The corresponding lesions identified in the soft‐tissue specimens obtained after 6 months of healing were twice as large at OFD as at GV sites (0.19 versus 0.08 mm2, p=0.002). The densities of CD19+‐ and elastase+‐cells in these lesions were significantly greater at OFD than at GV sites.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that surgical therapy including soft‐tissue resection results in regenerated gingival units that contain smaller lesions with lower densities of immunocompetent cells when compared with the lesions remaining in sites treated by non‐resective means.
Effect of two antimicrobial agents on early in situ biofilm formation
Authors: Auschill Thorsten M. , Hein Nicole , Hellwig Elmar , Follo Marie , Sculean Anton , Arweiler Nicole B.
Published: February 2005

Objectives: The aim of this observer‐blind, controlled, three‐cell cross‐over study was to evaluate the influence of an amine fluoride/stannous fluoride (Meridol®, 250 ppm; ASF) and a chlorhexidine mouthrinse (CHX; Chlorhexamed forte®, 0.2%) compared with water on in situ biofilm growth.

Material and Methods: After a professional toothcleaning seven volunteers had to wear a special acrylic appliance, in which six specimens each were inserted to allow the build‐up of intra‐oral biofilms. The volunteers had to rinse twice daily for 1 min. with 10 ml of the allocated mouthrinse. After 48 h of wearing, the specimens with the adhering biofilms were removed from the splints and stained with two fluorescent dyes, which selectively stain vital bacteria green and dead bacteria red. Under the confocal laser scanning microscope biofilm thickness (BT) was evaluated. To examine bacterial vitality (BV%) the biofilms were scanned (1 μm sections) and digital images were made. An image analysis program was used to calculate the mean BV as well as the BV of the single sections. After a wash‐out period of 14 days a new test cycle was started.

Results: The use of CHX and ASF resulted in a BT of 8.4±4.4 μm and 15.7±9.9 compared with 76.7±29.4 μm using water. The mean vitality (in %) was reduced from 66.1±20.4 to 23.3±11.6 and 23.9±12.4 using CHX and ASF, respectively. Both active solutions reduced BT and BV significantly compared with water (p<0.001). Differences between the two active solutions were not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Both mouthrinses showed antibacterial and plaque‐reducing properties against the in situ biofilm. The study design enables the examination of an undisturbed oral biofilm and for the first time shows the influence of antibacterial components applied under clinical conditions regarding biofilm formation.