bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Camelid Immunoglobulins and Their Importance for the New‐Born – A Review
Authors: Wernery U.
Published: September 2010

Camelid immunoglobulins differ from all other known antibodies and contradict all common theories on antibody diversity. It was demonstrated that up to 75 % of all serum proteins are immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules lacking light chains. IgG2and IgG3, which only consist of heavy chains, have a low molecular weight which improves their biodistribution and allows a better tissue penetration. Of special importance is the long complementary determining region (CDR) loop which inserts deep into the active site of an enzyme. This binding property was only observed in experiments to gain structural data and to point out the extraordinary value of heavy chain antibodies as biochemical and pharmacological tools. The acquisition and absorption of adequate amounts of colostral immunoglobulins are essential to the health of the neonate. Pre‐colostrum serum IgG levels in camelids are low, with concentrations of 0.26 ± 0.23 mg/ml. Maximum IgG levels are reached after 24 h and kept at a plateau with concentrations of 24.52 ± 8.8 mg/dl. IgG concentrations above 10 mg/ml indicate a successful passive transfer. IgG levels decline after 2–5 weeks and a marked increase is observed between 1 and 2 months, indicating that the immune system of the neonate has started to mature. A number of different tests are available for the assessment of IgG serum levels. Single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) is the only method that specifically measures serum IgG concentrations. It is a reliable assay to test failure of passive transfer (FPT). FPT is a major factor in neonatal mortality in camelids, but very little has been published so far. Therapeutic administration of colostrum will provide passive protection against infectious diseases for a 2–3‐week period of risk, and the intravenous administration of 20–40 ml of camelid plasma helps to combat FPT.
Products of Fourth‐Stage Larvae of Oesophagostomum dentatum Induce Proliferation in Naïve Porcine Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Freigofas R. , Leibold W. , Daugschies A. , Joachim A. , Schuberth H.‐J.
Published: September 2010

Infection of pigs with Oesophagostomum dentatum is a major cause of economic losses in pig productions. Whether infection with this nematode results in a protective immunity is still in debate and information about immune‐modulating properties of O. dentatum are lacking. The present study investigated the question whether products of O. dentatum larvae modulate the proliferative response of porcine blood mononuclear cells (poMNC) in vitro. The poMNC of naïve and O. dentatum‐infected pigs were cultured for 72 h in the presence of products (total homogenates and culture supernates) derived from third‐ (L3) and fourth‐stage larvae (L4) of O. dentatum. Numbers of vital cells and blast‐transformed cells were determined flow cytometrically. No larvae product induced an accelerated death of poMNC in vitro. In contrast, products of L4 (but not L3) significantly increased the numbers of vital poMNC in vitro (up to 187 %). In addition, L4 products (homogenates and supernates, 0.1–10 μg/ml) but not those of L3 induced significant blastogenesis of poMNC. This was seen with poMNC from naïve and from O. dentatum‐infected animals. In spite of these effects, the larvae products were not able to modulate the mitogen‐induced (Concanavalin A) poMNC proliferation of naïve and infected animals. In summary, larvae of O. dentatum contain and secrete products with potential immunomodulatory capacity for porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The differential effects of L3 and L4 indicate that the parasite alters its set of immunomodulatory substances during its development. This has to be considered in further studies and may help to identify the mediators involved.
First Isolation of Rotavirus Associated with Neonatal Diarrhoea in Guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in the Argentinean Patagonia Region
Authors: Parreño V. , Costantini V. , Cheetham S. , Blanco Viera J. , Saif L. J. , Fernández F. , Leoni L. , Schudel A.
Published: September 2010

Group A rotavirus (RV) and coronavirus (CV) are common viral pathogens associated with neonatal diarrhoea in numerous animal species. The purpose of this work was to investigate the presence of these viral agents in two farm populations of captured guanacos (Lama guanicoe) in the Argentinean Patagonia region, that developed severe diarrhoea outbreaks. Stool and serum samples were analysed for RV and bovine CV antigen and antibody by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Rotavirus was detected in faeces from two new‐born guanacos with acute diarrhoea, one in each farm. After electrophoretic analysis, each isolated strain, showed a distinctive long dsRNA electropherotype characteristic of group A rotaviruses (4:2:3:2). In addition, 95% (38 of 40) of the sampled animals were positive for RV antibodies, suggesting a high prevalence of RV infection in the populations tested. No evidence of CV circulation by antigen or antibody analysis was observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the detection and isolation of RV associated with neonatal diarrhoea inLama guanicoe.
Efficacy of Tilmicosin Phosphate (Pulmotil®Premix) in Feed for the Treatment of a Clinical Outbreak ofActinobacilluspleuropneumoniaeInfection in Growing–Finishing Pigs
Authors: Hoflack G. , Maes D. , Mateusen B. , Verdonck M. , De Kruif A.
Published: September 2010

