bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The source and magnitude of sound-symbolic biases in processing artificial word material and their implications for language learning and transmission
Authors: Nielsen Alan , Rendall Drew
Published: May 2012

There exists a fundamental paradox in linguistic cognition. Experiments show consistent sound-symbolic biases in people's processing of artificial words, yet the biases are not manifest in the structure of real words. To address this paradox, we designed an experiment to test the magnitude and source of these biases. Participants were tasked with matching nonsense words to novel object forms. One group was implicitly taught a matching rule congruent with biases reported previously, while a second group was taught a rule incongruent with this bias. In test trials, participants in the congruent condition performed only modestly but significantly better than chance and better than participants in the incongruent condition who performed at chance. These outcomes indicate the processing bias is real but weak and reflects an inherent learning bias. We discuss implications for language learning and transmission, considering the functional value of non-arbitrariness in language structure and underlying neurocognitive mechanisms.
Strategische Außenwirtschaftsbeziehungen. Die Bundesrepublik, die Türkei und der Kalte Krieg 1945–1970
Authors: Kleinschmidt Christian
Published: May 2012

Germany and Turkey have a long tradition of trade and business relations. In addition to economic interests in the narrow sense (the export of German industrial goods in return for the import of raw materials and agricultural products from Turkey), political and strategic military considerations were also of prime importance. The following article is based on the assumption that trade and business relations between Germany and Turkey continued to be shaped by a primacy of politics in the post war period. It examines why the Federal Government and numerous West German export companies continued and even expanded trade with Turkey despite increasing risks: Turkey was becoming problematic with a growing balance of payments deficit accompanied by increasingly bad payment practice, the uncertain political situation in the Near East, the already lower attractiveness of imported Turkish goods on the West German market, in addition to some restrictive trade and investment conditions. The analysis focuses on the West’s strategic foreign policy interests during the Cold War, the political and economic safeguarding of economic relations at home, as well as on complex and conflict-ridden international interdependencies.
Straight Outta Oberberg: Transforming Mid-Sized Family Firms into Global Champions 1970–2010
Authors: Fear Jeffrey
Published: May 2012

The German Mittelstand (small to mid-sized family-owned firms) has rightly been called the backbone of the German economy. Less well examined is how some of these firms have transformed themselves into micromultinationals with production and sales subsidiaries in key regions around the world. The article examines the regeneration and internationalization of seven firms in order to derive some general propositions about the internationalization of medium-sized firms and identify major challenges facing the German Mittelstand since the 1970s. It argues that the “pull” of global market opportunities rather than the “push” of poor industrial location transformed such businesses. The 1993/94 unification crisis proved a major turning point. Unlike larger businesses, this internationalization was largely client and service driven, based on a narrow niche strategy, opportunities were often serendipitous, but the execution of internationalization was often strategically planned.
Recent Developments in the Theory of Very Long Run Growth: A Historical Appraisal
Authors: Broadberry Stephen
Published: May 2012

This paper offers a historical appraisal of recent developments in the theory of very long run growth, focusing on two main areas: (1) linkages between wages, population and human capital and (2) interactions between institutions, markets and technology. Historians as well as economists have recently begun to break away from the traditional practice of using different methods to analyse the world before and after the industrial revolution. However, tensions remain between the theoretical and historical literatures, particularly over the unit of analysis (the world or particular countries) and the role of historical contingency.
Diagnosis and Management of Hyponatremia in Cancer Patients
Authors: Castillo Jorge J. , Vincent Marc , Justice Eric
Published: May 2012

Hyponatremia, a common electrolyte abnormality in oncology practice, may be a negative prognostic factor in cancer patients based on a systematic analysis of published studies. The largest body of evidence comes from small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), for which hyponatremia was identified as an independent risk factor for poor outcome in six of 13 studies. Hyponatremia in the cancer patient is usually caused by the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), which develops more frequently with SCLC than with other malignancies. SIADH may be driven by ectopic production of arginine vasopressin (AVP) by tumors or by effects of anticancer and palliative medications on AVP production or action. Other factors may cause hypovolemic hyponatremia, including diarrhea and vomiting caused by cancer therapy. Hyponatremia may be detected on routine laboratory testing before or during cancer treatment or may be suggested by the presence of mostly neurological symptoms. Treatment depends on several factors, including symptom severity, onset timing, and extracellular volume status. Appropriate diagnosis is important because treatment differs by etiology, and choosing the wrong approach can worsen the electrolyte abnormality. When hyponatremia is caused by SIADH, hypertonic saline is indicated for acute, symptomatic cases, whereas fluid restriction is recommended to achieve a slower rate of correction for chronic asymptomatic hyponatremia. Pharmacological therapy may be necessary when fluid restriction is insufficient. The orally active, selective AVP receptor 2 (V2)-receptor antagonist tolvaptan provides a mechanism-based option for correcting hyponatremia caused by SIADH or other conditions with inappropriate AVP elevations. By blocking AVP effects in the renal collecting duct, tolvaptan promotes aquaresis, leading to a controlled increase in serum sodium levels.
A Second-Generation MicroRNA-Based Assay for Diagnosing Tumor Tissue Origin
Authors: Meiri Eti , Mueller Wolf C. , Rosenwald Shai , Zepeniuk Merav , Klinke Elizabeth , Edmonston Tina Bocker , Werner Margot , Lass Ulrike , Barshack Iris , Feinmesser Meora , Huszar Monica , Fogt Franz , Ashkenazi Karin , Sanden Mats , Goren Eran , Dromi Nir , Zion Orit , Burnstein Ilanit , Chajut Ayelet , Spector Yael , Aharonov Ranit
Published: May 2012

Background.

