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This study investigates whether shareholders are willing to pay for higher levels of corporate financial, social, and environmental disclosure. We conduct a choice-based conjoint experiment wherein 65 shareholders are asked to make 12 choices, choosing each time between two predetermined randomized combinations of different levels of investment returns, financial disclosure, environmental disclosure, and social disclosure. Results indicate that whereas shareholders are willing to pay for financial disclosure and environmental disclosure, they are unwilling to pay for social disclosure. Hence, the latter finding does not provide conclusive evidence on the overall question. However, the result that investors are willing to pay for non-financial disclosures – such as environmental information – constitutes our main contribution as prior research has not been able to provide strong evidence that investors are willing to forfeit investment returns in order to gain access to more corporate disclosures. The use of a choice-based conjoint experiment to examine these matters is novel and potentially opens avenues for future research. We believe our theoretical and practical contributions to be of interest to various stakeholders, including firms in making decisions about disclosure levels and regulators in assessing the need for disclosure regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) is associated with both fetal and maternal complications. One of the few modifiable risk factors for LGA is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM); for this reason, fetal growth is usually monitored by ultrasound in the third trimester. This prospective study compared a panel of ten established biomarkers measured at the time of selective screening for GDM at 26–28 weeks gestation with the ultrasound prediction of LGA. Method Women were recruited using convenience sampling and consented at the first antenatal visit. Women with maternal risk factors for GDM attended for the one-step 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. An additional blood sample was taken for biomarker measurement. GDM was diagnosed according to the 2013 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Fetal biometry, including the abdominal circumference (AC) and the fetal abdominal subcutaneous tissue (FAST) thickness, were measured at 37 weeks gestation. Results Of the 195 women included, 105 (53.8%) had GDM. Of the 195 babies, 36 (18.5%) were LGA. Whether the woman had GDM or not, fetal biometry was strongly predictive of LGA but none of the following biomarkers measured at 26–28 weeks gestation alone or in combination were predictive: c-peptide, ghrelin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon, insulin, leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, resistin and visfatin. Conclusions In women diagnosed with GDM, surveillance of fetal growth to identify LGA by ultrasound should continue in the third trimester. None of the ten established maternal biomarkers measured at the time of the OGTT was as strongly predictive of LGA as ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turpentine wood is renowned for its resistance to attack by molluskan marine borers. This resistance is thought to be due to its high silica content, and possibly the presence of other, as yet unknown, compounds. Silica in turpentine wood is present as particles in rays, but in many plant species silica also occurs in cell walls. We hypothesized that Si is present in cell walls of turpentine, but when we tested this hypothesis using synchrotron XFM, we serendipitously observed several biocidal heavy metals in its heartwood. We found that turpentine heartwood contains a far greater diversity of these and other metals than previously thought. The concentrations of some of the heavy metals collectively reach levels previously shown to be toxic in vitro to the embryos and larvae of mollusks. This paper focuses on these inorganic components of turpentine wood and discusses their possible contribution to its marine borer resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mt. Taranaki is an andesitic stratovolcano in the western North Island of New Zealand. Its magmas show slab-dehydration signatures and over the last 200 kyr they show gradually increasing incompatible element concentrations. Source basaltic melts from the upper mantle lithosphere pond at the base of the crust (∼25 km), interacting with other stalled melts rich in amphibole. Evolved hydrous magmas rise and pause in the mid crust (14–6 km), before taking separate pathways to eruption. Over 228 tephras erupted over the last 30 kyr display a 1000–1500 yr-periodic cycle with a five-fold variation in eruption frequency. Magmatic supply and/or tectonic regime could control this rate-variability. The volcano has collapsed and re-grown 16 times, producing large (2 to >7.5 km3) debris avalanches. Magma intrusion along N-S striking faults below the edifice are the most likely trigger for its failure. The largest Mt. Taranaki Plinian eruption columns reach ∼27 km high, dispersing 0.1 to 0.6 km3 falls throughout the North Island. Smaller explosive eruptions, or dome-growth and collapse episodes were more frequent. Block-and-ash flows reached up to 13 km from the vent, while the largest pumice pyroclastic density currents travelled >23 km. Mt. Taranaki last erupted in AD1790 and the present annual probability of eruption is 1–1.