A double‐blind randomized clinical trial was carried out to investigate the efficacy of tilmicosin (Pulmotil®premix) for the treatment of a clinical outbreak ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeinfection in growing–finishing pigs. The effects of tilmicosin administration in the feed at 400 mg/kg and an injection therapy of clinically diseased pigs with long‐acting oxytetracycline (Terramycine®LA) at 20 mg/kg bodyweight were compared. Both groups, totalling 147 pigs, were compared during a medication period of 15 days and a post‐medication period of 11 days by means of different clinical and performance parameters. During the medication period, the tilmicosin group showed a significant advantage with respect to the number of new disease cases (P < 0.01), and a non‐significant advantage regarding the number of removed pigs (P=0.16), the number of sick pigs that recovered (P=0.27) and the time to recovery (P=0.42). During the post‐medication period, the pigs of the tilmicosin group showed numerical non‐significant benefits (P > 0.05) with respect to the clinical parameters. During the overall study period (26 days), the average daily gain and the feed conversion ratio were both significantly (P < 0.01) better in pigs from the tilmicosin group compared with pigs from the oxytetracycline group. This study demonstrated that in‐feed medication of tilmicosin at a dosage of 400 mg/kg is efficacious for the treatment of a clinical respiratory disease outbreak ofA. pleuropneumoniaeinfection in growing–finishing pigs. Compared with oxytetracycline injection of clinically diseased pigs, the tilmicosin treatment is particularly beneficial in the prevention of new disease cases while increasing or maintaining the performance of the pigs.
Pattern of Eimeria Oocyst Output and Repeatability in Naturally Infected Suckling Rhön Lambs
Authors: Gauly M. , Krauthahn C. , Bauer C. , Erhardt G.
Published: September 2010

The faeces of 14 Rhön lambs were examined every second day between 7 and 99 days of age for the presence of Eimeria oocysts. Eimeria ahsata, E. bakuensis, E. faurei, E. granulosa, E. intricata, E.ovinoidalis, E. pallida, E. parva and E. crandallis/weybridgensis were identified. The predominant species were E. ovinoidalis, E. parva, E. crandallis/weybridgensis and E. bakuensis. Using a statistical model, the oocyst excretion rate was described as a sequence of periods with decreasing levels and varying length (‘excretion periods’) interrupted by intervals with no or very low oocyst counts. Several variables could be deduced from these two parameters, including the length of an excretion period and the maximum output during an excretion period. The estimated repeatability for oocyst counts for the different species ranged from 0.05 to 0.41. This result provides a starting point for possible genetic selection based on faecal oocyst counts of Rhön sheep for resistance to Eimeria infections.
Field Study on the Efficacy of Two Different Vaccination Schedules with HYORESP® in aMycoplasma hyopneumoniae‐Infected Commercial Pig Unit
Authors: Kyriakis S. C. , Alexopoulos C. , Vlemmas J. , Sarris K. , Lekkas S. , Koutsoviti‐Papadopoulou M. , Saoulidis K.
Published: September 2010

A trial was carried out with HYORESP® aMycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo)vaccine in order to confirm the benefit of vaccination under field conditions in a commercial industrial farrow‐ to‐finish unit, contaminated withM. hyo.Infection withM. hyowas confirmed through positive blood and colostrum samples [enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test] combined with positive gross lesions of the lung at slaughter. Two different vaccination schedules were tested. Pigs were randomly allocated to three groups: control non‐vaccinated group (n=130, given a placebo injection at 3, 25 and 70 days of age); early vaccinated group (n=128, given vaccination at 3 and 25 days of age and a placebo at 70 days of age); late vaccinated group (n=132, given a placebo at 3 and 25 days of age and vaccination at 70 days of age). Both growth rate and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in the vaccinated groups compared with the control group. The lung lesion score was also significantly (P < 0.05) improved in both vaccinated groups. In this trial, it was clearly demonstrated that vaccination is highly effective in improving performance in pig units infected withM. hyo.The improvement in the feed conversion ratio in the vaccinated groups was especially impressive: – 0.411 (13% improvement) in the group vaccinated twice at 3 and 25 days of age; – 0.162 (5% improvement) in the group vaccinated once at 70 days of age. Performances were better when two shots were given early in life compared with one shot later – probably due to an infection taking place rather early in life for most of the pigs. Moreover, a significant reduction in the cost of supportive (injectable) medication was noticed in vaccinated pigs. In conclusion, HYORESP® proved to be a very efficacious tool to controlM. hyoin infected herds with its remarkable flexibility that allows the vaccination schedule to be adapted to the specific field conditions.
Physically restraining elder residents of long‐term care facilities from a nurses' perspective
Authors: Ben Natan Merav , Akrish Orit , Zaltkina BatSheva , Noy Ronit Har
Published: September 2010

Ben Natan M, Akrish O, Zaltkina B, Noy RH. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 499–507 Physically restraining elder residents of long‐term care facilities from a nurses' perspective