Cancers of unknown primary origin (CUP) constitute 3%–5% (50,000 to 70,000 cases) of all newly diagnosed cancers per year in the United States. Including cancers of uncertain primary origin, the total number increases to 12%–15% (180,000 to 220,000 cases) of all newly diagnosed cancers per year in the United States. Cancers of unknown/uncertain primary origins present major diagnostic and clinical challenges because the tumor tissue of origin is crucial for selecting optimal treatment. MicroRNAs are a family of noncoding, regulatory RNA genes involved in carcinogenesis. MicroRNAs that are highly stable in clinical samples and tissue specific serve as ideal biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. Our first-generation assay identified the tumor of origin based on 48 microRNAs measured on a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction platform and differentiated 25 tumor types.

Methods.

We present here the development and validation of a second-generation assay that identifies 42 tumor types using a custom microarray. A combination of a binary decision-tree and a k-nearest-neighbor classifier was developed to identify the tumor of origin based on the expression of 64 microRNAs.

Results.

Overall assay sensitivity (positive agreement), measured blindly on a validation set of 509 independent samples, was 85%. The sensitivity reached 90% for cases in which the assay reported a single answer (>80% of cases). A clinical validation study on 52 true CUP patients showed 88% concordance with the clinicopathological evaluation of the patients.

Conclusion.

The abilities of the assay to identify 42 tumor types with high accuracy and to maintain the same performance in samples from patients clinically diagnosed with CUP promise improved utility in the diagnosis of cancers of unknown/uncertain primary origins.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines in Prostate Cancer: From Bench to Bedside?
Authors: Klempner Samuel J. , Bubley Glenn
Published: May 2012

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common among adults, and recent reports suggest that 25%–50% of prostate cancer (PCa) patients use at least one CAM modality. The most common CAM modalities used by PCa patients are vitamin and herbal preparations with purported antitumor effects despite only modest underlying preclinical or clinical evidence of efficacy. In this review we provide a brief overview of the basic scientific and clinical studies underlying the most common herbal and vitamin preparations including common antioxidants, pomegranate extract, green tea, turmeric, resveratrol, silibinin, and herbal combination preparations. When available, prostate cancer clinical trial data are reviewed. Importantly, we have compared the concentration of these agents used in in vitro experiments to that likely to be achievable in humans. From the available data we conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of CAMs for the treatment of prostate cancer patients outside of a clinical trial. The purpose of this review is to more rigorously evaluate CAM therapy in prostate cancer and educate oncologists and patients. This review focuses on examples from the general classes of agents in common use.
Stonecutters Bridge, Hong Kong: wind tunnel tests and studies
Authors: Larsen Allan , Yeung Ngai , Carter Matt
Published: May 2012

The wind climate in Hong Kong is generally mild, but occasionally the region is hit by very strong winds in the form of typhoons developing in the South China Sea. The uncertainty associated with the strength, direction and landfall of these typhoons has led to the development of a design code dictating very high wind speeds that Stonecutters Bridge must be able to withstand; but the frequent low wind speed situations in Hong Kong also have implications for the aerodynamics and thus the daily service of the bridge. This paper describes the aerodynamic studies and model tests carried out to ensure that the bridge design is safe considering all wind conditions at the bridge site.
Pile-to-pile interaction in the time domain – non-linear axial group response under harmonic loading
Authors: Badoni D. , Makris N.
Published: May 2012

An approximate, physically motivated procedure to compute the non-linear axial response of single piles and pile groups under harmonic loading is presented. The method utilizes a nonlinear shaft model in conjunction with a time domain formulation for the propagation of waves emitted from the periphery of each pile, to account for pile-to-pile interaction. The shaft model involves standard geotechnical parameters. Yielding of the soil surrounding the pile and slippage along the pile–soil interface are modelled separately. The model is calibrated using data from well-instrumented full-scale experiments. Hysteretic damping is modelled through non-linear distributed springs governed by the Bouc–Wen model, whereas radiation damping is approximated with frequency-dependent distributed dashpots. It is assumed that non-linear behaviour is confined to the near vicinity of the pile–soil interface and that the soil in between piles remains linearly viscoelastic. Plane-strain theory of wave propagation is utilized and an attenuation function in the time domain is derived to approximate the influence of motion of one pile on another. A qualitative study of non-linear effects on pile-group response is presented. It is observed that nonlinear behaviour suppresses pile-to-pile interaction, while reducing the equivalent stiffness and increasing equivalent damping..
Shear capacity of monolithic concrete joints without transverse reinforcement
Authors: Yang Keun-Hyeok , Sim Jae-Il , Kang Jae-Hoon , Ashour Ashraf F.
Published: May 2012

