bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Scenarios for New Zealand Rainfall
Authors: Sansom John , Renwick James A.
Published: May 2007

In terms of the effects of future climate change upon society, some of the most important parameters to estimate are associated with changing risks of extreme rainfall events, both floods and droughts. However, such aspects of the climate system are hard to estimate well using general circulation models (GCMs)—in particular, for a small mountainous landmass such as New Zealand. This paper describes a downscaling technique using broad-scale changes simulated by GCMs to select past analogs of future climate. The analog samples are assumed to represent an unbiased sample of future rainfall and are used to develop detailed descriptions of rainfall statistics using hidden semi-Markov models of rainfall breakpoint information. Such models are used to simulate long synthetic rainfall time series for comparison with the historical record. Results for three New Zealand sites show overall increases in rainfall with climate change, brought about largely by an increased frequency of rainfall events rather than an increase in rainfall intensity. There was little evidence for significant increases in high-intensity short-duration rainfalls at any site. Such results suggest that, although regional increases of rainfall are consistent with expected future climate changes, it may be that circulation changes, rather than temperature (and vapor pressure) changes, will be the more important determinant of future rainfall distributions, at least for the coming few decades.
Impact of Enhanced External Counterpulsation on Peripheral Circulation
Authors: Werner Dierk , Michalk Fabian , Hinz Burkhard , Werner Ulrike , Voigt Jens-Uwe , Daniel Werner G.
Published: May 2007

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive counterpulsation technique that reduces angina and improves exercise capacity in patients with coronary artery disease. Diastolic coronary perfusion is augmented by pneumatic compression of 3 sets of cuffs wrapped around the lower extremities. Although central hemodynamic changes are well investigated, almost no data exist about the changes of peripheral circulation during EECP. In this study, 12 patients with angina and angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease were treated for 1 hour with EECP. In these patients, peripheral artery disease was excluded by duplex sonography. The patients rested 1 hour before EECP in supine position, and they remained in that position for 1 hour after the procedure. Changes of flow volumes and flow pattern of the posterior tibial artery and the brachial artery were measured by sonography at the end of all 3 periods. Furthermore, we measured the concentration of circulating prostanoids at these 3 time points. Averaged flow volume of the posterior tibial artery decreased to 69% ± 23% (P < .05) during EECP and increased to 133% ± 34% (P < .05) of baseline 1 hour after the procedure. In contrast, the averaged flow volume of the brachial artery increased by 9% ± 4% (P < .05) during EECP and returned to baseline values after EECP. The flow pattern of the posterior tibial artery showed a second early diastolic antegrade flow caused by the cuff inflation and a reverse end-diastolic flow after the deflation of the cuffs. These flow changes caused an increase of the pulsatility index by Gosling (397% during EECP), returning to baseline values in the recovery period. Plasma concentrations of circulating prostanoids showed no significant change during EECP. Thus, pedal flow volume decreased to approximately two thirds of baseline during EECP followed by reactive hyperemia even 1 hour after the procedure; however, this decreased perfusion triggered no change of the prostacyclin/thromboxane ratio and was well tolerated by all investigated patients. The observed 4-fold increase of the peripheral pulsatility index supports the thesis of increase of shear-stress—related improvement of endothelial function during EECP.
Diet, Exercise, and C-Reactive Protein Levels in People With Abdominal Obesity: The ATTICA Epidemiological Study
Authors: Pitsavos Christos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Tzima Natalia , Lentzas Yannis , Chrysohoou Christina , Das Undurti N. , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: May 2007

We evaluated the association of physical activity and diet with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among subjects with abdominal obesity. During 2001-2002, we enrolled 625 men (18 to 87 years old) and 712 women (18 to 89 years old) with abdominal obesity (waist-to-hip ratio ≥0.95 in men and ≥0.8 in women) from the Attica area, Greece. The sampling was stratified by the age-gender distribution of the region (census 2001). Among several variables, we also measured plasma high-sensitivity CRP, physical activity status, dietary habits, blood lipids, and blood pressure levels. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated through a diet score (0 to 55) that assessed the inherent characteristics of the diet. Compared with those with low CRP levels, subjects with high CRP levels (ie, >3.0 mg/L) were physically inactive (P = .01), were less likely to adopt the Mediterranean diet (P = .008), had higher glucose levels, had a higher prevalence of hypertension, had a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and had increased smoking habits and higher anthropometric indices (all P < .05). Moreover, adoption of the Mediterranean diet in combination with medium physical activity seems to reduce the likelihood of having high CRP levels by 72% (P = .018), irrespective of smoking and various clinical and biological characteristics. Among subjects with abdominal obesity, low-grade systemic inflammation appears to be associated with the adoption of an unfavorable lifestyle, including physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits, as well as increased blood pressure levels and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Platelet Receptor HPA-1 Polymorphism of αIIbβ3 and 807 C/T Polymorphism of α2β1 and Buerger's Disease
Authors: Ostojic L. , Zelenika D. , Zotz R.B. , Sucker C. , Ostojic Z. , Loncar R.
Published: May 2007

