bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Manure vs. Fertilizer Inputs on Productivity of Forage Crop Models
Authors: Annicchiarico Giovanni , Caternolo Giovanni , Rossi Emanuela , Martiniello Pasquale
Published: June 2011

Manure produced by livestock activity is a dangerous product capable of causing serious environmental pollution. Agronomic management practices on the use of manure may transform the target from a waste to a resource product. Experiments performed on comparison of manure with standard chemical fertilizers (CF) were studied under a double cropping per year regime (alfalfa, model I; Italian ryegrass-corn, model II; barley-seed sorghum, model III; and horse-bean-silage sorghum, model IV). The total amount of manure applied in the annual forage crops of the model II, III and IV was 158, 140 and 80 m3 ha−1, respectively. The manure applied to soil by broadcast and injection procedure provides an amount of nitrogen equal to that supplied by CF. The effect of manure applications on animal feeding production and biochemical soil characteristics was related to the models. The weather condition and manures and CF showed small interaction among treatments. The number of MFU ha−1 of biomass crop gross product produced in autumn and spring sowing models under manure applications was 11,769, 20,525, 11,342, 21,397 in models I through IV, respectively. The reduction of MFU ha−1 under CF ranges from 10.7% to 13.2% those of the manure models. The effect of manure on organic carbon and total nitrogen of topsoil, compared to model I, stressed the parameters as CF whose amount was higher in models II and III than model IV. In term of percentage the organic carbon and total nitrogen of model I and treatment with manure was reduced by about 18.5 and 21.9% in model II and model III and 8.8 and 6.3% in model IV, respectively. Manure management may substitute CF without reducing gross production and sustainability of cropping systems, thus allowing the opportunity to recycle the waste product for animal forage feeding.
The Pesticide Risk Beliefs Inventory: A Quantitative Instrument for the Assessment of Beliefs about Pesticide Risks
Authors: LePrevost Catherine E. , Blanchard Margaret R. , Cope W. Gregory
Published: June 2011

Recent media attention has focused on the risks that agricultural pesticides pose to the environment and human health; thus, these topics provide focal areas for scientists and science educators to enhance public understanding of basic toxicology concepts. This study details the development of a quantitative inventory to gauge pesticide risk beliefs. The goal of the inventory was to characterize misconceptions and knowledge gaps, as well as expert-like beliefs, concerning pesticide risk. This study describes the development and field testing of the Pesticide Risk Beliefs Inventory with an important target audience: pesticide educators in a southeastern U.S. state. The 19-item, Likert-type inventory was found to be psychometrically sound with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.780 and to be a valuable tool in capturing pesticide educators’ beliefs about pesticide risk, assessing beliefs in four key categories. The Pesticide Risk Beliefs Inventory could be useful in exploring beliefs about pesticide risks and in guiding efforts to address misconceptions held by a variety of formal and informal science learners, educators, practitioners, the agricultural labor force, and the general public.
Origin of Evolution versus Origin of Life: A Shift of Paradigm
Authors: Tessera Marc
Published: June 2011

The question of the primordial ancestor must be approached through the search for the origin of evolution, not through the search for the origin of life. There is a major issue with the concept of life because it is impossible to define, thus is not a scientific but a metaphysical concept. On the contrary, evolution may be defined by as few as three conditions. These do not necessarily involve biopolymers. However, such an approach must give clues to explain the emergence of distinct lineages to allow Darwinian natural selection. A plausible solution exists within an autotrophic lipidic vesicle-based model that is presented. The model requires the existence of hydrothermal sites such as the Lost City Hydrothermal Field leading to specific constraints. For this reason Mars and Europa may be questioned as possible cradles of evolution. If we replace the search for the origin of life by the one for the origin of evolution our priority first is to find a consensus on the minimal conditions that would allow evolution to emerge and persist anywhere in the universe.
Resistance to Elsinoë Ampelina and Expression of Related Resistant Genes in Vitis Rotundifolia Michx. Grapes
Authors: Louime Clifford , Lu Jiang , Onokpise Oghenekome , Vasanthaiah Hemanth K. N. , Kambiranda Devaiah , Basha Sheikh M. , Yun Hae Keun
Published: June 2011

Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia Michx) are considered as excellent genetic resources for grape breeding programs as they are known for their hardiness and resistance to pests and diseases. However, contrary to popular belief, our study indicated that not all muscadine cultivars are resistant to anthracnose disease. In order to identify a source of genetic tolerance towards anthracnose among muscadine cultivars, a series of in-situ and ex-situ experiments were conducted through strict and sensitive screening processes. Two consecutive years of field evaluation of 54 grape cultivars showed various levels of anthracnose incidence among the cultivars between a scale of 0 (tolerant) to 5 (highly-susceptible). Resistance bioassay by inoculation of different spore densities of Elsinoë ampelina on 40 cultivars presented similar results and was consistent with those obtained from the field test. A real-time PCR analysis was conducted to investigate differences of gene expression between susceptible and tolerant cultivars and to confirm results by phenotypic identification. Expression of genes encoding chalcone synthase, stilbene synthase, polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein, chitinase and lipid transfer-protein was only detected in tolerant cultivars. Resistant muscadine cultivars identified in this study could be excellent candidates for grape disease resistance breeding programs.
Physical and Chemical Characterization of Poly(hexamethylene biguanide) Hydrochloride
Authors: De Paula Gustavo F. , Netto Germano I. , Mattoso Luiz Henrique C.
Published: June 2011

