bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovations: the new unit of analysis in the knowledge era
Authors: Edvinsson Leif , Dvir Ron , Roth Norman , Pasher Edna
Published: February 2004

For quite a while the issues of knowledge management, innovation and performance measurement have been on the agenda of researchers and practitioners alike throughout the world. Not too long ago it was recognised that there are direct cause and effect relations between knowledge reuse and invention. The present paper therefore discusses the constituent elements of innovation from a knowledge perspective which have been identified in the context of a European Union co‐sponsored research project. The six facts of the “innovation cube” are: reuse of existing knowledge; invention of new knowledge; exploitation (i.e. turning knowledge into value); stakeholders' contributions (to the innovation life cycle); the enabling ecology or operating context in which the innovation occurs; and the performance facet, i.e. the bottom line. A toolkit based on performance measurement thinking and implementation process for better management of the balance between reuse and invention in development environments is proposed and results from their deployment in three real‐life case studies are discussed.
Demonstrating knowledge value: a broader perspective on metrics
Authors: Martin William John
Published: February 2004

This paper focuses on current efforts to demonstrate the value of knowledge in organisations with reference to activities and systems for the measurement of intangibles. These efforts stem largely from widespread dissatisfaction with the manner in which traditional accounting methods treat intangibles. The wider context is that of national and international governments and organisations striving to master the drivers of knowledge‐based change by involvement in research projects, in conferences, in attempts to find new means of representing intangibles in standard industrial classifications and national accounts and in standards setting for knowledge management. Organisationally this is manifest in proprietary systems for measuring intangibles, many of which suffer the handicap of being overly‐focused on single organisations, with the metrics process continuing to lack critical mass. Although such efforts are necessary and will continue, they are most likely to succeed where they relate to mainstream business activities and operate not so much as metrics as indicators.
The intellectual capital performance of the Japanese banking sector
Authors: Mavridis Dimitrios G.
Published: February 2004

The performance of economic entities has been a research matter even in the ancient world. The human “genius” has been recognized as a vehicle for certain valuable capabilities and as the critical enabler of transforming processes. But it has not been considered as an intellectual capitalizator or intellectual asset. This has happened recently in the promising field of intellectual capital and its related philosophy of knowledge management, although the related research status quo is still in its infancy. Applies the VAICTM method in order to analyze the data of Japanese banks for the financial period 1 April 2000‐31 March 2001. Analyzes the intellectual or human (HC) and physical capital (CA) of the Japanese banking sector and discusses their impact on the banks’ value‐based performance. Focuses on the actual status of HC and CA capital and its predictive, discriminative and integrative impact on the “intellectual” added value‐based performance situation. Confirms the existence of significant performance differences among the various groups of Japanese banks but also the differences between the Japanese and some European banks (Greece and Austria).
The role of human capital cost in accounting
Authors: Ming Chen Hai , Jun Lin Ku
Published: February 2004

The purpose of this research is to deal with the human capital disclosure issue of present accounting systems. Many companies nowadays derive their competitive advantages mainly from human capital. However, under generally accepted accounting principles, all human‐related expenditures are treated as expenses, which are deductions of revenues, thus misleading decision‐makers into inappropriate judgments. This paper provides an alternative way of measurement and disclosure of human capital items in financial statements. The paper defines and classifies the human capital of a company in line with a theoretical framework provided by the authors, sorts out company's human capital investments according to cost development stages in human resources, isolates human capital from expenses and finally suggests disclosure in financial statements.
Accounting treatment of goodwill: yesterday, today and tomorrow
Authors: Seetharaman A. , Balachandran M. , Saravanan A.S.
Published: February 2004

The issue of goodwill has been debated in many countries throughout the world. Despite numerous efforts and the existence of accounting standards and exposure drafts issued by various professional bodies internationally, there is yet to be a universally accepted accounting treatment for goodwill. The opinion on this subject differs and changes frequently. The dichotomy of having to preserve prescribed recognition criteria on the one hand and the need to report useful information on the other has led to the many controversial issues debated on the subject of goodwill. This study centres around the international accounting treatment of goodwill in the past, present and future. This study reviewed some of the issues that surrounded the accounting for goodwill where it was found that goodwill accounting had faced many problems. Besides problems, this project also looks into the prospect of the accounting for goodwill in the cyberspace era and emergence of the knowledge‐based economy. This study confirms that controversy remains internationally with no solution in sight in the foreseeable future internationally.
Human capital in the new economy: devil's bargain?
Authors: McGregor Judy , Tweed David , Pech Richard
Published: February 2004