A mechanism analysis based on the upper-bound theorem of concrete plasticity for monolithic concrete joints without transverse reinforcement is presented. Concrete is modelled as a rigid–perfectly plastic material obeying modified Coulomb failure criteria. Existing stress–strain relationships of concrete in compression and tension are comprehensively modified using the crack band theory to allow for concrete type and maximum aggregate size. Simple equations for the effectiveness factor for compression, ratio of effective tensile strength to compressive strength and angle of concrete friction are then mathematically developed using the modified stress–strain relationships of concrete. In addition, 12 push-off specimens made of all-lightweight, sand–lightweight and normal-weight concrete having maximum aggregate size between 4 and 19 mm were physically tested. Test results and mechanism analysis clearly showed that the shear capacity of monolithic concrete joints increased with the increase of the maximum aggregate size and dry density of concrete. The mean and standard deviation of the ratio between experimentally measured and predicted (by the mechanism analysis shear capacities) are 1·01 and 0·16 respectively, showing a closer prediction and less variation than Vecchio and Collins' equation, regardless of concrete type and maximum aggregate size.
Rethinking public participation in infrastructure projects
Authors: Ng S Thomas , Li Terry H. Y. , Wong James M. W.
Published: May 2012

The mission of any public infrastructure and construction (PIC) projects is to improve the well-being of the society. In spite of this, as some of these projects might impact on the environment and affect the habitat of local residents, it is not unusual to attract criticism or even opposition from various stakeholder groups. Consequently, there is an increasing concern about the effectiveness of public participation for PIC projects. The authors strive to examine the salient elements of public participation by considering the questions of ‘who’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ in the process. The paper begins by reviewing the international public participation practices and the models proposed by various researchers. The key aspects to be considered during the public participation process are then highlighted. The paper concludes by proposing a comprehensive participatory framework for PIC projects, especially those of a highly sensitive nature. The results show that the standpoints of various stakeholders can be rather diverse and it is necessary to ensure a consensus is reached at different project stages through a well-planned, whole-cycle participatory exercise in order to maximise the chance of project success. More importantly, better acceptance towards other views and more education on the importance of public participation are needed to ensure that society benefits from economic and social development without sacrificing the rights and best interests of the minority groups.
Briefing: Emergency planning and the UK Civil Contingencies Act 2004
Authors: Stainsby Alison
Published: May 2012

This briefing discusses the importance of the UK Civil Contingencies Act 2004 in planning for and response to civil emergencies. It also provides a review of the improvements in best practice that have taken place since its introduction.
Forest fragmentation reduces parasitism via species loss at multiple trophic levels
Authors: Fenoglio María Silvina , Srivastava Diane , Valladares Graciela , Cagnolo Luciano , Salvo Adriana
Published: May 2012

Although there is accumulating evidence from artificially assembled communities that reductions of species diversity result in diminished ecosystem functioning, it is not yet clear how real‐world changes in diversity affect the flow of energy between trophic levels in multi‐trophic contexts. In central Argentina, forest fragmentation has led to species loss of plants, herbivore and parasitoid insects, decline in trophic processes (herbivory and parasitism), and food web contraction. Here we examine if and how loss of parasitoid species following fragmentation causes decreased parasitism rates, by analyzing food webs of leaf miners and parasitoids from 19 forest fragments of decreasing size. We asked three questions: Do reductions in parasitoid richness following fragmentation directly or indirectly affect parasitism rate? Are changes in community parasitism rate driven by changes in the parasitism rate of individual leaf miner species, or changes in leaf miner composition, or both? Which traits of species determine the effects of food web change on parasitism rates? We found that habitat loss initiated a bottom‐up cascade of extinctions from plants to leaf miners to parasitoids, with reductions in parasitoid richness ultimately driving decreases in parasitism rates. This relationship between parasitoid richness and parasitism depended on changes in the relative abundance (but not occurrence) of leaf miners such that parasitoid‐rich fragments were dominated by leaf miner species that supported high rates of parasitism. Surprisingly, we found that only a small subset of species in the food web could account for much of the increase in parasitism with parasitoid richness: lepidopteran miners that attained exceptionally high densities in some fragments and their largely specialist parasitoids. How specialized a parasitoid is, and the relative abundance of leaf miners, had important effects on the diversity–parasitism rate relationship, but not other leaf miner traits including trophic breadth, body size, and mine shape. Our results show that a full understanding of the functional consequences of perturbations and species loss requires both a multi‐trophic perspective and a trait‐based approach, which together capture some of the biological complexity of natural systems.
A comparative study of drinking water biofilm monitoring with flow cell and Propella™ bioreactors
Authors: Simões Lúcia Chaves , Simões Manuel , Vieira Maria João
Published: May 2012