We present the characterization of commercially available Poly(hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB), a polymer with biocidal activity and several interesting properties that make this material suitable as a building block for supramolecular chemistry and “smart” materials. We studied polymer structure in water solution by dynamic light scattering, surface tension and capacitance spectroscopy. It shows typical surfactant behavior due to amphiphilic structure and low molecular weight. Spectroscopic (UV/Vis, FT-NIR) and thermal characterization (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC, and thermogravimetric analysis, TGA) were performed to give additional insight into the material structure in solution and solid state. These results can be the foundation for more detailed investigations on usefulness of PHMB in new complex materials and devices.
Mourning, Memorials, and Religion: A Psychoanalytic Perspective on the Park51 Controversy
Authors: Carlin Nathan , Khan Heba
Published: June 2011

This article summarizes a version of the “mourning religion” thesis—derived from the work of Peter Homans and further developed and advanced by William Parsons, Diane Jonte-Pace, and Susan Henking—and then demonstrates how this thesis can shed light on the Park51 controversy. We argue that the Park51 controversy represents a case of incomplete cultural mourning of an aspect of American civil religion that manifests itself in melancholic rage by means of protests, threats to burn the Qur’an (as well as actual burnings of the Qur’an), and vandalism of mosques around the United States. We explore various losses—military, economic, and symbolic—and note that these losses remain ambiguous, therefore preventing closure and productive mourning. The fact that a permanent memorial still has not been built at Ground Zero reflects, and perhaps exacerbates, this incomplete cultural mourning. Also, the fact that Freedom Tower, the building to replace the Twin Towers, is to be 1776 feet tall reflects that the losses related to 9/11 are connected to American civil religion, as 1776 is a sacred year in American history. Setting aside the ethics and the politics related to this controversy, we attempt here to understand this controversy from a psychoanalytic perspective.
Adaptive Broadcasting Method Using Neighbor Type Information in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jeong Hyocheol , Kim Jeonghyun , Yoo Younghwan
Published: June 2011

Flooding is the simplest and most effective way to disseminate a packet to all nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN). However, basic flooding makes all nodes transmit the packet at least once, resulting in the broadcast storm problem in a worst case, and in turn, network resources are severely wasted. Particularly, power is the most valuable resource of WSNs as nodes are powered by batteries, then the waste of energy by the basic flooding lessens the lifetime of WSNs. In order to solve the broadcast storm problem, this paper proposes a dynamic probabilistic flooding that utilizes the neighbor information like the numbers of child and sibling nodes. In general, the more sibling nodes there are, the higher is the probability that a broadcast packet may be sent by one of the sibling nodes. The packet is not retransmitted by itself, though. Meanwhile, if a node has many child nodes its retransmission probability should be high to achieve the high packet delivery ratio. Therefore, these two terms—the numbers of child and sibling nodes—are adopted in the proposed method in order to attain more reliable flooding. The proposed method also adopts the back-off delay scheme to avoid collisions between close neighbors. Simulation results prove that the proposed method outperforms previous flooding methods in respect of the number of duplicate packets and packet delivery ratio.
Cytochrome C Biosensor—A Model for Gas Sensing
Authors: Hulko Michael , Hospach Ingeborg , Krasteva Nadejda , Nelles Gabriele
Published: June 2011

This work is about gas biosensing with a cytochrome c biosensor. Emphasis is put on the analysis of the sensing process and a mathematical model to make predictions about the biosensor response. Reliable predictions about biosensor responses can provide valuable information and facilitate biosensor development, particularly at an early development stage. The sensing process comprises several individual steps, such as phase partition equilibrium, intermediate reactions, mass-transport, and reaction kinetics, which take place in and between the gas and liquid phases. A quantitative description of each step was worked out and finally combined into a mathematical model. The applicability of the model was demonstrated for a particular example of methanethiol gas detection by a cytochrome c biosensor. The model allowed us to predict the optical readout response of the biosensor from tabulated data and data obtained in simple liquid phase experiments. The prediction was experimentally verified with a planar three-electrode electro-optical cytochrome c biosensor in contact with methanethiol gas in a gas tight spectroelectrochemical measurement cell.
Drivers of morphological diversity and distribution in the Hawaiian fern flora: Trait associations with size, growth form, and environment
Authors: Creese Chris , Lee Albert , Sack Lawren
Published: June 2011

•Premise of the study:Hawaii is home to 238 native and 35 alien fern and lycophyte taxa distributed across steep gradients in elevation and resource availability. The fern flora spans a wide range of growth forms, with extraordinary diversity in morphology and plant size. Yet the potential factors underlying this diversity have remained enigmatic.

•Methods:We used a trait database generated from the most recent and comprehensive survey of Hawaiian ferns and lycophytes to test hypotheses of size‐scaling and trait associations with environment and growth form as factors underlying this diversity. We also tested relationships among morphology, taxon abundance and distribution and identified key differences between native and alien taxa.

