bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of corticosteroids on the clinical course of community-acquired pneumonia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fernández-Serrano Silvia , Dorca Jordi , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , Fernández-Sabé Núria , Carratalà Jordi , Fernández-Agüera Ana , Corominas Mercè , Padrones Susana , Gudiol Francesc , Manresa Frederic
Published: March 2011

Introduction

The benefit of corticosteroids as adjunctive treatment in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring hospital admission remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of corticosteroid treatment on outcomes in patients with CAP.

Methods

This was a prospective, double-blind and randomized study. All patients received treatment with ceftriaxone plus levofloxacin and methyl-prednisolone (MPDN) administered randomly and blindly as an initial bolus, followed by a tapering regimen, or placebo.

Results

Of the 56 patients included in the study, 28 (50%) were treated with concomitant corticosteroids. Patients included in the MPDN group show a more favourable evolution of the pO2/FiO2 ratio and faster decrease of fever, as well as greater radiological improvement at seven days. The time to resolution of morbidity was also significantly shorter in this group. Six patients met the criteria for mechanical ventilation (MV): five in the placebo group (22.7%) and one in the MPDN group (4.3%). The duration of MV was 13 days (interquartile range 7 to 26 days) for the placebo group and three days for the only case in the MPDN group. The differences did not reach statistical significance. Interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) showed a significantly quicker decrease after 24 h of treatment among patients treated with MPDN. No differences in mortality were found among groups.

Conclusions

MPDN treatment, in combination with antibiotics, improves respiratory failure and accelerates the timing of clinical resolution of severe CAP needing hospital admission.

Trial Registration

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Register, ISRCTN22426306.
Association between serum soluble CD40 ligand levels and mortality in patients with severe sepsis
Authors: Lorente Leonardo , Martín María M , Varo Nerea , Borreguero-León Juan María , Solé-Violán Jordi , Blanquer José , Labarta Lorenzo , Díaz César , Jiménez Alejandro , Pastor Eduardo , Belmonte Felipe , Orbe Josune , Rodríguez José A , Gómez-Melini Eduardo , Ferrer-Agüero José M , Ferreres José , LLimiñana María C , Páramo José A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

CD40 Ligand (CD40L) and its soluble counterpart (sCD40L) are proteins that exhibit prothrombotic and proinflammatory properties on binding to their cell surface receptor CD40. The results of small clinical studies suggest that sCD40L levels could play a role in sepsis; however, there are no data on the association between sCD40L levels and mortality of septic patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether circulating sCD40L levels could be a marker of adverse outcome in a large cohort of patients with severe sepsis.

Methods

This was a multicenter, observational and prospective study carried out in six Spanish intensive care units. Serum levels of sCD40L, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10, and plasma levels of tissue factor were measured in 186 patients with severe sepsis at the time of diagnosis. Serum sCD40L was also measured in 50 age- and sex-matched controls. Survival at 30 days was used as the endpoint.

Results

Circulating sCD40L levels were significantly higher in septic patients than in controls (P = 0.01), and in non-survivors (n = 62) compared to survivors (n = 124) (P = 0.04). However, the levels of CD40L were not different regarding sepsis severity. Logistic regression analysis showed that sCD40L levels >3.5 ng/mL were associated with higher mortality at 30 days (odds ratio = 2.89; 95% confidence interval = 1.37 to 6.07; P = 0.005). The area under the curve of sCD40L levels >3.5 ng/mL as predictor of mortality at 30 days was 0.58 (95% CI = 0.51 to 0.65; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

In conclusion, circulating sCD40L levels are increased in septic patients and are independently associated with mortality in these patients; thus, its modulation could represent an attractive therapeutic target.
A stability formula for Lax-Wendroff methods with fourth-order in time and general-order in space for the scalar wave equation
Authors: Chen Jing-Bo
Published: March 2011

