bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holocene environmental change in two polygonal peatlands, south‐central Nunavut, Canada
Authors: VARDY SHEILA R. , WARNER BARRY G. , ASADA TARO
Published: July 2010

Holocene histories of two polygonal peatlands in the low arctic of south‐central Nunavut, Canada, are reconstructed using plant macrofossil and pollen stratigraphies of four cores. Peat accumulation began in both basins between 7600 and 8000 cal. yr BP, within less than 1000 years after deglaciation. Mid‐ to late‐Holocene vegetation changes recorded in the peat cores may be related to permafrost aggradation, associated with a regional cooling trend inferred from a nearby lake sediment record. However, differences in the timing of changes among the peatland coring sites indicate that local autogenic processes have also played an important role. Peat accumulation rates have decreased considerably in the past 3000 to 5000 years compared to the early Holocene. Our results illustrate the complexity of peatland development and peat accumulation dynamics in areas of permafrost, resulting from the important influences of both internal autogenic factors and external environmental forces such as climatic change.
The Dura Mater Valve: In Vitro Characteristics and Pathological Changes After Implantation in Calves
Authors: Harasaki Hiroaki , Snow Jeffrey L. , Kiraly Raymond J. , Nosé Yukihiko
Published: July 2010

Human dura mater valves of various sizes with rigid and flexible stents were tested in an in vitro pulsatile mock circulatory system. A 22‐mm flexible stent valve incorporating a new fabrication technique showed almost the same pressure gradient as a 28‐mm rigid stent valve. The backflow/stroke volume ratio was about 4% at a net flow of 10 L/min. One hundred and five rigid stent‐mounted dura mater valves were used in 51 pump implantations for up to 316 days. Collagen fiber degeneration began three months after implantation. Microscopic and macroscopic calcification of the valve tissue was seen in eight out of 105 valves, giving an overall incidence of 7.6%. The calcified degeneration was dystrophic in nature, not accompanied by cellular reactions, and was seen in the areas of the valve under stress. The degenerative changes were more severe in the left side than in the right side of the total artificial heart. These findings suggest that mechanical damage to the tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of calcification.
The Superiority of Small Charcoal Particles (Filmadsorber) in the Removal of Protein‐Bound Cholephilic Anions
Authors: Tangerman Albert , Snel Pleun , Verkooyen Ad H. M. , Hectors Magda P. C. , van Tongeren Jan H. M.
Published: July 2010

A hemoperfusion system has been developed in which very small charcoal particles (mean diameter: 40 μm) are embedded in a collodion film (Filmadsorber). In vitro adsorption studies have revealed that the adsorption of bile acids by these small charcoal particles is superior to that by larger ones (diameter: 0.5 to 5 mm) as used in commercially available charcoal adsorbers (Becton‐Diek‐inson, Gambro, and Haemocol), and to that by neutral XAD resins. Dogs with ligated bile ducts were subjected to hemoperfusion through the four different types of ch arcoal adsorbers and an XAD filmadsorber, confirming the in vitro resu!ts that small charcoal particles, as used in the Filmadsorber, are superior to larger ones and to XAD resins with respect to the removal of protein‐bound cholephilic anions (bile acids, bilirubin) from the blood stream.
Effect of Synchronous and Asynchronous Pulsatile Flow During Left, Right, and Biventricular Bypass
Authors: Cohen David J. , Clem Michael F. , Luther Michael , Genecov David G. , Hamel John D. , Begia Bruce C. , Sangalli Mark , Evans Kathy , Flores Janie , Bunegin Maria , Graeber Geoffrey M. , Grover Frederick L.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Ventricular assist devices augment flow from the left atrium to the aorta andlor from the right atrium to the pulmonary artery. Most devices are used in the asynchronous full‐to‐empty mode (asynchronous) but may also be used in a synchronous counterpulsation mode (synchronous). This study determines the optimal assist modes to reduce myocardial oxygen consumption (MVo2) and metabolism. Twelve pigs were instrumented with carotid artery and Bairn coronary sinus catheters for determination of MVo2 and myocardial lactate production (LACT). Six were implanted with a Pierce‐Donachy left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and 6 with both right and left ventricular assist devices (BIVAD). Two periods each of control, synchronous, and asynchronous bypass were instituted, the midanterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was ligated, and the sequence was repeated. After each period, MVoz and LACT were determined and myocardial biopsy specimens were obtained for tissue, lactate, and ATP assay. Following LAD ligation, biopsy specimens were obtained from both the infarct and nonin‐farct zones of the heart. MVo2 decreased (p < 0.05) in the asynchronous BIVAD mode compared with control. MVo2 was unchanged in synchronous BIVAD or either LVAD mode. Tissue ATP and tissue lactate were unaffected by any mode of bypass. Only BIVAD in the asynchronous mode reduced MVo2. When ventricular assist devices are utilized to aid recovery of the natural heart, two devices should always be inserted to allow biventricular assist. Synchronous counterpulsation offers no advantage.
Effect of Surface‐Immobilized Heparin on the Activation of Adsorbed Factor XII
Authors: Elgue Graciela , Sanchez Javier , Egberg Nils , Olsson Per , Riesenfeld Johan
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Two different heparin surfaces, structurally closely related and of similar negative charge characteristics, were compared with regard to adsorption and activation of coagulation Factor XII (FXII). One surface was prepared by immobilization of unfractionated heparin, which yielded a surface containing both heparin molecules with high and with low affinity for antithrombin (unfractionated [UF] heparin surface). The other surface consisted of a fraction of heparin molecules with low affinity for antithrombin (LA heparin surface) and essentially de‐void of antithrombin‐binding as well as anticoagulant activity. Both surfaces adsorbed FXII from plasma to a similar extent, and essentially the same quantities of bound factor could be recovered from the surfaces. The two heparin surfaces, however, differed markedly with regard to activation of the adsorbed FXII. On the LA heparin surface, a major portion of the surface‐bound FXII was recovered in its enzymatically active form (FXIIa), but only trace amounts of the FXII taken up by the LJF heparin surface had undergone activation. When FXII‐deficient plasma was used instead of normal plasma, no surface‐associated enzyme activity could be recovered on either surface. The presence of free standard heparin or low molecular weight heparin in the plasma exposed to the LA heparin surface did not prevent conversion of FXII to FXIIa.
African American Locational Attainment before the Civil Rights Era
Authors: Freeman Lance
Published: July 2010