Monitoring of drinking water (DW) biofilm formation under different process conditions was performed using two distinct bioreactors: a Propella™ and a flow cell system. Biofilms were grown on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and stainless steel (SS) coupons under laminar (Reynolds number: 2000) and turbulent (Reynolds number: 11000) flow. The parameters analysed were the numbers of total and cultivable bacteria. The impact of different process conditions was assessed after the biofilms reached steady-state. The number of total bacteria was mostly higher than those cultivable. Biofilm steady-state was achieved in 3 days in both bioreactors with adhesion surfaces under turbulent flow. Under laminar flow it was only achieved in 6 days. The numbers of total and cultivable bacteria in turbulent flow-generated biofilms were similar in both bioreactors, regardless of the adhesion surface tested. Under laminar flow, the Propella™ bioreactor allowed the formation of steady-state biofilms with a higher number of total and cultivable bacteria than the flow cell system. Comparing the effects of the flow regime on biofilm accumulation, only turbulent flow-generated biofilms formed on the flow cell system had a higher amount of total and cultivable bacteria than those formed under laminar flow. In terms of adhesion surface effects, a higher number of total and cultivable cells were found on PVC surfaces compared to SS when biofilms were formed in the flow cell system. Biofilm formation on PVC and SS was similar in the Propella™ system for both flow regimes.
Assessing the impact of saline intrusion with density dependent flow modelling for the fractured Peninsula Aquifer in Hermanus, South Africa
Authors: von Scherenberg N. L. , Seyler H. G. P.
Published: May 2012

In the study area of Hermanus, South Africa, the Gateway Wellfield is used to augment municipal water supply. Due to the coastal location, the impact of saline intrusion needs to be considered. The confined Peninsula Aquifer comprises a complex fault system in a fractured rock environment. Analytical equations do not indicate any negative impact of saline intrusion. The impact of different parameters on the interaction between fresh and sea water was tested in a 2D sensitivity analysis. The hydraulic gradient and dispersivity were identified as crucial parameters. In addition, the impact of discrete fractures within a porous medium was tested. Fracture apertures in the likely range of the case study (b < 1 mm) showed a negligible effect. The geology of the Peninsula Aquifer was modelled as an Equivalent Porous Medium (EPM) whereby highly fractured zones around the faults were assigned high hydraulic conductivity. A maximum increase in salinity of 30 mg/l was predicted for the first 20 years of groundwater abstraction. An impact of vertical fractures with b > 1 mm was detected that is hardly predictable. In order to prove the gained conclusions and completely eliminate a harmful impact, further investigations are recommended.
Key points in the practical implementation of greywater recycling systems. The Spanish situation in the global context
Authors: Cobacho Ricardo , Martín Miguel , Palmero Cristina , Cabrera Enrique
Published: May 2012

This paper reviews four different aspects of greywater reuse, the adoption of which is now beginning to spread in Spain. The main aspect addressed is water quality, but legal requirements, costs and the effect on reducing water needs also require analysis. These aspects are of key importance to understand the current way in which greywater reuse systems are developing and, even more importantly, for setting the conditions for future success. In relation to each aspect, the data obtained in a pilot project in Spain is compared to other foreign references.
Study on a Composite Fiberboard with Multiple Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness
Authors: Su Chuwang , Yuan Quanping , Gan Weixing , Dai Dawang , Huang Jingda , Huang Yuanyi
Published: May 2012

Based on the reflection, absorption and multiple reflection attenuation principle of composite shielding,
composite fiberboard with multiple electromagnetic shielding functions was developed according to the structure design,
which was made by filling with mineral powder and stainless steel nets, and then sprayed single face with conductive
paint. The results show that: electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the product is above 60dB and reaches the better
grade in 18.85MHz-1.46GHz; the product filled with magnetite powder has better comprehensive mechanical properties
than the product filled with barite powder, and its modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bonding strength and
thickness swelling rate of water absorption all reach the Chinese national standards.
Analysis of the Effect of Wearing Copper Oxide Impregnated Socks on
tinea pedis Based on “Before and After” Pictures – A Statistical Follow-up
Tool
Authors: Edith Gargiulo Myriam , del Carmen Elias Adriana , Borkow Gadi
Published: May 2012

The assessment of skin conditions by digital images as part of the evaluation of treatment efficacy is not widely
used in podiatry. The main objective of our study was to evaluate quantitative measuring of tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
related medical endpoints via digital images of the affected feet areas before and after treatment as a supporting tool for
podiatrists. In order to do so, we analyzed photographs taken of patients who had participated in a previous clinical study.
During this already published study, the patient's fungal feet infections were treated only by wearing of antifungal socks
containing copper oxide. The efficacy of the treatment was then determined solely by clinical observations of the
podiatrist. In the current study, we randomly and blindly analyzed 282 digital images of patient's feet taken before and
after using the socks in the pilot study. The affected feet areas, in which the tinea pedis infection was manifested by
fissuring, scaling, erythema and/or vesicular eruptions, were determined before and after treatment by using ImageTool
software. Statistical analysis of these determinations demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of all 4 endpoints
analyzed (p<0.05). This is in accordance with the results described in the published study, further establishing that using
socks containing copper oxide is efficacious in treating tinea pedis. The present study thus demonstrates that statistical
analysis of quantitative data obtained from digital images taken during treatment of tinea pedis is feasible and may serve
as a tool for podiatrists in monitoring treatment.
The Effect of First Wave Mandatory XBRL Reporting across the Financial Information Environment
Authors: Kim Joung W. , Lim Jee-Hae , No Won Gyun
Published: May 2012