Based on the formula for stability of finite-difference methods with second-order in time and general-order in space for the scalar wave equation, I obtain a stability formula for Lax-Wendroff methods with fourth-order in time and general-order in space. Unlike the formula for methods with second-order in time, this formula depends on two parameters: one parameter is related to the weights for approximations of second spatial derivatives; the other parameter is related to the weights for approximations of fourth spatial derivatives. When discretizing the mixed derivatives properly, the formula can be generalized to the case where the spacings in different directions are different. This formula can be useful in high-accuracy seismic modeling using the scalar wave equation on rectangular grids, which involves both high-order spatial discretizations and high-order temporal approximations. I also prove the instability of methods obtained by applying high-order finite-difference approximations directly to the second temporal derivative, and this result solves the “Bording’s conjecture.”
Increasing Emotional Intelligence in Cricketers: An Intervention Study
Authors: Crombie David , Lombard Carl , Noakes Timothy
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of emotional intelligence (EI) training and development on the EI profile scores of individual cricketers. 24 players attending the South African National Cricket Academy were randomised to an intervention group (EI training and development intervention program) or control group (no intervention). The experimental design was executed in 2007 and 2008 with different cohorts of players. The EI of the players was measured pre and post intervention using the Mayer, Salovey & Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). In 2007 the baseline Total EI score for the intervention group was 84.9 and the post intervention Total EI score was 96.6, giving a relative increase of 13.7%. By comparison, the baseline Total EI score for the control group was 81.8 and post intervention the Total EI score was 83.4, giving a relative increase of 2%. In 2008 the baseline Total EI score for the intervention group was 89.4 and the post intervention Total EI score was 101.7, giving a relative increase of 13.8%. By comparison, the baseline Total EI score for the control group was 87.4 and the post intervention Total EI score was 84.8, a relative decrease of 3.1%. The estimated intervention effect for the percentage change in Total EI score over both years is 14.5% (95% CI: 11.9 to 17.2%) and is significant, indicating EI training and development may contribute to increasing the EI profile of individual cricketers.
Innovative EcoCloud™ Helps Silicon Valley Companies Adopt Sustainable Practices
Authors: Rosenblum Eric , Davis Martina , Grossman Marianna , Clark Drew , Davis Jim , Risberg Jeff
Published: March 2011

South Bay Water Recycling (SBWR) is a regional recycled water distribution system serving industrial and commercial customers in the area of northern California (USA) known as "Silicon Valley." In early 2008 the City of San José, as administering agency of the San José/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant, implemented a Cooling Tower Initiative to encourage recycled water use by commercial and industrial facilities. In 2009, Sustainable Silicon Valley, a non-profit organization dedicated to a sustainable future, convened a meeting of utilities, high-tech and academics to discuss how local stakeholders might collaborate to improve the sustainable use of water in Silicon Valley. Out of these discussions emerged the concept of the EcoCloud™, a coalition of private companies, public utilities, environmental organizations and academic researchers who encourage each other to adopt sustainable practices, supported by the latest social networking and data analysis tools. While the initial focus of the EcoCloud™ is to help industrial facilities use water sustainably—especially by using recycled water for cooling—its long-term goal is to support all aspects of sustainability, including energy reduction, materials management and land use. The EcoCloud™ allowed the City of San José to move from a serial marketing to a group marketing model, reaching more potential customers and connecting more facilities to the recycled water system.

Inspired by the concept of industrial ecology, the EcoCloud™ is designed to be a "virtual" industrial ecosystem where industry, government and educational institutions can work together to share information about all aspects of sustainability. Although industries in the EcoCloud™ are not located next to each other, they share a common interest in reducing energy usage, conserving resources, eliminating waste, and cutting costs to improve their bottom line. Just as "cloud computing" uses the distributed power of the internet for more efficient data processing, the EcoCloud™ harnesses the power of web-based social networking tools so local business leaders and facility managers can work with industry experts, technology innovators, university researchers and government agencies to make their enterprises more sustainable and more profitable.
Human aldo-keto reductases: structure, substrate specificity and roles in tumorigenesis
Authors: Ma Jun , Cao Deliang
Published: March 2011

The aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily consists of over 150 protein members sharing similar structure and enzymatic activities. To date, 13 human AKRs have been identified, and they participate in xenobiotic detoxification, biosynthesis and metabolism. Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of human AKR proteins in cancer development, progression and treatment. Some proteins demonstrate multiple functional features in addition to being a reductase for carbonyl groups. This review article discusses the most recent progress made in the study of humans AKRs.
Some views on proteomics in diabetes
Authors: Lapolla Annunziata , Porcu Simona , Traldi Pietro
Published: March 2011

Mass spectrometry has been widely used in the field of diabetes. The development of new ionization methods and the effective coupling of mass spectrometry with liquid chromatography have enabled the protein modifications due to glycation processes to be investigated. Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI/MS) has been used to evaluate the degree of glycation of specific plasma proteins. In contrast, the classic proteomic approach has been used to identify glycation sites and condensed sugar modifications. The same methods have been applied to studies on urinary protein profiles, enabling changes due to the development of long-term, diabetes-induced nephropathy to be identified. Published studies demonstrate that mass spectrometry is an important analytical tool for monitoring diabetes, capable of providing physicians with a new, more complete view of the physiopathological changes occurring as the disease develops.
Plasma concentrations of angiogenetic factors and angiogenetic inhibitors in patients with ductal pancreatic neoplasms. A pilot study
Authors: Pezzilli Raffaele , Fabbri Dario , Corsi Massimiliano M. , Imbrogno Andrea , Barassi Alessandra , Morselli-Labate Antonio M. , Dogliotti Giada , Casadei Riccardo , Corinaldesi Roberto , d’Eril Gianvico Melzi
Published: March 2011

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the circulating concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) and endostatin in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and in those with ductal adenocarcinomas.