The burgeoning literature about the knowledge economy has marginalised its most important dimension – people. The development of human capital and its role in the competitive advantage of business is discussed in relation to the changed nature of the employment relationship. In particular Drucker's concerns about the threat to business of attenuated relationships between workers and their organisations are examined. Contextual factors such as the dynamic nature of labour markets, the centrality of profit making and the definitional difficulties inherent in the new and old economy dichotomy are acknowledged. A transitional model of human capital in the new economy is suggested as a way of modernising traditional thinking. An analysis of the capabilities required by new economy workers leads to a discussion of the corresponding competencies necessary for managers. The paper concludes that changed employment relationships do not spell death to people development. Rather it makes managing talent different and more challenging.
Intellectual capital: management attitudes in service industries
Authors: Lim Lynn L.K. , Dallimore Peter
Published: February 2004

Developing intellectual capital and knowledge management measuring systems are two fast growing research areas. Many companies are striving to be known as knowledge organizations and have started measuring and analyzing organizational intellectual capital indicators based on what has been reported in the literature. Very little effort has been made to standardize the measurement and reporting of these indicators with most organizations using very general components. This article discusses a research study that sets out to gain an understanding of management attitudes to the measurement of intellectual capital. The study was conducted with 36 top management participants with at least 20 years of experience in a service‐related industry in Australia. This research investigates the relationship between the perception of the importance of measuring intellectual capital indicators and the level of understanding of these indicators. The strategic implications of understanding the measurements are also discussed within the context of the attitude of top management.
Measuring intellectual capital: a new model and empirical study
Authors: Chen Jin , Zhu Zhaohui , Yuan Xie Hong
Published: February 2004

The groundwork of intellectual capital (IC) management, measuring IC, attracts much attention from academics and practitioners. The purpose of this paper is to design a measurement model and a qualitative index system of IC, so as to provide a good tool for enterprises to manage their IC. Based on a review of several IC measurement models proposed by western researchers, IC is classified into human capital, structural capital, innovation capital and customer capital, and thereupon a qualitative index system for the above four IC elements is designed through an analysis of their contents. Through an empirical study, it is found that there is a significant relationship between the scores of the four IC elements of a company and its business performance, which proves the validity and rationality of the IC measurement model and the qualitative index system. In the meantime, the empirical study further proves that there is a remarkable relationship between the four IC elements. Therefore enterprises must manage and improve their IC from an integrative perspective.
Mapping knowledge and intellectual capital in academic environments
Authors: Hellström Tomas , Husted Kenneth
Published: February 2004

This paper argues that knowledge mapping may provide a fruitful avenue for intellectual capital management in academic environments such as university departments. However, while some research has been conducted on knowledge mapping and intellectual capital management in the public sector, the university has so far not been directly considered for this type of management. The paper initially reviews the functions and techniques of knowledge mapping and assesses these in the light of academic demands. Second, the result of a focus group study is presented, where academic leaders were asked to reflect of the uses of knowledge mapping at their departments and institutes. Finally a number of suggestions are made as to the rationale and conduct of knowledge mapping in academe.
An Examination of the International Natural Gas Trade
Authors: El Hachemi Mazighi Ahmed
Published: February 2004

Recent developments in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, particularly the ongoing projects of liquefaction and regasification and the increasing number of LNG‐carriers to be delivered in forthcoming years, have led some specialists to argue that LNG is today at the crossroads between regionalisation and globalisation. Other specialists think that, by 2010, LNG's share of the total international trade of natural gas will be predominant, compared with that of pipelines. All these assumptions are based on an examination of the duration of existing and ongoing international gas projects.

The objective of our article is to examine the historical patterns of the international trade of natural gas and discuss the conditions for the globalisation of LNG trade. Using some statistical evidence on the international trade of natural gas from 1970 to 1997,1 we show the following.

A strong correlation exists between the international trade of gas by pipeline and LNG. Before LNG becomes predominant, we need a delinking of these two means of trading gas.

Globalisation of the LNG trade is not only linked to an increase in the relative share of the LNG trade; it is also and primarily linked to an increase in the inter‐area trade of LNG.

There is a negligible change in the pattern of inter‐area and intra‐area trade of natural gas, even during the late 1990s; this is due to the contracted nature of the LNG international trade that resulted in a stickiness of LNG routes.