The conventional wisdom is that due to intense discrimination, prior to the Civil Rights era blacks of all classes lived side by side. Individual socioeconomic status did not translate into improved locational outcomes according to this view. But several historical case studies suggest that upper–stratum blacks did indeed live in neighborhoods set apart from their poorer brethren. This study uses individual–level data from the 1910–1950 Public Use Microdata Samples to investigate how individual–level socioeconomic status translated into neighborhood–level outcomes for blacks. the study finds that among blacks, individual–level socioeconomic status played no role in determining residential proximity to whites. for blacks individual socioeconomic status was, however, an important determinant of other neighborhood outcomes.
Expression profiles in surgically‐induced carotid stenosis: a combined transcriptomic and proteomic investigation
Authors: Forte A. , Finicelli M. , De Luca P. , Quarto C. , Onorati F. , Santè P. , Renzulli A. , Galderisi U. , Berrino L. , De Feo M. , Rossi F. , Cotrufo M. , Cascino A. , Cipollaro M.
Published: July 2010

Vascular injury aimed at stenosis removal induces local reactions often leading to restenosis. The aim of this study was a concerted transcriptomic‐proteomics analysis of molecular variations in a model of rat carotid arteriotomy, to dissect the molecular pathways triggered by vascular surgical injury and to identify new potential anti‐restenosis targets. RNA and proteins extracted from inbred Wistar Kyoro (WKY) rat carotids harvested 4 hrs, 48 hrs and 7 days after arteriotomy were analysed by Affymetrix rat microarrays and by bidi‐mensional electrophoresis followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, using as reference the RNA and the proteins extracted from uninjured rat carotids. Results were classified according to their biological function, and the most significant Kyoro Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were identified. A total of 1163 mRNAs were differentially regulated in arteriotomy‐injured carotids 4 hrs, 48 hrs and 7 days after injury (P < 0.0001, fold‐change ≥2), while 48 spots exhibited significant changes after carotid arteriotomy (P < 0.05, fold‐change ≥2). Among them, 16 spots were successfully identified and resulted to correspond to a set of 19 proteins. mRNAs were mainly involved in signal transduction, oxidative stress/inflammation and remodelling, including many new potential targets for limitation of surgically induced (re)stenosis (e.g. Arginase I, Kruppel like factors). Proteome analysis confirmed and extended the microrarray data, revealing time‐dependent post‐translational modifications of Hsp27, haptoglobin and contrapsin‐like protease inhibitor 6, and the differential expression of proteins mainly involved in contractility. Transcriptomic and proteomic methods revealed functional categories with different preferences, related to the experimental sensitivity and to mechanisms of regulation. The comparative analysis revealed correlation between transcriptional and translational expression for 47% of identified proteins. Exceptions from this correlation confirm the complementarities of these approaches.
THE BOOK SHELF
Authors: Bailey Franklin C.
Published: July 2010

Books reviewed in this article:

1. Amour, Richard. A Short History of Sex.

Clinebell, Howard J ., Jr., and Charlotte H. Clinebell. The Intimate Marriage.