Methods: Sixty patients (32 males, 28 females, mean age 69.3±11.3 years) were enrolled: 31 (51.7%) had IPMNs and 29 (48.3%) had histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Thirty blood donors were also studied as controls. In all study subjects, the concentrations of VEGF, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2, and endostatin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results: Serum concentrations of VEGF, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-2 were significantly higher in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and those with IPMNs compared with healthy subjects, while endostatin was significantly higher only in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared with healthy subjects. Within the group of patients, VEGFR-2 was significantly higher in patients with ductal adenocarcinoma compared to those with IPMNs. The sensitivity and the specificity of VEGFR-2 in differentiating patients with ductal adenocarcinomas from those with IPMN at a cut-off range of 4003–4034 pg/mL was 86.2% and 54.8%, respectively.

Conclusions: IPMNs have serum VEGFR-2 concentra-tions different from those in patients with ductal adenocarcinomas. However, serum VEGFR-2 cannot be routinely utilized to differentiate IPMNs from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.
Transcriptional sexual dimorphism in elongating bovine embryos: implications for XCI and sex determination genes
Authors: Bermejo-Alvarez P , Rizos D , Lonergan P , Gutierrez-Adan A
Published: March 2011

Sex chromosome transcripts can lead to a broad transcriptional sexual dimorphism in the absence of concomitant or previous exposure to sex hormones, especially when X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is not complete. XCI timing has been suggested to differ greatly among species, and in bovine, most of the X-linked transcripts are upregulated in female blastocysts. To determine the timing of XCI, we analyzed in day 14 bovine embryos the sexual dimorphic transcription of seven X-linked genes known to be upregulated in female blastocysts (X24112, brain-expressed X-linked 2 (BEX2), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2A (UBE2A), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), brain-expressed X-linked 1 (BEX1), calpain 6 (CAPN6), and spermidine/spermineN-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1)). The transcription of five genes whose expression differs between sexes at the blastocyst stage (DNMT3A, interferon tau (IFNT2), glutathione S-transferase mu 3 (GSTM3), progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), and laminin alpha 1 (LAMA1)) and four genes related with sex determination (Wilms tumor 1 (WT1), gata binding protein 4 (GATA4), zinc finger protein multitype 2 (ZFPM2), andDMRT1) was also analyzed to determine the evolution of transcriptional sexual dimorphism. The expression level of five X-linked transcripts was effectively equalized among sexes suggesting that, in cattle, a substantial XCI occurs during the period between blastocyst hatching and initiation of elongation, althoughUBE2AandSAT1displayed significant transcriptional differences. Similarly, sexual dimorphism was also reduced for autosomal genes with onlyDNMT3AandIFNT2exhibiting sex-related differences. Among the genes potentially involved in sex determination, Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) was significantly upregulated in males andGATA4in females, whereas no differences were observed forZFPM2andDMRT1. In conclusion, a major XCI occurred between the blastocyst and early elongation stages leading to a reduction in the transcriptional sexual dimorphism of autosomal genes, which makes the period the most susceptible to sex-specific embryo loss.
Variational iteration method to solve moving boundary problem with temperature dependent physical properties
Authors: Singh Jitendra , Gupta Kumar , Rai Nath
Published: March 2011

In this paper, variational iteration method is used to solve a moving
boundary problem arising during melting or freezing of a semi infinite egion
when physical properties (thermal conductivity and specific heat) of the two
regions are temperature dependent. The Result is compared with result
obtained by exact method (when thermal conductivity and specific heat in two
regions are temperature independent) and semi analytical method (When thermal
conductivity and specific heat are temperature dependent) and are in good
agreement. We obtain the solution in the form of continuous functions. The
method performs extremely well in terms of efficiency and simplicity and
effective for solving the moving boundary problem.
Reconstruction of the aero-mixture channels of the pulverized coal plant of the 100MW power plant unit
Authors: Ivanovic Vladan , Zivanovic Titoslav , Tucakovic Dragan , Stupar Goran
Published: March 2011

After the last revitalization of thermal power block of 100 MW in TPP
?Kostolac A?, made in the year 2004, during the operation of the plant,
pulverized coal deposition often occurred in horizontal sections of the
aero-mixture channels. Deposition phenomenon manifested itself in places
ahead of spherical compensators in the direction of flow of pulverized coal
to the burners, due to unfavorable configuration of these channels. Coal dust
deposited in the channels dried and spontaneously combusted, causing numerous
damage to channels and its isolation as well as the frequent stoppage of the
operation for necessary interventions. The paper presents the original
solution of reconstruction of aero-mixture channels which prevented
deposition of coal dust and its eventual ignition. In this way the
reliability of the mill plant is maximized and higher availability of boiler
and block as a whole is achieved.
A new hybrid algorithm for solving transient combined conduction radiation heat transfer problems
Authors: Chaabane Raoudha , Askri Faouzi , Nasrallah Ben
Published: March 2011