•Key results:Strong trait–trait relationships included geometric scaling of plant dimensions with a tendency for more divided fronds in larger ferns. Trait–environment relationships independent of size included more divided fronds at higher elevation, longer blades in shaded habitats, and fronds with shorter stipes and fewer pinnae in drier habitats. Growth forms differed in mean size with epiphytic and epipetric taxa smaller than terrestrial ferns. Plant size was independent of taxon abundance and distribution across islands, and native and alien ferns did not differ in mean size. Alien taxa were more abundant, especially at lower elevations, apparently due to human land use.

•Conclusions:These relationships point to linkages of fern form and demography with biogeography and highlight potential flora‐scale physiological and morphological adaptations in ferns across contrasting environments.
Patterns of hybridization between diploid and derived allotetraploid species ofDactylorhiza(Orchidaceae) co‐occurring in Belgium
Authors: De Hert Koen , Jacquemyn Hans , Van Glabeke Sabine , Roldán‐Ruiz Isabel , Vandepitte Katrien , Leus Leen , Honnay Olivier
Published: June 2011

•Premise of the study: Although the potential for gene flow between species with large differences in chromosome numbers has long been recognized, only few studies have thoroughly investigated in situ hybridization across taxa with different ploidy levels. We combined morphological, cytological, and genetic marker data with pollination experiments to investigate the degree, direction, and spatial pattern of hybridization between the diploidDactylorhiza incarnataand its tetraploid derivative,D. praetermissa.

•Methods: To identify hybrids, 169 individuals were genotyped using AFLPs and morphologically characterized. Individuals were clustered on the basis of their AFLP profile using the program Structure. To reduce the dimensionality of the plant‐trait matrix, PCA was applied. The origin of suspected hybrid individuals was verified using flow cytometry. An AMOVA and spatial autocorrelation analysis were used to indirectly infer the extent of gene flow.

•Key results: Only five individuals were regarded as putative hybrids on the basis of the AFLP data; all had been assigned to theD. praetermissamorphotype. Only one had deviating DNA content and was presumably a triploid. High ΦSTvalues between different subpopulations and significant spatial genetic structure were observed, suggesting localized gene flow.

•Conclusions: Using combined data to study hybridization betweenD. incarnataandD. praetermissa, very few unequivocal hybrids were observed. We propose several non‐mutually exclusive explanations. Localized pollen flow, in combination with different microhabitat preferences, is probably one of the reasons for the low frequency of hybrids. Also, the triploid first‐generation hybrids may experience difficulties in successful establishment, as a result of genic incompatibilities.
Selection on seedling emergence timing and size in an annual plant, Helianthus annuus (common sunflower, Asteraceae)
Authors: Mercer Kristin L. , Alexander Helen M. , Snow Allison A.
Published: June 2011

• Premise: Variation in seedling emergence timing is considered adaptive over the long term in wild populations, but early emergence can result in a fitness advantage. To explore the adaptive significance of seedling emergence timing, it should be studied under realistic conditions and in the context of other traits that influence fitness.

• Methods: In a common garden, we monitored maternal families from seed to flowering (including over winter) with intra‐ and interspecific competition. We assessed the effects of emergence timing and plant size on survival to anthesis in different genetic backgrounds and under varying competition.

• Key Results: We found genetic variation for emergence (probability and timing), size, and survival to anthesis. We also found negative selection, both phenotypic and genetic, on emergence time, such that early emergers (day 8) had almost twice as great a predicted probability of surviving as later emergers (day 28). Size had strong positive effects on survival and, furthermore, the beneficial effects of early emergence may be mediated through size. Maternal family and competitive environment can also affect selection on emergence timing.

• Conclusions: Our results indicate that early emergence is related to greater survival in wild sunflower, although there may be little direct selection on this trait; rather, its importance may be mediated by its effects on highly adaptive traits associated with size. Also, the effects of early emergence may vary across genetic backgrounds and competitive conditions, facilitating the maintenance of variation for this trait across a diverse landscape.
Prolonged Duration of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Embedment Does not Lower the Catheter Success Rate
Authors: Elhassan Elwaleed , McNair Bryan , Quinn Maggie , Teitelbaum Isaac
Published: June 2011

Objective

Since 2000, we have used the Moncrief–Popovich technique as our standard method for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion. The subcutaneous portion of the catheter is externalized immediately before initiation of PD. We undertook the present review to investigate whether duration of catheter embedment affects catheter or patient outcome.

Methods

All catheters inserted beginning 1 January 2000 and externalized by 31 December 2008 were included. The primary outcome was catheter survival. Secondary outcomes were catheter patency (no fibrin plug or omental wrap) and complications within 90 days after externalization. A standard peritoneal equilibration test was used to classify peritoneal membrane transport status. Proportional hazards regression models were used to test whether duration of embedment affected catheter outcomes. The models treated embedment duration as both a continuous predictor and a categorical predictor categorized by tertile.