The emergence of a global LNG market requires the satisfaction of four conditions: natural, economic, technical and institutional conditions — therefore, it will certainly take more than ten years to make LNG a global commodity.
Limiting Global Cooling after Global Warming is Over — Differentiating Between Short‐ and Long‐Lived Greenhouse Gases
Authors: Michaelowa Axel
Published: February 2004

Current climate policy does not take into account that, after greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced to an extent that atmospheric concentrations stabilise and then start to fall, natural decay of greenhouse gases will lead to a global cooling phase spanning several centuries. This cooling will lead to damage to humans and ecosystems that depends on the rate of temperature change. Current climate policy should thus concentrate on the reduction of short‐ and medium‐lived greenhouse gases, while exempting long‐lived gases. This reduces the cooling rate. Another policy option is to sequester carbon in geological reservoirs that allow controlled release in the future.
Observations of ovarian involution in the Australian grayling (Prototroctes mareana)
Authors: O'Connor J. P. , Mahoney J. C.
Published: February 2004

Abstract  – A 2‐year study of the threatened Australian grayling, Prototroctes mareana, was undertaken to investigate its reproductive strategy in relation to river flow. Monitoring of reproductive maturity in the Barwon River in south‐eastern Australia indicated that no spawning occurred in the 2 years. In both years, ovarian involution was observed in a large proportion of the sampled population; flows during this period were less than the historical average. When coupled with the historical evidence, these observations suggest that spawning coincides with increased river discharge. River regulation may inhibit spawning.
Assortative mating between adjacent populations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Scott R. J.
Published: February 2004

Abstract – The idea that sexual selection can lead to rapid evolution of premating isolation among independent populations (speciation) has been controversial, but is rapidly gaining acceptance among many evolutionary biologists as empirical examples accumulate. A survey of male signals and female preferences (mate recognition systems, MRSs) across the contact zone between divergent populations of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in Conner Creek, WA, revealed a spatial pattern of MRSs that is consistent with speciation via sexual selection. Females from locations that possessed melanic males preferred melanic males whereas females from populations possessing typical mosaic males (red chin, blue iris, and blue‐green dorsum) preferred mosaic males. I argue that sensory drive sexual selection, acting through geographically varying spectral properties, is responsible for the observed population differences and premating isolation between the adjacent populations.
Analysis of the spawning stock–recruitment relationship of vendace (Coregonus albula (L.)) with evaluation of alternative models, additional variables, biases and errors
Authors: Marjomäki T. J.
Published: February 2004

Abstract –  Spawning biomass and recruitment data for vendace from a central Finnish lake were analysed by fitting various recruitment models and comparing the fits statistically. The compensatory models of Ricker, Cushing and Beverton & Holt fitted the data better than the H0 hypothesis of constant proportionality, but model and parameter uncertainties were high. Additional variables were included in an attempt to reduce uncertainties. Heavy wind forcing during the first month after hatching of larvae reduced the recruitment success. For the Ricker and the Cushing models, recruitment seemed to be also negatively associated with the density of the previous year‐class. The r2 increased considerably with inclusion of these additional variables, but the precision of model parameters remained low. Monte Carlo simulation of a vendace stock was applied to evaluate the interference of biases from the measurement error (ME) and time series error (TSE) in the analysis. Especially in the case of the Cushing model, compensatory density dependence can be overestimated severely. Increasing the number of observations decreases the biases in some cases. In view of potential biases and uncertainties, a precautionary management policy is recommended.
Altered tissue expression pattern of cell adhesion molecules, ICAM‐1, E‐selectin and VCAM‐1, in bullous pemphigoid during methotrexate therapy
Authors: Dahlman‐Ghozlan K. , Ortonne J‐P. , Heilborn J. D. , Stephansson E.
Published: February 2004

Abstract: Little is known about how eosinophils accumulate in bullous pemphigoid (BP) and why these cells rapidly disappear during immunosuppressive therapy. Eosinophils can produce cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL13, which can induce endothelial cells to express cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) such as E‐selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) necessary for the recruitment of eosinophils from the bloodstream to the skin. The present aim was to investigate the cellular expression of these three CAMs in serial biopsies before and during oral low‐dose methotrexate therapy. Seventy‐four biopsy specimens, 37 from active lesions and 37 from normal skin, were taken at different intervals from eight patients with bullous pemphigoid and stained immunohistochemically with specific monoclonal antibodies for these three CAMs. The expression and distribution of CAMs in the biopsies was evaluated and scored with light‐microscopic examination. The basal keratinocytes in active lesions expressed ICAM‐1. A strong VCAM‐1 expression of endothelial cells and pericytes was correlated to a perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate that also showed intense immunoreactivity to ICAM‐1. Endothelial cell/pericytes also expressed E‐selectin strongly in the BP patients before therapy. The expression of CAMs faded during therapy and, to the best of our knowledge, this has not been previously reported. Thus we suggest that the rapid reduction of tissue eosinophils may reflect the altered pattern of cell adhesion molecules during immunosuppressive therapy, which could explain the prompt clinical improvement seen in BP patients treated with methotrexate.
Enhanced transfollicular delivery of adriamycin with a liposome and iontophoresis
Authors: Han I. , Kim M. , Kim J.
Published: February 2004

Abstract: To find a better way to deliver drugs into hair follicles, we tried two approaches: single topical application using various liposomes; and iontophoresis combined with topical application of ionic liposome. After delivery of adriamycin (ADR) to wax‐depilated rat skin, the transport of the drug was examined under fluorescence microscopy.

