In Defence of British Politics Against the British Political Tradition

This article explores some of the current themes round the perceived crisis in British politics in supposed an age of ‘anti‐politics’. Drawing on Bernard Crick's In Defence of Politics, it offers a critique of what is referred to as a dominant British political tradition and in so doing seeks to challenge ‘demand‐side’ accounts that ostensibly defend the traditional arena politics of the Westminster system. Instead, it argues that developments around issues such as big data, social media and freedom of information have led to a more open society in recent years. It concludes by suggesting that if traditional political institutions wish to restore a greater degree of legitimacy, they need to ‘do’ or, more particularly, ‘supply’ politics differently, adapting to these changes by seeking out new modes of openness, engagement and accountability.     

Thinking About Prison Release and Budget Crisis in the Blue Grass State

As of 2003, nearly every state in the country is in budget crisis, looking to cut spending or raise taxes, or both. Kentucky is currently facing a severe budget crisis and is seeking ways to lower its prison costs. We interviewed prisoners, parolees, and correctional staff. Our focus is on reentry and structural problems contributing to parole failure. The discussion is organized around the following themes: the lack of meaningful prison programs, preparing for release from prison, problems finding employment, the parolee relationship with parole officers, the need for protection from minor parole violations, loss of credit for good time served on parole, and the lack of economic resources. Based on our findings, 10 recommendations are offered that, if implemented, would serve to lower the prison population, and save the taxpayers millions of dollars. While the research was conducted in one state the discussion may be generalized to apply to many states.     

Vitreous humor chemistry: the use of potassium concentration for the prediction of the postmortem interval

Upon review of the literature, extensive disagreement was found as to the usefulness of vitreous humor potassium concentration as a predictor of the postmortem interval (PMI). A pilot study of 1427 cases was performed to address this problem. The requisite statistical analysis for the prediction of PMI is inverse prediction. The 95% inverse prediction interval was found to be approximately +/- 20 h. The linear regression equation for the data was y = 0.238 chi + 6.342, with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.374. This r2 value means that 62.6% of the variation of potassium is unaccounted for by the variation in PMI. Further studies are required to attribute this unaccounted variation to quantifiable factors. This would narrow the inverse prediction interval and enable vitreous potassium to be a useful aid in the prediction of PMI.     

Corporate public affairs: necessary cost or value‐added asset?

This paper examines the valuation tools available to measure the financial contribution that public affairs activities add to the corporate bottom line. The paper begins with a consideration of the state of quantification in public affairs. Next, theoretical frameworks for broad classes of valuation methodologies are presented. Specific models applied by companies are also examined, outlining their advantages and limitations. The paper concludes with recommendations for implementing quantitative financial measures and opportunities for future research. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications     

Application of 3-D computer graphics for facial reconstruction and comparison with sculpting techniques

Facial reconstruction has until now been carried out by the sculpting technique. This method involves building a face with clay or other suitable material on to a skull or its cast, taking into account appropriate facial thickness measurements together with information provided by anthropologists such as approximate age, sex, race and other individual idiosyncrasies. A method for facial reconstruction is presented using 3-D computer graphics and is compared with the manual technique. The computer method involves initially digitising a skull using a laser scanner and video camera interfaced to a computer. A face, from a data bank which has previously digitised facial surfaces, is then placed over the skull in the form of a mask and the skin thickness is altered to conform with the underlying skull. The advantage of the computer method is its speed and flexibility. We have shown that the computer method for reconstructing a face is feasible and furthermore has the advantage over the manual technique of speed and flexibility. Nevertheless, the technique is far from perfect. Further facial thickness data needs collecting and the method requires evaluation using both known control skulls and later unknown remains.     

CRIMINAL CHILDREN

Law and Philosophy -     

Methylphenidate and hospitalized adolescents with conduct disorder: Dose effects on classroom behavior,academic performance,and impulsivity

The effects of methylphenidate on hospitalized conduct-disordered (CD) adolescents were examined by using teacher ratings of behavior, a measure of classroom learning, and a test of impulsivity. Twenty-two male adolescents with CD, 12–18 years of age, participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject (crossover) design in which each adolescent received three doses of methylphenidate (10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg) and a placebo in a randomly assigned, counterbalanced order. Seven of the adolescents had a comorbid diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Significant overall medication effects were shown on teacher ratings of conduct, and on number of arithmetic questions correctly completed and time spent. Within the limitations of this study, stimulant actions may be effective for some aspects of CD in the absence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, although only for specific measures.This project was supported by BRSG S 07 RR 05364 awarded to Ronald T. Brown by the Biomedical Research Support Grant Program, Division of Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, and by an award from the Emory University Research Fund.Portions of this paper were presented at the 96th annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Atlanta, Georgia, August 1988.Received his Ph.D. from Georgia State University. His research include attention deficit disorders, psychopharmacology, and pediatric psychology.Received his M.D. from Albert Einstein School of Medicine. His research interests include adolescents and attention deficit disorder.Received his M.Ed. degree from Georgia State University. His research interests are in the area of attention deficit disorder.Received his M.D. from the University of West Virginia. His research interests include autism and attention deficit disorder.     

Halfway houses and parole: A national assesment

As part of a 1978 national study of parole, the roles of halfway houses for criminal offenders were examined. It was found that the number of halfway houses began to expand rapidly in the 1960s, and that both services and types of clientele proliferated in the 1970s. Three underlying assumptions of halfway houses were examined, and a topology of houses was developed. It was concluded that halfway houses may be as effective as any other parole program and strategy and may be more cost effective at this time. Future research should further clarify and expand on types of houses and their treatment modalities, linking treatment outcomes to recidivism and reintegration, as well as on including more adequate comparison groups.