Results

A total of 134 catheters were implanted and externalized. Twelve patients received 2 catheters each. To ensure statistical independence of the observations, 12 of the latter 24 catheters were excluded (1 chosen randomly from each patient), resulting in a useable sample size of 122 catheters. The total duration of observation was 2359 patient–months. The median duration of catheter embedment was 40.5 days (range: 2 – 788 days). After controlling for sex, race, age, and diabetes status, embedment duration did not have a significant effect on catheter survival as a continuous predictor or as a categorical predictor. Additionally, the 95% confidence interval for the 30-day effect of embedment duration ruled out a change of more than 20.6% in the hazard of catheter malfunction or infection. Of the studied catheters, 89.3% were patent and functioned properly immediately upon externalization. The remaining 13 catheters (10.7%) lacked patency on externalization because of fibrin plug or kinking ( n = 10) or omental wrap ( n = 3); however, 12 of the 13 non-patent catheters were corrected laparoscopically, and the patients resumed PD. Only 1 patient transferred to hemodialysis. Overall, 121 of 122 buried catheters (99.2%) were used for PD. Other complications within 90 days of catheter externalization included incision site and tunnel infection in 2 cases (1.6%), exit-site leak in 2 cases (1.6%), and coagulase-negative staphylococcal peritonitis in 1 case (0.8%).

Conclusions

Duration of catheter embedment before externalization did not affect catheter survival and did not influence subsequent peritoneal membrane transport status. The overall effect of increasing embedment duration by 30 days is, at most, a 20.6% increase or decrease in the hazard of catheter failure, but the actual hazard may be much smaller or nonexistent. Larger studies are needed to further explore the ideal duration of embedment.
Effect of large mechanical stress on the magnetic properties of embedded Fe nanoparticles
Authors: Saranu Srinivasa , Selve Sören , Kaiser Ute , Han Luyang , Wiedwald Ulf , Ziemann Paul , Herr Ulrich
Published: June 2011

Magnetic nanoparticles are promising candidates for next generation high density magnetic data storage devices. Data storage requires precise control of the magnetic properties of materials, in which the magnetic anisotropy plays a dominant role. Since the total magneto-crystalline anisotropy energy scales with the particle volume, the storage density in media composed of individual nanoparticles is limited by the onset of superparamagnetism. One solution to overcome this limitation is the use of materials with extremely large magneto-crystalline anisotropy. In this article, we follow an alternative approach by using magneto-elastic interactions to tailor the total effective magnetic anisotropy of the nanoparticles. By applying large biaxial stress to nanoparticles embedded in a non-magnetic film, it is demonstrated that a significant modification of the magnetic properties can be achieved. The stress is applied to the nanoparticles through expansion of the substrate during hydrogen loading. Experimental evidence for stress induced magnetic effects is presented based on temperature-dependent magnetization curves of superparamagnetic Fe particles. The results show the potential of the approach for adjusting the magnetic properties of nanoparticles, which is essential for application in future data storage media.
Salmonella enterica in semi-aquatic turtles in Colombia
Authors: Sánchez-Jiménez Miryan Margot , Rincón-Ruiz Paula Andrea , Duque Sara , Giraldo María Adelaida , Ramírez-Monroy Diber Marcela , Jaramillo Gloria , Cardona-Castro Nora
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Turtles can be hosts of Salmonella enterica serovars which can cause disease both in the animals themselves and in people they come into contact with, especially when the turtles are kept as pets. To investigate the prevalence of Salmonella in turtles in Colombia, we studied animals at a wildlife protection centre. The turtles had either been confiscated or donated to the centre. Methodology: Detection of Salmonella spp. was conducted in feces samples using bacteriological cultures and polymerase chain reaction to identify genus and serovar.  Results: By PCR and culture, 30/110 samples (27%) were positive while by PCR alone eight further samples were positive (total of 38/110 (35%) positive). The most common serovar was S. Enteritidis (26/38 (68%) with only one isolate being S. Typhimurium (3%).  Four (11%) samples were positive for both serovars and seven (18%) could only be identified as Salmonella enterica spp. Conclusions: These results show that turtles in Colombia are commonly infected with Salmonella and are a risk for infection to people who come into contact with them.
Simultaneous detection and subtyping of H274Y-positive influenza A (H1N1) using pyrosequencing
Authors: Chantratita Wasun , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Sirinavin Sayomporn , Sankuntaw Nipaporn , Srichantaratsamee Chutatip , Pasomsub Ekawat , Malathum Kumthorn
Published: June 2011