Thromboangiitis obliterans or Buerger's disease is an episodic and segmental inflammatory and thrombotic process of the medium and small arteries of the lower extremities. Even though the disease was described 90 years ago, the etiopathogenesis is still under consideration. Afflicted patients are mostly young male cigarette smokers without signs of atherosclerosis or other risk factors for peripheral arterial occlusive disease. This indicates that hereditary thrombophilic factors could play a role in the etiopathogenesis. Recently, increasing evidence shows that platelet receptor polymorphisms (HPA-1 polymorphism of β3 subunit of αIIbβ3 and 807 C/T polymorphism α2β1) are associated with early onset of arterial thrombosis (myocardial infarction, stroke). This case-control study was designed to assess whether the 807 C/T polymorphism or the HPA-1 polymorphism is involved in the pathogenesis of Buerger's disease or has any influence on the clinical course of Buerger's disease. Eighteen patients with Buerger's disease and 81 (sex and age matched) healthy control subjects (mean age 44 ± 10 vs 45 8 years, respectively) were genotyped for platelet receptor HPA-1 and GPIa 807 C/T polymorphism. The gene frequency of HPA-1 and GPIa 807 C/T polymorphisms was identical in both groups. Prevalence of hetero- and homozygous carriers of the HPA-1b allel (1a1b and 1b1b genotype) as well as the prevalence of the 807 C/T and 807 T/T carriers did not differ significantly between the two groups, p >0.05. The grade of clinical disease manifestation as well as disease progression did not reveal any significant relationship with HPA-1 and 807 C/T polymorphisms. A relationship between the age at onset of the disease and HPA-1 polymorphism was not found. Otherwise analysis of the GPIa 807 C/T platelet receptor polymorphism showed that the average age of patients who are carriers of the T allele at early onset of disease was 32 ± 6 years (range 27—48 years) compared to 42 ± 6 years (range 34—53 years) of the C/C carriers (p <0.05). This indicates that the GPIa 807 C/T polymorphism does not represent a risk factor for Buerger's disease itself, but could be associated with premature onset of this disorder in predisposed individuals.
Reduced Arterial Circulation to the Legs in Spinal Cord Injury as a Cause of Skin Breakdown Lesions
Authors: Deitrick George , Charalel Joseph , Bauman William , Tuckman John
Published: May 2007

Skin breakdown lesions (SBLs) of the legs are common in spinal cord injury (SCI). It is assumed that the cause is deficient sensitivity and immobility of the limbs, which result in areas subjected to prolonged pressures. However, poor circulation may also be a significant factor. Indeed, strong reasons suggest that small vessel circulation is decreased in SCI because these patients have increased arteriosclerotic risk factors. Patients in the SCI population have advanced age, are sedentary, often have abnormal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and many use tobacco products. Total blood flow (TBF) to the legs and skin blood flows (SBFs) to 4 areas of the feet were measured simultaneously by duplex Doppler sonography and laser Doppler flowmetry in 10 healthy control and 10 chronic subjects with SCI when supine and during 30 minutes in a wheelchair. The average supine control TBF was 540 mL/minute, but greatly reduced between 24—76 mL/minute in 4 of the subjects. During sitting, the average TBF fell by 41% in the controls and increased by 6% in SCI. Nonetheless, in all control and SCI subjects the average sitting SBFs were severely decreased in all areas between 53—75%, similar to results found by others elsewhere in the foreleg. Ischemia of the skin and underlying muscles is important as a cause for the poor healing of SBLs in persons with SCI who daily spend many hours in a wheelchair.
Bilateral Lower Extremity Gangrene Requiring Amputation Associated With Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Dickinson Brian P. , Lawrence Peter F.
Published: May 2007

Heparin is a common cause of thrombocytopenia in hospitalized patients. Between 10% and 15% of patients receiving therapeutic doses of heparin develop thrombocytopenia. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can cause severe bleeding and thrombosis owing to intravascular platelet aggregation. HIT must be distinguished from other causes of thrombocytopenia. Importantly, heparin use is often associated with an early fall in the platelet count that usually occurs within the first 4 days of initiation and recovers without cessation of heparin treatment. This nonimmune heparin-associated thrombocytopenia has not been found to be associated with thrombosis and does not necessitate discontinuation of heparin. The authors present a case report of a 70-year-old man who received heparin therapy following aortic tissue valve replacement and aortic root repair with graft and developed bilateral lower extremity arterial clots 6 days postoperatively in the setting of positive heparin antibody titers. Ultimately the patient required bilateral above-knee amputations.
QT Interval Analysis in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kosar Feridun , Ates Fehmi , Sahin Ibrahim , Karincaoglu Melih , Yildirim Bulent
Published: May 2007

