Showing papers by "Suffolk University published in 2006"

Effects of alcohol advertising exposure on drinking among youth.

Abstract: Objective To test whether alcohol advertising expenditures and the degree of exposure to alcohol advertisements affect alcohol consumption by youth. Design Longitudinal panel using telephone surveys. Setting Households in 24 US media markets, April 1999 to February 2001. Participants Individuals aged 15 to 26 years were randomly sampled within households and households within media markets. Markets were systematically selected from the top 75 media markets, representing 79% of the US population. The baseline refusal rate was 24%. Sample sizes per wave were 1872, 1173, 787, and 588. Data on alcohol advertising expenditures on television, radio, billboards, and newspapers were collected. Main Exposures Market alcohol advertising expenditures per capita and self-reported alcohol advertising exposure in the prior month. Main Outcome Measure Self-reported number of alcoholic drinks consumed in the prior month. Results Youth who saw more alcohol advertisements on average drank more (each additional advertisement seen increased the number of drinks consumed by 1% [event rate ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.02]). Youth in markets with greater alcohol advertising expenditures drank more (each additional dollar spent per capita raised the number of drinks consumed by 3% [event rate ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.05]). Examining only youth younger than the legal drinking age of 21 years, alcohol advertisement exposure and expenditures still related to drinking. Youth in markets with more alcohol advertisements showed increases in drinking levels into their late 20s, but drinking plateaued in the early 20s for youth in markets with fewer advertisements. Control variables included age, gender, ethnicity, high school or college enrollment, and alcohol sales. Conclusion Alcohol advertising contributes to increased drinking among youth.

The Value of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) in Surgical In-Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract: INTRODUCTION The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) is a simple, physiological score that may allow improvement in the quality and safety of management provided to surgical ward patients. The primary purpose is to prevent delay in intervention or transfer of critically ill patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 334 consecutive ward patients were prospectively studied. MEWS were recorded on all patients and the primary end-point was transfer to ITU or HDU. RESULTS Fifty-seven (17%) ward patients triggered the call-out algorithm by scoring four or more on MEWS. Emergency patients were more likely to trigger the system than elective patients. Sixteen (5% of the total) patients were admitted to the ITU or HDU. MEWS with a threshold of four or more was 75% sensitive and 83% specific for patients who required transfer to ITU or HDU. CONCLUSIONS The MEWS in association with a call-out algorithm is a useful and appropriate risk-management tool that should be implemented for all surgical in-patients.

Blacked Out: Government Secrecy in the Information Age

Abstract: 1. The glass case Part I. Context: 2. Secrecy and security 3. Gulliver 4. Message discipline 5. Soft states Part II. Structure: 6. Opaque networks 7. The corporate evil 8. Remote control Part III. Technology: 9. Liquid paper Part IV. Conclusion: 10. We like to watch Notes.

Sense of coherence and parenting stress in mothers and fathers of preschool children with developmental disability

Abstract: Background Few previous studies have examined Antonovsky's (1979, 1987) sense of coherence (SOC) in parents of young children with developmental disability (DD). This study explored relationships b...

The Business of Ethics and Gender

Abstract: Unethical decision-making behavior within organizations has received increasing attention over the past ten years. As a result, a plethora of studies have examined the relationship between gender and business ethics. However, these studies report conflicting results as to whether or not men and women differ with regards to business ethics. In this article, we propose that gender identity theory [Spence: 1993, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 64, 624–635], provides both the theory and empirical measures to explore the influence of psychological gender traits and gender-role attitudes on ethical perceptions of workplace behaviors. Statistical analyses of the data reveal that based on sex alone, no differences occur between men and women in their ethical perceptions. Yet, when a multidimensional approach to gender is applied, results show that expressive traits and egalitarian gender-role attitudes contribute to both men’s and women’s propensity to perceive unethical workplace behaviors as unethical. The implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are presented.