3. Mark, Vernon HA, M.D., and Frank R. Ervin, M.D. Violence and the Brain.

4. Gardner, Richard A., M.D. The Boys and Girls Book about Divorce.

5. Gordon, Thomas. Parent Effectiveness Training.

6. Kutscher, Austin &., Ed. But Not to Lose.

7. Mendel, Werner M., M.D. A Celebration of Laughter.

8. Ohlsen, Merle M. Group Counseling.

9. Reuben, David, M.D. Everything You Always Wanted to Know, etc.

10. Rogers, Carl. On Encounter Groups.

11. Shepard, Martin, M.D., and Marjorie Lee. Games Analysts Play.

12. Viseman, Jacqueline P. Stations of the Lost.
THE BOOK SHELF
Authors: Hulbert E. Ronald
Published: July 2010

THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF SEX Edited by Jacqueline P. Wiseman

AMERICAN MARRIAGE: A CHANGING SCENE? Edited by Frank D. Cox

PROCESS IN RELATIONSHIP Edward A. Powers & Mary W. Lees
CUSTODY EVALUATIONS
Authors: Trombetta Diane A.
Published: July 2010

The procedures used to conduct custody evaluations and the purpose of such reports are currently under review by mental health and legal professionals. This article describes (a) the limitations inherent in clinical assessment and (b) characteristics of the adjudication process which necessarily limit the evaluator's thoroughness and the potential usefulness of evaluations. Given the primitive methods available for assessing families and predicting outcomes, the inability and unwillingness of the courts to process large amounts of clinical data, the conflicting motives surrounding evaluations, and the biases inherent in custody recommendations, the author argues for limited, well‐defined, and objectively supported assessment procedures and evaluation criteria.
PROFESSIONAL INTERDEPENDENCE IN DIVORCE PRACTICES
Authors: Helm Bob , Boyd Laura W. , Longwill Cindy K.
Published: July 2010

Divorce mediation is one area of the new and growing field of interpersonal mediation. Differences and similarities between divorce mediation and divorce psychotherapy are discussed in this article, and a method for teamwork between the two professions is proposed. The authors take the approach that the separate but overlapping practices of mediation and psychotherapy can be interdependent and that specific benefits to divorcing clients can result when divorce mediation and divorce psychotherapy are practiced collaboratively.
PARENS PATRIAE
Authors: Graham Anthony
Published: July 2010

This article discusses the role of the court in protecting children in Australia and provides a means for comparing this process in other jurisdictions. It addresses the different perspectives of mental health and legal professionals in obtaining insight into case law and precedent in the English‐speaking countries.
A DECADE OF DIVORCE MEDIATION RESEARCH
Authors: Kelly Joan B.
Published: July 2010

A decade of divorce mediation research has focused on outcomes such as settlement rates, cost efficiency, client satisfaction, effect on levels of conflict and cooperation, psychological adjustment, and compliance. Despite methodological problems limiting generalizations, most studies report mildly favorable to very positive findings. Research on the mediation process and mediator behaviors has received very limited attention, and should be the focus of the next decade of research to elevate the mediation field to a more sophisticated, effective level of practice.
EVALUATING “NONTRADITIONAL” RELIGIOUS PRACTICE IN CHILD CUSTODY CASES
Authors: Wah Carolyn R.
Published: July 2010

This article suggests a model for objectively evaluating “nontraditional” religious practices in child custody and visitation rights cases. The model draws a distinction between religious beliefs and religiously motivated behavior. This distinction assists the evaluator in approaching the family in an unbiased, objective, and respectful manner. Emphasis is placed on considering the religiously motivated behavior in a constitutionally sensitive procedure that simultaneously protects the fundamental rights of parents and children and the children's best interests.
1998 NATIONWIDE SURVEY OF COURT‐CONNECTED DIVORCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Authors: Geasler Margie J. , Blaisure Karen R.
Published: July 2010

This second nationwide survey of 3,118 counties and independent cities indicates that 1,516 counties or cities in the United States currently have education programs available for divorcing parents. This is in contrast to results from a 1993–1994 study in which 541 counties had programs available, and is an increase of 180%. Comparisons are made between programs that are mandated and not mandated by the court or state and between court‐provided and community‐provided programs. Curriculum, format, funding, and evaluation efforts of programs are summarized. A typical program is described, and implications of the findings for program developers and court systems are included.
A FOCUS ON EMOTION IN MEDIATION TRAINING
Authors: Lund Mary Elizebeth
Published: July 2010

Trainee mediators must learn to understand their own emotions and the emotional reactions of mediation participants to intervene effectively in conflict. Training techniques developed for family and divorce mediation may also apply to training for other types of conflict. Visualization and observation exercises developed a “meta‐perspective” on the dynamics of conflict, which can help traines manage their own emotional reactions and think strategically at the same time. Responding to videotaped or role‐played emotional reactions from participants can desensitize trainees to conflict. Directing trainees toward information available on the process of divorce or other prolonged conflict can help them respond with more empathy to participants. Attention paid to these emotional issues in mediation training may prevent mediator stress and burnout.
BLANKET RESTRICTIONS
Authors: Warshak Richard A.
Published: July 2010