In previous studies, it has been shown that QT interval prolongation is related to an increased mortality rate in chronic liver disease (CLD). But QT dispersion (QTd) and its clinical significance in CLD has not been well studied. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relation between QTd and severity of the disease and determine its prognostic value in cirrhotic patients. Thirty-three consecutive patients with cirrhosis and 35 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects were studied. QT intervals and QT dispersions were measured on admission, and all intervals were corrected for heart rate according to Bazett's formula. The authors analyzed the potential relationship between QT parameters and the disease severity according to Child-Pugh classification and compared these values between survivors and nonsurvivors after a 3-year follow-up. Child-Pugh classification is used to assess liver function in cirrhosis. Corrected QT (QTc) prolongations were found in 32% of patients with cirrhosis and 5.7% of the healthy controls (p <0.001). The prevalence of increased (>70 ms) corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) was 45% in patients with cirrhosis. According to Child-Pugh criteria: QTd, maximum QT interval (QTmax), corrected QTmax (QTcmax), and QTcd in class C were significantly higher than those of class A and B (p <0.05, for all comparison). But there was no significant difference between class A and B in QTmax, QTcmax, QTd, and QTcd. There were 10 (30%) deaths from all causes during 3-year follow-up in the study group. Cox regression analysis showed that QTd and QTcd were better mortality indicators than QTmax and QTcmax, and Child's classification was the best predictor for mortality among all variables. In conclusion, QT dispersion and corrected QT dispersion parameters were better mortality indicators than other QT interval parameters and also may give additional prognostic information in patients with chronic liver disease.
Heart Failure in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treated by Cardiac Resynchronization
Authors: Peregud-Pogorzelska Małgorzata , Kaźmierczak Jarosław , Kornacewicz-Jach Zdzisława
Published: May 2007

The presented case report describes a female patient suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus, in whom dilated cardiomyopathy with progressive heart failure was a very first symptom of the disease. The advanced invasive treatment method, cardiac resynchronization therapy, was successfully applied to improve the quality of life, clinical symptoms, and exercise tolerance.
Effect of Coronary Angiography on Oxidative DNA Damage Observed in Circulating Lymphocytes
Authors: Demirbag Recep , Yilmaz Remzi , Kocyigit Abdurrahim , Guzel Salih
Published: May 2007

Endogenous oxidative DNA damage is caused by multiple endogenous and exogenous factors. It is not completely known whether coronary angiography has an effect on DNA damage. The aim of this study was to investigate whether coronary angiography causes oxidative DNA damage. Fifty-four patients who underwent elective coronary angiography for diagnostic purpose were enrolled to the study. For each subject, the frequency of oxidative DNA damage was analyzed by using the comet assay, which is a sensitive biomarker of DNA damage, before and after diagnostic procedures. A highly significant increase of DNA damage mean score was observed in all patients after the coronary angiography procedure (p < 0.001). No significant associations were found between the change in oxidative DNA damage and dose of contrast media and radiation exposure time. A significant correlation was observed between the change of DNA damage and age, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, Gensini score index, and vitamin B12 (r = 0.496, p< 0.001 ; r = 0.416, p = 0.002; r = 0.284, p = 0.038; r = 0.275, p = 0.044; r = 0.742, p < 0.001; r = —0.347, p = 0.048, respectively). The change of oxidative DNA damage was higher in patients with 3-vessel disease compared with 2-vessel disease, 1-vessel disease, and normal coronary arteries (99.6 ±8.4, 62.0 ±2.0, 43.2 ±8.4, 21.6 ±11.6 respectively; ANOVA p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age and Gensini score index were independent predictors of the change of DNA damage (β = 0.425, p = 0.003, β = 0.684, p = 0.001 respectively). Our findings demonstrate that increased oxidative DNA damage in undergoing coronary angiography might be dependent on the severity of coronary artery disease and age, rather than on contrast media and radiation exposure time.
Twenty Years of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Children: Relevance to Pediatric Care Providers
Authors: Hardin Dana S. , Kemp Stephen F. , Allen David B.
Published: May 2007

Recombinant human growth hormone has revolutionized the management of children and adolescents with growth hormone deficiency and other growth disorders, but clinical and ethical controversies remain regarding diagnostic approach, optimal recombinant human growth hormone dose and duration, and expected outcomes. Management of pubertal and transitioning patients with growth hormone deficiency has also commanded increased attention. Recent clinical studies that demonstrate the positive health benefits of recombinant human growth hormone in children with cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis have not yet clarified issues about patient selection and appropriate long-term use. An understanding of current recombinant human growth hormone indications and controversies can facilitate patient evaluation and expedite referral for potential treatment. This review summarizes current indications for recombinant human growth hormone use, discusses clinical challenges, and provides recommendations for pediatricians caring for children who may be appropriate candidates for recombinant human growth hormone therapy.
Gelastic Seizures Misdiagnosed as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Sweetman Laura L. , Ng Yu-tze , Kerrigan John F.
Published: May 2007