Oligarchic Family Control, Social Economic Outcomes, and the Quality of Government

Abstract: Wealthy families, as opposed to small public shareholders, characterize ownership of the large corporate sectors of many countries around the world. This paper shows that greater oligarchic family control over large corporations is associated with worse social economic outcomes. It also correlates with more bureaucratic and more interventionist governments, and less developed financial markets. Further tests show that red tape, price controls, and the lack of shareholder rights protection are the paramount factors relating to the extent of family control of large firms. These results are broadly consistent with Olson and others who argue that economically entrenched wealthy insiders pursue rent-seeking activities to preserve the status quo, and that this increases corruption, and impedes growth.

Prevalence of Ehrlichia, Borrelia, and Rickettsial Agents in Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) Collected from Nine States

Abstract: Ambyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) is an aggressive tick that feeds on humans during all postembryonic life stages. In many regions of the United States, it is the tick most commonly found attached to humans. Public health interest has grown recently, due to the recognition of new human pathogens transmitted by A. americanum and the expanding distribution of the tick. A.americanum is a vector of several bacteria pathogenic to humans. Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii cause moderate-to-severe febrile illness. "Rickettsia amblyommii," a member of the spotted fever group Rickettsia, also has recently been implicated as a possible human pathogen based on serologic evidence from persons recovering from illness after a tick bite. We have determined the prevalence of infection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, "Borrelia lonestari," and R. amblyommii within A. americanum ticks from 29 sites in nine states. Overall infection prevalences were 4.7% for E. chaffeensis (range, 0 Ð27%), 3.5% for E. ewingii (range, 0 Ð18.6%), 2.5% for B. lonestari (range, 0 Ð12.2%), and 41.2% for R. amblyommii (range, 0 Ð 84.0%). In addition, 87 ticks (4.3%) were infected with two or more bacteria. This report documents new distribution records for E.ewingii,B.lonestari, and R. amblyommii and underscores the nonhomogeneous distribution of pathogen foci of infection. Additional surveillance throughout the range of A.americanum is warranted to increase physician and public awareness of the risk of disease to humans from exposure to the agents transmitted by this tick.

Online communication preferences across age, gender, and duration of Internet use.

Abstract: The present study explored variations in online communication and relationship preferences for friends, family, coworkers, and unknown individuals across gender (men, women), age (young, middle, late), and duration of Internet use (low, medium, high). A total of 174 individuals participated in this study. They were divided into two gender (86 men and 88 women), three age (60 young, 60 middle, and 54 late) and three Internet use duration (60 low, 58 medium, and 54 high) groups. All participants completed several questionnaires that assessed online communication and relationship building preferences. Results indicated no significant main effect for gender and online communication and relationship preferences. The main effect for age was significant for online communication with friends and unknown individuals. Young adults indicated their higher preferences for online communication with friends and unknown individuals compared to middle and late adult age groups. The main effect for duration of Internet use was significant for online communication and relationship preferences. High Internet users indicated higher scores on online communication and relationship building, compared to their counterparts. No significant main effects for duration of Internet use were significant on any of the offline characteristics. Implications of these findings and their relevance to mental health issues and organizational environment were discussed.

The Other CSR: Consumer Social Responsibility

Abstract: Recent evidence suggesting consumers don't pull their own weight when it comes to ethical consumerism means that it can be somewhat of a pyrrhic victory for companies seeking to spruce up their social credentials. We discuss the extent to which an onus lies with consumers to help corporations make concrete changes in social responsibility by sticking to their side of the bargain.

Characterizing regime shifts in the marine environment

Abstract: Recent years have seen a plethora of studies reporting that ‘regime shifts’ have occurred in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during the last century. In many cases, the criteria used to distinguish a regime shift have not been explicitly stated. In other cases, a formal definition has been proposed and the data set assessed against it. Developing a universal quantitative definition for identifying and distinguishing between purported climatic and ecological regime shifts has proved problematic as many authors have developed criteria that seem unique to the system under study. Consequently, they throw little light on the drivers of ecological regime shifts. Criteria used to define regime shifts are reviewed and on the basis of evidence from purported regime shifts, common characteristics in the speed and amplitude of the changes and the duration of quasi-stable states are used to propose a more clearly defined set of criteria for defining climatic and ecological regime shifts. Causal drivers of regime shifts are explored using correlation analysis. Limitations of these methods are discussed.