The purpose of the current study was to identify and analyse major variables affecting intended decisions of nursing staff to physically restrain elder residents of long‐term care facilities. The study explored whether a research model constructed of staff characteristics and resident characteristics would prove useful for predicting behavioural intentions. A total of 120 reliable and validated questionnaires, based on the research model, were administered to nurses working in a large long‐term care facility for older adults in central Israel; 104 questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 86%. The research findings indicate that most of the nurses who responded (67.2%) reported that they had physically restrained elder residents more than 10 times over the past year; however, the nurses had a low intention of restraining residents during the coming year. The research results indicate that the intended decision of nursing staff to restrain elderly residents is a derivative of their behavioural beliefs and attitudes, normative beliefs and subjective norms, as well as of residents' dementia, physical state and stress.
Undernutrition among children in South and South‐East Asia
Authors: Pasricha Sant‐Rayn , Biggs Beverley‐Ann
Published: September 2010

Undernutrition remains a major public health problem among children living in Asia. Although the burden is maximal among poorer, rural and Indigenous communities, the problem affects the majority in many Asian countries, especially in South Asia. In order to prevent the pervasive consequences of undernutrition, strategies that address this burden are required. Successful implementation of strategies may be limited by the complex aetiology of undernutrition, including the political setting. Rising food insecurity because of climate change, land use for biofuel production and the recent global financial crisis threaten to exacerbate childhood malnutrition. In this review, we describe the burden of undernutrition among Asian children and discuss contributing factors and potential solutions.
Rheumatic fever in Indigenous Australian children
Authors: Parnaby Matthew G , Carapetis Jonathan R
Published: September 2010

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) caused by acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a disease of poverty, poor hygiene and poor living standards. RHD remains one of the major causes of childhood cardiac disease in developing nations. Within developed nations, there has been a dramatic drop in the prevalence of RHD because of the improvement of living standards, access to health care and the widespread availability of penicillin‐based drugs. Despite a dramatic reduction of RHD in Australia overall, it continues to be a major contributor to childhood and adult cardiac disease in Indigenous communities throughout northern and central Australia. Currently, Australia has among the highest recorded rates of ARF and RHD in the world. The most accurate epidemiological data in Australia come from the Northern Territory's RHD control programme. In the Northern Territory, 92% of people with RHD are Indigenous, of whom 85% live in remote communities and towns. The incidence of ARF is highest in 5–14‐year‐olds, ranging from 150 to 380 per 100 000. Prevalence rates of RHD since 2000 have steadily increased to almost 2% of the Indigenous population in the Northern Territory, 3.2% in those aged 35–44 years. Living in remote communities is a contributing factor to ARF/RHD as well as a major barrier for adequate follow‐up and care. Impediments to ARF/RHD control include the paucity of specialist services, rapid turnover of health staff, lack of knowledge of ARF/RHD by health staff, patients and communities, and the high mobility of the Indigenous population. Fortunately, the recently announced National Rheumatic Fever Strategy, comprising recurrent funding to the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia for control programmes, as well as the creation of a National Coordination Unit suggest that RHD control in Australia is now a tangible prospect. For the disease to be eradicated, Australia will have to address the underpinning determinants of poverty, social and living conditions.
Respiratory infections in Tamariki (children) and Taitamariki (young people) Māori, New Zealand
Authors: Byrnes Catherine A , Trenholme Adrian
Published: September 2010

The Māori population is young, with 53% aged less than 25 years and with a higher prevalence of both acute (bronchiolitis, pneumonia, pertussis, tuberculosis) and chronic (bronchiectasis) respiratory tract infections than non‐Māori. Environmental, economic and poorer access to health promotion programmes and health care rather than specific or genetic underlying disorders appear to contribute to this burden. While new initiatives are needed, we can do better with current public health programmes and building on regional initiatives that have already proven successful.
Influence de la formulation d'une emulsion multiple cosmétique sur la libération des actifs encapsulés
Authors: DENINE R. , JAGER‐LEZER N. , GROSSIORD J.‐L. , PUISIEUX F. , SEILLER Et M.
Published: September 2010

Synopsis

Stable multiple emulsions, which contain skin moisturizing factors, including glycolic acid in the internal aqueous phase, have been formulated. Drug incorporation and storage at 4 °C and 50 °C for 30 days do not modify macroscopic and microscopic aspects. The nature of the release mechanism for the active ingredients has been studied in different dilution conditions. Rheological and conductimetric analyses, successively realized in isoosmotic and hypoosmotic conditions, show that the active release appears after dilution by a swelling‐breakdown phenomenon. The release velocity of the water soluble active ingredients can be modulated by a modification of some formulation parameters: it can be decreased by an increase of the lipophilic surfactant concentration, it can also be increased by a hydrophilic surfactant concentration, by osmotic pressure and by a decrease of the internal globule size.
From the age of fast beauty to age of slow beauty, the postmodern value
Authors: Ishida K.
Published: September 2010