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can have variable manifestations including regurgitation, irritability, arching, choking, and apnea. The disorder is also frequently mistaken for seizures (Sandifer syndrome). We report 6 patients in whom the opposite phenomenon occurred: their seizures were mistaken for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Six of 77 patients (6.8%) with gelastic seizures and epilepsy symptomatic of hypothalamic hamartomas were noted to be misdiagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease in infancy. As is typical in these patients, gelastic seizures were not diagnosed until months, or often years, later. Delayed diagnosis of hypothalamic hamartomas can lead to a potentially deleterious syndrome involving refractory epilepsy, developmental problems, and precocious puberty. Gelastic seizures should be considered among the conditions that can mimic reflux symptoms.
Online Consumer Privacy
Authors: O'Connor Peter
Published: May 2007

Technology gives Web site hosts a heretofore unprecedented ability to collect detailed information about customers who visit their sites and to use that information to customize subsequent interactions. Although data collection on this level can be a valuable business practice, such personalization comes at a price—a threat to personal privacy. Two approaches to privacy protection exist—self-regulation (based on government guidelines) and outright legislative protection. While the United States generally favors self-regulation, the European Community has taken the more restrictive legislative approach, which extends to all who wish to use European customer data. An examination of the Web sites hosted by ninety-seven large hotel companies indicates that while sites frequently include statements outlining what data are being collected and how they are being used, none comply with all legislative requirements, in particular with regard to onward transfer, access to the data, and whether consumers have a choice in how their information is used.
Invoking Social Norms
Authors: Goldstein Noah J. , Griskevicius Vladas , Cialdini Robert B.
Published: May 2007

Social psychology theory can be applied to such mundane purposes as encouraging guests to reuse their washroom towels. In contrast to the appeals now in use to persuade guests to reuse their towels, research found that applying the norm of reciprocation and the descriptive norm for proenvironmental action improved guests' participation in one hotel's towel-reuse program. The implication is that such research can also be applied to other areas of hotel operation to benefit businesses, consumers, and the environment.
Visual Methods
Authors: Pullman Madeleine E. , Robson Stephani K. A.
Published: May 2007

Traditional guest feedback methods such as surveys or mystery shopping are not ideal for collecting information about customers' reactions to a hotel's physical design. Because design is a visual medium, survey questions may not capture the whole of a guest's reaction to the design. By the same token, the reaction of mystery shoppers to design is not necessarily representative of all guests. Instead, a photography-based approach allows guests to show managers and researchers what they consider to be the hotel's design highlights and failures. A pilot study indicated that guests took notice of design elements that signified that the hotel was being considerate of their needs, as well as providing a functional, high-quality environment.
Developing In-House Careers and Retaining Management Talent
Authors: Walsh Kate , Taylor Masako S.
Published: May 2007

One of the primary challenges the hospitality industry faces continues to be high levels of turnover. In this study, the authors examine turnover intentions of one of the most critical groups of employees: management staff. Using a sample of Cornell University School of Hotel Administration graduates from 1987 through 2002, the authors identify the job features that enhance managers' commitment levels to their organizations and to the overall industry, as well as reduce their likelihood of leaving both. Results suggest that hospitality managers are taking charge of their careers. They are looking for challenging jobs that offer growth opportunities, as well as competent leadership and fair compensation. To the degree these job features are in place, hospitality managers' commitment levels will rise. Managers' commitment to performing challenging work especially reduces their likelihood of leaving their companies and the industry.
Customers' Perceptions of Best Available Hotel Rates
Authors: Rohlfs Kristin V. , Kimes Sheryl E.
Published: May 2007

A study of 153 travelers in three airports (Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Ithaca) found that respondents held a generally negative view of hotel companies' pricing policies. The respondents were asked specifically about their reaction to best available rate pricing, as compared to the common practice of quoting a single rate for a multiple-night stay. Compared to the single-rate policy, respondents judged that being charged the lowest possible rate for each night is more fair, more acceptable, more reasonable, and more honest, even if the room rate changes from night to night. In particular, infrequent travelers (those staying in hotels twenty nights per year or less) judged best rate pricing most favorably. In contrast, frequent travelers were essentially indifferent to the two pricing approaches.
The Risk to the American Fast-Food Industry of Obesity Litigation
Authors: Werner William B. , Feinstein Andrew Hale , Hardigree Christian E.
Published: May 2007

