The detention of asylum seekers in the UK: bail for immigration detainees

Feminist economics draws increasing attention from professional mainstream economists. In this paper, we discuss methodological issues, some theoretical developments – notably on the household – and issues of economic policy. We point to parallels between feminist economics and institutional economics, and argue that these relations might be strengthened to the benefit of both.     

A Dragon in Cheap Clothing: What Lessons can be Learned from the EU–China Textile Dispute?

Abstract:  This article deals with the textile dispute that occurred between the EU and China in summer 2005. The dispute is analysed in the context of the expiry of the Multi-Fibre Agreement (MFA), China's accession to the World Trade Organisation and the resulting challenge posed by Chinese textiles and clothing to some European countries' industries. The main conclusions of the analysis are as follows. First, the cause of the dispute lies in a lack of preparedness on the part of the EU. Second, more innovative ways than safeguards will have to be found to address growing competition from China. Third, divergent interests among EU Member States made a coherent response to the competitive pressure posed by Chinese exports impossible, which might pose great problems in the future. Fourth, by shielding itself from Chinese exports while pushing China for market opening and liberalisation, the EU can be reproached for pursuing double standards.     

Strengthening the Connection Between Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and Family Violence: The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring,Research and Inclusive Terminology

Family violence (FV) harms communities worldwide so FV prevention strategies and effective responses are urgently needed. This article reports on FV apparent in a study which explored the experiences of people with both ABI and justice system encounters in Victoria, Australia. One hundred interviews and one focus group consulted people with ABI, their families and carers, and various stakeholder groups in the Victorian justice system in Australia. Qualitative content analysis determined dominant themes and sub-themes and the less common themes. Inductive interpretive content analysis identified themes commonly found in previous published research and themes that appeared unique to, or unanticipated in, our data, such as the FV theme upon which this article focuses. Our findings reveal that FV has adversely affected many people with ABI who came into contact with Victoria’s justice system. Further, as ABI and FV often co-occur with substance abuse, mental health problems, socio-economic and many other significant disadvantages, for some FV perpetrators with an ABI, their ABI symptoms and characteristic co-morbidities may be a mitigating factor in their offending. The connection between ABI and family violence emerged as a troubling research theme. Indeed, the impact of FV on too many of our participants with an ABI compels us to call for further related research and secondary prevention programs targeted at FV victims, and offenders, living with ABI. An intersectional understanding of family violence and TBI/ABI in social ecological contexts is required to better understand brain injury at both individual and population levels.

     

Developmental Differences in Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Use of Mothers, Fathers, Best Friends, and Romantic Partners to Fulfill Attachment Needs

Adolescents and young adults (three age groups: 12–15, 16–19, and 20–28 years) reported their use of parents, and peers to fulfill attachment functions (proximity-seeking, safe haven, and secure base.) The use of each target figure varied with age and attachment function. Mothers were an important source of security across this age range. They were used as secure base consistently more than fathers or peers for all age groups, and regardless of whether or not participants had romantic partners; but were used less for proximity and safe haven by the two older groups. Best friends were used most and more than others as a safe haven; but were used less by young adults (vs. early adolescents) and by older adolescents with romantic partners. Romantic partners were used most and more than others for proximity; but were used less by early adolescents than by older participants. Fathers were selected less than other targets for all attachment functions. Those with romantic partners turned to them more than to others, and young adults selected their romantic partners as much as friends for safe haven. Those insecurely attached to mother turned to her less and to romantic partners more than did those securely attached. Implications for developmental changes in adolescent attachments are discussed. Professor of Psychology and Applied Human Sciences, Concordia University. Received PhD in social psychology from Ohio State University. Research interests include close interpersonal relationships and adjustment. Received MA in social/developmental psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University. Research interests include attachment and well-being in adolescence Received PhD in developmental psychology from Stanford University. Research interests include parenting, attachment, and adjustment in adolescence Received BA in Psychology (Honors) from Concordia University. Research interests include romantic relationships in adolescence     

Book Reviews

Ben Agger, Fast Capitalism: A Critical Theory of Significance (Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1989), 191 pp.

Donna Haraway, Simians, Cyborgs, and Women, 1991, New York: Routledge, ISBN 0–415–90387–4

Timothy W. Luke, Screens of Power. Ideology, Domination, and Resistance in Informational Society: (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1989), pp. 265.

Andre Gorz, Critique of Economic Reason. London: Verso. 1989. pp. 250.     

Lethal self administration of propofol (Diprivan). A case report and review of the literature

The death of a female anaesthesiologist is reported. Although the situation at the scene indicated propofol overdose-related death, self-administration of such high doses of propofol was unlikely, given the pharmacological properties of this drug. The analysis of the situation at the scene and the toxicological analysis in which the blood and liver propofol concentrations were 2.40microg/ml and 0.56microg/g, respectively, supported the conclusion that the death was a consequence of propofol self-administration at therapeutic doses from a person who used the drug on chronic basis seeking to its euphoric effects. However, because the toxic concentrations of propofol in non-intubated patients may be different from those intubated and fully supported in the operating room or in the intensive care unit, a mere interpretation of the blood and tissue concentrations of propofol in the toxicological analysis can confirm the drug intake but it may be of limited diagnostic significance without taking into account this difference.     

Genetic STRs variation in a large population from Tuscany (Italy)

Allele frequencies for 17 STRs, together with some parameters of forensic interest, were estimated in a sample of 835 unrelated individuals born in Tuscany, an Italian region. These data were compared with Italian, Chinese, Kosovo Albanian, Romanian and Tunisian populations, strongly represented in this area. No significant differences in single loci were detected, except for Chinese in comparison with all the other populations.