Introduction: We investigated the frequency of H274Y-positive swine-origin 2009 A (H1N1) influenza virus outbreak in Thailand during May-August 2009.  Methodology: This study sought to find Oseltamivir resistance mutation H274Y by using pyrosequencing. Results: From 8,710 real-time RT-PCR swine-origin 2009 A(H1N1) influenza virus-positive specimens, 100 randomly selected samples identified one such virus with H274Y mutation  using pyrosequencing. Conclusions: The patient probably acquired oseltamivir resistance from natural variation, since he had never received that form of treatment before and recovered from influenza-like symptoms without using anti-influenza drugs.
The sale of antibiotics without prescription in pharmacies in Damascus, Syria
Authors: Al-Faham Zaid , Habboub Ghaith , Takriti Farah
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the development of organism resistance. The acquisition of antibiotics without prescription by the general population seems to be common practice in pharmacies of Damascus, Syria. This study aimed to determine the proportion of pharmacies dispensing antibiotics without medical prescription and without seeing the patient. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 224 pharmacies was conducted in Damascus. To obtain antibiotics without medical prescription, the investigators posed as individuals who had a sister with symptoms of sinusitis.. Results: From 200 pharmacies visited, 87% agreed without insistence from the investigator to sell antibiotics without prescription. This figure increased to 97% when the investigators who were at first denied antibiotics insisted on having the antibiotics. Conclusion: Dispensing of antibiotics is high in Damascus despite federal regulations. Health education programs should be directed to pharmacies and also to the population.
Multidrug-resistant typhoid fever: a review
Authors: Zaki Syed Ahmed , Karande Sunil
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Multidrug-resistant typhoid fever (MDRTF) is defined as typhoid fever caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi strains (S. Typhi), which are resistant to the first-line recommended drugs for treatment such as chloramphenicol, ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Since the mid-1980s, MDRTF has caused outbreaks in several countries in the developing world, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, especially in affected children below five years of age and those who are malnourished. Methodology: Two methods were used to gather the information presented in this article. First PubMed was searched for English language references to published relevant articles. Secondly, chapters on typhoid fever in standard textbooks of paediatric infectious diseases and preventive and social medicine were reviewed. Results: Although there are no pathognomonic clinical features of MDRTF at the onset of the illness, high fever ( > 104°F), toxaemia, abdominal distension, abdominal tenderness, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly are often reported. The gold standard for the diagnosis of MDRTF is bacterial isolation of the organism in blood cultures. Ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone are the drugs most commonly used for treatment of MDRTF and produce good clinical results. Conclusion: MDRTF remains a major public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Mass immunization in endemic areas with either the oral live attenuated Typhi 21a or the injectable unconjugated Vi typhoid vaccine, rational use of antibiotics, improvement in public sanitation facilities, availability of clean drinking water, promotion of safe food handling practices and public health education are vital in the prevention of MDRTF.
Isolated cutaneous aspergillosis in an acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Tunccan Ozlem Guzel , Aki Sahika Zeynep , Akyurek Nalan , Sucak Gulsan , Senol Esin
Published: June 2011

Cutaneous aspergillosis is very rare and occurs predominantly in immunocompromised patients including transplant recipients. We report a 26-year-old male with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed cutaneous aspergillosis after undergoing combined immunosuppressive treatment including corticosteroid, cyclosporine A, mychophenolate mofetil and mesenchymal stem cells for steroid refractory skin acute graft versus host disease after myeloablative haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.  The patient was treated with oral voriconazole therapy and recovered partially.
Case report on the development of a brucellosis-related epidural abscess
Authors: Köse Şükran , Senger Süheyla Serin , Çavdar Gülsün , Yavaş Sibel
Published: June 2011

Brucellosis is an endemic disease in developing countries. The most commonly observed complications include bone-joint involvement, particularly sacroiliitis and spondylitis. Epidural abscesses caused by brucellosis are a rare complication. We describe the case of a 33-year-old man presenting with high fever, back pain, and weakness. At physical examination, the patient was found to be paraparetic. At thoracic MRI, spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess with significant cord compression were observed. In laboratory examinations, Rose Bengal and tube agglutination tests were positive in patient's serum for brucellosis, and specific antibiotherapy was initiated. Total laminectomy was performed and the abscess was aspirated. The biopsy sample was consistent with chronic non-specific inflammation in acute abscess. No growth was detected in the abscess or blood cultures. Following surgery, medical treatment was initiated and, at six weeks' follow-up, clinical and MRI findings indicated that he had recovered. The diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess due to brucellosis should be considered among differential diagnoses in endemic regions. Early diagnosis and specific treatment are important to prevent later complications.
La persistance des petites entreprises. Essai d'analyse a partir des théories de la firme et de l'entrepreneur
Authors: Boutillier Sophie
Published: May 2011

Résumé Quels sont le rôle et la place des petites entreprises dans les pays industriels depuis la fin du 19 e siècle ? Sont-elles une survivance du passé ou bien des espaces d’innovation ou une opportunité d’emploi dans une période de chômage élevé ? L’économie politique devient une science à la fin du 18 e siècle en montrant les avantages de la production de masse (théorie de la manufacture d’épingles d’Adam Smith). Cependant, pour Rosa Luxembourg, une économie constituée seulement de grandes entreprises n’a jamais existé et n’existera jamais. L’objet de cet article est d’analyser ces questions à travers les théories de la firme et de l’entrepreneur. Codes JEL : B30, 031, L25, L26
PME et agilité organisationnelle : étude exploratoire
Authors: Barzi Redouane
Published: May 2011