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited evidence that plasma homocysteine (Hcy) is increased in women with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight (LBW).Objective: We examined the relationship between maternal Hcy at the first prenatal visit and birth weight.Study design: In a prospective observational study, women were recruited during their first prenatal visit after sonographic confirmation of gestational age. Along with the standard tests, blood was also taken for the measurement of maternal serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate, vitamin B12, and Hcy. In addition to collecting standard clinical and sociodemographic details, a detailed questionnaire on vitamin supplementation was completed under supervision. Birth outcomes were collected immediately after delivery.Results: Of 498 women recruited, 213 (42.8%) were nulliparous, 97 (19.4%) were obese, 64 (12.9%) selfreported as current smokers, and 489 (98.2%) were taking folic acid (FA) supplements at presentation. The mean (SD) birth weight was 3426.3 g (600.7), 14.0% of infants were small for gestational age, and 7.4% were large for gestational age. Mean (SD) plasma Hcy was 7.1 (2.1) µmol/l. On multiple linear regression, higher plasma Hcy was associated with selfreported smoking (p = .009), relative income poverty (p = .037) and Irish nativity (p = .009). There was no relationship between maternal plasma Hcy and birth weight centile, either overall or when analyzed separately for either smokers (r = 0.0001, p = .98) and nonsmokers (r = -0.007, p = .097). Plasma Hcy was correlated negatively with serum folate, RBC folate, and serum vitamin B12. There was no association between maternal Hcy and the duration of FA supplementation in weeks (r = -0.08, p = .083) or between maternal Hcy and gestational age at phlebotomy (r = -0.54, p = .35).Conclusions: In this well-characterized cohort of women in early pregnancy, there was no correlation between maternal plasma Hcy and birth weight. However, higher Hcy was associated with maternal smoking and social deprivation which may explain the association reported previously between an increased Hcy and LBW.RationaleThis study was conducted to investigate the relationship between maternal homocysteine in early pregnancy and infant birth weight. Increased plasma homocysteine in early pregnancy was not associated with a lower birth weight. However, there was a positive correlation between increasing plasma homocysteine and maternal smoking and social disadvantage which are risk factors for lower birth weight. This study highlights the importance of correcting for confounding variables, such as smoking and social disadvantage, when evaluating the relationship maternal nutritional biomarkers and intrauterine fetal development.RationaleThis study was conducted to investigate the relationship between maternal homocysteine in early pregnancy and infant birth weight. Increased plasma homocysteine in early pregnancy was not associated with a lower birth weight. However, there was a positive correlation between increasing plasma homocysteine and maternal smoking and social disadvantage which are risk factors for lower birth weight. This study highlights the importance of correcting for confounding variables, such as smoking and social disadvantage, when evaluating the relationship maternal nutritional biomarkers and intrauterine fetal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) psychologically is well described. Suboptimal attachment may have negative consequences particularly if it is associated with unhealthy maternal behaviour that may potentially increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The perception of stress or anxiety is also associated with potential adverse outcomes including preterm birth. This cross-sectional study examined MFA and perceived stress at the time of the first ultrasound examination in early pregnancy. Convenience sampling was used to recruit women after they presented to the Ultrasound Department for a routine dating ultrasound at their first antenatal visit. Informed consent was obtained and clinical and sociodemographic details were recorded. Women were invited to complete validated Cranley MFA and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaires. Of the 90 women recruited, 80 completed the questionnaires successfully. No association was found between the MFA score and maternal age, parity, education, marital status, previous pregnancy loss or smoking behaviour. An unplanned pregnancy was associated with a lower mean MFA score (p < 0.01) and a higher mean PSS score (p < 0.005). These relationships persisted in a multiple regression analysis controlling for maternal age and parity. In early pregnancy, an unplanned pregnancy is associated with a lower MFA and higher PSS score. Additional research is required to assess if this persists as pregnancy advances. Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA), Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS), Perceived stress scale (PSS), Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), Standard Deviation (SD), Central Statistics Office (CSO), Body Mass Index (BMI), Relative Risk (RR) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical students have enthusiastically embraced the use of virtual reality (VR) systems to help them understand the complex anatomy of body components. We hypothesize that students studying the structure and protection of wood will show similar acceptance of VR systems. We developed X-ray micro-CT models to show the distribution of silica in the Australian marine borer resistant timber, satinay and copper in treated pine. Students taking a course in wood protection used a VR device to explore the distribution of silica in satinay and copper in pine. Students were surveyed to assess their views on the system as a learning tool. The results showed that students were very positive about the VR system, and they frequently commented that the system was better than traditional methods at aiding understanding of wood structure/protection. We discuss the limitations and potential of our VR system as a learning tool for wood technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the degree to which hotel owners influence the operation of their hotels in both single- and multiple-agency scenarios. Key findings from a survey of 499 general managers are that: (1) owners influence financial property-level decisions to a greater extent than operational property-level decisions; (2) owners of independently operated hotels are more involved in such decisions than are owners of hotels operated by a management company; and (3) asset managers assist owners in achieving greater involvement. The findings provide empirical evidence about how principals can mitigate the agency problem in multiple-principal scenarios through client and behavior-based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community mental health, to protect the integrity of service to a highly vulnerable population, has sought to increase the use of evidence-based practice. However, most evidence-based practices have a narrow scope challenging the breadth of effectiveness with consumers with higher levels of comorbidity. This article explores the use of mindfulness and drumming integrated into an evidence-based program: Seeking Safety. In response to the challenges of conducting a cognitive-focused intervention for members diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, addictions, and co-occurring severe/persistent mental illness, mindfulness principles and drumming are used to help manage the emotional needs of group members. This article outlines the foundational principles supporting the group program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal obesity is an emerging challenge in contemporary obstetrics. To date there has been no study analysing the relationship between specific maternal body composition measurements and foetal soft-tissue measurements. The aim of this study was to determine whether measurement of maternal body composition at booking predicts foetal soft-tissue trajectories in the third trimester. We analysed the relationship between foetal thigh in the third trimester and both maternal BMI and body composition using the Tanita digital scales in the first trimester. Foetal subcutaneous thigh tissue measurements were obtained at intervals of 28, 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. A total of 160 women were identified. There was a direct correlation between MTST at 36 weeks and BMI (p = .002). There was a positive correlation between MTST at 36 weeks and leg fat mass (p = .13) and leg fat free mass (p = .013). There was a positive correlation between arm fat free mass and MTST at 36 weeks. We showed there is an association between maternal fat distribution and foetal subcutaneous thigh tissue measurements. MTST may be more useful in determining if a child is at risk of macrosomia.Impact statementPrevious studies have suggested that maternal obesity programmes intrauterine foetal adiposity and growth. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship in a high-risk obstetric population between measurements of maternal body composition in early pregnancy and the assessment of foetal adiposity in the third trimester using serial ultrasound measurements of mid-thigh soft-tissue thickness. BMI is only a surrogate measurement of fat and does not measure fat distribution. Our study shows the distribution of both maternal fat and fat-free mass in early pregnancy may be positively associated with foetal soft-tissue measurements in the third trimester. Maternal arthropometric measurements other than BMI may help predict babies at risk of macrosomia and neonatal adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The knee and ankle are among the most commonly injured joints in the body. Long-term strength and neuromuscular control deficits are common following these injuries, yielding lifelong disability and poor quality of life. However, it is unknown how the number of injuries sustained influences quality of life. Objectives: Determine the association between the number of ankle or knee injuries sustained and physical and mental quality of life. Methods: A total of 806 ankle-injured (age:45.2 ± 15.3 yrs; body mass index [BMI]:28.6 ± 7.4 kg/m2), 658 knee-injured (age:49.3 ± 16.1 yrs; BMI:28.4 ± 7.4 kg/m2), and 996 uninjured (age:43.4 ± 16.1 yrs; BMI:26.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2) adults completed the SF-8 survey to determine the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) contributions to quality of life. Respondents were categorized by injury history (ankle, knee, none) and number of injuries (0, 1, 2, or 3 or more [3+]) to the same joint. Backward linear regression models were used to determine the association between quality of life, age, and injury history separately for SF-8 PCS and MCS, as well as ankle versus knee injury. Results: Reporting 1, 2, or 3+ ankle injuries along with age predicted SF-8 PCS (P < 0.001). Further, 1 or 2 ankle injuries and age (P < 0.001) predicted SF-8 MCS. Reporting 1, 2, or 3+ knee injuries along with age significantly predicted SF-8 PCS (P < 0.001). Age, but not knee injury history, significantly predicted SF-8 MCS (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Current age and history of sustaining at least one injury negatively impact physical quality of life following either a knee or ankle injury. However, mental quality of life was predicted most consistently by age. Efforts to reduce injuries should be employed to improve quality of life, but more research is needed to determine what other factors contribute to quality of life across the lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is little information about whether the established non-pregnant adult venous lactate reference range is appropriate for pregnancy. This prospective observational study examined whether the non-pregnant adult reference range is appropriate during pregnancy. Methods: Women attending for routine prenatal appointments or elective cesarean delivery in a tertiary hospital were recruited. Clinical details were recorded and venous lactate concentration was measured using a point-of-care (POC) device. Results: Of the 246 women, 199 were 6–18 weeks’ gestation and 47 were 36–42 weeks’ gestation. Mean lactate concentration was within the non-pregnant reference range in early and late pregnancy (0.86 SD ± 0.46 mmol/L and 1.15 SD ± 0.40 mmol/L, respectively). The mean time between phlebotomy and result was 6.1 SD ± 1.7 min. There was no correlation between lactate levels and either maternal age or time interval from tourniquet placement to lactate measurement. In women of 6–18 weeks’ gestation positive bivariate relationships were found between lactate and BMI (p = 0.03,r = 0.158), earlier gestational age (p = 0.04,r= −0.145), and smoking (p = 0.01,r = 0.183), but these were not found in late pregnancy. Conclusions: The venous lactate reference range for the non-pregnant adult may be applied in pregnancy. Further studies should examine lactate dynamics in labor and postpartum. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The early detection of foetal growth restriction and macrosomia is an important goal of modern obstetric care. Aberrant foetal growth is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Current modalities for detecting the abnormal foetal growth are often inadequate. Pulse wave analysis using applanation tonometry is a simple and non-invasive test that provides information about the cardiovascular system. Arterial elasticity has previously been implicated in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia and cardiovascular disease. Our study examined the relationship between maternal arterial elasticity and birthweight by using pulse wave analysis. We discovered that increased large artery elasticity predicted a larger baby at birth. Large artery elasticity therefore has the potential to act as a useful screening tool which may help in the prediction of women who are at risk of aberrant foetal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of unplanned pregnancies among severely obese women with those of planned pregnancies.Methods: This prospective cohort study included severely obese women (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥ 40.0 kg/m(2)) who delivered a baby weighing ≥ 500 g over 5 years 2009-2013 in a large university hospital. Maternal weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated at the first prenatal visit.Results: Of the 650 women, the mean BMI was 43.8 kg/m(2), mean