This article examines the problem of obesity in the United States, the role fast food is believed to play in obesity, and the prospects of legal claims against quick-service operations for obesity-related damages. Our literature and case review analyzes the potential validity of obesity-related claims under existing and novel legal theories of liability. The status of legislative proposals to ban obesity lawsuits is discussed and several recommendations are offered to protect quick-service owners and operators from the potential risk of obesity litigation. The article concludes that damages for obesity and obesity-related illnesses may be awarded against fast-food companies under existing liability law, but that such cases are unlikely to succeed and can be efficiently avoided.
Evaluating the evaluation: Understanding the utility and limitations of evaluation as a tool for organizational learning
Authors: Reeve Joanne , Peerbhoy Denise
Published: May 2007

Objective Organizational learning, underpinned by evidence-based health care, and greater user involvement in planning and delivery were key objectives of the NHS Plan. Evaluation, and specifically participatory evaluation, offers the potential to address these elements of the NHS modernization agenda. We discuss the strengths and limitations of evaluation in delivering the modernization agenda through use of a case study — the evaluation of a Healthy Living Centre project, catchon2us!

Setting A Healthy Living Centre project in Merseyside.

Results There was evidence that collaborative research can promote opportunities which foster significant learning and change, thus making the effort and time involved worthwhile. However, the two-way flow of information necessary for development of shared goals and learning at strategic, as well as provider, levels is not easily achieved. Barriers include the rigidity of organizational structures within large agencies such as the NHS, with priorities imposed from national levels overriding local priorities.

Conclusions The inherent contradictions in current strategic drivers in the NHS need to be addressed if services can ever deliver the goal of true organizational learning.
Barriers to positive mental health in a Young Offenders Institution: A qualitative study
Authors: Woodall James
Published: May 2007

Objective To explore the barriers to positive mental health in a group of young offenders.

Design A qualitative approach was used to provide insight into the ways in which mental health for young offenders is experienced and managed. Setting A Young Offenders Institute (YOI) accommodating males aged between 18 and 21 years.

Method Participants were recruited voluntarily using posters. Twelve offenders participated in focus groups and an additional three interviews were carried out with individuals who felt uncomfortable in the focus group situation.

Results Participants stressed that feelings in a YOI could not be shared due to the masculine ethos that had been created on the wings. Listener services were reported to be ineffective for support because using them would show weakness and vulnerability to other prisoners. Visiting time was the main highlight in the routine for most young offenders; however, leaving family and friends was difficult. In dealing with these emotions young offenders would use coping mechanisms, including acts of aggression to vent built-up frustrations. The issue of prison staff and their effect on mental health was raised by all offenders involved in the research. Unanimously, it was suggested that there are both excellent prison officers who engage with the prisoners, and staff who abuse their power and treat prisoners disrespectfully.

Conclusion Promoting mental health is not the principle business of a YOI. However, this research has generated some issues for consideration for governors and those working within this setting.
Children's fitness testing: A feasibility study
Authors: Harris J. , Cale L.
Published: May 2007

Objective This study aimed to determine whether it was necessary, cost effective and practical to investigate Welsh children's fitness levels in order to promote active, healthy lifestyles.

Design A multi-method study comprising a comprehensive review of literature, a questionnaire survey and interviews.

Setting This was a feasibility study commissioned by the National Assembly for Wales undertaken between October 2003 and March 2004.

Method The methodology involved a world-wide literature search carried out using metalib and in consultation with UK experts and stakeholders in Wales via a questionnaire ( n = 35) and individual interviews ( n = 5). The response rate for the questionnaire survey was 36.4 per cent.

Results The study indicated concern amongst experts and stakeholders about Welsh children's health, fitness and activity, but also revealed a number of misconceptions about children's fitness and fitness testing. The study highlighted that the measurement of children's fitness is fraught with difficulties, including methodological limitations, the possible negative impact on some children, and the relatively weak association between children's physical fitness and health. Additionally, utilising children's fitness test data to inform policy and practice was considered problematic by the experts and stakeholders, and there was limited evidence from the literature that previously conducted large scale surveys on children's fitness have positively impacted on children's health, activity and fitness.

Conclusion It was concluded that a research project focusing solely on fitness testing Welsh children is neither necessary, cost effective nor practical. However, a`lifestyle oriented' project including the monitoring

of physical activity was recommended as increasing activity levels is achievable for all and the process will lead to health gains.
Management of communication channels for health information in the community
Authors: Tanvatanakul Vasuton , Amado Joao , Saowakontha Sastri
Published: May 2007

Object To investigate channels for communication of health information to various groups in the community.

Design An exploratory cross sectional design was used, followed by focus groups of selected participants to confirm and clarify the findings.

Setting Five levels of sub-district administration organizations were selected from different districts of Chonburi Province, Thailand.

Method A survey using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out. Survey data were collected, analyzed then verified by observation and focus groups conducted in each community.

