bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Preferences for Health Care Interventions Using Conjoint Analysis: An Application to HIV Testing
Authors: Phillips Kathryn A , Maddala Tara , Johnson F. Reed
Published: March 2003

Objective. To examine preferences for HIV test methods using conjoint analysis, a method used to measure economic preferences (utilities).

Data Sources. Self‐administered surveys at four publicly funded HIV testing locations in San Francisco, California, between November 1999 and February 2000 (n=365, 96 percent response rate).

Study Design. We defined six important attributes of HIV tests and their levels (location, price, ease of collection, timeliness/accuracy, privacy/anonymity, and counseling). A fractional factorial design was used to develop scenarios that consisted of combinations of attribute levels. Respondents were asked 11 questions about whether they would choose “Test A or B” based on these scenarios.

Data Analysis. We used random effects probit models to estimate utilities for testing attributes. Since price was included as an attribute, we were able to estimate willingness to pay, which provides a standardized measure for use in economic evaluations. We used extensive analyses to examine the reliability and validity of the results, including analyses of: (1) preference consistency, (2) willingness to trade among attributes, and (3) consistency with theoretical predictions.

Principal Findings. Respondents most preferred tests that were accurate/timely and private/anonymous, whereas they had relatively lower preferences for in‐person counseling. Respondents were willing to pay an additional $35 for immediate, highly accurate results; however, they had a strong disutility for receiving immediate but less accurate results. By using conjoint analysis to analyze new combinations of attributes, we found that respondents would most prefer instant, highly accurate home tests, even though they are not currently available in the U.S. Respondents were willing to pay $39 for a highly accurate, instant home test.

Conclusions. The method of conjoint analysis enabled us to estimate utilities for specific attributes of HIV tests as well as the overall utility obtained from various HIV tests, including tests that are under consideration but not yet available. Conjoint analysis offers an approach that can be useful for measuring and understanding the value of other health care goods, services, and interventions.
Discrepancies Between Explicit and Implicit Review: Physician and Nurse Assessments of Complications and Quality
Authors: Weingart Saul N. , Davis Roger B. , Palmer R. Heather , Michael Cahalane  , Beth Hamel Mary , Mukamal Kenneth , Phillips Russell S. , Davies Donald T. , Iezzoni Lisa I.
Published: March 2003

Objective. To identify and characterize discrepancies between explicit and implicit medical record review of complications and quality of care.

Setting. Forty‐two acute‐care hospitals in California and Connecticut in 1994.

Study Design. In a retrospective chart review of 1,025 Medicare beneficiaries age ≥65, we compared explicit (nurse) and implicit (physician) reviews of complications and quality in individual cases. To understand discrepancies, we calculated the kappa statistic and examined physicians' comments.

Data Collection. With Medicare discharge abstracts, we used the Complications Screening Program to identify and then select a stratified random sample of cases flagged for 1 of 15 surgical complications, 5 medical complications, and unflagged controls. Peer Review Organization nurses and physicians performed chart reviews.

Principal Findings. Agreement about complications was fair ( κ=0.36) among surgical and was moderate ( κ=0.59) among medical cases. In discordant cases, physicians said that complications were insignificant, attributable to a related diagnosis, or present on admission. Agreement about quality was poor among surgical and medical cases ( κ=0.00 and 0.13, respectively). In discordant cases, physicians said that quality problems were unavoidable, small lapses in otherwise satisfactory care, present on admission, or resulted in no adverse outcome.

Conclusions. We identified many discrepancies between explicit and implicit review of complications and quality. Physician reviewers may not consider process problems that are ubiquitous in hospitals to represent substandard quality.
The Lack of Effect of Market Structure on Hospice Use
Authors: Iwashyna Theodore J , Chang Virginia W , Zhang James X , Christakis Nicholas A
Published: March 2003

Objective. To describe the relative importance of health care market structure and county‐level demographics in determining rates of hospice use.

Data Sources. Medicare claims data for a cohort of elderly patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer, colon cancer, stroke, or heart attack in 1993, followed for up to five years, and linked to Census and Area Resource File data.

Study Design. Variation between markets in rates of hospice use by patients with serious illness was examined after taking into account differences in individual‐level data using hierarchical linear models. The relative explanatory power of market‐level structure and local demographic variables was compared.

Data Collection Methods. The cohort was defined within the Medicare hospital claims data using validated algorithms to detect incident cases of disease with a three‐year lookback. Use of hospice was determined by linkage at an individual level to the Standard Analytic Files for Hospice through 1997. Individual‐level data was linked to the Area Resource File using county identifiers present in the Medicare claims.

Principal Findings. There is substantial variation in hospice use across markets. This variation is not explained by differences in the major components of health care infrastructure: the availability of hospital, nursing home, or skilled nursing facilities, nor by the availability of HMOs, doctors, or generalists.