age was 31.6 years, and 30.0% (n = 195) were nulliparous. Prenatal complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive and thromboembolic disorders occurred in 56.6% (n = 368). Compared with planned pregnancies (58.2%, n = 378), those that were unplanned (41.8%, n = 272) were associated with increased prepregnancy risk factors including essential hypertension (4.0% versus 1.6%, p = 0.03) and depression (6.6% versus 3.2%, p = 0.03). Unplanned pregnancy was associated with a higher macrosomia rate (birthweight > 4.5 kg) compared with planned pregnancies (p = 0.03). This was not explained by a higher GDM rate in unplanned pregnancies. Compared with planned pregnancies, unplanned pregnancies were not associated with increased adverse fetomaternal outcomes.Conclusion: Despite increased prepregnancy risk factors, in severely obese women, unplanned pregnancies were not associated with increased prenatal complications or adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with planned pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo analyse the relationship between unplanned pregnancy and maternal Body Mass Index (BMI). MethodsA prospective case-control study of planned vs. unplanned pregnancies among women who delivered an infant weighing ≥ 500 g during the four years 2009–2012 in a large maternity hospital in Ireland. Maternal weight and height were measured at the first antenatal visit before calculation of BMI. Clinical and sociodemographic details were computerised. BMI was categorised according to the World Health Organization. The epidemiological associations were examined using logistic regression, adjusted for confounding variables. ResultsBetween 2009 and 2012, 34,377 women were included, 31.7% (n= 10,894) reported an unplanned pregnancy and 16.6% (n= 5647) were obese. The odds ratios of unplanned pregnancy were greater among obese women compared with those of normal BMI (unadjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 1.3; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.3–1.4p< 0.001). These ratios increased with increasing BMI (mild unadjusted OR 1.3; CI 1.2–1.4p< 0.001; moderate unadjusted OR 1.4; CI 1.2–1.6p< 0.001; severe obesity unadjusted OR 1.7; CI 1.4–2.0p< 0.001). The higher rate of unplanned pregnancy among obese women was associated with a lower rate of contraception usage and a higher rate of contraceptive failure. Only 37.6% (n= 2112) of obese women took preconceptional folic acid to prevent neural tube defects compared with 46.1% (n= 8176) of women with a normal BMI (p< 0.001). ConclusionHigher rates of unplanned pregnancy among obese women compared with women with a normal BMI is associated with compromised prepregnancy care in this high-risk population. Chinese Abstract 摘要： 目的分析意外怀孕和孕妇体重指数(BMI)之间的关系。 方法对在爱尔兰的一个大型妇产科医院里，从2009 - 2012年四年间，生产婴儿的体重≥500 g的计划内和计划外怀孕的女性，进行前瞻性病例对照研究。在计算体重指数之前的第一次产前随访时，测量孕妇的体重和身高。临床和社会人口的详细资料已用电脑处理。体重指数是根据世界卫生组织进行的分类。使用逻辑回归进行了流行病学关联调查，同时调整混杂变量。 结果从2009年至2012年期间， 34377名女性被纳入研究。据报道， 31.7%(n=10894)的意外怀孕女性中有16.6%(n=5647)为肥胖女性。肥胖女性意外怀孕的比值比比体重指数(BMI)正常的女性意外怀孕的比值比大(未调整的比值比为1.3；95%可信区间：1.3-1.4， p < 0.001)。这些比值随着体重指数的增加而增大(轻微调整的比值比为1.3；可信区间：1.2-1.2， p < 0.001；适度调整的比值比为1.4；可信区间；1.2-1.6 ，p < 0.001；严重肥胖未经调整的比值比为1.7；可信区间；1.4-2.0 ，p < 1.4)。肥胖女性中较高的意外怀孕率与较低的避孕率及较高的避孕失败率有关。与46.1%(n=8176)的体重指数正常的女性相比，只有37.6%(n=2112) 的肥胖女性服用叶酸来预防神经管缺陷(p < 0.001)。 结论肥胖女性意外怀孕的几率比体重指数正常的女性高，这个结论与肥胖女性放弃孕前保健有关。 关键词： 肥胖孕妇；意外怀孕；避孕 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

America's self-perception has long been influenced by the opinions of America held by foreigners. Admiration for the United States was strong among British radicals in the early and mid-nineteenth century, but there was an alternative position, one that was negative toward America. While some historians have assumed that respect for the United States was a dominant fixture in British radicalism, others have shown that disinterest, or equivocation, or even hostility, was more prevalent. This article explores some of the reasons behind anti-Americanism. Special attention is given to economic matters, slavery, and foreign policy from the late 1820s to the early 1860s, and to the writings and speeches of the radical M.P. and political economist Thomas Perronet Thompson (1783–1869). Thompson's thoughts and activities repay consideration because they point to the range of responses – some of which have been underestimated by historians – that the United States could evoke. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on how Irish Chartist leader James Bronterre O'Brien used the ideologies of French revolutionary politician Maximilian Robespierre in an attempt to reform democracy in Great Britain throughout the early 1800s. The author compares the political and social issues taking place in Britain to those that had started the French Revolution. He discusses O'Brien's role in the history of Chartism, explores how he sought to end aristocratic tyranny, and analyzes the impact of the British parliamentary act known as the 1832 Reform Act on democratic suffrage.