A new algorithm based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and the Control
Volume Finite Element Method (CVFEM) is proposed as an hybrid solver for two
dimensional transient conduction and radiation heat transfer problems in an
optically emitting, absorbing and scattering medium. The LBM was used to
solve the energy equation and the CVFEM was used to compute the radiative
information. The advantages of the proposed methodology is to avoid problems
that confronted when previous techniques are used to predict radiative heat
transfer, essentially, in complex geometries and when there is scattering
and/or non-black boundaries surfaces. This method combination, which is
applied for the first time to solve this unsteady combined mode of heat
transfer, has been found to accurately predict the effects of various
thermo-physical parameters such as the scattering albedo, the
conduction-radiation parameter and the extinction coefficient on temperature
distribution. The results of the LBM-CVFEM combination were found to be in
excellent agreement with the LBM-CDM (Collapsed Dimension Method)this
proposed numerical approach include, among others, simple implementation on
a computer, accurate CPU time, and capability of stable simulation.
Numerical simulation of multiphase flow in ventilation mill and channel with louvers and centrifugal separator
Authors: Kozic Mirko , Ristic Slavica , Puharic Mirjana , Katavic Boris
Published: March 2011

This paper presents the results of numerical flow simulation in ventilation
mill of Kostolac B power plant, where louvers and centrifugal separator with
adjustable blade angle are used. Numerical simulations of multiphase flow
were performed using the Euler-Euler and Euler-Lagrange approach of ANSYS
FLUENT software package. The results of numerical simulations are compared
with measurements in the mill for both types of separators. Due to very
complex geometry and large number of the grid cells, convergent solution with
the Eulerian model could not be obtained. For this reason the mixture model
was employed resulting in very good agreement with measurements, concerning
the gas mixture distribution and velocity at the main and secondary burners.
There was large difference between the numerical results and measurements for
the pulverized coal distribution at the burners. Taking into consideration
that we analyzed dilute mixture with very low volume fraction of the coal,
the only choice was the Euler-Lagrange approach, i.e. discrete phase model
limited to volume fraction of the discrete phase less than 10-12%. Obtained
distributions of the coal at the burners agree well for both types of
separators.
In Vitro Recovery of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels in β-Cells From Patients With Congenital Hyperinsulinism of Infancy
Authors: Powell Philippa D. , Bellanné-Chantelot Christine , Flanagan Sarah E. , Ellard Sian , Rooman Raoul , Hussain Khalid , Skae Mars , Clayton Peter , de Lonlay Pascale , Dunne Mark J. , Cosgrove Karen E.
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE

Congenital hyperinsulinism in infancy (CHI) is characterized by unregulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells; severe forms are associated with defects in ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes encoding sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and Kir6.2 subunits, which form ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in β-cells. Diazoxide therapy often fails in the treatment of CHI and may be a result of reduced cell surface expression of KATP channels. We hypothesized that conditions known to facilitate trafficking of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) and other proteins in recombinant expression systems might increase surface expression of KATP channels in native CHI β-cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Tissue was isolated during pancreatectomy from eight patients with CHI and from adult cadaver organ donors. Patients were screened for mutations in ABCC8 and KCNJ11. Isolated β-cells were maintained at 37°C or 25°C and in the presence of 1) phorbol myristic acid, forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 2) BPDZ 154, or 3) 4-phenylbutyrate. Surface expression of functional channels was assessed by patch-clamp electrophysiology.

RESULTS

Mutations in ABCC8 were detected for all patients tested (n = 7/8) and included three novel mutations. In five of eight patients, no changes in KATP channel activity were observed under different cell culture conditions. However, in three patients, in vitro recovery of functional KATP channels occurred. Here, we report the first cases of recovery of defective KATP channels in human β-cells using modified cell culture conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study establishes the principle that chemical modification of KATP channel subunit trafficking could be of benefit for the future treatment of CHI.
CubeSats: A bright future for nanosatellites
Authors: Shiroma Wayne , Martin Larry , Akagi Justin , Akagi Jason , Wolfe Byron , Fewell Bryan , Ohta Aaron
Published: March 2011

Interest in the CubeSat class of nanosatellites has surged in recent years. The reduced development time and launch cost of these platforms, compared to conventional large satellites, have made them attractive for applications ranging from technology demonstrations to biological experiments to space weather research. This paper surveys recent and upcoming missions pursued by a variety of academic and government groups around the world.
Joint shear strength of FRP reinforced concrete beam-column joints
Authors: Saravanan Jagadeesan , Kumaran Ganapathy
Published: March 2011