Most liposomal ADR showed more effective transdermal and transfollicular penetration than free ADR. Among tested liposomes, the non‐ionic GDL liposome (GDL/CH/POE‐10 = glycerol dilaulate/cholesterol/polyoxyethylene‐10) was the most selective to hair follicles against skin, while the cationic liposome (GDL/CH/POE‐10/DOTAP, dioleoyl trimethylammonium propane) containing monocationic DOTAP was less selective; however, it was better at improving the delivery amount and penetration of ADR into the follicles and skin. The DMPC/DMPG (7/3) formulation of anionic PC liposome (DMPC/DMPG = dimyristoyl‐phosphocholine/–phospoglycerol) showed results similar to the cationic liposome. The DMPC/DMPG (3/7) formulation yielded poor results, however, probably because of its increased viscosity and anionic property.

Although ADR delivery was enhanced by liposomal formulations, topical applications had some limitations in delivery capacity and speed. To accelerate delivery, iontophoresis was combined with the cationic liposome at positive 0.2–0.4 mA/cm2 for 20–30 min. The resulting delivery of ADR through follicular routes was excellent. This combination method diffused ADR 3.0‐fold more efficiently, rapidly and deeply than single topical application of cationic liposomal ADR. This system also achieved a 3.5‐fold higher diffusive follicular delivery than a free ADR/iontophoresis combination. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the tetracationic lipid DOSPER and hydrophile spermine could serve as a cationic additive instead of the monocationic DOTAP in the liposome.

These results suggest that the combinative system of the topically applied cationic liposome followed by iontophoresis has a significant synergistic effect on the transfollicular delivery of ADR.
The effect of the combination of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate versus both monotherapies on epidermal proliferation, keratinization and T‐cell subsets in chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Vissers W. H. P. M. , Berends M. , Muys L. , Van Erp P. E. J. , De Jong E. M. G. J. , Van De Kerkhof P. C. M.
Published: February 2004

Abstract: Several reports have indicated that the combination of calcipotriol ointment and potent or ultrapotent corticosteroids are more effective and better tolerated, as compared to the monotherapies.

The aim of the present study was to find out the effect of combination of calcipotriol ointment once daily and betamethasone dipropionate ointment once daily vs. the effect of twice‐daily applications of each of the two treatments as monotherapy during a four‐week treatment period.

Seven patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were included for treatment with the three treatment schedules. Biopsies were taken before treatment and after four weeks of treatment, and markers for epidermal proliferation (Ki‐67) and epidermal differentiation (keratin‐10) were studied using a quantitative image analysis, and T‐cell subsets in epidermis and dermis (CD4, CD8, CD25, CD45RO, CD45RA, CD94, CD161, and CD2) were studied using immunohistochemical scoring.

The most impressive clinical result was reached with the combination. Calcipotriol proved to have a major effect on the proliferation marker Ki‐67 and differentiation marker keratin‐10, whereas the effect on T‐cell subsets was more selective with major reductions of CD45RO+ and CD8+ T cells. In contrast, the effect of betamethasone dipropionate on the epidermis was restricted to a normalization of differentiation with a highly significant increase of keratin‐10 positive epidermal surface without a significant effect on Ki‐67 positive nuclei, and the effect on T‐cell subsets was restricted to a reduction of natural killer T‐cell receptors designated by CD94 and CD161 in the epidermis. The combination of the two treatments did not affect the proliferation marker Ki‐67 and keratinization marker keratin‐10, beyond the effect of calcipotriol monotherapy. However, the combination had a profound effect on, virtually, all T‐cell subsets, beyond the effect of the monotherapies.

It is concluded that the action spectra of calcipotriol and betamethasone on the psoriatic plaque are different and that the combination has effects on T‐cell subsets, beyond the addition of the effects of monotherapies.
Genetic susceptibility to keloid disease: Transforming growth factor β receptor gene polymorphisms are not associated with keloid disease
Authors: Bayat Ardeshir , Bock O. , Mrowietz U. , Ollier W. E. R. , Ferguson M. W. J.
Published: February 2004