Cosmetic behaviour, in which there are make‐up, skin care, body painting, bath, shampoo, tooth brushing, combing, haircut, nail care and so on, historically has never broken off. And it is a fact that there is no race in the earth, which doesn't have cosmetic behaviour. Cosmetic behaviour has universality in time and space. Human beings are animal that can live without cosmetic behaviour. What have human beings been seeking for in cosmetic behaviour? What have human beings been expressing by it? Through seeing some historical episodes of cosmetical behaviour, we know that fast life, which began with modernization, brought us fast beauty. Fast beauty is a standardized beauty, youth is indispensable for it. Therefore, the immediate effect of keeping and seeking youth is requested from cosmetics. Opposite to fast beauty I suppose slow beauty as the standard value in the next social stage. Slow beauty is the diversification of beauty value, expressed ‘beauty of each person and each age’. The standard of beauty is not in each person but in each age of oneself. Beauty is acquired by everyday accumulation; we can realize different beauty with the accumulation of years. This is true ageing.
Relationship between the average projected area of corneocytes and the onset age of atopic dermatitis in childhood
Authors: Hirakawa S. , Ota N. , Shimaoka M. , Man W. , Yamamoto K.
Published: September 2010

In childhood, atopic dermatitis typically begins around 2‐‐6 months of age. It is thought that the skin barrier dysfunction as well as allergic disease is important in the mechanism of atopic dermatitis. However, there are few reports of the skin barrier function in childhood. So we examined the relationship between the longitudinal surveys of the skin barrier function through the average projected area of corneocytes (APAc) and clinical findings in children from 1 to 12 months. As a result of examinations, APAc of cheek and upper arm in 1‐month‐old children is the same as those in adults, and APAc of cheek and upper arm decreases by 6 months of age. These results suggest that the skin barrier function decreases before or after the onset age of atopic dermatitis during childhood. Moreover, we examined APAc of children aged 0–5 for 1 year in the same nursery. APAc of upper arm in atopic dermatitis or atopic disposition has a significant difference compared with that of the other subjects in December. Furthermore, it was shown that change of APAc in the children under medical treatment was correlated with clinical findings. In conclusion, it was thought that the APAc shown as the index of skin barrier dysfunction is associated with the onset age of atopic dermatitis in childhood.
3,3,5‐Trimethylcyclohexanols and derived esters: green synthetic procedures, odour evaluation and in vitro skin cytotoxicity assays1
Authors: Gambaro R. , Villa C. , Baldassari S. , Mariani E. , Parodi A. , Bassi A. M.
Published: September 2010

Synopsis

The alcohols 3,3,5‐trimethylcyclohexanols (cis, trans epimers, cosmetic fragrance) and some derived esters, potential and well‐known actives in the cosmetic field, such as Homosalate, were synthesized using fast solvent‐free methodologies with the aim of renewing and simplifying the conventional procedures. The alcohols were prepared by reduction of 3,3,5‐trimethylcyclohexanone (dihydroisophorone) with sodium borohydride/alumina in solid state. The esters from propanoic, butanoic, octanoic, 10‐undecenoic, cyclopropanecarboxylic, mandelic and salicylic acids were synthesized with microwave‐mediated solvent‐free procedures under acidic and basic catalysis. Several experiments were carried out to study advantages and limits of the selected methodologies and the results are reported. Microwave irradiation was carried out using a scientific monomode reactor. In order to evaluate the cosmetic interest of the studied compounds, the sweet‐scented substances were submitted to an odour evaluation test; the most promising fragrances and the ester from 10‐undecenoic acid, as an example of lipophilic derivatives, were tested to assess their in vitro skin toxicity.
Evaluation of anti‐wrinkle efficacy of adenosine‐containing products using the FOITS technique
Authors: Abella M.L.
Published: September 2010

Synopsis

The objective of this study was to evaluate formulations containing adenosine to reduce periorbital lines and glabellar frowns in a blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study. One hundred twenty‐six female volunteers between 45 and 65 years of age fulfilled inclusion criteria for periorbital lines. They were provided with two of three products (cream with adenosine, dissolvable film with adenosine or placebo), to be applied to the periorbital area on each side of the face (84 subjects per product). Eighty‐four of these subjects also fulfilled the inclusion criteria for glabellar frowns, and received placebo or cream with adenosine to be applied to the glabellar area. Products were applied twice daily for 2 months, and evaluation was performed under dermatological supervision at 0, 3 and 8 weeks using Fast Optical in vivo Topometry of human Skin (FOITS) analysis to describe skin profile. Both adenosine‐containing products led to significant improvements in skin smoothness in the periorbital area. Improvements were evidenced after 3 weeks of product application as measured by Ra and Rz parameters using the FOITS technique, and were steadily confirmed after 2 months, despite severe climatic conditions and independently of the analysis technique that was used with the FOITS data. Adenosine‐containing cream also significantly improved glabellar frowns. This study demonstrates the potential beneficial effects of adenosine‐containing products on crow's feet and glabellar facial wrinkles.
Investigating the ‘northern Humboldt paradox’ from model comparisons of small pelagic fish reproductive strategies in eastern boundary upwelling ecosystems
Authors: Brochier Timothée , Lett Christophe , Fréon Pierre
Published: September 2010