Results Most people (78.7 per cent) receive health information everyday. The internet was an information source used frequently by those respondents less than 35 years of age (45.5 per cent). Health information was received by mobile telephone message, wireless systems and satellite televisions mostly by people less than 35 or 35—44 years old (33.3 and 38.1 per cent respectively). Receipt of health information from television, newspaper and radio was most common in the 35—44 and 45—54 year age groups (29.9 and 30.1 per cent). Distributed or central loudspeaker systems were cited as a source most often by people in the 45—54 year age group (36.0 per cent).

Conclusion Findings lead to recommend coordination of health communications, using the internet for health information, preparing for coordination of messages on wireless systems and other new technologies for people in rapidly developing countries. Common communication channels are still useful especially in rural areas. Various interest groups should participate in developing their own models of communication, management, and evaluation for strengthening health development.
Food projects in London: Lessons for policy and practice — A hidden sector and the need for `more unhealthy puddings … sometimes'
Authors: Caraher Martin , Dowler Elizabeth
Published: May 2007

Background and Objective Successive governments have promoted local action to address food components of public health. This article presents findings from research commissioned by the (then) London NHS Office, scoping the range of food projects in the London area, and the potential challenges to public health practice.

Methods Research followed four overlapping phases with a London focus: (1) a systemized review of the literature, (2) analysis of health authority Health Improvement Plans (HImPs) and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) local implementation plans and Health Action Zone reports, (3) a scoping exercise of`food projects' and community-based participatory projects with a food focus using food databases and directories, and (4) 29 in-depth interviews with individuals responsible for commissioning and running projects.

Results There were, in 2001/2, a variety of food projects in the London area, ranging from small-scale social enterprises to those whose turnover marked them out as small businesses. There was a significant human resource cost in maintaining and setting up such projects both from NHS staff and in terms of volunteer and paid labour. The lack of an overall or area-based approach to food policy development in London was apparent, and little thought seemed to have been given to creating a supportive policy environment. Food projects often existed as isolated entities in a borough or health authority area, with short-term funding and little systemic long-term support. The majority employed what might best be called health education approaches. This is now partially addressed by the draft London Food Strategy.

Conclusions Food projects run by local professionals and/or volunteers operated within an isolated policy and suffered from a lack of support both from financial and human resources perspectives. The potential for long-term delivery of improved health was unrealized, as was their potential contribution to a London-wide food economy and to London food policy.
Voicing the “Great Australian Silence„: Kate Grenville's Narrative of Settlement in The Secret River
Authors: Kossew Sue
Published: May 2007

This article examines the competing narratives of settlement in Kate Grenville's 2005 novel, The Secret River. On the one hand are Aboriginal stories of violent encounters with settlers that are transmitted orally and are unwritten and, on the other, are those European historical accounts that seek to legitimate Australian settlement. In this novel, Grenville is trying to reconcile her own convict ancestor's implication in acts of Indigenous dispossession, while simultaneously acknowledging the strength and courage of such acts of settlement. This paper argues that any such reconciliation is fraught with complexities, as a contemporary perspective on the past attempts to balance blame and admiration. Grenville's novel itself is thus open to ambiguities and to accusations of “whitewashing” the past.
“Hopelessly Adrift on Dreams of Homer„: Robert Dessaix's Corfu
Authors: Henricksen Noel
Published: May 2007

In Corfu, Robert Dessaix establishes a dialectic between myth and reality, the heroic and the ordinary, through the apt use of allusion: his novel is richly tinctured with Homer and Chekhov, Sappho and C.P. Cavafy. The novel's narrator becomes a twentieth-century Odysseus, adrift, and beached like his expatriate companions, in the land of the Phaeacians. Like a character from Chekhov, he is blessed with vision to find the infinite beyond presumably existential emptiness, and to carry that vision back into the commonplace. Through such mystical moments, the ostensibly pointless lives of ordinary people may be transformed. The journey and even the drifting become more significant than homelands like Ithaca, Moscow, or the narrator's Adelaide. This vision is redemptive, trans-formative and the unexceptional characters in Corfu are ultimately seen as, by each other and by the reader, and become, beautiful earthly vessels of friendship and love.
From Forked Tongue to Forked Tongue: Rushdie and Milton in the Postcolonial Conversation
Authors: Wiemann Dirk
Published: May 2007

In The Satanic Verses , Salman Rushdie draws heavily on Milton's Paradise Lost. However, unlike other postcolonial writers and theorists such as David Dabydeen and Dipesh Chakrabarty, Rushdie does not primarily polemicize against Milton as an embodiment of Europe's alleged cultural supremacy. Instead, his scattered references and allusions to Paradise Lost — especially to the figures of Satan, Adam and Eve — encourage a rereading of Milton as an unexpected precursor of postcolonial subjectivities. While the article offers close readings of some particularly rich instances of rewritings of Paradise Lost in The Satanic Verses, it also discusses aspects of other Milton texts in order to delineate that writer's ambiguous position towards questions of Empire, the “civilizing mission” and the centrality of the modern European subject.
Translation Translated?
Authors: Holmström Lakshmi
Published: May 2007