Modelling an exploited marine fish community with 15 parameters - results from a simple size-based model

Abstract: To measure and predict the response of fish communities to exploitation, it is necessary to understand how the direct and indirect effects of fishing interact. Because fishing and predation are size-selective processes, the potential response can be explored with size-based models. We use a simulation approach to describe the relationship between size spectrum slope and overall fishing mortality and to try to understand how a linear spectrum might be maintained. The model uses 15 parameters to describe a 13-‘‘species’’ fish community, where species are defined by their maximum body size and the general relationship between size and life-history characteristics. The simulations allow us to assess the role of changes in the strength and type of density dependence in controlling the response to fishing, and to investigate the trade-off between catches and stock status of the different species. The outputs showed that the linear slope of the size spectrum was a function of community exploitation rate. Density-dependent controls, specifically predation mortality and the extent of compensation in the stock-recruit relationship, were key mechanisms in maintaining a linear spectrum. A linear spectrum emerged independent of the rate of compensation in the stockrecruit relationship. When this rate was low, the effects of changes in fishing mortality on predator abundance dominated those on spawning-stock biomass, whereas the dominance was reversed when the compensation rate in the stock-recruit relationship was high. The approach allows us to explore the effects of different fishing mortality schedules on properties of the fish community, to assess how fishing affects species with different life histories in mixed fisheries, and to assess the effects of selectively fishing different size classes. The simulations indicate that the size classes to be included when developing and interpreting size-based metrics must be carefully considered in relation to the trophic structure and likely strength of predatory interactions in the community. Runs with different fishing mortality by size suggest that the dynamics of predation cannot compensate fully for changing rates and patterns of exploitation, implying that the effects of selectively fishing different size classes should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Design and performance of an InGaAs-InP single-photon avalanche diode detector

Abstract: This paper describes the design, fabrication, and performance of planar-geometry InGaAs-InP devices which were specifically developed for single-photon detection at a wavelength of 1550 nm. General performance issues such as dark count rate, single-photon detection efficiency, afterpulsing, and jitter are described.

Design and Performance of an InGaAs-InP Single-Photon Avalanche Diode Detector

Abstract: This paper describes the design, fabrication, and performance of planar-geometry InGaAs-InP devices which were specifically developed for single-photon detection at a wavelength of 1550 nm. General performance issues such as dark count rate, single-photon detection efficiency, afterpulsing, and jitter are described.

Social networks and the psychological contract: Structural holes, cohesive ties, and beliefs regarding employer obligations

Abstract: This study examined the relationship between employees' social network positions and their psychological contract beliefs. In particular, it investigated the relationship of employee advice and friendship ties with their employer's relational (long-term, non-monetizable), balanced (performance-related), and transactional (short-term, monetizable) obligations to them. Data obtained from a start-up research firm showed that employees brokering structural holes in the advice network believed the firm had greater balanced and transactional obligations to them. Employees with cohesive ties in the friendship network also believed that the firm owed them more balanced and transactional obligations. Neither structural holes nor cohesion were related to relational obligations. This study develops implications for psychological contracts and social networks research.