Eastern boundary upwelling ecosystems are highly productive and sustain the world’s largest fisheries, usually dominated by sardine and anchovy species. Stock size is highly variable from year to year due to the impact of the unstable physical environment on fish early stages. Biophysical models of early life‐stage dispersal of marine organisms have been built by coupling (i) hydrodynamic models and (ii) life history models (i.e. egg and larva stages), and are therefore useful tools to investigate physical–biological interactions. Here, we review biophysical models of anchovy and sardine ichthyoplankton dispersals developed in the Benguela, Humboldt and Canary Current upwelling ecosystems. We also include a similar study conducted in the California Current upwelling on zooplankton. We then integrate this information into a comparative analysis of sardine and anchovy reproductive strategies in the different systems. We found that the main spawning periods match the season of (i) maximal simulated ichthyoplankton retention over the continental shelf in the northern Benguela, southern Humboldt and Canary (for sardine); (ii) maximal food concentration in the southern Benguela, California and Canary (for anchovy); and (iii) maximal shelf retention of ichthyoplankton and food concentration in the northern Humboldt (for both anchovy and sardine). This specificity of the northern Humboldt ecosystem could explain why it sustains the largest small pelagic fish stock. Finally, the possible effects of climate change on these patterns are discussed.
Network Updating and Exploratory Learning Environment*
Authors: Rhee Mooweon
Published: September 2010

abstract This paper examines how the current relevance of social capital derived from a task‐advice network affects an actor's exploratory learning environment. Building on Burt's (1992) structural holes hypothesis that a large, sparse task advice network enhances an actor's exploratory learning environment, I propose that such effects hold only when the direct and indirect network ties are composed of current network contacts (ones that have been updated since the last change in positions of an actor). Analyses of data from a sample of 230 salaried employees of a high‐technology manufacturing corporation support my arguments. In addition to the focus of social capital research on network structure, therefore, this study emphasizes the time‐contingent value of social capital.
Meanings on Multiple Levels: The Influence of Field‐Level and Organizational‐Level Meaning Systems on Diffusion
Authors: Love E. Geoffrey , Cebon Peter
Published: September 2010

abstract This study considers how organization‐level and field‐level meaning systems affect when firms adopt administrative innovations. We use a sample of over 1200 manufacturing sites to test hypotheses regarding the timing of adoption of Manufacturing Best Practice programmes. The results indicate that compatibility of the diffusing practice with the organization's internal meaning system is an important predictor of when firms adopt such programmes. However, the influence of such compatibility declines for later adopters – consistent with institutional pressures in the form of field‐level meaning systems playing an increasing role over time. We also find that this decline occurs for sites with high exposure to institutional pressures, but not for sites with lower exposure. The findings suggest that internal meaning systems and differential exposure moderate the role of institutional pressures in the diffusion of administrative innovations. We discuss implications for theory and research on institutionalization and the diffusion of innovations.
Investigating the Success of Decision Making Processes
Authors: Nutt Paul C.
Published: September 2010

abstract A decision making process is made up of action‐taking steps indicatinghowto make a decision. When linked to indicators of success, process provides the basis for building an action theory for decision making. The success of many different types of processes must be documented before such a theory can be constructed. In this research, processes called ‘idea imposition’ and ‘discovery’ are investigated by analysing 202 organizational decisions and their outcomes. Discovery was derived from prescriptive literature, which stresses logical and political rationality. Idea imposition was inferred from the descriptive/interpretive literature, which stresses pragmatics and sense making. Some of the discovery efforts may be abandoned to exploit an opportunity, becoming an ‘emergent opportunity’ process. Idea imposition efforts end if the motivating idea fails, calling for steps to find a replacement with a ‘redevelopment’ process. Analysis revealed that discovery was more successful than idea imposition and both process adaptations. Discovery was more successful than the other three processes no matter what the urgency, importance, resource level, initial support, decision maker level, sector, or type of decision.
General and particular observations on sheltering and housing in American disasters
Authors: Quarantelli E.L.
Published: September 2010

After a survey of all the English language social science literature and a review of several case histories, the Disaster Research Center compiled a number of observations on sheltering and housing following sudden onset disasters which are summarized here. The study is aimed at increasing our knowledge of American peace‐time disasters. The four different phases: emergency and temporary sheltering and emergency and temporary housing are defined and discussed. There seems to be little disaster planning and often the co‐ordination of relief efforts is inefficient. It appears that communities could be better informed and that more research is necessary in order to understand and evaluate these phenomena properly. The paper points to areas which could be usefully investigated.
THE ‘SOCIALLY EXCLUDED’ AND LOCAL TRANSPORT DECISION MAKING: VOICE AND RESPONSIVENESS IN A MARKETIZED ENVIRONMENT
Authors: DIBBEN PAULINE
Published: September 2010