This study contributes to a neglected aspect of the capital budgeting process, namely, the proposal development stage, which is primarily concerned with project cash flow estimation. Given that the deployment of sophisticated selection techniques is severely undermined when directed to input data suffering from bias, it is surprising that minimal empirical research has sought to explore for antecedent factors associated with biasing of capital budgeting cash flow forecasts. This paper reports the findings of a survey concerned with determining factors associated with biasing of capital budget cash flow forecasts in hotels that are mediated by a management contract. Statistically significant support is provided for the view that higher levels of biasing of capital budget cash flow forecasts occur in the presence of: high emphasis attached to the payback investment appraisal method; deficient reserve funds for furniture, fittings, and equipment (FF&E); low operator accessibility to reserve funds for FF&E; shorter periods of time to management contract expiry; and high emphasis attached to non-financial factors in capital budgeting appraisal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The accurate measurement of blood pressure requires the use of a large cuff in subjects with a high mid-arm circumference (MAC). This prospective study examined the need for a large cuff during pregnancy and its correlation with maternal obesity. Methods. Maternal body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and MAC were measured. Results. Of 179 women studied, 15.6%% were obese. With a BMI of level 1 obesity, 44%% needed a large cuff and with a BMI of level 2 obesity 100%% needed a large cuff. Conclusion. All women booking for antenatal care should have their MAC measured to avoid the overdiagnosis of pregnancy hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Leptin is produced mainly by adipocytes. Levels are increased in women with obesity and during pregnancy. Increased levels are also associated with pregnancy complications such as, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. Objective. We studied what component of body composition correlated best with maternal leptin in the first trimester of pregnancy and, whether maternal leptin correlated better with visceral fat rather than fat distributed elsewhere. Subjects and methods. Women were recruited in the first trimester. Maternal adiposity was measured using body mass index and advanced bioelectrical impedance analysis. Maternal leptin was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results. Of the 100 subjects studied, the mean leptin concentration was 37.7 ng/ml (range: 2.1--132.8). Leptin levels did not correlate with gestational age in the first trimester, maternal age, parity or birth weight. Serum leptin correlated positively with maternal weight and body mass index, and with the different parameters of body composition. On multiple regression analysis, serum leptin correlated with visceral fat but not fat distributed elsewhere. Conclusions. Visceral fat is the main determinant of circulating maternal leptin in the first trimester of pregnancy. This raises the possibility that maternal leptin in early pregnancy may be a marker for the development of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes and elucidates the making of Manchester Chartism, with special reference to the Reform Crisis of 1830–32 and its role in highlighting and confirming divisions within and between groups of radicals. For all the importance of personalities, ideas, organisations and national as well as local reform issues, the history of Chartism in Manchester was shaped above all by the town's political configuration. Political and class identities became stronger in 1830–32. This, and subsequent differences of opinion on key questions, ensured that no inclusive reform alliance was possible in Manchester. After examining the Reform Crisis of 1830–32, tracing the separation of middle-class from working-class activists and exploring the internal schisms within plebeian and respectable middle-class campaigns, this article shows how the polarisation of the early 1830s continued into the Chartist period. Problems of contact, communication and sympathy between the different groups were never overcome, and Manchester Chartism would itself experience fragmentation and resistance, just as earlier popular mobilisations in the town had been divided and opposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors aurally presented words varying in emotional content and frequency of exposure to 56 participants during (a) a study phase in which 288 words (72 separate words with repetitions) were presented and (b) a test phase in which participants were presented with the 72 words from the study phase along with 24 new words. In the test phase, participants responded to these 96 words with either a recognition response or a