An assessment of the joint shear strength of exterior concrete beam-column joints reinforced internally with Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcements under monotonically increasing load on beams keeping constant load on columns is carried out in this study. Totally eighteen numbers of specimens are cast and tested for different parametric conditions like beam longitudinal reinforcement ratio, concrete strength, column reinforcement ratio, joint aspect ratio and influence of the joint stirrups at the joint. Also finite element analysis is performed to simulate the behaviour of the beam-column joints under various parametric conditions. Based on this study, a modified design equation is proposed for assessing the joint shear strength of the GFRP reinforced beam-column specimens based on the experimental results and the review of the prevailing design equations.
Prediction of moisture content of natural gases using simple Arrhenius-type function
Authors: Bahadori Alireza
Published: March 2011

Natural gas extracted from underground reservoirs is saturated with water. The accurate prediction of moisture content in natural gas is extremely important. The presence of water vapor can lead to potentially disastrous consequences. The lifetime of a pipeline is governed by the rate at which corrosion occurs, which is directly linked to the available moisture in the gas resulting in oxidation. In addition, the formation of hydrates due to presence of water in natural gas can lead to safety hazards to production/transportation systems and to substantial economic risks. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop an easy-to-use Arrhenius-type asymptotic exponential function combined with the Vandermonde matrix to arrive at an appropriate estimation of saturated water content of sour natural gases for pressures up to 69000 kPa and the temperature range between 20 to 180°C. Percent average absolute deviation of the proposed method is found to be around 2%, demonstrating the excellent performance of the developed predictive tool. The tool will be of great practical value for chemical and petroleum engineers to have a quick check on the water content of sour natural gases at various temperatures and pressures without performing any experimental measurements.
Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Studies of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) Complexes of N-Methyl-N-Phenyldithiocarbamate: The Single Crystal Structure of [(C6H5)(CH3)NCS2]4Hg2
Authors: Onwudiwe Damian C. , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: March 2011

Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes of N-methyl-N-phenyl dithiocarbamate have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectral studies (IR, 1H and 13C-NMR). The single crystal X-ray structure of the mercury complex revealed that the complex contains a Hg centre with a distorted tetrahedral coordination sphere in which the dinuclear Hg complex resides on a crystallographic inversion centre and each Hg atom is coordinated to four S atoms from the dithiocarbamate moiety. One dithiocarbamate ligand acts as chelating ligand while the other acts as chelating bridging ligand between two Hg atoms, resulting in a dinuclear eight-member ring. The course of the thermal degradation of the complexes has been investigated using thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis of the complexes show a single weight loss to give MS (M = Zn, Cd, Hg) indicating that they might be useful as single source precursors for the synthesis of MS nanoparticles and thin films.
Effect of Electrical Conductivity Through the Bulk Doping of the Product of Titanocene Dichloride and 2-Nitro-1,4-phenylenediamine
Authors: Carraher Charles E. , Battin Amitabh J. , Roner Michael R.
Published: March 2011

The condensation polymer derived from reaction between titanocene dichloride and 2-nitro-1,4-phenylenediamine was doped by mixing the polymer with different amounts of iodine. This bulk doping of the titanocene polyamine resulted in an increase in bulk conductivity from 10 to over 1,000 fold. Conductivity increased to a doping level of about 10 to 15% iodine. Conductivity decreased as the sample discs were heated returning to pre-doped levels after the samples were heated for eight minutes. It is believed that this decrease in conductivity is due to the surface evaporation of iodine as the samples were heated. MALDI MS and IR results are consistent with the formation of C-I compounds for doped materials.
Optical Sensor for Diverse Organic Vapors at ppm Concentration Ranges
Authors: Thomas J. Christopher , Trend John E. , Rakow Neal A. , Wendland Michael S. , Poirier Richard J. , Paolucci Dora M.
Published: March 2011

A broadly responsive optical organic vapor sensor is described that responds to low concentrations of organic vapors without significant interference from water vapor. Responses to several classes of organic vapors are highlighted, and trends within classes are presented. The relationship between molecular properties (vapor pressure, boiling point, polarizability, and refractive index) and sensor response are discussed.
Accumulation et régulation en longue période : emploi, revenu salarial, prix et profit
Authors: Baslé Maurice , Bautier Philippe , Mazier Jacques , Vidal Jean-François
Published: March 2011

Long range accumulation and regulation: employment, wage income, prices and profit,

by Maurice Basle, Philippe Bautier, Jacques Mazier et Jean- François Vidal.

Long range transformations of accumulation systems and regulation procedures are studied in the context of French growth. Until the end of the 1930s, accumulation remained principally extensive and the productivity gains of the 1920s were primarily related to catch-up following World War I. Regulation of wages and prices remained broadly competitive and heavily dependent on fluctuations in economic activity. Only after the Second World War did the intensive accumulation system really flourish in France, entailing an unprecedented acceleration of productivity. The transition to more monopolistic regulation also took clear shape while labor relations underwent a sea change with wages becoming more independent of the ups and downs of economic activity, escalation being generalized, and more weight being assigned to indirect wages. In regard to prices and profit, a margin behavior characteristic of monopolist regulation prevailed.