This article examines the relationship between social exclusion and bus provision in England in a marketized environment, and outlines the complexities of involving the socially excluded in local transport decision making. An analysis of five case studies, including histories of where requests were made for changes to bus provision, reveals the challenges for voice and responsiveness within a deregulated environment. Local government has limited ability to respond effectively to the socially excluded; bus providers are able to cut or revise services as they wish, and the discourse employed by them emphasizes costs and efficiency rather than social needs. The paper concludes by advocating a more proactive approach toward tackling departmentalism and social exclusion, with more rigorous and focused engagement of those who have difficulty in making their voices heard. At the same time, it recommends the revision of accounting procedures and incentive structures in order to constrain the ability of bus operators to ‘play the system’.
THE DYNAMICS OF DEVOLUTION PROCESSES IN LEGALISTIC COUNTRIES: ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE IN THE ITALIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Authors: ONGARO EDOARDO
Published: September 2010

The devolution of authority from central to regional and local governments is a widespread trend in many countries. Differences in the outcomes of devolution reforms are often significant, between countries as well as within a country. The work reported in this paper assumes that the dynamics of the implementation process and the way it is affected by the national tradition of governance and by the features of the politico‐administrative system is important in explaining such differentiation. The paper investigates devolution in Italy and proposes explanations for the substantial differentiation of outcomes that can be observed. The case of devolution in agriculture in Lombardy, investigated in depth in the article, is striking for the magnitude and rapidity of change as well as for the way the reallocation of the workforce to the lower levels of government has occurred. This case study provides the basis for some theorizations about the dynamics of devolution processes in countries that have a legalistic administrative tradition, especially those nations which have a ‘Napoleonic’ administrative tradition.
THE PRACTICE OF CONTRACTING IN PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: TRANSACTION COSTS AND RELATIONAL CONTRACTING IN THE IRISH SCHOOLS SECTOR
Authors: REEVES EOIN
Published: September 2010

This paper explores the practice of contracting in public private partnerships (PPP). Focusing on the first Irish PPP to provide secondary schools, it draws on perspectives from transaction cost economics and socio‐legal theory. It finds that theex antecontractual setting was undermined by pushing forward with the PPP before conducting an adequate level of project appraisal. It explores the experiences of key stakeholders in theex postcontracting stage and concludes that the conduct of contracting practice was not characterized by the shift to relational contracting expected under PPP. Whereas this approach to contractual governance did not hinder the development of broadly trusting relations between the client and contractor, this was not manifest in terms of relations between the contractor and schools. A significant degree of conflict was evident in some schools‐contractor relations, something which can be attributed to sources of transaction costs, including incomplete information, bounded rationality and uncertainty.
A COMMENT ON ADAMS AND BALFOUR: DIGNITY VIOLATIONS, AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW OF ‘ADMINISTRATIVE EVIL’
Authors: TSCHUDI FINN
Published: September 2010

The major focus of Adams and Balfour’s article in this volume is on what they call ‘administrative evil’ where ‘evil’ is not intended but somehow inherent in modern ‘technical rationality’. Adams and Balfour draw inspiration from Bauman’s (1989) work and, further, use the interesting metaphor that administrative evil is ‘masked’. This means it is difficult to recognize – unlike intentional evil which is ‘unmasked’, that is, readily recognized. Common to both forms is that ‘evil’ implies ‘depriving of humanity’ or to ‘make someone suffer’, and there is no reason to question this. A basic aim of the article is thus to draw attention to ‘masked evil’, phenomena Adams and Balfour believe are insufficiently attended to. There is a broad variety of problems which Adams and Balfour do not touch on but which more or less appropriately can be subsumed under the label ‘masked evil’. Adams and Balfour mention a continuum according to degree of deliberation on consequences. There are, however, no examples given of acts which do not occur at any extreme of deliberation. A related point is that there are historical and cultural determinants of whether (and to what extent) we regard some forms of suffering as ‘evil’ or not.
THE VISIBILITY AND INVISIBILITY OF PRODUCTION AMONG SENEGALESE CRAFTSMEN
Authors: Dilley Roy
Published: September 2010

This article examines three social contexts of the production and exchange of craft objects in Senegal. In each context, the extent to which the production of craft items is visible or invisible varies, and these variations in turn affect the ways in which value is construed. These examples are understood as different ‘regimes of value’ (Appadurai), in whose constitution the production of craft objects, whether this is visible or invisible, plays a crucial role. The argument is that the concept of ‘regime of value’ needs to address more than simply the ‘flow’ of commodities, and must have regard for the organization of the relations between production, distribution, and consumption of craft objects. The article also frames these West African examples within a broader argument about the importance of the concept of production in order to redress the over‐reliance of contemporary social theories on notions of consumption.
DO ABATEMENT QUOTAS LEAD TO MORE SUCCESSFUL CLIMATE COALITIONS?*
Authors: ALTAMIRANO‐CABRERA JUAN‐CARLOS , FINUS MICHAEL , DELLINK ROB
Published: September 2010