Résumé L’agilité a été introduite comme une réponse stratégique et organisationnelle aux fluctuations environnementales. Cependant, il est surprenant de constater qu’elle a été très peu étudiée au sein des petites et moyennes entreprises (PME), alors que ces structures présentent des caractéristiques qui font d’elles un champ de recherche spécifique. Cette recherche propose dès lors de définir l’agilité des entreprises, de la situer par rapport à des notions proches comme la flexibilité ou encore l’adaptabilité, d’explorer l’agilité au sein des PME et de contribuer aux recherches sur ce champ. Les résultats montrent que l’agilité des PME peut être définie selon quatre dimensions à savoir la proximité, la flexibilité, la réactivité et la différenciation. La proximité apparaît ici comme l’élément central qui favorise les autres dimensions. Codes JEL : L22, L23, D23, M11
Impact des options réelles et des jeux évolutionnistes sur la chronologie de l'innovation
Authors: Ndiaye Babacar
Published: May 2011

Résumé L’arbitrage sur l’investissement dépend des critères de prise de décision, mais aussi de la dynamique concurrentielle. Avec l’évolution de la littérature, la chronologie de l’innovation s’est orientée vers la théorie des options réelles, puis vers la théorie des jeux traditionnels. Toutefois, l’impact du concept de la VAN dynamique et l’influence des jeux évolutionnistes sont parfois négligés. Ce papier propose d’étudier les relations qui existent entre ces différentes approches en utilisant les options réelles et les jeux évolutionnistes. Codes JEL : D21, L22, O31
Les systèmes de travail soutenable, une composante souvent négligée mais fondamentale du développement durable
Authors: Barisi Giusto
Published: May 2011

Résumé Au niveau de l’entreprise, un système de travail soutenable « reproduit et développe toutes les ressources, les composantes qu’il utilise ». Dans la dernière décennie, en France l’attention des pouvoirs publics, des médias, des dirigeants a été davantage focalisée sur les politiques, réglementations, certifications visant à préserver l’environnement et à reconstituer les équilibres écologiques. Dans les grandes entreprises, les stratégies de préservation des ressources naturelles ont évolué et ont été intégrées dans les politiques d’entreprise à des niveaux différents (pas d’intégration, politiques polyfonctionnelles, intégration dans les politiques générales et RSE). Mais une composante fondamentale, la prévention des risques professionnels, a moins avancé que les autres. C’est seulement depuis 2009, avec la mise en exergue des dommages provoqués par la négligence des risques psychosociaux, qu’un large débat s’est développé au niveau national, dont les issues concrètes sont encore recherchées. Codes JEL : K31, J01, J81
La création de rentes : une approche par les compétences et capacités dynamiques
Authors: Burger-Helmchen Thierry , Frank Laurence
Published: May 2011

Résumé La capacité d’innovation et d’adaptation des entreprises dépend de ses compétences et capacités dynamiques. La littérature en management stratégique et en management de l’innovation a été fortement marquée ces dernières années par le développement de la théorie de l’entreprise basée sur les ressources. S’il est admis que les ressources de l’entreprise sont à l’origine des rentes et que les capacités dynamiques déterminent la pérennité de ces rentes, peu d’indications sont offertes dans la littérature sur les critères que doit retenir le manager pour choisir entre des actifs lui permettant d’obtenir ces diverses rentes. Ce travail passe en revue les principales contributions sur les concepts de capacités dynamiques et de rentes afin de définir les liens qu’entretiennent ces deux notions pour guider la prise de décision du manager. Codes JEL : M0, M10, L10
Inter-organisation et brevet : une proposition de classification
Authors: Bouvier-Patron Paul
Published: May 2011

Résumé L’inter-organisation, au sein de laquelle se développe aujourd’hui l’innovation engendre un horizon d’analyse renouvelé auquel n’échappe pas la problématique des brevets. Dans une démarche analytique, nous chercherons à fournir une explication concernant le rôle stratégique de l’inter-organisation dans la création et la gestion de l’innovation protégée, ou pas, par le brevet. Après une synthèse de la littérature, nous aborderons le rôle stratégique des brevets avant de proposer une synthèse sur les formes d’appropriabilité au sein de l’inter-organisation par le biais d’une classification. Codes JEL : D21, D62, L14, L24, M00, M21
Le contrôle des concentrations transnationales : perspectives comparées
Authors: Burnier Da Silveira Paulo
Published: May 2011

Résumé On constate dans les dernières décennies une multiplication des fusions de taille transnationale et une prolifération des systèmes nationaux de contrôle des concentrations économiques. Le résultat est l’émergence d’une pluralité de juridictions compétentes, notamment dans le cadre des concentrations globales. Dans ces affaires, les entreprises sont généralement obligées de notifier les différentes autorités de concurrence, avant de mettre en place leur projet de concentration. Cette situation révèle une difficulté d’ordre international majeure. En effet, diverses analyses de fond sont menées sur une même opération de concentration, ce qui peut engendrer des décisions contradictoires ou incohérentes. L’article décrit ce problème et analyse certaines fusions transnationales qui ont eu lieu récemment dans le monde, pour enfin offrir un terrain de débat sur les solutions éventuelles. Codes JEL : K21, K33, F23, F53
Crise, innovation et renouveau des territoires : dépendance de sentier et trajectoires d'évolution
Authors: Laperche Blandine , Uzunidis Dimitri
Published: May 2011