This study examines the effect of mandatory XBRL disclosure across various aspects of the financial information environment. Our findings show an increase in information efficiency, a decrease in event return volatility, and a reduction of change in stock returns volatility for 428 firms (1,536 10-K and 10-Q filings) post-XBRL disclosure. In addition, this study shows that XBRL mitigates information risk in the market, especially when there is increased uncertainty in the information environment. Our results are robust to various alternative specifications and research modifications, such as a matched-pair control (326 XBRL versus 326 non-XBRL firms), current stock market condition, potential earnings releases, and corporate governance. This study contributes to the literature by systematically documenting evidence of how mandatory XBRL disclosure decreases information risk and information asymmetry in both general and uncertain information environments. Our evidence could potentially assist the SEC in their effort to expeditiously assess the benefits of XBRL.

Data Availability: The list of firms used in the study is available from Professor Lim upon request. All other data are available from sources identified in the body of the paper.
Area-Level Socioeconomic Status and Incidence of Abnormal Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Williams Emily D. , Magliano Dianna J. , Zimmet Paul Z. , Kavanagh Anne M. , Stevenson Christopher E. , Oldenburg Brian F. , Shaw Jonathan E.
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of area-level socioeconomic status (SES) on the development of abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM) using national, population-based data.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study is a national, population-based, longitudinal study of adults aged ≥25 years. A sample of 4,572 people provided complete baseline (1999 to 2000) and 5-year follow-up (2004 to 2005) data relevant for these analyses. Incident AGM was assessed using fasting plasma glucose and 2-h plasma glucose from oral glucose tolerance tests, and demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral data were collected by interview and questionnaire. Area SES was defined using the Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the relationship between area SES and incident AGM, with adjustment for covariates and correction for cluster design effects.

RESULTS

Area SES predicted the development of AGM, after adjustment for age, sex, and individual SES. People living in areas with the most disadvantage were significantly more likely to develop AGM, compared with those living in the least deprived areas (odds ratio 1.53; 95% CI 1.07–2.18). Health behaviors (in particular, physical activity) and central adiposity appeared to partially mediate this relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that characteristics of the physical, social, and economic aspects of local areas influence diabetes risk. Future research should focus on identifying the aspects of local environment that are associated with diabetes risk and how they might be modified.
Improved Biomedical and Psychological Outcomes 1 Year After Structured Education in Flexible Insulin Therapy for People With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Hopkins David , Lawrence Ian , Mansell Peter , Thompson Gillian , Amiel Stephanie , Campbell Michael , Heller Simon
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating), a structured education program in flexible insulin therapy, has been widely adopted in the U.K. after validation in a randomized trial. To determine benefits in routine practice, we collected biomedical and psychological data from all participants attending during a 12-month period.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

HbA1c, weight, self-reported hypoglycemia awareness, severe hypoglycemia frequency, PAID (Problem Areas In Diabetes), HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire scores were recorded prior to DAFNE and after 1 year.

RESULTS

Complete baseline and follow-up HbA1c data were available for 639 (54.9%) of 1,163 attendees. HbA1c fell from 8.51 ± 1.41 (mean ± SD) to 8.24 ± 1.29% (difference 0.27 [95% CI 0.16–0.38]; P < 0.001), with a greater mean fall of 0.44% from baseline HbA1c >8.5%. Severe hypoglycemia rate fell from 1.7 ± 8.5 to 0.6 ± 3.7 episodes per person per year (1.1 [0.7–1.4]) and hypoglycemia recognition improved in 43% of those reporting unawareness. Baseline psychological distress was evident, with a PAID score of 25.2 and HADS scores of 5.3 (anxiety) and 4.8 (depression), falling to 16.7 (8.5 [6.6–10.4]), 4.6 (0.7 [0.4–1.0]), and 4.2 (0.6 [0.3–0.8]), respectively (all P < 0.001 at 1 year). Clinically relevant anxiety and depression (HADS ≥8) fell from 24.4 to 18.0% and 20.9 to 15.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A structured education program delivered in routine clinical practice not only improves HbA1c while reducing severe hypoglycemia rate and restoring hypoglycemia awareness but also reduces psychological distress and improves perceived well-being.
Look Who’s (Not) Talking
Authors: Beverly Elizabeth A. , Ganda Om P. , Ritholz Marilyn D. , Lee Yishan , Brooks Kelly M. , Lewis-Schroeder Nina F. , Hirose Masakazu , Weinger Katie
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

Nearly one-half of diabetic patients have glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels above recommended targets. Effective physician–patient communication improves glycemia and diabetes self-care; however, communication gaps may exist that prevent patients from discussing self-care problems with treatment providers.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We assessed diabetic patients’ (n = 316, 85% white, 51% female, 71% type 2 diabetes, 59 ± 11 years old, 16 ± 3 years education, 19 ± 13 years diabetes duration, and HbA1c = 7.9 ± 1.4%) HbA1c, frequency of self-care, diabetes-related distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms, coping styles, diabetes quality of life, and self-care communication in the treatment relationship. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the main and interaction effects of health and psychosocial factors associated with patients’ reluctance to discuss self-care.