In attempting to fashion developmentally sensitive residential schedules, some courts, with the endorsement of mental health professionals, routinely deprive infants and toddlers of overnights with their fathers. This article analyzes the contributions, misuses, and limitations of theory and research relevant to such restrictions and discusses their scientific status with respect to current knowledge about child development.
FOSTERING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE COURTS
Authors: Weller Steven , Martin John A. , Lederach John Paul
Published: July 2010

This article focuses on how mediation services can be improved to better reflect the culture‐based needs and expectations of Latino litigants. The research on which this article is based was conducted in a court‐attached custody and visitation program in one U. S. community with a large Latino presence. The findings, recommendations, and conclusions are based on the problems, concerns, and general expectations of more recent arrivals to the United States – for the most part mono‐lingual Spanish speaking. The study found that those Latino families have needs in resolving family disputes that differ from those of most Anglo families. The justice system needs to better understand the culture of Latino family life and the ways in which Latinos interact with governmental authority. The Latino families need education, direction and representation in dealing with governmental authority. The mediator can help both the justice system and the Latino family in meeting these needs.
IT'S 10 p.m., DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE?
Authors: Nakdai Lisa
Published: July 2010

Over the past several decades, parent‐child abduction has turned from a national into an international problem. To try and minimize this problem, The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction was adopted on October 1980. The goal of the Convention is to ensure that abducted children are promptly returned to their homes. While the goal has been met, the overwhelming use of the Convention's exceptions must be limited so that the purpose of the Convention is not damaged.
DIVORCED PARENTS' FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THEIR CHILDREN'S COLLEGE EXPENSES
Authors: Fabricius William V. , Braver Sanford L. , Deneau Kindra
Published: July 2010

Reliable, quantitative, and current information is needed to inform the policy debate about whether parents, most commonly noncustodial parents, should be compelled to provide support for their children's higher education. We report data from a large study of the financial support college students reported receiving from their divorced mothers and fathers in a state where such payment is completely voluntary. Mothers' and fathers' financial resources did not differ greatly; when these were statistically controlled for, mothers and fathers contributed remarkably similar amounts of college support. Among other findings, fathers contributed more proportionately than mothers in families that had joint legal custody but less in sole maternal custody families. Our findings suggest policies that will likely encourage more voluntary support for higher education from divorced families.
FATHERS AND CHILD ABUSE ALLEGATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF PARENTAL SEPARATION AND DIVORCE
Authors: Brown Thea
Published: July 2010

Fathers' role in child abuse in the context of parental separation and divorce has been the subject of continuous stereotyping over the last several decades. This article examines the stereotypes projected against current research, particularly findings from a study of an experimental family court program designed for the better management of residence and contact disputes where child abuse allegations had been made. These findings are discussed in regard to similar studies internationally. While the two prevailing but opposing stereotypes of fathers' role in child abuse in this context were not confirmed by the research, aspects of the stereotypes regarding fathers' views and mothers' views of each other were supported. Problems associated with the paradoxical position of fathers as the most frequently alleged perpetrators of abuse, the most frequently substantiated perpetrators, and also the most frequently unsubstantiated perpetrators tend not to be fully addressed by the current court process for these disputes.
STATEWIDE INITIATIVES TO ENCOURAGE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND ENHANCE COLLABORATIVE APPROACHES TO RESOLVING FAMILY ISSUES
Authors: Pruett Eileen , Savage Cynthia
Published: July 2010

Over the past 27 years, since the concept of the multidoor courthouse was first introduced, methods for resolving family issues have increasingly focused on less adversarial and more collaborative approaches. Infrastructures have developed in a variety of ways in different states to initiate, support, and promote these approaches, and pilot projects have provided an invaluable avenue for testing and implementing changes. This article will describe some of the current statewide initiatives to develop infrastructure and implement change through creative pilot projects and will propose strategies to sustain these changes.
REJOINDER TO GARDNER'S “COMMENTARY ON KELLY AND JOHNSTON'S ‘THE ALIENATED CHILD: A REFORMULATION OF PARENTAL ALIENATION SYNDROME’”
Authors: Johnston Janet R. , Kelly Joan B.
Published: July 2010

In this reply to Richard Gardner, we outline our points of disagreement with his formulation of parental alienation syndrome (PAS), showing that his focus on the alienating parent as the primary cause of children's negative attitudes and rejecting behavior toward the other parent is overly simplistic and not supported by findings from recent empirical research. It follows that we strongly object to Gardner's recommendations for legal and mental health interventions with alienated children as well as the use of the term PAS when referring to this problem.
Let My People Go: Ethnic In‐Group Bias in Judicial Decisions—Evidence from a Randomized Natural Experiment
Authors: Gazal‐Ayal Oren , Sulitzeanu‐Kenan Raanan
Published: July 2010