Résumé Dans cet article, nous cherchons à expliquer la constitution et le changement de trajectoire suivie par une économie territoriale. Nous expliquons l’intérêt que peuvent apporter les concepts d’apprentissage, d’actifs spécifiques et d’actifs secondaires, de routines à la question de l’évolution des territoires. Puis, nous nous intéresserons plus particulièrement aux formes institutionnelles structurant le milieu et à leur rôle dans le processus de création et de renouvellement des ressources productives. De cette analyse, nous caractériserons notamment l’influence des « macro-institutions » sur la dynamique d’innovation et le degré de responsabilité imputable aux politiques économiques menées par les pouvoirs publics. Codes JEL : R11, R58, B52
Dynamique des territoires, agglomération et localisation des firmes
Authors: Carré Denis , Levratto Nadine
Published: May 2011

Résumé Parmi de très nombreux indicateurs de performance des territoires et des firmes en contexte, ce texte exploite les possibilités d’évaluation des performances régionales offertes par la mise en application de l’analyse « structurelle-résiduelle ». Cette méthode qui mesure « l’effet régional » au regard de la dynamique d’ensemble permet de préciser la position économique d’un territoire au regard d’une tendance générale. Lorsqu’il est décliné au niveau des différentes activités, cet effet régional revient à analyser les dynamiques particulières des firmes selon leur localisation. Nous appliquons cette méthode à l’explication des causes des variations de l’emploi au sein des régions françaises entre 2000 et 2008. Cet exercice nous permet de mettre en évidence, d’une part le caractère contingent des mécanismes d’agglomération et, d’autre part, le rôle de la demande locale sur les comportements localisés des entreprises. Codes JEL : D24, R11, R12
Externalités de la R&D, institutions et croissance : validation empirique pour le cas des pays en voie de développement
Authors: Gabsi Sahbi
Published: May 2011

Résumé Coe et Helpman (1995) étaient les premiers économistes qui ont montré que la productivité totale des facteurs dépend non seulement du stock de connaissance domestique mais également du stock de connaissance étrangère. Dans ce contexte, notre contribution est de déterminer comment la qualité des institutions et la bonne gouvernance sont considérées comme facteurs clés de la relation entre la politique de R&D et la croissance économique. C’est-à-dire d’examiner le rôle des institutions pour expliquer pourquoi certains pays en voie de développement bénéficient plus que d’autres des externalités internationales de R&D des pays avancés. Pour ce faire, nous appliquons la méthode des données de panel sur la période de 1996 à 2007 pour 24 pays en voie de développement. Les résultats obtenus suggèrent que la qualité des institutions est un facteur crucial et complémentaire à la relation entre la politique de la R&D et la croissance économique. Codes JEL : O3, O43, O47, C23
Effect of the addition of garlic on the stability and sensory quality of olive paste
Authors: Schwartz M. , Quitral V. , Daccarett C. , Callejas R.
Published: June 2011

The effect of garlic on the quality and stability of olive paste was evaluated. A control paste (Pc) was prepared based on a Sevillana olive variety, the other was identical to Pc with 0.5g/100g of garlic (Pa). Microbiological, physicochemical and sensory changes were monitored in both pastes at time zero and during storage up to 90 days at 4°C. Microbiological parameters remain within acceptable limits from the point of view of health. The addition of garlic to the olive paste leads to increased acidity (% lactic acid) and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in pH at 30 and 60 days of storage. The addition of garlic produces a lower increase in peroxide value after 90 days of storage. An instrumental color analysis indicates that Pa is brighter and has greater color intensity. Acceptability is similar between the pastes. The sensory quality indicates that Pa has better appearance, aroma, texture and flavor. Rancidity is less than perceived in Pa. The tastes sour, salty and bitter are lower in Pa. According to the results, the addition of garlic is recommended for olive paste and similar foods.
Comparison of geometrical isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids in selected commercially refined oils
Authors: Tasan M. , Gecgel U. , Demirci M.
Published: June 2011

Four different commercially refined vegetable oils were analyzed by capillary gas-liquid chromatography for their trans fatty acid contents. The results obtained showed that the total trans FA contents in refined sunflower, corn, soybean, and hazelnut oils were 0.68 ± 0.41, 0.51 ± 0.24, 1.27 ± 0.57, and 0.26 ± 0.07% of total FA, respectively. The total trans FA comprised isomers of the C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 FA. Meanwhile, five brands of the refined sunflower oil and two brands of hazelnut oil contained no measurable amounts of total trans C18:3 acids. The total trans C18:2 acid was the predominant trans FA found in the refined sunflower and corn oils, while trans polyunsaturated FAs for the refined soybean oils were found at high levels. However, total trans C18:1 acid was the major trans FA for refined hazelnut oils. The commercially refined vegetable oils with a relatively high total polyunsaturated FA contained considerable amounts of trans polyunsaturated isomers. This study indicates that it is necessary to optimize industrial deodorization, especially the time and temperature, for each different FA composition of oil used.
Protective effects of a wheat germ rich diet against the toxic influence of profenofos on rat tissue lipids and oxidative pentose phosphate shunt enzymes
Authors: Abdel-Rahim G. A. , Mahmoud G. I.
Published: June 2011