The Dark Room has a spectrum of characters urban and rural, working-class and professional, Tamil and English speakers. In the first part of this paper, I analyse key passages in the book, and in its translation, Iruttu Arai, to examine the strategies Narayan invents to distinguish the speech styles of his characters. The translation cannot match Narayan's irony and spare narrative style, but it renders more closely the speech styles of some of the Tamil speakers, the shifting power positions between the characters and the book's cultural milieu. In the second part, I show how the translator deals with the proto-feminist theme of The Dark Room. I analyse key words and images, used by Savitri when she leaves her husband and when she returns: the translator is unable (or unwilling) to match Narayan's vocabulary of equality and rights, choosing instead the ideology and vocabulary of honourable dependence.
The Australian Labour Market in 2006
Authors: O'Brien Martin , Valadkhani Abbas , Waring Peter , Denniss Richard
Published: May 2007

2006 generally represented a solid year in terms of macroeconomic performance and labour market indicators, even under the threat of increasing inflation and interest rates. However, some favourable aggregate labour market indicators disguised major disparities at disaggregated regional, sectoral or demographic levels. The major development in the labour market was the implementation and operation of the Work Choices legislation, which will shape the industrial relations landscape in Australia for many years to come. This article presents an analysis of the performance of the macroeconomy and labour market, and reviews the developments of the Work Choices legislation.
Wages and Wage Determination in 2006
Authors: Watts Martin J. , Mitchell William F.
Published: May 2007

In 2006 money wages grew more slowly than in 2005 and within Reserve Bank limits with no evidence of generalized wage pressures arising from skill shortages. The Reserve Bank raised interest rates three times during the year, further reducing housing affordability. Mortgagee sales of homes have exhibited a significant increase. There was intense media attention as to the impact on wages and conditions of the implementation of the Work Choices legislation. The long-awaited first decision by the Fair Pay Commission yielded an increase of AUS$27.36 per week for about 1m workers payable from 1 December. The lowest weekly wage rose to AUS$511.86, which represents a marginal real wage cut.
Industrial Legislation in 2006
Authors: Sarina Troy , Riley Joellen
Published: May 2007

The complete overhaul of Australian labour laws by the federal government's Work Choices revisions continued to dominate debate and legislative activity throughout 2006. This article first considers some of the legislative and non-legislative regulatory responses of the State governments, and then outlines the implications of the new federal Independent Contractors legislation. Some late fine-tuning of the post-Work Choices, Workplace Relations Act to address problems identified in its first six months of operation is also noted.
Major Tribunal Decisions in 2006
Authors: Catanzariti Joseph , Shariff Yaseen
Published: May 2007

The authors examine the major industrial decisions of the last 12 months, including the High Court's decision in the Work Choices Case. In doing so, the authors focus on the reasons given by the majority of the High Court in upholding the constitutional validity of the Work Choices reforms. The authors also analyse decisions of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission that have considered some of the industrial tactics used by both employers and unions in response to the Work Choices reforms. These decisions consider the meaning of the term `public interest' in context of applications to terminate pre-reform enterprise agreements and also the appropriateness of union demands for `common law side agreements' during protected bargaining periods. The authors comment that while the old province of industrial law and order has given way to a new one, new areas of contest will evolve.
Australian Unions in 2006
Authors: Barnes Alison
Published: May 2007

Despite the Work Choices Legislation coming into effect, 2006 was a year unions could look back on with some satisfaction. The anticipated onslaught by employers on unions did not eventuate, possibly because of the impact of the Your Rights at Work campaign and the diversity of successful strategies adopted. Density appeared to stabilize but remained low in the private sector, presenting long-term challenges to the union movement. At year's end, the focus was clearly on the forthcoming federal election.
Reforming Australian Industrial Relations?
Authors: Isaac Joe
Published: May 2007

The Australian industrial system has undergone significant changes over the last 100 years. Through most of that period, the changes in principles and procedures have been incremental and were developed, at the federal level, mostly by the tribunals guided by the prevailing economic climate and the submissions of employers, unions and governments. More recently, the changes have been driven by legislation. The Work Choices legislation marks a radical departure in scope and philosophy from the past. This article reviews the new legislation against the background of the requirements of an economically efficient and socially fair industrial relations system. It concludes that the case for the new system rests mainly on assertions and is not supported by persuasive evidence or argument. By promoting individual bargaining at the expense of collective bargaining and by greatly weakening union power and the role of the industrial umpire, the balance of economic power has been tilted greatly in favour of employer. These circumstances will encourage wage-cost cutting rather than deliver productivity improvement. They violate ILO Conventions; they go against the Australian ethos of a fair society and have the potential of being socially divisive.
Australian Labour Law after the Work Choices Avalanche: Developing an Employment Law for our Children
Authors: McCallum Ron
Published: May 2007