Abstract:  Keloid disease (KD) is an abnormal form of scarring with a familial predisposition. Genetic studies have yet to identify the genes involved in KD. Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) has multiple cellular activities including cellular proliferation, differentiation and extracellular matrix production. TGF‐β family members such as TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 are known to be involved in KD formation. However, we previously demonstrated a lack of association between common TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 polymorphisms and KD. Other studies have implicated TGF‐β receptors in KD pathogenesis. TGF‐β receptors were therefore selected as candidate‐susceptibility genes for this condition. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TGF‐β receptors I, II and III (TGF‐βRI, TGF‐βRII and TGF‐βRIII) were identified and investigated for association with the risk of developing KD. A polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used for genotyping novel and known TGF‐β receptor polymorphisms. DNA samples from 92 KD cases and 181 controls were examined. There were no statistically significant differences in genotype or allele frequency distributions between cases and controls for the TGF‐β receptor SNPs. Therefore, these TGF‐β receptor polymorphisms are unlikely to be associated with keloid scarring. It is possible that other SNPs in other TGF‐β family members are associated with KD. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a case‐control association study with KD and TGF‐β receptor gene polymorphisms.
Adolescent quality of life: A school‐based cohort study in Western Australia
Authors: Meuleners Lynn B. , Lee Andy H.
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background
: Quality of life (QOL) has received increasing attention in pediatrics medicine recently. Improving QOL is the primary justification for many interventions, medications and therapies. The present study is a school‐based longitudinal study which aims to investigate the factors affecting QOL of adolescents in Western Australia over a 6‐month period.

Methods
: A generic self‐reported questionnaire was administered twice to participants from 20 schools in Perth at 6 months apart. In addition to QOL scores and physical health status, demographic and other information was also collected. For the cohort of 363 students who participated in the initial survey, 300 of them completed the second questionnaire.

Results
: A significant change in QOL score between baseline and 6 months was observed. Results from fitting a hierarchical mixed regression model indicated that 55% of the variation in QOL was due to differences between individuals, and was significantly associated with age, control, opportunities and perceptions of physical health, while the remaining variance component could be attributed to within‐individual changes. Improved control and opportunities appeared to have a significant positive impact on QOL, whereas increasing age and deterioration in physical health had the opposite effect.

Conclusions
: The hierarchical regression analysis has enabled valid inferences to be made based on the observed longitudinal data. Perceptions of physical health, age, control and opportunities available are related to adolescent QOL. The findings have implications on evidence‐based practices and childhood health issues.
Relationship between fluvoxamine and stress barometer for nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Kano Kenichi , Arisaka Osamu
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background
: It has been reported recently that fluvoxamine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) is effective and safe for children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE). However, the exact mechanism by which fluvoxamine is beneficial in the treatment of MNE remains unknown. One possibility is that it controls emotional stress.

Methods
: We divided children with MNE into primary MNE (n = 40) and secondary MNE (n = 7). We measured urinary 17‐hydroxycorticosteroids (17‐OHCS) and 17‐ketosteroid sulfates (17‐KS‐S) as a stress barometer in children with MNE to evaluate adaptation to emotional stress before and during fluvoxamine treatment. We initially administered fluvoxamine at a dose of 25 mg at bedtime. If patients remained incontinent after 3 weeks, we increased the dose to 50 mg.

Results
: Fluvoxamine was effective in 26 of 28 children (93%) with primary MNE and an abnormality of the stress barometer and in six of six children (100%) with secondary MNE and an abnormality of the stress barometer. Fluvoxamine was effective in only six of 12 children (50%) with primary MNE and normality of the stress barometer and was not effective in one child with secondary MNE and normality of the stress barometer.

Conclusions
: The stress barometer is useful clinically for evaluating the therapeutic effect of fluvoxamine for children with MNE.
Antenatal steroid treatment prevents severe hyperkalemia in very low‐birthweight infants*
Authors: Uga Naoki , Nemoto Yuko , Ishii Tetsuya , Kawase Yasuhiro , Arai Hiroko , Tada Hiroshi
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background
: Hyperkalemia is seen quite often in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants and concentrations sometimes become high enough to cause cardiac arrhythmia. The purpose of the present study was to identify factors that increase serum concentrations of potassium in VLBW infants.

Methods
: Retrospective comparative analysis was performed on 140 VLBW infants who had been admitted to the Toho University Perinatal Center between January 1993 and December 1999 and needed mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress. Serum concentrations of potassium at 24 and 48 h of age were compared in two groups of infants, those whose mothers did and did not receive antenatal steroid treatment. Risk factors for severe hyperkalemia were analyzed by multiple linear regression models and Pearson's partial correlation analysis.