These changes are compatible with a degree stability of the lang range wage/profit allocation which appears to be necessary for the over-all reproduction of the system.
Réglementation sociale et vie des entreprises : mise en œuvre des ordonnances de janvier 1982 sur les 39 heures et la cinquième semaine de congé
Authors: Pépin Michel , Tonneau Dominique
Published: March 2011

Social regulations and firms behaviour:

the execution of the January 1982 decision about the

39 hour work week and the fifth week of holidays

with pay,

by Michel Pépin, Dominique Tonneau.

This study follows a research dealing with the way companies behave when working time decreases, and begun in 1981 among a sample of 20, from various characteristics ; then the logical attitudes they foreplan- ned had been analysed.

This second part of the study uses the same sample to observe the way the ordinances of January 1982 were really implemented, with a special focus on the 39 hours week and the 5 th holiday week. Reducing the legal working time brought, in a vast majority, a similar decreasing of the real working-time, which took various forms.

As to the economical point of view, the ordinances seemed to have very little effect: few consequences on activity, whatever was feared, but also few employment creations. For the greatest number of these companies, what we called the logic of productivity in our previous study was adopted, and it allowed the working time reductions to come out with nearly no cost, although the salaries were as a rule totally compensated.

Yet, ordinances had indirect effects that should be considered if working- time reducing should be carried on Social partners had to learn once more about the way working-time is technically detailed in the juridical dispositions: definition and reckoning of the working-time, of the vacation rights...

The importance given to these problems may in a way explain the disillusion that came out here and there when working-time was reduced. But, in the same time, the discussions in many companies, were led on a more general basis, and allowed the connexions between working-time, organisation, employment and efficiency to be brought into light As a result, this mass experience might be used as an acquired knowledge in the future.
Une étude intégrée de l'économie française en deux secteurs
Authors: Cohen Daniel , Rocca Marc
Published: March 2011

An integrated study of french economy in two sectors, by Daniel Cohen, Marc Rocca.

This article presents the main econometric equations of an integrated model of the french economy. Financial variables play an important role through several channels. The liabilities of the firm which are divided into two sectors one of which is open to international competition, the other protected, are crucial in their investment stocking, and price fixing decisions.

Households saving depends not only on the classical effect of income but also on their financial wealth.

All these mainly financial stock variables are the essential means of determining of the Economy proposed by this model.
Une « maquette » du système financier français : le cas des banques inscrites
Authors: Deval-Guilly Evelyne , Renard François
Published: March 2011

A model of the french financial system : the case of the «banques inscrites», by Evelyne Deval-Guilly, François Renard.

The model of the French financial system suggests a method of analysis and forecast in banking activity based on the proceedings of trading accounts. The emphasis has been laid on each operation's responsiveness to interest rates variations and a thorough study of the evolution of spreads.

The method enables one to bring into relief some features of the recent evolution of the banking system, especially its adaptability to high interest rates conjoncture which it has been faced with these last years; Besides, the method enables one to assess rigidities of this system, which contributes to keeping up interest rates.

The first part of the article lays down the principJes used to make up the analytical framework, limited for the time being to the only «banques inscrites». The way the framework has been made up is being dealt with in the second part. Lastly, the third part is devoted to the survey of retrospective accounts (1980 82) and the making up of an estimated account for 1983.
Le modèle multinational Atlas deuxième partie : le commerce international
Authors: Boniface Hervé , Cellier François , Davanne Olivier , Le Berre Ronan , Mansuy Michèle
Published: March 2011

The Multinational model Atlas.

Part two: international trade,

by Hervé Boniface, François Cellier, Olivier Davanne,

Ronan Le Berre, Michèle Mansuy.

The multinational model Atlas, developed at the "Direction de la prévision " (*). has been in use since Autumn 1 982 for forecasts and studies dealing with the international environment of France. It is made up of models for the nine major Oecd states described in issue 62 of "Economie et Prévision", linked by a trade model including a simplified representation of the other countries and areas of the world and to which this issue is dedicated.

The introductory description of the trade model and the main choices which went into designing it is followed by two sections on bilateral prices and market shares. Original features have been added to the usual models with a view to enhancing their explanatory value without detracting from the coherence of the system. This is done by determining bilateral coefficients for each trade flow to show the behaviour of the countries of origin and of destination.

A fourth chapter considers the subject of non petroleum imports. The various standard formulae were examined and a solution adopted which takes into account not only the effects of prices but also the range of lo weights of imports in the différents components of demand. The study led to the discarding of the capacity utilization rate variable since its effect on imports was not significant for most of the countries considered. The brunt of the effects of the economic cycle on demand for imported products seems to be attributable to stocks.