RESULTS

Patients reported positive relationships with their doctors and valued honest communication; however, 30% of patients were reluctant to discuss self-care. Reluctant patients reported less frequent self-care (P = 0.05), lower diabetes quality of life (P = 0.002), and more diabetes-related distress (P = 0.001), depressive symptoms (P < 0.001), and anxiety symptoms (P = 0.001). Patients who reported elevated depressive symptoms, although not necessarily major depression, were more likely to be reluctant to discuss self-care (odds ratio [OR] 1.66 for 10-point change in t score; P < 0.001), whereas patients who were older (OR 0.78 for 10-year change; P = 0.05) and those who used more self-controlled coping styles (OR 0.78 for 10-point change; P = 0.007) were less likely to be reluctant.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of elevated depressive symptoms is important in clinical practice given that these patients may be more reluctant to discuss self-care. Interventions and evidence-based approaches are needed to improve both depressive symptoms and physician-patient communication about self-care.
A Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian) seed cone provides the earliest fossil record for Picea (Pinaceae)
Authors: Klymiuk Ashley A. , Stockey Ruth A.
Published: May 2012

• Premise of study: Sequence analyses for Pinaceae have suggested that extant genera diverged in the late Mesozoic. While the fossil record indicates that Pinaceae was highly diverse during the Cretaceous, there are few records of living genera. This description of an anatomically preserved seed cone extends the fossil record for Picea A. Dietrich (Pinaceae) by ∼75 Ma.

• Methods: The specimen was collected from the Apple Bay locality of Vancouver Island (Lower Cretaceous, Valanginian) and is described from anatomical sections prepared using cellulose acetate peels. Cladistic analyses of fossil and extant pinaceous seed cones employed parsimony ratchet searches of an anatomical and morphological matrix.

• Key results: This new seed cone has a combination of characters shared only with the genus Picea A. Dietr. and is thus described as Picea burtonii Klymiuk et Stockey sp. nov. Bisaccate pollen attributable to Picea is found in the micropyles of several ovules, corroborating the designation of this cone as an early spruce. Cladistic analyses place P. burtonii with extant Picea and an Oligocene representative of the genus. Furthermore, our analyses indicate that Picea is sister to Cathaya Chun et Kuang, and P. burtonii helps to establish a minimum date for this node in hypotheses of conifer phylogeny.

• Conclusions: As an early member of the extant genus Picea, this seed cone extends the fossil record of Picea to the Valanginian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, ca. 136 Ma, thereby resolving a ghost lineage predicted by molecular divergence analyses, and offers new insight into the evolution of Pinaceae.
Living Together Apart : Vivre ensemble séparés Une comparaison France-États-Unis
Authors: Martin Claude , Cherlin Andrew , Cross-Barnet Caitlin
Published: May 2012

Résumé À partir de deux enquêtes exploratoires menées parallèlement aux États-Unis et en France, l’article propose de saisir les raisons qui conduisent certains couples de différents milieux sociaux à vivre toujours ensemble, sous le même toit, tout en ne formant plus un couple. Les auteurs repèrent les spécificités de ces arrangements dans la période contemporaine par rapport au passé, et en tirent un certain nombre d’hypothèses quant à la signification que prennent actuellement la cohabitation et le lien familial (comme combinaison de lien conjugal et de lien parental). Malgré des conceptions différentes du mariage et de la cohabitation dans les deux pays, les situations considérées comme « vivre ensemble séparés » (living together apart, LTA) et le sens qu’elles revêtent pour les intéressés sont finalement assez proches de part et d’autre de l’Atlantique. Les récits des personnes concernées témoignent de l’importance des conditions économiques et matérielles dans lesquelles se déploient les trajectoires conjugales, que ce soit pour accéder au mariage ou au divorce. Les répondants considèrent qu’ils se sont installés dans ces arrangements familiaux de façon à préserver la fonction parentale et surtout le lien paternel, et par crainte des conséquences économiques du divorce, crainte qui pourrait augmenter avec la crise.
Note de recherches développement du transport aérien en France : une première analyse des aéroports de proximité
Authors: Blayac Thierry
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les perspectives de croissance du transport aérien en France sont à l’origine de nombreuses réflexions relatives à la capacité des infrastructures aéroportuaires actuelles à accueillir ce supplément de trafic. Les pouvoirs publics ont pendant longtemps envisagé la construction d’un troisième aéroport parisien. Pour l’heure, cette stratégie est plutôt vouée à l’abandon, ou du moins reste encore en chantier. D’autres préconisent le développement d’aéroports de proximité afin de mieux répartir le trafic sur l’ensemble du territoire national. L’objet de cet article est précisément d’éclairer le choix de ces aéroports de proximité en proposant une taxinomie des aéroports français qui va au-delà des différentes classifications administratives ou de la classification économique proposée par la Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile. Cette taxinomie se fonde sur des critères d’offre, sur des conditions d’accessibilité spatiale des différents aéroports, ainsi que sur des variables socio-économiques. Du point de vue technique, nous utilisons la panoplie des méthodes d’analyse des données et plus particulièrement la classification ascendante hiérarchique ainsi que l’analyse en composantes principales.
Caractéristiques hédoniques et changement environnemental : la couverture de l'autoroute A1
Authors: Calcoen Francis , Cornuel Didier , Leleu Hervé
Published: May 2012