In late 2005, the Australian Parliament enacted the Workplace Relations Amendment (Work Choices) Act 2005 (Cth), which established a new legal regime for federal labour law known as the Work Choices laws. These laws came into force on 27 March 2006. The major argument enunciated in this address is that in their present form, the Work Choices laws are unsustainable and will be altered and softened in six to eight years. First, these new laws are examined and it is concluded that they elevate managerial prerogatives to new heights over and above fair outcomes. Second, the reasons given for the unsustainability of these laws are: the opposition of State and Territory governments; their prescriptive nature; the failure of employers to engage with them; and because the collective bargaining provisions contravene international labour law. Third, some features of a balanced set of post-Work Choices labour laws are examined, including collective bargaining, a minimum wage, safety, compensation, and discriminatory and unfair terminations. Finally, it is suggested that a truly national employment law code could be created through the enactment of cooperative federal and State legislation.
From Moral Supporters to Struggling Advocates
Authors: Auerbach Susan
Published: May 2007

How do marginalized parents construct their role in promoting their children's access to educational opportunity? What lessons might their experience have for our understanding of parent involvement beyond the parameters of traditional models? This qualitative case study examined the beliefs, goals, and practices of 16 working-class African American and Latino parents whose children were in a college access program at a diverse metropolitan high school. It offers an alternative typology of parent roles, which reflects parents' contrasting social and cultural locations, biographies, and perceptions of—as well as relations with—their children and the school. With its highlighting of marginalized parents' voices at a critical juncture in student careers, this article contributes to a more inclusive discourse on families, schooling, and equity.
Academic Motivation and Achievement Among Urban Adolescents
Authors: Long Joyce F. , Monoi Shinichi , Harper Brian , Knoblauch Dee , Murphy P. Karen
Published: May 2007

Although researchers report that motivational variables, such as interest and self-efficacy, positively relate to forms of achievement (e.g., standardized test scores, grades, number of problems solved correctly), other studies indicate that motivation's contribution to achievement is not consistent. Fewer studies, however, have examined these connections within African American samples. This 2-year, cross-sectional investigation of eighth- and ninth-grade students specifically focused on motivation and GPA in a large, urban, predominantly African American, school district in the Midwest. Regression analyses of self-report levels of three motivational variables (i.e., self-efficacy beliefs, goal orientations, and domain interest) revealed that significant gender differences existed in goal orientation and achievement scores in both grades. Furthermore, self-efficacy and learning goals contributed to domain interests but the predictive value of these three motivational variables on achievement differed at each grade level.
Private Security Contractors in the Debate about Darfur: Reflecting and Reinforcing Neo-Liberal Governmentality
Authors: Leander Anna , van Munster Rens
Published: May 2007

This article explores the loud presence of private security contractors in the evolving and buoyant discussion surrounding Darfur. Relying primarily on statements by security contractors and industry lobby organizations, this article suggests that neo-liberal governmentality has bolstered the expert status of security contractors in the discussions surrounding Darfur. Both in Darfur and more widely, neo-liberal governmentality tends to `depoliticize' security as public debate narrowly focuses on the technicalities and costs of military solutions, while alternative political options, local knowledge and diplomatic alternatives become marginalized. Consequently, public debate may be intense (as is certainly true for Darfur) but lopsidedly centred on security restrictively understood. The depoliticizing trend tied to neo-liberal governmentality is an important change in security governance in Darfur of course, but also in Africa more broadly and beyond. However, since it works through what the editors of this issue refer to as the `complex relations between public and private, state and civil society actors' it tends to eschew analyses assuming that privatization is significant only when and if it undermines public authority and control. The account here testifies to the importance of changes in governance that involve public and private actors alike.
Ethnic Vigilantes and the State: The Oodua People's Congress in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Nolte Insa
Published: May 2007

Based on the example of the Oodua People's Congress (OPC) in Nigeria, this article argues that vigilante activities are embedded in a range of social relations and historical trajectories. While vigilantism transforms relationships of power within the state, it does not necessarily undermine all aspects of state authority. After the annulled presidential election of a Yoruba speaker in 1993, the OPC was founded with the explicit political aim of safeguarding Yoruba ethno-nationalist interests vis-à-vis the state. By fighting crime, and state institutions perceived to be implicated in the perpetration of crime, including the police and military, the OPC's vigilantes have undermined and challenged the state's security institutions. Representing the state as both weak and strong, the OPC has undermined the state's control of security but legitimised and strengthened the state as a mechanism of political decision-making and social reform.