The model for petroleum trade flows —(petroleum is separate from other goods in the Atlas model)— is the subject of chapter five, which stresses the peculiar logic which governs this sector, imports being determined as the difference between consumption and exportations which themselves depend on the world oil market and production. The results obtained by studying different types of models for consumption are extensively developed in order to explain the choices which were made.

The final section concludes with an eleven-year simulation of the complete model, illustrating how it fits the sample period (1967-1979) and beyond, how it works right up to 1982.

(•) Economic Forecasting Services — Ministry of Finance.
Le gaz naturel dans le monde
Authors: Fleury Nicole
Published: March 2011

Natural gas in the world,

by Nicole Fleury.

This article presents an overview of the natural gas situation in the world since the beginning of the seventies.

The gas situation is compared with that of oil when comparison axe seemed appropriate.

This is the case for some specific indicators such as the geographical distribution of the resources.

Eastern Europe's preeminent role with regard to gas resources is compare with the paucity of its oil resources.

The Middle East holds first place for oil resources and second place for gas resources.

The numbers underline the lack of gas resources in western countries which are the greatest consumer in the world.

Their consumption had been going down quite quickly since 1979 The decline was very sharp in the United States which was still the largest consumer in the world in 1983 just before the Ussr, the european consumption on the contrary was growing. The price factor is mentioned without being full developed. The control of internal prices in Usa, together with the timing of the increase which it implied, had in particular a fundamental role in the fall of consumption. The recent developments in the spot market for gas could reverse the situation in the future.

Trends in gas production, taking account its geographic distribution, remain very close to trends in consumption. This underlines however the development of a world trade in gas, in particular for pipelines, a less costly means of transport. The growth of european imports, starting with the Ussr is the most pertinent example.

Beginning with these elements, an outline of evolution of the future gas market to the end of the century can be discerned. The three most important points are:

the increasing western european dépendance on the countries of eastern europe who will have more than 40% of world gas production, the continuing decline of the north amencan share in world gas production notwithstanding the progress achieved in Canada, the improvement of the production in Latin America and in Africa, these regions reinforcing their efforts for a better utilization of associated gas.

This global trend conceals in the industrialised countries a different sectoral distribution underlining,

the stability of gas utilization in the residential and services sector, where there is competition from electricity, the sharp decline of gas utilization in the electric sector, an increasing penetration in the industrial sector. These trends will be heavily dependent on the prices of competing energy sources, -in particular petroleum products and electricity.
Dettes publiques : diverses définitions et évaluations
Authors: Leverrier Jean-Marc
Published: March 2011

Publics debts : definitions and valuations,

by Jean-Marc Leverrier.

The article provides a definition of state debt and focuses on its évolution since 1975. In addition, local government debt enables to understand the evolution of general government debt. An additionnal study of long term debt of the main public sector firms leads to a first assessement of public sector debt exclusing public financial corporate enterprises.

Last, the subject is broaden thanks to an international comparaison of general government debt and of household surplus (net lending).
La capitalisation au secours de la répartition ?
Authors: Cendron Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2011

La capitalisation au secours de la répartition, par Jean-Pierre Cendron.

L'article a pour but de discuter deux arguments avancés par les tenants de la méthode de retraite par capitalisation. En premier lieu, il montre que celle-ci ne permettrait probablement pas aux régimes de retraite de mieux faire face aux difficultés rencontrées par le système de la répartition lors de perturbations économiques ou démographiques, telles qu'elles se profilent sur l'horizon du XXIe siècle.

L'article fait également le point sur le lien entre retraite par capitalisation et développement de l'épargne. Dans l'état actuel de la littérature théorique et des essais de vérification empirique, rien ne permet d'affirmer, de manière irréfutable, que la création d'un système de retraite par capitalisation aurait pour conséquence une élévation du taux d'épargne de ménages.

La conclusion, enfin, débouche sur une question concrète : l'Etat doit-il, compte tenu de la discussion précédente, accorder des avantages fiscaux à un produit de retraite individuel et facultatif par capitalisation?
A NUMERICAL EXPERIMENT ON MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF FORECASTING THE RESULTS OF KNOWLEDGE TESTING
Authors: Kosareva Natalja , Krylovas Aleksandras
Published: March 2011