Résumé L’objectif de ce texte est d’identifier l’impact éventuel de la couverture de l’autoroute A1 à Saint-Denis sur les prix des logements. Cette couverture induit une réduction notable des nuisances et une amélioration manifeste du cadre urbain. La méthode utilisée est celle des caractéristiques hédoniques : elle consiste à quantifier la contribution des différentes caractéristiques d’un logement à la valeur de celui-ci. La couverture de l’A1 représente une nouvelle caractéristique des logements situés à proximité, et non la variation du volume d’une caractéristique existante. Pour tenir compte de cette caractéristique nouvelle et de son caractère commun à tous les logements de la zone, on a développé deux stratégies d’estimation différentes. La première considère l’impact global à l’aide de variables dichotomiques ; l’impact est alors chiffré à environ 16 % de la valeur moyenne des appartements dans la zone directement concernée. La seconde stratégie intègre la seule amélioration phonique mesurée par la réduction des décibels pour chaque appartement. Dans ce cas, la valorisation apportée est estimée entre 7 % et 8 % de la valeur d’un appartement directement situé sur l’autoroute couverte, et se réduit à 4 % de la valeur dans la proche périphérie de l’autoroute. L’impact est donc significatif, même s’il ne transforme pas radicalement le marché des logements existants.
Les marchés régionaux du travail en Tunisie : une analyse empirique
Authors: El Bekri Fethi
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cet article cherche à étudier le fonctionnement des marchés du travail au niveau des régions administratives (gouvernorats) en Tunisie sur la période de 1989 à 2000 à partir de données de panel. Le concept de fonction d’appariement est utilisé notamment pour tester l’hypothèse d’un fonctionnement différencié du marché du travail qui pourrait jouer un rôle dans la détermination de la dynamique du chômage au niveau régional. L’analyse empirique met en évidence une disparité spatiale significative des niveaux d’efficience qui sont déterminés par des facteurs d’offre et de demande de travail. Ce résultat suggère que la politique de lutte contre le chômage doit chercher en partie à améliorer les conditions de fonctionnement des marchés du travail.
Émergence de pôles secondaires et rôle des macroagents urbains au sein de l'agglomération bordelaise
Authors: Gaschet Frédéric
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les formes urbaines se sont transformées sous l’influence de la déconcentration des populations et des activités. La suburbanisation ne s’accompagne toutefois pas d’une dispersion généralisée des ménages et des firmes mais s’accompagne de mouvementes de ré-agglomération au sein de nouveaux pôles périphériques d’activités. Au sein de l’agglomération bordelaise, ces pôles périphériques apparaissent nettement différenciés par rapport à l’hypercentre, tant en termes de taille que de spécialisations économiques. Une combinaison de forces d’agglomération et de dispersion est proposée pour rendre compte de ces processus, fondée sur la prise en compte du rôle des macroagents urbains. Leur capacité à rendre compte de la localisation, de la taille et des spécialisations économiques des différents pôles est examinée à travers l’estimation d’un modèle de choix discret de localisation des firmes.
Les enjeux de la régulation spatiale des dépenses de santé bucco-dentaire en France
Authors: Dévoué Élina Marie
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les dépenses de santé bucco-dentaires sont encore peu étudiées et présentent des traits originaux. D’une part, ce sont des dépenses qu’il s’agit moins de réduire que d’étendre. D’autre part, les financeurs de base et complémentaires jouent un rôle équivalent dans ce domaine. L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser les enjeux de la régulation spatiale des dépenses de santé bucco-dentaire. Nous étudions les causes et les conséquences de l’évolution de ces dépenses en France en tentant de mettre en évidence les éléments qui doivent être pris en compte par les pouvoirs publics. Puis nous examinons les politiques de régulation spatiale mises en œuvre en les comparant aux expériences menées dans d’autres pays européens.
L'efficacité d'une politique régionale de réduction du temps de travail
Authors: Delsart Virginie
Published: May 2012