Does ethnic identity affect judicial decisions? We provide new evidence on ethnic biases in judicial behavior by examining the decisions of Arab and Jewish judges in first bail hearings of Arab and Jewish suspects in Israeli courts. Our setting avoids the potential bias from unobservable case characteristics by exploiting the random assignment of judges to cases during weekends and by focusing on thedifferencein ethnic disparity between Arab and Jewish judges. The study concentrates on the early‐stage decisions in the judicial criminal process, controlling for the state's position and excluding agreements, thereby allowing us to distinguish judicial bias from other sources of ethnic disparities. We find systematic evidence of in‐group (same ethnic group) bias in detention decisions. However, in cases where the decision is to detain, no ethnic bias was found in the length of the detention. Possible interpretations and implications of these findings are discussed.
Worthless Warnings? Testing the Effectiveness of Disclaimers in Mutual Fund Advertisements
Authors: Mercer Molly , Palmiter Alan R. , Taha Ahmed E.
Published: July 2010

More than $11 trillion is invested in mutual funds in the United States. Mutual fund investors flock to funds with high past returns, despite there being little, if any, relationship between high past returns and high future returns. Because fund management fees are based on the amount of assets invested in their funds, however, fund companies regularly advertise the returns of their high‐performing funds. The SEC requires these advertisements to contain a disclaimer warning that past returns do not guarantee future returns and that investors could lose money in the funds. This article presents the results of an experiment that finds that this SEC‐mandated disclaimer is completely ineffective. The disclaimer neither reduces investors' propensity to invest in advertised funds nor diminishes their expectations regarding the funds' future returns. The experiment also suggests, however, that a stronger disclaimer—one that informs investors that high fund returns generally do not persist—would be much more effective.
Creating Quality Courts
Authors: Cross Frank B. , Donelson Dain C.
Published: July 2010

Numerous studies examine the importance of legal systems, yet there is little scholarship on how nations can improve their legal systems. Nations might try to invest more resources, including increasing overall budgets, increasing judicial salaries, or expanding the number of judges and/or courts. We examine data for a set of European nations, with a focus on the most effective way to use national resources to enhance judicial quality. We consider the effect of different uses of government resources and the effect of different judicial systems on measures of judicial quality, including independence, efficiency, the rule of law, and perceived impartiality.
Randomness Reconsidered: Modeling Random Judicial Assignment in the U.S. Courts of Appeals
Authors: Hall Matthew
Published: July 2010

Sunstein et al. (2006) utilized the random assignment of judges to cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals to estimate the effect of partisanship on these judges without the possibility of bias from unobserved heterogeneity. This article critiques and improves their study by controlling for changes in circuit composition over time, including cases in issue areas that Sunstein et al. omitted, and omitting cases from circuits where judges were not randomly assigned. I find that Sunstein et al. slightly underestimated the effect of partisanship in the courts of appeals, failed to find evidence of partisan effects for issue areas in which judges are affected by partisanship, mistakenly found evidence of partisan effects for issue areas in which judges are not affected by partisanship, and underestimated the degree to which partisanship varies between circuits. Random judicial assignment offers promising possibilities for the study of judicial decision making, but care must be taken in order to reap the benefits of these natural experiments.
Resource Use In Household Activity Patterns—A Systems Approach*
Authors: MAGRABI FRANCES M. , ELGIDAILY DOHA A. , BRADEN BEVERLY L.
Published: July 2010

Primary objective of this study was to identify from observed activities of the homemaker and family members patterns of resource conservation and augmentation that might explain improvement in the family's economic situation. Observations were performed in 30 rural nonfarm households, all reporting incomes below the poverty level five years previous to the study. An ecological systems model of the household was developed from categories of observed activities. Data indicated that patterns in which storage of materials was a frequently performed activity were most promising for further investigation. A high degree of interdependency was exhibited among household activities
The Standard of Living in New York City in 1907: An Early Twentieth‐Century Study of Consumer Expenditure Patterns
Authors: MORRISON RODNEY J.
Published: July 2010

How well does an early investigation of household expenditures, conducted without benefit of powerful statistical procedures, stand up when subjected to statistical treatment? Chapin's work in New York City is examined this way and his conclusions borne out when more modern analytical techniques were applied. This suggests even greater confidence for the role which Chapin's work has played as underpinning for succeeding budget studies in the U.S.
Buyer Risk Reduction Through Adaptive Market Conditions
Authors: ANDERSON EVAN E.
Published: July 2010

The variability of product quality and performance between industries, firms, and products causes the buyer to be uncertain of receiving a desired level of future utility. The uncertainty experienced by the buyer results from the conditions of the purchase decision as well as the effect which anticipations and doubts about the quality of future product performance have on that decision.