In this paper the new approach to the forecasting the results of knowledge testing, proposed earlier by authors, is extended with four classes of parametric functions, the best fitting one from which is selected to approximate item characteristic function. Mathematical model is visualized by two numerical experiments. The first experiment was performed with the purpose to show the procedure of selecting the most appropriate item characteristic function and adjusting the parameters of the model. Goodness-of-fit statistic for detecting misfit of the selected model is calculated. In the second experiment a test of 10 items is constructed for the population with latent ability having normal distribution. Probability distribution of total test result and test information function are calculated when item characteristic functions are selected from four classes of parametric functions. In the next step it is shown how test information function value could be increased by adjusting parameters of item characteristic functions to the observed population. This model could be used not only for knowledge testing but also when solving diagnostic tasks in various fields of human activities. Other advantage of this method is the reduction of resources of testing process by more precise adjustment of the model parameters and decreasing the standard error of measurement of the estimated examinee ability. In the presented example the methodology is applied for solving the problem of microclimate evaluation in office rooms.
INVESTIGATION INTO EVALUATION OF AGRICULTURE INFORMATIZATION LEVEL BASED ON TWO-TUPLE
Authors: Liu Peide , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2011

Agriculture informatization level is an important part of one country's modernization. It is important to construct reasonable agriculture informatization evaluation indicator system and propose the evaluation method for promoting the agriculture informatization. This paper firstly analyzes the research status of the indicator system and evaluation method of informatization at home and abroad. On the basis of the relative literatures, the evaluation indicator system of the agriculture informatization in China is constructed, and the evaluation model of the agriculture informatization based on two-tuple and the relative operators are also constructed. This model not only can be used to rank the orders of the different areas according to the informatization level, but also can realize the qualitative evaluation of the agriculture informatization of the different areas according to the evaluation system. Finally, the application example shows that the evaluation system of the agriculture informatization constructed in this paper is effective, and the evaluation method proposed in this paper is simple and easy to use.
ANALYZING ECONOMIC STRUCTURE AND COMPARING THE RESULTS OF THE PREDICTED ECONOMIC GROWTH BASED ON SOLOW, FUZZY-LOGIC AND NEURAL-FUZZY MODELS
Authors: Mirbagheri Mirnaser , Tagiev Namiq
Published: March 2011

Investigating the factors effective on economic growth is of great importance for most economists. Although lots of studies have been done on economic growth in the world, it has less been regarded in Iran. In this article, by estimating growth regression, we attempt to investigate the supply side of economic growth in Iran. Then we compare the predictive results of Fuzzy-logic, Neural-Fuzzy and Solow models. The results show that there was negative significant relationship (i.e.–0.035) between unstable policy and economic growth rate in Iran during investigation period (1959–2001). In this model, the effect of expenses used by government is positive (i.e. 0.01). Furthermore, the estimated results of long term relationship show that the variable coefficients of capital, labor power, exportation, and inflation are 0.319, 0.016, 0.001, and–0.001, respectively. And also by comparing the predictive results of models for the average percent of annual growth, it is predicted that the average percent of Solow, Neural-Fuzzy, and Fuzzy-logic models are 7.17%, 5.92%, and 6.46% for 2002–2006, respectively. Evaluation of results from the models on the basis of criteria shows that model Neural-Fuzzy predicts better than Fuzzy-logic and Solow models. In other words, forecasting by the model Neural-Fuzzy is recommended.
MULTIMOORA OPTIMIZATION USED TO DECIDE ON A BANK LOAN TO BUY PROPERTY
Authors: Brauers Willem Karel M. , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: March 2011

Different multiple objectives are expressed in different units, which makes optimization difficult. Therefore the internal mechanical solution of a Ratio System, producing dimensionless numbers, is preferred to Weights which are most of the time used to compare the different units. In addition, the ratio system creates the opportunity to use a second approach: a non-subjective Reference Point Theory. The two approaches form a control on each other. The choice of the objectives is even more non-subjective if the opinion of all stakeholders interested in the issue is involved by the use of the Ameliorated Nominal Group and Delphi Techniques. The overall theory is called MOORA (Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis). The results are still more convincing if a Full Multiplicative Form is added to MOORA under the name of MULTIMOORA. At that moment the control by three different approaches forms a guaranty for a solution being as non-subjective as possible. MULTIMOORA is used to decide upon a bank loan to buy property.
Évaluation du capital immatériel dans des formes innovantes d'organisations hospitalières : le cas des Équipes Mobiles de Gériatrie (EMG)
Authors: Montalan Marie-Annick , Vincent Béatrice
Published: March 2011

Résumé Dans le contexte hospitalier, les équipes mobiles gériatriques (EMG) constituent des formes organisationnelles innovantes dont la performance repose, en grande partie, sur leur capital immatériel (CI). Les résultats présentés sont issus d’une recherche intervention effectuée auprès des EMG, d’hôpitaux et d’institutions médico-sociales de la région Midi-Pyrénées. Elle a abouti à la proposition d’un modèle qui analyse les effets du CI sur quatre dimensions de la performance des EMG. Ce modèle prend également en compte la valeur intrinsèque de leur CI, c’est-à-dire le développement des connaissances et compétences gériatriques tant au niveau des équipes que de leurs partenaires et de l’hôpital.