Résumé Y a-t-il, même dans des domaines qui restent de la compétence de l’État, un espace d’intervention pour des institutions comme les Régions ? Telle est la question examinée dans cet article au travers l’expérience originale du Nord - Pas-de-Calais en matière d’incitation à la réduction du temps de travail. Décidée en 1995 par le Conseil Régional, cette politique s’est combinée aux dispositifs nationaux (loi ROBIEN de juin 1996, loi AUBRY de juin 1998). L’analyse de ses résultats suggère une réponse positive à la question du bien fondé de politiques locales dans un domaine qui échappe normalement aux pouvoirs locaux (ici la régulation du marché du travail).
La nouvelle économie spatiale
Authors: Gaudard Gaston
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les approches de la nouvelle économie spatiale ont le mérite d’être un essai actuel de globalisation, mais il faut en accepter le caractère complexe, avec la persistance de nuances. Avec les aspects plutôt internationaux ou plutôt régionaux, elles continuent -contrairement à une opinion trop sommaire- de fonctionner respectivement selon les coûts relatifs comparés ou selon les coûts absolus. En 2004, chacun dans son genre, les cas de l’UME et l’OMC inquiètent quant à la problématique de la convergence et de la divergence.
Les politiques d'accompagnement du péage urbain : étude sur l'acceptabilité en Suisse
Authors: Reymond Mathias
Published: May 2012

Résumé Le présent document s’intéresse à l’épineuse question de l’acceptabilité du péage de congestion et aux politiques d’accompagnement à envisager pour le rendre plus acceptable aux yeux des citoyens. À partir d’une enquête récente réalisée en Suisse Romande, on effectue une analyse des correspondances multiples à l’aide du logiciel de traitement de données SPAD afin de regrouper des individus autour de différentes modalités (utilisation de la voiture, perception du péage, affectation des recettes du péage...). L’étude des graphiques fait ressortir plusieurs groupes dont deux fortement opposés : les automobilistes fréquents et les automobilistes occasionnels.
Surplus agricole, division du travail et émergence des villes
Authors: Spielvogel Gilles
Published: May 2012

Résumé Dans ce papier, nous mettons en évidence les conditions économiques de l’émergence des villes dans un modèle d’équilibre général spatial. La présence de rendements croissants basés sur une division du travail, de coûts de transport et la possibilité de constitution d’un surplus agricole suffisent à rendre possibles différentes configurations d’équilibre urbain : économie sans ville, économie monocentrique stable et économie monocentrique instable.
The War for Talent
Authors: Colomo-Palacios Ricardo , Ruano-Mayoral Marcos , Soto-Acosta Pedro , García-Crespo Ángel
Published: May 2012

In current organizations, the importance of knowledge and competence is unquestionable. In Information Technology (IT) companies, which are, by definition, knowledge intensive, this importance is critical. In such organizations, the models of knowledge exploitation include specific processes and elements that drive the production of knowledge aimed at satisfying organizational objectives. However, competence evidence recollection is a highly intensive and time consuming task, which is the key point for this system. SeCEC-IT is a tool based on software artifacts that extracts relevant information using natural language processing techniques. It enables competence evidence detection by deducing competence facts from documents in an automated way. SeCEC-IT includes within its technological components such items as semantic technologies, natural language processing, and human resource communication standards (HR-XML).
East and West, Past and Present
Authors: Zheng Connie
Published: May 2012

This paper explores the sayings and stories of the ancient Chinese philosophers Guanzi, Hanfeizi, Xunzi and Yanzi. Their way of ruling the state and managing the people are analysed and discussed in line with thoughts from the mainstream and modern Western management gurus, such as Warren Bennis, Peter Drucker, Mary Parker Follett, Douglas McGregor, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Elton Mayo, and Jeffrey Pfeffer. Striking similarities call for addressing key issues in human resource management. East and west thinkers across 3000 years are identified. The principles-based ruling and management were found difficult to be taken seriously in ancient times as it is today. However, these principles must be rekindled to protect organisations and the world from mischievous behaviour that has caused much human suffering.
Quality Assurance through Innovation Policy
Authors: Puteh Marlia Mohd , Ismail Kamsiah
Published: May 2012

A number of countries are focusing on innovation to advance their economies up the value chain. Hence, a large emphasis is given to engineering education as activities that engage scientific development generally originate from the engineering field (Ashford, 2004). A country’s innovation policy also determines educational reform as the education sector is a key player, holding holds the intellectual capacity and trained human resources to execute the transformation. In this regard, the engineering profession and accrediting engineering programs have repeatedly called for reform in the engineering education pedagogical approach. Despite debates over the effectiveness of outcome-based education, the prominent teaching methodology has always been attributed to the traditional approach of “chalk and talk” (Mills & Treagust, 2003). This study investigates the critical role of science, technology and innovation to a country’s economy. It will also examine the extent to which the educational approach, particularly in the engineering education field, is coherent with the national system of innovation, exposing students with real perspectives for future workplace environment.
Knowledge Worker Profile
Authors: Kayakutlu Gulgun
Published: May 2012

One of the major reasons for economic crisis of 2008-2009 is determined as value delivery. Major resource of value creation is the knowledge worker who works at different levels of an organisation. This study analyses knowledge worker studies in diverse disciplines, in order to determine the requests. The goal of the study is to propose a framework to clarify the skill requirements by integrating the requests at operational, team, organisational and inter-organisational levels with drivers provided by educating, attracting, motivating and retaining strategies. The framework facilitates employing the right employee for the right post while balancing the requests and the performance measures. This new vision will be beneficial for managers, human resource experts, and educators.