likability response. The recognition results indicated that increased exposure produced increased recognition; however, high arousal and negative valence words produced higher false positive scores. The likability scores revealed an overall mere exposure effect (MEE). However, words of low arousal and of positive valence did not show the MEE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little evidence exists to guide the selection of methods for teaching clinical diagnosis. Purpose: To compare the efficacy, student preference, and cost of a Web-based (WB) program versus a standardized patient (SP) encounter for teaching clinical diagnosis skills to 2nd-year medical students. Methods: Randomized, controlled, crossover study comparing WB versus SP-based teaching for the clinical diagnosis of abdominal pain and headache. Outcome measures were performance on a 2-case SP examination (scored on the basis of a checklist completed by a faculty observer and an objective score on a postencounter subjective-objective assessment plan [SOAP] note), format preferences as assessed by end-of-course evaluations, and cost. Results: Thirty students consented to participate. WB and SP training produced similar scores on both the Abdominal Pain checklist (66% vs. 62%; p = .17) and Headache checklist (56% vs. 63%; p = .07). WB training produced a higher score on the Abdominal Pain SOAP note (69% vs. 47%; p = .006), but not the Headache SOAP note (69% vs. 67%; p = .85). Students rated the SP format higher than the WB format on all 7 preference measures. Start-up costs were estimated at $2,190 for the SP format and $2,250 for the WB format. Ongoing costs per case per student were estimated to be $45 for the SP format and $30 for the WB format. Conclusions: WB and SP learning outcomes were comparable, but students preferred the SP format. Start-up costs were comparable, but the ongoing costs of the WB format were less expensive, suggesting that WB teaching may be a viable strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act in the U.S. Creation of the position of Director of National Intelligence (DNI); Establishment of the National Counterterrorism Center; Job responsibilities of the DNI under the legislation.

Examines the distinctive identity of U.S. intelligence. Elements distinguishing U.S. intelligence from that of other nations; Changes in the intelligence community.

Features books about intelligence service. 'Racing for the Bomb: General Leslie R. Groves,' by Robert S. Norris; 'Brotherhood of the Bomb: The Tangled Lives of Robert Oppenheimer,' by Gregg Herken; 'Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy,' by Paul R. Pillar.

Presents a study which gathered information on incidents of sexual victimization from selected female college students using two-stage measurement strategy. Overview of previous studies on women's sexual victimization and rape acknowledgement; Measurement issues in previous studies; Characteristics of acknowledged rape victims.

Recent debates about modern farming have come to be couched in the terminology of sustainable agriculture, a concept originally developed in respect of international post-World War Two farming, and especially in developing countries. In this paper we ask whether there is a historical dimension to the sustainability question and, in particular, whether by recasting the approach to the long-term development of agriculture it is possible to develop a new view of the manner in which farming has changed through time. We look at open-field farming where it dominated the agriculture of 17th and 18th century England. We show how collective community action had developed over many centuries to protect scarce land resources, and how pressures upon these resources through changing economic and demographic conditions inspired communities to develop and promote sustainable methods of husbandry and management. We demonstrate this world of sustainability through its maintenance of the ecological integrity of the land resource, the economic climate in which it operated, and the equitable ownership and decision-making processes that kept it in place. We also show that eventually the ecological integrity was put under mounting economic pressure arising from demographic forces, and also the external pressures arising from war. In particular we show how such pressures compromised the equitable ownership and access to land resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the significance of various racial issues covered during the United Nations Conference on Race and Racism in Durban, South Africa for Afro-Latino activists and development workers. Highlights of the conference in Durban; Political implications of the terminology Afro-Latino; Challenges faced by Afro-Latinos as discussed during the conference; Significance of the conference for the institutional development of Latin American groups and non-governmental organizations.