Results
: Antenatal steroid treatment reduced serum potassium concentrations significantly at 24 and 48 h, as well as the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia and necessity for glucose insulin treatment for severe hyperkalemia. Multiple linear regression showed the serum potassium concentration at 24 h of age was associated with antenatal steroid hormone treatment, 24 h fluid intake volume, serum sodium concentrations at 24 h, gestational weeks and sampling site. Serum concentration of potassium at 48 h of age was associated with blood urea nitrogen, gestational week, serum sodium concentration at 48 h of age and fluid intake between 24 and 48 h of age. Urine output volume and serum creatinine concentrations were not correlated with potassium concentrations at either age.

Conclusion
: Antenatal steroid hormone treatment can reduce early hyperkalemia in VLBW infants and also the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia and the use of glucose insulin treatment.
Spontaneous platelet aggregation in Kawasaki disease using the particle counting method
Authors: Taki Masashi , Kobayashi Miwako , Ohi Chiai , Shimizu Hironobu , Goto Kenjiro , Aso Kentaro , Murano Kotaro
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background
: Platelet aggregation is generally measured by the optical density method. This method is not very sensitive in detecting platelet activation because of the poor correlation between the formation of platelet aggregates and light transmission, and inability to detect small platelet aggregates. Recently, a new method was developed that detects small platelet aggregates formed in the early phase of platelet aggregation by means of a particle counting technique using light scattering.

Methods
: The present study used the particle counting method to measure spontaneous platelet aggregation (SPA) produced by agitation with a stirrer bar without agonists in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) and children's thrombotic disease, and compared the results with the conventional optical density method.

Results
: Using the particle counting method, significantly higher SPA rates were found before treatment than in healthy adults and at the other stages of treatment. A similar tendency was noted with the optical density method; however, the positive rate of SPA was significantly higher with the particle counting method in each stage except the second stage, which was the period from the start of gamma‐globulin therapy to 20 days.

Conclusion
: These results indicate that enhanced platelet aggregation is noted at a high frequency before treatment of KD and that the particle counting method is superior to the optical density method in detecting enhanced platelet aggregation.
Scabies in Thai orphanages
Authors: Pruksachatkunakorn Chulabhorn , Wongthanee Antika , Kasiwat Varangthip
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background
: Scabies outbreaks have emerged in the orphanages in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Sulfur has been accepted as the standard treatment for childhood scabies in Thailand. Sulfur was administered in the mass treatment in two orphanages. The present study surveys the prevalence of scabies in these orphans the year following the mass treatment program.

Methods
: The authors visited the two orphanages over the course of 1 year. Children at the orphanages were examined. Cases of scabies and their contacts were treated.

Results
: The prevalence of scabies was 87.3% before the mass treatment, and 2 months after treatment the prevalence of scabies was reduced to a prevalence of <10%, which was maintained until the end of the present study (P < 0.01 for each visit).

Conclusion
: Sulfur is effective for treating scabies outbreaks where the cost of treatment is a major concern. In order to control the scabies outbreak and to prevent further outbreaks, the authors emphasize that an ongoing process of follow up after mass treatment is necessary.
Global Production and Flexible Employment in South African Horticulture: Experiences of Contract Workers in Fruit Exports
Authors: Kritzinger Andrienetta , Barrientos Stephanie , Rossouw Hester
Published: February 2004

The era of global flexibility has been described as one of generalised precariouness and vulnerability. Global integration is leading to changing patterns of employment, with declining permanent and increasingly insecure forms of work. This trend is typified in the South African export fruit sector. Reintegration into the global economy is leading to both the ‘modernisation’ and transformation of employment including the rapid rise of offfarm contract labour provided by third party agents. Within the South African fruit sector changes following global integration have been experienced through changes in the global value chain linking the sector to UK and European supermarkets, deregulation of domestic agriculture and export markets and the increase in state legislation affecting employment. These channels have all affected the linkages through which fruit producers access the global economy and are having significant implications for the employment strategies of producers. A dominant trend has been for producers to downsize their permanent on‐farm labour and increase the employment of various categories of flexible off‐farm labour – especially contract labour. This growing tendency towards the ‘externalisation’ of farm labour in South African fruit exports has raised new concerns regarding the vulnerability and poverty of farm workers as it means that a growing number of workers are being drawn into global production on the basis of low wages and insecure work outside the bounds of legislative protection. The paper explores the nature of contract employment and the implications of this type of employment for the lives of a group of workers drawn into its ambit. Using a qualitative methodology it examines the experiences of contract workers, not only of their work, but how their employment affects their ability to sustain family and community relations. Although the implications of global integration for contract workers are complex and mixed, our findings suggest an intensification of insecurity and vulnerability to poverty.
Young People and Social Exclusion in Rural Areas
Authors: Shucksmith Mark
Published: February 2004