This paper diverges from past risk research by considering the origin and sources of a specific type of risk, namely performance risk, and by considering the impact which decisions and activities of the private and public sectors, extraneous to the individual consumer, have on the level of performance risk perceived by buyers.
Characteristics of Consumer Behavior of Physically Disabled and of Non‐Disabled Homemakers
Authors: COULTER KYLE J.
Published: July 2010

Management of family consumer responsibilities is largely a mental process through which even the most severely physically disabled homemaker can contribute meaningfully to family life. To what extent do physically disabled homemakers recognize and implement the role of consumer‐manager as a major avenue for contributing toward management of the home? What are some of the management problems which are unique to disabled homemakers as they attempt to pursue activities germane to the management of family consumership? Finally, in designing rehabilitation programs intended to help physically disabled homemakers develop increased managerial ability, what consumer competencies should be attributed significant priority relevant to curriculum development? The following article provides empirical evidence which affords insight into these questions.
Implications of Improved Information on Market Performance
Authors: DEVINE D. GRANT , HAWKINS MURRAY H.
Published: July 2010

The retail food market in Edmonton, Alberta represents an unusual market to study. The basic problem inherent in this metropolitan market area of 500,000 people, is the dominance of a single retail food chain whose food sales represent up to 65 percent of total food sales.

Conventional economic theory would normally lead to the conclusion that market performance would be improved by a direct attack on the structure of the market which in turn would involve the absolution of a highly successful retail operation. However, the application of monopoly anti‐trust laws was certainly not an alternative available to the research team, even if it was considered to be a feasible solution to the problem. Therefore an attempt was made by the authors to observe the impact of improved consumer market information on corporate performance.

The following article documents the research and leads towards a time honored conclusion that additional market information would improve consumer welfare in a meaningful manner.
Teachers' Attitudes Toward Consumer Issues and Their Appraisal of the Educational Relevance of These Issues
Authors: BURTON JOHN R.
Published: July 2010

This article discusses the problem of which group—business teachers, social studies teachers, or home economics teachers—is more consumer oriented and thus a more appropriate choice for the teaching of consumer education. In this study, each of these three groups of teachers was surveyed to determine which was more consumer oriented in attitude and which was more consumer oriented in terms of their appraisal of the educational relevance of consumer issues.
Consumer Knowledge and Understanding of Consumer Credit
Authors: MANDELL LEWIS
Published: July 2010

Much has recently been written about the desirability of restrictive usury laws. While low maximum rates may prevent excessive charges to some, they also limit the ability of high‐risk persons to borrow. Therefore, if consumers have a sufficient understanding of the credit market to realize what they are paying for and how much they are paying when they borrow, a case can be made against low maximum finance rates.

This article reports on a nationwide study designed to measure consumer knowledge and understanding of consumer credit. The results are that while consumers can generally rank lenders correctly in terms of cost, there are serious gaps in their knowledge of the credit market. Education and income are the key determinants of knowledge and understanding of consumer credit.
Consumer Credit: Changing Patterns in Supply and Demand Variables, and Their Implications
Authors: DAUTEN JOEL J. , APILADO VINCENT P. , WARNER DON C.
Published: July 2010

Retail outlets and finance companies were the first businesses to offer consumer installment credit, and for many years they enjoyed a virtual monopoly in that area. This situation has changed. There has been a gradual but continual decrease in their percentage of market share, and a corresponding increase in that held by commercial banks and credit unions. This study seeks to explain this change in market share, to measure the effects of selected supply and demand variables which may have contributed to it, and to assess the potential ramifications for the above lenders and the borrowing public at large.
The Protective Dimension of Product Warranty Policies and Practices
Authors: ANDERSON EVAN E.
Published: July 2010

In consumer good markets, wide variations occur in warranty policies and practices between products, firms and industries. In this paper, those warranty policies designed to provide self‐protection for the seller are examined. The protective facet of warranties carefully delimits the responsibility of the manufacturer for post‐sale product performance and quality and hence stabilizes the firm's future costs and profits. The author has striven to conceptualize the association which may exist between a firm's products and markets and the policy objectives of its warranty. Several hypotheses concerning the conditions under which the warranty may be viewed by the seller as a tool of self‐protection are suggested; these hypotheses are tested through an analysis of survey data collected from industry executives.
The Potential Secondary Effects of Consumer Legislation: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: WALKER ORVILLE C. , SAUTER RICHARD F. , FORD NEIL M.
Published: July 2010

In recent years, numerous pieces of consumer‐oriented legislation have been passed at both the federal and state levels. Although such laws are usually assumed to have a beneficial impact on consumers, situations may occur when either (a) the law fails to accomplish its primary objectives because of poor design and implementation, weak enforcement, and/or illegal action on the part of business firms that allow them to circum vent the law, or (b) the law leads to unforeseen strategy change by business firms that tend to minimize or nullify the expected benefits of the legislation. These unforeseen reactions or secondary effects frequently serve to weaken the law's potential benefit for the consumer. This paper focuses on the secondary effects problem by examining the kinds of strategy changes that business firms might make in response to consumer legislation and the factors affecting these changes. An analytical framework is developed for evaluating the potential costs to the consumer of these secondary effects and comparing these costs with the expected benefits to be derived from consumer protection laws.
The Grocery Shopper and Food Specials: A Case of Subjective Deception?
Authors: WILKINSON J. B. , MASON J. BARRY
Published: July 2010