The effects of technical and formulated forms of profenofos on the metabolic lipid fractions of the liver, brain and kidneys as well as the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), which consider lipid related enzymes, were studied. The two forms of profenofos were given separately either orally or by dermal at doses of 1/20 LD50 for 3 months (one dose every 48 h). Total lipids and lipid fractions (cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipid contents) decreased in the three studied organ tissues either in technical or formulated profenofos-induced rats compared with normal control animals. The highest effect was observed in the case of orally formulated profenofo induction, and the lowest was detected for the dermal technical one. The same trend was found in the activities of G6PD and 6PGD associated with lipid metabolism in the liver, brain and kidney tissues under the same conditions. On other hand, the treatment of profenofos-induced animals by feeding a wheat germ rich diet (as antioxidant agent) produced significant improvements in both lipid fraction content and enzyme activity. In addition, the effects of the wheat germ rich diet (α-tocopherol rich source) readjusted and improved the disturbed metabolic fractions of the lipid profiles in the profenofos-induced rats as well as their related enzyme activities (G6PD and 6PGD: oxidative pentose phosphate shunt).
El sistema Ctesiphonte. Evolución de la estructura catenaria
Authors: Rabasco P.
Published: June 2011

La complicada situación de la España de los años de autarquía (1940-55), llevó a que algunos arquitectos propusieran soluciones sumamente económicas y de rápida construcción para tratar de solucionar el grave problema de la falta de vivienda. Entre esas propuestas llama especialmente la atención el sistema Ctesiphonte, basado en una catenaria estructural como único elemento que define el espacio. La solución se extenderá para otras funciones como la agropecuaria, pero igualmente llegará a utilizarse para edificios de uso social o religiososos.
Análisis de ciclo de vida y reglas de categoría de producto en la construcción. El caso de las baldosas cerámicas
Authors: Benveniste G. , Gazulla C. , Fullana P. , Celades I. , Ros T. , Zaera V. , Godes B.
Published: June 2011

El presente trabajo muestra la evolución de las actividades de Análisis de Ciclo de Vida (ACV) y redacción de las Reglas de Categoría de Producto (RCP) en el sector de la construcción, más concretamente para los recubrimientos cerámicos. En particular, se presentan los resultados obtenidos a partir del estudio de ACV de las baldosas cerámicas a nivel sectorial, que ha servido como base para la redacción de las correspondientes RCP, necesarias para la edición de Declaraciones Ambientales de Producto (DAP). Más de 50 empresas españolas fabricantes de baldosas cerámicas han participado en el estudio suministrando datos de inventario sobre la fabricación de sus productos. Adicionalmente, se ha utilizado información bibliográfica y la base de datos del programa informático GaBi-4 de PE International1 para datos genéricos como producción de energía o transporte.
Las DAP son declaraciones voluntarias basadas en estudios de ACV que permiten la difusión de información ambiental cuantificada sobre el ciclo de vida de un producto. El desarrollo de estos estudios de ACV se debe realizar siguiendo unas determinadas Reglas de Categoría de Producto. En la redacción del borrador de las RCP de materiales de recubrimientos cerámicos se han seguido las normas UNE EN ISO 14025 e ISO 21930 y se ha sometido a un trámite de exposición pública a empresas fabricantes y asociaciones empresariales. Dichas RCP se han desarrollado en el marco del sistema DAPc, promovido por la Generalitat de Catalunya y el CAATEEB2 y constituye el primer sistema de ecoetiquetado de productos de la construcción en España.
Industrialización en la vivienda social de Madrid
Authors: Montes J. , Camps I. P. , Fúster A.
Published: June 2011

El empleo de sistemas industrializados a menudo se enfrenta a las inercias de formas de construir tradicionales, al desconocimiento técnico y a la desconfianza sobre los costes de todos los implicados en el proceso de promoción, construcción y habitación. Este artículo insiste en la necesidad de sistematizar y racionalizar todo el proceso.
La promoción de sistemas industriales requiere una comprensión amplia del tejido industrial y de la necesidad de modificar hábitos constructivos. Se debe entender como una apuesta estratégica consciente para impulsar la industria de la construcción, así como un medio para conseguir un producto de más calidad y mayor seguridad en obra.
Para reforzar la implantación de sistemas industrializados, es importante incidir en los beneficios medioambientales de su utilización, tales como reciclaje, eficiencia energética de su producción y menor generación de residuos. También considerar como fundamental la satisfacción y participación en el proceso del que será su usuario final.
Promoting Effective Communication for Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Grossbach Irene , Stranberg Sarah , Chlan Linda
Published: June 2011

Communicating effectively with ventilator-dependent patients is essential so that various basic physiological and psychological needs can be conveyed and decisions, wishes, and desires about the plan of care and end-of-life decision making can be expressed. Numerous methods can be used to communicate, including gestures, head nods, mouthing of words, writing, use of letter/picture boards and common words or phrases tailored to meet individualized patients’ needs. High-tech alternative communication devices are available for more complex cases. Various options for patients with a tracheostomy tube include partial or total cuff deflation and use of a speaking valve. It is important for nurses to assess communication needs; identify appropriate alternative communication strategies; create a customized care plan with the patient, the patient’s family, and other team members; ensure that the care plan is visible and accessible to all staff interacting with the patient; and continue to collaborate with colleagues from all disciplines to promote effective communication with nonvocal patients.