This article investigates land management and land income on the Oxbridge college agricultural estates in the middle of 19th century in England. The 19th and early 20th century finances of Oxford and Cambridge universities and their constituent colleges and halls have attracted the attentions of modern scholars investigating the ways the universities adjusted their finances, specially their agricultural incomes. Old tenures adopted what were known as leaseholds and copyholds. Leasehold tenures were held by leaseholders of their landlords either for terms of years or for lives. They could run for the duration of the life of the named lessee, or the lives of a succession of names lessees. In total, the annual rents and other services did not necessarily reflect annual land values, as did rack rents. The colleges were entitled to receive interest on the money that the Copyhold Commission held for them. The process of converting tenures could only be accomplished across the holdings of most estates over an extended period, because entry fines would not all come up for renewal at the same time. A number of advantages inherent in traditional leasehold agreements might be relinquished if modern rack rents were introduced.

Examines the methylmercury (MeHg) content of marine fish dishes in Peru. Use of gas chromatography and selective reduction with cold atomic absorption in blood analysis; Measurement of mercury using neutron activation analysis; Importance of the identifying MeHg concentration for long term studies on the physical and mental growth of children.

The article describes the ideas and activities of Henry Demarest Lloyd during his lifetime in the United States. The focus will be on Lloyd's moralistic approach to social and economic problems, and particularly his concern to redeem America and promote a "New Conscience." In an age of rapid social and economic transformation, Lloyd rejected contemporary celebrations of individualism, self- reliance, laissez-faire and the cult of success. He believed that American society was not working well and that it was wrong to place any trust in self-serving dogmas dressed up as universal truths. Critics such as Lloyd articulated the hopes and fears of those who felt left out, those who were unable to share in the "American Promise" of a better future, those who were being denied rights, opportunities and material comforts. Lloyd spoke up for these people, and shared the same concerns and opinions that motivated many other prominent social commentators. He also entered into an alliance with American labor, as well as writing and lecturing ceaselessly against the most harmful practices of corporations.

This is a cautionary tale and embodied in it is an appeal to mount an immediate business relations exercise. The caution is not the obvious concern of today as business historians, but rather it is a doom-laden message to the next one, two or more generations of business historians. There is no future for business history because there will be precious few business history records to investigate. Seemingly the twentieth-century entrepreneur is a much more efficient user of space, of filing systems and of office technology than his eighteenth-and nineteenth-century counterparts. Space particularly is highly valued and jealously guarded. If it is not being used for productive purposes or planned for future productive purposes then it is being wasted. All manner of business documents, once their contents have been processed or enacted, are no longer productive and occupy valuable space and must therefore make way for current documentation in short they are destroyed. The computer as filing clerk, wages clerk, invoice clerk and so on, has the double advantage of sorting all that is current and instantly destroying all that becomes redundant. Even quite small enterprises employ modest electronic devices.

Although reorganizing the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration had been repeatedly proposed in the past seven years, it was not until January 29, 1979 that Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) introduced the “Justice System improvement Act” designed to do just that. An examination of this bill, and a comparison of the present LEAA structure and function with that proposed in the Act illustrates that the legislation will serve to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice fiscal assistance programs. The suggested course is to separate the research and statistics components from purely assistance functions and giving LEAA the latter responsibility on an exclusive basis. Research and Statistics would be housed in their own individual organizational structures, but within the preview of the Department of Justice. Two shortcomings, however, could serve to defeat the proposed bill. Although the legislation gives priority to fiscal assistance to state/local jurisdictions, there is no corresponding increase in financial commitment on the part of the Federal Government. In fact, the FY 1980 budget allocates LEAA its lowest funding level since 1972. At a time of growing concern over crime rates, this would certainly serve to soften the impact of the reorganization effort. In addition, maintaining the research function within the, Department of Justice could well prove prejudicial to research findings. The recommended course of action is to adopt the proposal which calls for an independent “National Institute of Justice,” to be organized along similar lines as the National Science Foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]