Advertised food specials may be deceptive to consumers who mistake the advertised prices as reduced prices. Of all the advertised food specials examined in this research, at least 13 percent and as many as 25 percent of those advertised in newspapers were not reduced in price.
The Role of Seals and Certifications of Approval in Consumer Decision‐Making.
Authors: PARKINSON THOMAS L.
Published: July 2010

One important source of product‐related information available to consumers is seals and certifications of approval. Yet little is known about the role played by these symbols in the decision‐making process. This study examines the level of recognition, the perceived credibility, the perceived meaning and the use of nine seals or certifications of approval among adult female consumers. The results would appear to have significant implications for consumer protection and education.
Price Levels, Price Practices and Price Discrimination in a Retail Market for Prescription Drugs
Authors: CADY JOHN F. , ANDREASEN ALAN R.
Published: July 2010

The pricing policies of retail pharmacies have come under recent scrutiny by public policy makers. This is a result of the economic value of prescription drugs as a part of the nations's health care bill as well as the potential impact of pricing policies on those segments of the population least able to afford treatment: the poor and the elderly.

This study examines pricing and price practices in a metropolitan market and provides empirical evidence regarding the impact of these practices.
Consumer Research and Programs for the Elderly—The Forgotten Dimension
Authors: WADDELL FREDERICK E.
Published: July 2010

Older Americans are the most victimized and disadvantaged group in the marketplace, yet few consumer research, education, and action programs have focused on their needs and concerns. This study, by attempting to summarize existing knowledge of the consumer problems and needs of older persons, reveals the lack of reliable data and research. The study also suggests that inflation has a far worse impact upon the elderly than previously thought, affecting not only their retirement financial condition but also their psychological and social condition. The study concludes that traditional consumer education programs focusing only upon persons' poverty of means will be ineffective unless they include an additional focus on the poverty of meaning in the lives of older consumers.
Attitudes of Businessmen, Consumers, and Consumerists Toward Consumerism
Authors: GAZDA GREGORY M. , GOURLEY DAVID R.
Published: July 2010

Despite the apparent concern about consumerism issues by various groups, it appears that much of this concern has been based on speculation and casual observations. There is a paucity of empirical research regarding attitudes toward consumerism. This study is the first to assess the attitudes of businessmen, consumers and consumerists—all from the same geographic and market environmenttoward several important consumerism issues. The results, which show significant differences in various areas, have important policy implications for consumerists, politicians and businessmen.
The Ecological Product Buying Motive: A Challenge For Consumer Education
Authors: HERBERGER ROY A.
Published: July 2010

This paper reviews the literature devoted to products that have been identified as having an ecological orientation. Specifically, the author presents evidence to support the idea that the consuming public has demonstrated a capacity to buy products on a voluntary basis. This voluntary consumption behavior is observable in the key research projects quoted in the text. While there is mixed evidence to support the hypothesis that consumers will voluntarily alter their buying behavior for the benefit of society in general, there are a number of positive and identifiable ways to elicit broader participation in voluntary consumption behavior. This paper makes a numbers of suggestions with respect to how important information is in the process of voluntary consumption and suggests ways to simplify the information process.
Nader's Support: Its Sources and Concerns
Authors: HERRMANN ROBERT O. , WARLAND REX H.
Published: July 2010

Do the consumer advocates, such as Nader, have a real constituency? Where do they get their support? This study, based on a nationwide sample, investigated the extent of support for Ralph Nader and his program, and its sources. Nader was found to have substantial support, a major portion of it consisting of middle‐income political liberals. Those supporting Nader were found to be active complainers and supporters of other political and social causes, suggesting that support for Nader is part of a broader pattern of activisim.
Consumer Markets in a Colombian Town
Authors: NORTON GEORGE
Published: July 2010

The majority of the world's consumers live in rural areas in less developed nations, yet few studies have dealt with consumer markets in such regions. A case study of a town in Colombia provides some insights into the functioning of markets for nondurables, durables, medical care, and transportation. The market structures are diverse and reflect the characteristics of the population, the isolation of the town, the level of information and public policy. While not without problems, the markets function fairly well under present circumstances. That stores are numerous and small creates some inefficiencies but serves to minimize fraud due to a personal relationship between buyer and seller. Government intervention has proven helpful in the provision of medical service. Consumer education could help solve some problems. Prospects for a consumer movement are weak at present.
Employment Opportunities for Consumer Affairs Professionals
Authors: BURTON JOHN R.
Published: July 2010

This analysis of consumer affairs professionals in business and government describes what functions they perform, where they are employed, what education and experience is required and what their salaries are. Professional educators in the consumer field have generally ignored the career field of consumer affairs professional. Colleges and universities train consumer majors to be educators, researchers, or extension workers, but little attention is paid to the education of consumer affairs professionals for business and government. This article not only attempts to give educators in the consumer field a greater awareness of this relatively new career so that they can develop educational programs more intelligently but also attempts to make business and government more aware of what is being done in this area so they may be able to utilize the talents of consumer affairs professionals.
A Consumer Perspective of the Investment Services Market
Authors: SHEPARD LAWRENCE
Published: July 2010