Long-term changes in zooplankton biomass concentration and mean size over the Northwest European shelf inferred from Continuous Plankton Recorder data

Abstract: Data from the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) survey over the past 40 years have shown that the abundance of copepods in many parts of the North Atlantic has declined, indicating geographical shifts in the plankton communities. Because the CPR does not sample all zooplankton species with equal efficiency, these observations may give a biased view of the overall changes. Here, we compensate for CPR undersampling by using previously published species-specific correction factors derived from comparisons of catches made with WP-2 ring-nets and the CPR. Based on such corrected data, the southern North Sea showed the highest concentrations of biomass, in contrast to maps based on uncorrected data, in which the areas of highest biomass were in the northern North Sea. Trend analysis confirmed the previously reported general decrease of total biomass. There has also been a general decrease in the mean size of zooplankton over time in the northern North Sea, but this has not been observed elsewhere. The results indicate the importance of smaller zooplankton species in the ecology of the Northwest European shelf. The changes in community structure may have general implications for energy transfer efficiency to higher trophic levels, and for the sustainability of fisheries resources.

Apparatus for and a method of delivering a message to a user

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a message to a user comprising means for communicating with service providers and means for communicating with device agents operating on respective user devices, wherein the service provider communicating means is configured to receive a request to communicate with a specified user and to selectively output a message for the user to said device agent communicating means and wherein the device agent communicating means is configured to maintain a list of connected device agents, to receive said message and to transmit said message to a selected device agent dependent upon a routing policy for said user.

Orbitofrontal correlates of aggression and impulsivity in psychiatric patients

Abstract: The association between orbital frontal cortex (OFC) volume and aggression and impulsivity was investigated among a heterogeneous group of non-psychotic psychiatric clients. Fifteen non-psychotic subjects from two different psychiatric clinics (New England Medical Center and Lemuel Shattuck Hospital) with a variety of diagnoses were sequentially referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for clinical purposes. This convenience sample, clinically stable at the time of evaluation, received a standardized psychiatric diagnostic interview, aggression and impulsivity psychometrics (Barratt Impulsivity, Lifetime History of Aggression, and Buss-Perry Aggression scales), and an MRI protocol with image analysis. OFC gray matter volume, total as well as left and right, was significantly and positively associated with motor impulsivity. OFC asymmetry was associated with aggression, though total, left, and right OFC volume measurements were not. For subjects without affective disorder, there was a strong and positive association of the OFC to motor and no-planning subscales of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale. For subjects with affective disorder, there was a strong association of OFC asymmetry to both of the aggression psychometrics. Consistent with expectation, results are suggestive of OFC involvement in the neural circuitry of impulsivity and aggression. The findings suggest a dissociation of the role of the OFC in relation to aggression and impulsivity, such that the OFC may play a part in the regulation of aggressive behavior and a generative role in impulsive behavior.

The Effects of Perceived Fairness on Opportunistic Behavior

Abstract: The classic agency model provides the basis for a large number of organizational contracts in the contemporary business environment. However, contracting provisions based on this model may induce undesirable behavior and shifts in employee value systems. Therefore, we expand upon the agency model by exploring fairness as a motivator of positive behavior in the contracting environment. Managers were asked to make a cost allocation decision in which we manipulated information asymmetry (absent or pre-sent) and incentives (absent, low, or high). Results indicate that subjects' perception of the fairness of the action dominates the agency effect in determining the intent to act opportunistically. Further analysis suggests that, among subjects who perceive that the action is unfair, the inclination to behave opportunistically is insensitive to the size of the incentive to do so. We conclude that researchers and managers should consider fairness as an important element of the opportunity-incentive-action dynamic when the need for contracting around potential agency problems arises.

Long-term results in ossiculoplasty: an analysis of prognostic factors.

Abstract: Objectives:The aim of the present study is to examine the prognostic factors based on 6-month and 5-year results of ossiculoplasty.Study Design:Retrospective analysis was made on the ossiculoplasty cases in a county hospital. The information was extracted from a computer database.Methods:All patient

Impaired cognition and decision-making in bipolar depression but no 'affective bias' evident.