In this paper we study the effect of different treaty designs on the success of international environmental agreements (IEAs). We analyze the standard assumption of an efficient abatement scheme and three uniform abatement quota schemes. Apart from analytical results, the analysis is supported by simulations based on the STACO (stability of coalitions) model. It turns out that quota agreements where the members decide by majority or unanimity voting are successful in overcoming free‐rider incentives within an IEA. Finally, our results provide a rationale for the application of uniform abatement quotas in IEAs.
DOES REORGANIZATION ADJUDICATION CONVEY FIRM‐SPECIFIC OR INDUSTRY‐WIDE INFORMATION? EVIDENCE FROM TAIWAN*
Authors: TANG TSENG‐CHUNG , CHI LI‐CHIU
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we investigate whether reorganization adjudication only conveys information about the announcer or whether it also provides industry‐wide information for rivals. We find evidence of strong information content and information transfer arising from the announcement. Reorganization adjudication announcements are associated with positive share prices for announcers, but produce both positive contagion and negative competitive effects for industry rivals, with the latter dominating. We also develop a neuro‐fuzzy model and link it to the input feature selection method of genetic algorithms to examine which rivals are more likely to exhibit a contagion or competitive effect in their equity values.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE INDICES AND SHORT‐TERM FORECASTING OF CONSUMPTION*
Authors: AL‐EYD ALI , BARRELL RAY , DAVIS E. PHILIP
Published: September 2010

There is growing interest in examining the short‐term link between survey‐based confidence indicators and real economic activity. This paper builds on previous studies to establish whether there is a short‐term predictive relationship between measures of consumer confidence and actual consumption, in a range of major industrial countries. It then extends such previous analyses by assessing whether this relation has changed over time, and whether we can attribute any time‐varying relation to structural developments in the economy, such as financial deepening and the increasing role of house prices in determination of consumption.
PURCHASING POWER PARITY, PRODUCTIVITY DIFFERENTIALS AND NON‐LINEARITY*
Authors: WU JYH‐LIN , CHEN PEI‐FEN , LEE CHING‐NUN
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this paper is to apply a symmetric band threshold autoregressive model to investigate the non‐linear adjustment of the real pound–dollar rate over a period from 1885 to 2003. After controlling for the Harrod–Balassa–Samuelson effects, we find evidence to support a non‐linear mean reversion of the real pound–dollar rate. Moreover, the estimated half‐life is about two years with large shocks. We therefore provide a solution to the purchasing power parity puzzle.
THE SURVIVAL OF DIFFERENTIATED PRODUCTS: AN APPLICATION TO THE UK AUTOMOBILE MARKET, 1971–2002*
Authors: REQUENA‐SILVENTE FRANCISCO , WALKER JAMES T.
Published: September 2010

We investigate how competition affected the survival of products in the UK automobile market between 1971 and 2002. We find, after using a host of controls to account for product characteristics and changes in market structure, that (i) within and between firm spatial competition significantly reduces the life of a model, (ii) initial product differentiation and variant proliferation obviate competition, and (iii) product innovation significantly extends model survival.
Beyond Electocracy: Rethinking the Political Representative as Powerful Stranger
Authors: Guinier Lani
Published: September 2010

This year's Chorley lecture examines certain theoretical and practical questions concerning political representation in constitutional democracies and advances three claims. (1) That electocracy (rule by elections) reduces the role of citizens to a series of discrete choice points, often shifting the actual moment of choice to the politician. (2) That a preoccupation with winner‐take‐all elections encourages representatives in the US to see themselves as powerful strangers with a proprietary interest in their position. (3) That representatives can deepen democracy by functioning as catalysts for citizen involvement not just surrogates for citizen views or identities. Drawing on historic and contemporary examples of ordinary people who mobilize collectively to build new forms of citizen power before and after elections, Professor Guinier adapts the framework of collective efficacy to describe this conceptual move. She argues that vibrant constituencies of accountability can transform the representational relationship to reimagine democracy as self‐governance not just self‐government.
Really Responsive Regulation
Authors: Baldwin Robert , Black Julia
Published: September 2010

Really Responsive Regulation seeks to add to current theories of enforcement by stressing the case for regulators to be responsive not only to the attitude of the regulated firm but also to the operating and cognitive frameworks of firms; the institutional environment and performance of the regulatory regime; the different logics of regulatory tools and strategies; and to changes in each of these elements. The approach pervades all the different tasks of enforcement activity: detecting undesirable or non‐compliant behaviour; developing tools and strategies for responding to that behaviour; enforcing those tools and strategies; assessing their success or failure; and modifying them accordingly. The value of the approach is shown by outlining its potential application to UK environmental and fisheries controls. Putting the system into effect is itself challenging but failing to regulate really responsively can constitute an expensive process of shooting in the dark.
Refatting rate of human hair lipids after exposure to selenium disulphide detergents
Authors: BJÖRNBERG A. , HELLGREN L. , NORÉN B. , VINCENT J.
Published: September 2010