Some thirty million American consumers pursue their financial objectives through individual participation in the stock market. They clearly view the stock market as a savings alternative which offers at least normal returns to persons outside the circle of professional investors. In the absence of data reflecting the performance of personal portfolios it is difficult to assess the validity of this view. However, as an initial step this paper evaluates the performance of the market servicing individual investors. The evidence indicates that noninstitutional investors have reason to question stock brokerage pricing, service and sales practices. Moreover on the basis of more than 1,000 sampled investment recommendations, it appears that investment publications directed at individual investors have failed to identify superior investment alternatives.
The Consumer Impact of Alternative Allocation Plans: The Case of Gasoline
Authors: SHEPARD LAWRENCE
Published: July 2010

This paper assesses the potential impact of rationing, “lifeline,” rationing with resale and tax‐rebate approaches to extra‐market allocation from the consumer's perspective. Basic microeconomic tools are used to demonstrate that the rationing with resale and tax‐rebate plans have similar effects and that all consumers would prefer those policies to lifeline allocation. Conventional rationing is shown to benefit households consuming intermediate quantities of an allocated good while rationing with resale and tax‐rebate programs provide large and small users with higher levels of satisfaction. These propositions are empirically confirmed for the case of gasoline. Quantitative results suggest that simple rationing and lifeline plans calculated to reduce aggregate gasoline consumption by 10 percent would have severe impact on high income consumers. Alternative policies would broaden the burden of conservation and cause income redistribution toward low income consumers.
Consumer Use of Informational Aids in Supermarkets
Authors: FRIEDMAN MONROE
Published: July 2010

The behavioral science literature relating to consumer use of informational aids in supermarkets is reviewed. Also examined is research concerned with more general issues such as information overload. The public policy implications of these various research findings are drawn and discussed. The paper concludes with a consideration of three proposed measures to facilitate shopping decisions for consumers concerned with economy and nutritional value.
Impacts of Time and Transportation Costs on Food Shopping
Authors: CROWELL PATSY M. , BOWERS JEAN S.
Published: July 2010

This research examines the effects of transportation and time costs on the market basket costs of shopping at more than one supermarket. A 95‐item market basket was priced in sixteen supermarkets representing four grocery chains in four geographically separated areas of Columbus, Ohio. The lowest cost market basket for each area was calculated and the costs of transportation and time added to determine their effect upon achieving a lowest cost market basket by shopping several supermarkets. When market basket items only or market basket items plus transportation costs were considered, savings were realized by shopping four supermarkets in an area as opposed to one. The addition of time costs to the total market basket cost caused shopping at two supermarkets to result in the lowest cost market basket in 75% of the observed store combinations.
A Taxonomy of Consumer Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction Measures
Authors: ANDREASEN ALAN R.
Published: July 2010

Government and business have become more concerned with measuring market performance in terms of consumer satisfactions and dissatisfactions (CS/D). This article is concerned with the question of how one ought to measure CS/D. It offers a taxonomy of alternative CS/D measures and presents data from a national urban study of consumer complaints to evaluate four of the proposed categories. Biases in several scales are identified and recommendations are offered for needed improvements in these measures for future CS/D research. Measures of initial non‐price problems and unsatisfied non‐price voiced complaints appear to be the preferred measures given our present state of knowledge.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission: Benefit or Boondoggle?
Authors: FELDMAN LAURENCE P.
Published: July 2010

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has been subject to the criticism of all parties involved in the regulation of the safety of consumer products. This paper evaluates the Commission's performance, examining both the sources of the Commission's regulatory problems and the extent to which recent amendments to the Consumer Product Safety Act will ameliorate these problems. Alternative approaches to the regulation of consumer product safety are suggested.
Current Issues in the Provision of Health Care Services
Authors: WALKER KATEY
Published: July 2010

Our society is developing the consensus that adequate health care is the right of all citizens, rather than a privilege of the wealthy or a welfare benefit of the poor. At the same time, the current crisis in health care seems to question the feasibility of making this consensus a reality. A vast array of complex and interrelated issues are involved in the problem of providing health care services. This paper reviews these issues from the consumer's perspective.
The Development and Implementation of the Concept of Consumer Education
Authors: LANGREHR FREDERICK W. , MASON J. BARRY
Published: July 2010

With the recent upsurge of emphasis in consumer education at the State and Federal government levels, consumer educators need to review the historical roots of the current movement to develop a broader perspective for planning future directions in consumer education. It is also necessary to understand the two orientations (buymanship and life goals) towards consumer education course content. Finally, a review of previous research into factors that influence the level of consumer economic competency is required.