Abstract: Background Depression is usually the predominant affective state in bipolar disorder. There are few studies, with discrepant views, examining the extent of cognitive impairment in patients with bipolar depression. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies examining decision-making ability or whether there is an affective attentional bias in bipolar depression. Method We ascertained 24 depressed bipolar I patients from acute psychiatric hospital wards and out-patient clinics and 26 age- and IQ-matched healthy controls. Using computerized tests we evaluated their performance on 'neutral' (non-emotional) cognitive tasks (i.e. memory, attention and executive function) and on novel tasks of emotional cognition (i.e. the decision-making task and the affective go/no-go task). Results Accuracy measures were significantly impaired on tests of visual and spatial recognition and attentional set-shifting in bipolar depression compared with age- and IQ-matched controls. The quality of decision-making was also significantly impaired in the patients. A mood-congruent attentional bias for 'sad' targets was not evident on the affective go/no-go task. Conclusions We found widespread evidence of significant cognitive impairment and impaired quality of decision-making in symptomatically severe depressed bipolar patients. This cognitive impairment may contribute to difficulties with daily living, decision-making and the ability to engage and comply with psychological and drug treatments.

Seasonal migration of thornback rays and implications for closure management

Abstract: Sharks and rays are vulnerable to fisheries exploitation because of late maturation and low fecundity, highlighting the need for effective conservation strategies. Area closures have been proposed as an appropriate management option for thornback rays in the southern North Sea, where they appear to form local subpopulations between which there is limited mixing. To gain a fishery-independent estimation of stock distribution, 197 thornback rays Raja clavata tagged with electronic data storage tags (DST) were released in the Thames Estuary in 1999 and 2000. The tidal location method was used to estimate the positions of individual fish between time of release and recapture. The fishery-independent seasonal stock distributions were integrated with landings data and a simple model was developed to estimate monthly fishing effort per International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) rectangle by different fleets and gear types. The potential impacts of closed area management, in terms of reducing thornback ray mortality in the southern North Sea, were calculated. Spatial closures were applied either (i) as permanent closures of individual ICES rectangles or (ii) seasonally, at the level of the Thames Estuary. Catch reductions were calculated allowing for the redistribution of fishing effort. The results confirmed the importance of the Thames Estuary for thornback rays. However, 77% of rays moved outside the estuary over winter, with seasonal migration into the Thames to spawn between March and August. The effects of closures varied between areas and gear types. Permanent closures of individual ICES rectangles were less effective at reducing fishing mortality on rays than a spring or summer closure of the Thames Estuary as a whole, which would have a major impact on the commercially more valuable sole fishery. Synthesis and applications. The results presented illustrate the potential impacts of a range of closure scenarios, prior to their implementation, as a basis for advice on sustainable exploitation of thornback rays. These models could be further refined by additional studies of juvenile behaviour and of other ray subpopulations in the southern North Sea.

Long-term results of ossiculoplasty: reasons for surgical failure.

Abstract: Objectives:To present the value of a dedicated ear audit clinic, the overall long-term results of ossiculoplasty, and the reasons for surgical failure.Study Design:Retrospective analysis was performed on ossiculoplasty cases in a county hospital. The information was extracted from a computer

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in canine intracranial meningiomas and association with patient survival.

Abstract: Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a regulator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability. In human patients with meningiomas, increased VEGF expression is predictive of postsurgical recurrence. The objectives of this study were to evaluate VEGF expression in canine intracranial meningiomas and to determine whether an association between VEGF expression and patient survival existed. Methodology: Tumor tissue from 17 dogs with histologically confirmed intracranial meningiomas was obtained surgically. All dogs then were treated with radiotherapy. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 5-mm sections of paraffin-embedded tumor tissue with rabbit anti-human VEGF polyclonal antibody. The extent, intensity, and distribution of VEGF staining for each section were assessed with light microscopy by means of a semiquantitative scale. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier procedure. Survival rates among groups were compared by log-rank tests with the significance set at P # .05. Findings: VEGF expression was detected in all tumors, with .50% of cells staining positively in tissues from 15/17 dogs. Shorter survival times were associated with greater VEGF expression (P 5 .01). Conclusions: VEGF expression can be measured in canine intracranial meningiomas and may be associated with poor