Synopsis

The effects of two different types of detergents, one with a hard base (tetrapropylene benzene sulphonate), the other with the corresponding soft detergent (dodecyl benzene sulphonate) and both containing selenium disulphide were studied with regard to the refatting rate of human hair. Quantitative determinations of the hair lipids were performed by TLC/densitometry. The exposure to both topicals resulted in a significant rise of the triglyceride levels (∼ 160%); wax esters increased about 30% and squalene 20%. On the other hand a decrease of fatty acids (∼ 20%) was recorded. The levels of cholesterol and polar lipids remained unchanged. These findings thus indicate an increased sebum production associated with a diminished lipolytic activity in the scalp. No significant differences between the effects of the two selenium disulphide detergents were recorded.

Taux de regraissage des lipides du cheveux human traites par des detergents à base de di‐sulfure de selenium

Deux types de détergents, l'un à base agressive (tétrapropyléne benzène sulfonate), l'autre formulé avec un base analogue plus douce (dodecyl benzène sulfonate) et contenant tous les deux du di‐sulfure de selenium ont été utilisés pour étudier le taux de regraissage du cheveu chez l'homme. La détermination quantitative des lipides a été effectuée par CCM et densitométrie. L'exposition aux deux produits a eu pour résultat une augmentation significative des triglycerides (160%), des cires cstérifiées (30%) et du squaléne (20%). On a noté par ailleurs une diminution de 20% des acides gras. Les quantités de cholesterol et de lipides polaircs sont demeuréos inchangées.

Ces résultats indiquent qu'on peut associer la production de sebum à une diminution de l'activité lipolitique du cheveu. On n'a pas noté de différence significative entre l'cffet des deux détergents à base de disulfure de selenium.
A review of the European Directive for prescribing systemic isotretinoin for acne vulgaris
Authors: Layton AM , Dreno B , Gollnick HPM , Zouboulis CC
Published: September 2010

Since the introduction of generic oral isotretinoin there have been discussions around harmonizing the summary of product characteristics of each formulation. As a result of these discussions, a European Directive concerned with the prescribing of oral isotretinoin has been introduced and the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) has recently implemented new regulations. The aims of this article are to summarize the history of the processes involved, outline the new recommendations and discuss the impact of these changes in clinical practice.
Scalp psoriasis: a review of current topical treatment options
Authors: Papp K , Berth‐Jones J , Kragballe K , Wozel G , De La Brassinne M
Published: September 2010

The scalp is the most common site of disease involvement at the onset and throughout the course of psoriasis. For many patients, psoriasis of the scalp is the most difficult aspect of their disease; yet, despite a wide range of therapy options and an extensive literature base, scalp psoriasis remains difficult to treat, highlighting a long‐standing unmet need for the effective treatment of scalp psoriasis. A review of past and current medical literature reveals that a number of interesting therapeutic approaches have been used in the treatment of scalp psoriasis. The diverse and sometimes extreme therapeutic approaches, the marginal benefit of many topical agents, the paucity of controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of topical agents in the treatment of scalp psoriasis and the high level of patient dissatisfaction with currently available treatments for psoriasis all support the need for new, effective and well‐tolerated treatment options for scalp psoriasis.
Longitudinal links between impulsivity, gambling problems and depressive symptoms: a transactional model from adolescence to early adulthood
Authors: Dussault Frédéric , Brendgen Mara , Vitaro Frank , Wanner Brigitte , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: September 2010

Background:  Research shows high co‐morbidity between gambling problems and depressive symptoms, but the directionality of this link is unclear. Moreover, the co‐occurrence of gambling problems and depressive symptoms could be spurious and explained by common underlying risk factors such as impulsivity and socio‐family risk. The goals of the present study were to examine 1) whether common antecedent factors explain the concurrent links between depressive symptoms and gambling problems, and 2) whether possible transactional links between depressive symptoms and gambling problems exist from late adolescence to early adulthood.

Methods:  A total of 1004 males from low SES areas participated in the study.

Results:  Analyses revealed a positive predictive link between impulsivity at age 14 and depressive symptoms and gambling problems at age 17. In turn, gambling problems at age 17 predicted an increase in depressive symptoms from age 17 to age 23, and depressive symptoms at age 17 predicted an increase in gambling problems from age 17 to age 23.

Conclusions:  Common antecedent factors may explain the initial emergence of an association between depressive symptoms and gambling problems in adolescence. However, once emerged, their escalation seems to be better explained by a mutual direct influence between the two sets of disorders.