The concept of social exclusion may be used to connect the experiences of individuals and social groups to broader social and economic processes (linking ‘biography’ to ‘history’). This paper draws on recent empirical studies of young people in rural areas of Britain and other European countries to illustrate how social exclusion may operate in rural areas, particularly in the transition from education to employment.
Poverty and Social Exclusion in Rural Areas: Characteristics, Processes and Research Issues
Authors: Commins Patrick
Published: February 2004

Against a background of limited research on rural poverty and social exclusion in Europe, this article draws mainly, but not exclusively, on Irish studies to discuss three related themes. The first identifies distinctive characteristics of poverty in rural areas on the basis that specifically rural features restrict the applicability of rural – urban comparisons. The second elaborates on this point in reviewing the problems of finding appropriate indicators of poverty and deprivation in farm households and in rural areas. The third theme moves the discussion from poverty and deprivation as outcomes or static states to social exclusion as a set of dynamic processes which generate and reproduce rural poverty. A number of generic exclusionary processes are posited and their specific rural manifestations illustrated. The review of Irish experience suggests that studies of rural poverty and social exclusion require sensitivity to the specifics of rurality, a theoretical understanding of multidimensionality in processes and outcomes, and an eclectic set of research approaches.
Reforming the International Financial System for Effective Aid Delivery
Authors: Ikhide Sylvanus I.
Published: February 2004

The role of the multilateral aid agencies in the delivery of aid is as old as the debate on the role of aid in economic development. Aid is effective in a good policy environment. However, effective aid delivery is equally important. This is why the need to reform the institutions involved in the process of delivering aid is crucial. Among others, the paper concluded that there is a need for redefining the roles and the establishment of a well articulated network among the various institutions involved in the aid process. More importantly, given the different actors and motives at play in the transfer of resources to recipient countries, the role of a supranational institution to coordinate and give direction is indispensable.
Donor Funding of Multilateral Aid Agencies: Determining Factors and Revealed Burden Sharing
Authors: Addison Tony , McGillivray Mark , Odedokun Matthew
Published: February 2004

This paper reports an empirical study of the factors affecting burden sharing among OECD's 22 DAC members in ‘bankrolling’ the multilateral aid agencies. Annual data over 1970–2000, pooled across the donor countries, form the basis for the empirical estimation of each donor's share in the ODA aid receipts for each multilateral agency. Our findings suggest the existence of reverse exploitation, i.e., the financial burden of the agencies is disproportionally carried by the smaller donors. The study also finds that factors such as inherent donor generosity, donor concern for domestic egalitarianism, and the extent to which donors are pro‐poor in their bilateral aid policies have an impact on their readiness to support multilateral agencies financially. Size of the donor government and its budgetary balance positively influence burden sharing of contributions to other multilateral agencies. But neither the phase of economic cycle nor the rate of economic growth affects the burden‐sharing responsibility of donors. It was also observed that contributions by EU members to the EC do not appear to crowd‐out their contributions to other multilateral aid agencies and that right‐wing donor governments are generally more parsimonious with regard to financial assistance to multilateral aid agencies. The preferred alternative, particularly among EU member countries, appears to be the EC.
Financing the Provision of Global Public Goods
Authors: Anand P. B.
Published: February 2004

This paper examines the concept of global public goods (GPGs) and in that context explores the extent of aid (ODA) presently being diverted to GPG provision and whether such diversion skews aid‐flows towards some recipients. These are examined on the basis of OECD data for the late 1990s. The main argument of this paper is that ODA should not be used for financing GPG provision by developing countries. Instead, it is suggested that other sources of financing the provision of GPGs should be developed keeping in view the various technologies by which the GPGs can be produced and design principles for supra‐national institutions. Various arguments from Sandler, Barrett and Kanbur are considered. In particular, Kanbur's suggestion of two tensions involving the principles of economies of scale, subsidiarity, economies of scope and specialisation, is explored further.
Multilateral and Bilateral Loans versus Grants: Issues and Evidence
Authors: Odedokun Matthew
Published: February 2004

This paper examines a wide range of issues relating to the mix between loans and grants as well as the degree of concessionality of loans. A number of empirical tests are carried out based on annual panel data over 1970 to 1999 for 22 donor countries and 72 recipient countries. Based on the tests, we observe that for bilateral donors, past grant‐loan mix (and, hence, reflows from past transfers) do not influence the volume of current resource transfers. Our tests also show that the rate of official borrowing by the recipients (and, by deduction, the extent of their past debt burden) is positively influenced by the extent of the concessionality of such loans – irrespective of whether it is in the form of subsidised interest rates or longer grace periods. The paper concludes with a review of the circumstances in which grants, soft loans and non‐concessional loans might have their respective comparative advantage, as well as a discussion of the need, so as to overcome the negative incentive problems of soft loans, for a typical concessional loan package to be separated into two constituent parts. This would enable the recipient to be given the grant component and the option to take from the non‐concessional loan component as much as desired.
Bankruptcy Proceedings for Sovereign State Insolvency
Authors: Thomas Jonathan P.
Published: February 2004

This paper examines the main issues involved in translating domestic bankruptcy procedures to the sovereign context. It considers some of the principles by which domestic bankruptcy procedures operate, and the extent to which they apply to international lending. Two recent proposals are considered in more detail, that of Krueger (A New Approach to Sovereign Debt Restructuring) and that of Pettifor (ch. 9/11, Resolving International Debt Crises – the Jubilee Framework for International Insolvency). The paper also considers the question of the ex ante effects of a procedure which makes default less costly, and concludes that despite a negative impact on the ability to borrow, the overall welfare effect need not be negative.
Arab‐related Bilateral and Multilateral Sources of Development Finance: Issues, Trends, and the Way Forward
Authors: Neumayer Eric
Published: February 2004

This paper analyses the organisational structure as well as the characteristics of development finance provided by Arab donor countries. This is done with a comparative view in relation to western donors and with the aim to develop recommendations as to how Arab development finance can be strengthened and rendered more effective for the new millennium. In the 1960s and 1970s Arab donors established a variety of national and multilateral agencies. These agencies share many characteristics of their western counterparts, but some also exhibit distinctive features. Both in terms of absolute volume as well as generosity measured by aid as a percentage of GDP, Arab countries have been important donors in the past, even though recent years have seen a significant fall in Arab aid. Reversing this downfall in aid, targeting its aid better towards the poor and very poor recipient countries and raising the grant share and the concessionality of loans for these countries together with a reallocation of aid towards the social sectors of human development would render Arab aid‐giving more effective in terms of poverty alleviation and more in line with western aid. A greater willingness to participate in the ongoing discussions amongst western donors about the proper objectives and design of development finance would help Arab donorsto achieve the recognition they truly deserve. Closer cooperation with western donors would be a logical consequence of taking such a step. However, this would also need to be matched by a greater willingness on the part of western donors to take their Arab counterparts seriously as partners of development finance.
Competition For Board Seats Following Stock‐For‐Stock Mergers
Authors: Davidson Wallace N. , Sakr Sameh , Ning Yixi
Published: February 2004

We examine the board structure of firms following stock‐for‐stock mergers. We find that former target inside (outside) directors are more likely to join the combined firm board when target insiders (outsiders) have a relatively strong position on the pre‐merger target board. The relative size of the target firm, target firm profitability, and target blockholder ownership also influence whether target directors join the combined board. We conclude that competition for board seats on the combined board is won by target directors with greater bargaining positions.
The Evolution Of Bank Resolution Policies In Japan: Evidence From Market Equity Values
Authors: Spiegel Mark M. , Yamori Nobuyoshi
Published: February 2004

We examine the evidence in equity markets concerning bank regulatory policies in Japan from 1995 to 1999. Our results support the presence of information‐based contagion in Japanese equity markets. When the failure of a bank of certain regulatory status was announced, it adversely affected excess returns on banks with equal or lower levels of regulatory protection. Market participants therefore initially behaved as if only second regional and smaller banks would be allowed to fail. As the situation deteriorated, however, banks that traditionally enjoyed greater regulatory protection were also perceived to lose their too‐big‐to‐fail status.
Optionality and Daily Dynamics of Convenience Yield Behavior: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Kocagil Ahmet E.
Published: February 2004

In this article I empirically examine the daily convenience yield behavior for six commodity markets (crude oil, heating oil, gasoline, wheat, corn, and copper). The results illustrate that convenience yield behavior can be statistically explained within an option pricing framework. However, because one of the assumptions of the standard call option formula is not fully satisfied by the observed convenience yield series, an alternative option—exchange option—may be more appropriate for modeling the daily convenience yield behavior. Furthermore, I empirically test two hypotheses on convenience yield behavior. The results confirm the assertion that the convenience yield is increasing in marginal production costs. In addition, the findings offer limited support for the hypothesis that the convenience yield is decreasing in the serial autocorrelation of spot prices. The observed switch in the sign of regression coefficients as the order of autocorrelation increases is attributed to the probable presence of mean reversion in these markets.
The Book of Heat From Rashīd ad-Dīn's Kitāb Bayān al-Ḥaqā'iq, MS. Kılıç Ali Pasha 834, fol. 208 b – 241 b Chinese Medicine from a Source in 14th Century Persia
Authors: Klein-Franke Felix , Ming Zhu
Published: February 2004

Rashīd ad-Dīn gives a summary of what he found in Arabic and Chinese medical literature concerning the topic Heat.