Conclusions. Intercounty heterogeneity in hospice use is substantial, and may not be related to the set‐up of the medical care system. The important local factors may be local preferences, differences in the particular mix of services provided by local hospices, or differences in community leadership on end of life‐issues; many of these differences may be amenable to educational efforts.
The Millennium Survey: How Economists View the U.S. Economy in the 21st Century
Authors: Pryor Frederick L.
Published: March 2003

This essay presents the results of a survey of AEA members on how they expect the U.S. economy to evolve in the next 50 years. More specifically, respondents were asked about changes in a variety of macroeconomic variables and whether such changes would lead to major changes in the economic system or important economic institutions. For the next quarter century, for instance, the respondents foresee the greatest deviation from current trends occurring with regard to growth of per capita GDP, volatility of the financial system, and globalization. They also predict that changes in the economic system will most likely come about from the impact of increasing globalization, increasing inequality of income, and increasing financial instability.
Will Social Institutions Mediate Economic Trends?
Authors: Treas Judith
Published: March 2003

This comment is in response to Frederic L. Pryor (2000). “The Millennium Survey: How Economists View the U.S. Economy in the 21st Century.”The American Journal of Economics and Sociology. 59 (January), pp. 3‐33.
The End of Prophecy: A Comment on Pryor’s Study
Authors: Baert Patrick
Published: March 2003

This comment is in response to Frederic L. Pryor (2000). “The Millennium Survey: How Economists View the U.S. Economy in the 21st Century.”The American Journal of Economics and Sociology. 59 (January), pp. 3‐33.
Computing the Extent of Circumvention of Proposition 13: A Note
Authors: Khoury Sarkis J. , Pal Poorna C.
Published: March 2003

We analyze the own‐source revenues of California state and local governments relative to the State’s personal income in order to examine the extent to which the growth in non‐tax revenues has circumvented the reduction in taxes produced by Proposition 13. Our results show that, while non‐tax revenues have been the favored means to circumvent California's fiscal constitution, the circumvention has been only marginal.
Computing the Extent of Circumvention of Proposition 13: A Response
Authors: Galles Gary M. , Sexton Robert L.
Published: March 2003

Galles and Sexton (1998) showed that California state and local revenues exceeded their previous real per capita levels as did the sum of property taxes plus charges and miscellaneous revenues within a decade after Proposition 13 passed, and concluded that Proposition 13 was only temporarily successful at shrinking California state and local governments. Khoury and Pal (2000) challenge this conclusion. However, their conclusion that Proposition 13’mvention “n only marginal”from using per $1000 of income comparisons rather than real per capita comparisons and from using growth rate changes, which fail to adjust for U.S. fiscal trends, instead of changes in the levels of variables as their primary measure.
Urban Children's Living Arrangements and their Economic Status
Authors: Rosenbaum Emily
Published: March 2003

This study uses survey data for New York City to describe children's detailed living arrangements, to explore the link between children's detailed living arrangements and their economic well‐being (and the potential for racial/ethnic differences in this linkage), and to evaluate the relative importance of living arrangements as a predictor in the presence of controls for other correlates of children's economic well‐being. Descriptive analyses showed that children's economic well‐being generally was better predicted by household headship than by children's kinship ties to the householder, yet certain exceptions underscored the value of examining detailed living arrangements and their economic implications from the perspective of children. In particular, among black and white children in married‐couple‐headed households, those who were the own children of the householder were better off financially than children who were related to—but not the own child of—the householder, but no such difference existed among similar Hispanic children. While the results, in general, reiterated the conclusions of other studies that living arrangements and children's economic well‐being are strongly related, the results of regression models revealed that the characteristics and activities of the adults with whom children live are far more important as determinants of children's economic well‐being than are living arrangements. Furthermore, a regression standardization revealed that the householder's human capital characteristics constitute the most important factors underlying racial/ethnic differences in children's well‐being. This finding indicates that family structure alone is not responsible for minority children's disproportionate level of economic disadvantage, but that greater emphasis needs to be placed on improving the earning power of the adults with whom black and Hispanic children live, and on providing better jobs and wages for these adults.
An Empirical Test of the Institutionalist View on Income Inequality
Authors: Morrison Clarence C.
Published: March 2003

Using a general equilibrium model that is completely free of macroeconomic aggregates, this paper addresses some questions that are central to macroeconomics. Keynes' underemployment equilibrium is replicated, but it is illustrated that this result rests on the assumption that stockholders are so pessimistic that they save (hoard) all unanticipated dividends for a rainy day. If stockholders spend their unanticipated dividends in the next time period it is illustrated that unemployment will converge to zero over time. This process can be speeded by wage adjustments but will occur with or without wage flexibility. In addition, some fairly plausible scenarios involving overfull employment and inflation are presented. Finally, it is illustrated that if the producers in the model attempt to maneuver labor shortages to their advantage, they may be met with unanticipated results.
Life in a Hutterite Colony: An Outsider’s Experience and Reflections on a Forgotten People in Our Midst
Authors: Huffman Donald W.
Published: March 2003

In this study of the Hutterites, an Anabaptist Protestant sect tracing its roots to 1528, an attempt is made to discover the qualities that have enabled their colonies to survive and thrive in North America. It is found that the Hutterite beliefs of community of goods and self‐surrender to the will of God are central factors which explain their long‐term survival and the high degree of social cohesion they have achieved. The incentive to work for the common good, which has enabled them to remain economically viable as a relatively small community, are also directly attributable to religious belief. The author, who lived in a Hutterite colony as a participant‐observer, found these additional significant elements contributing to Hutterite colony stability and growth: religious ritual, the structure of the family, a well defined division of labor, and a well‐developed strategy for founding a new colony when the existing colony reaches a critical mass of 120‐130 people. The study concludes with a discussion of what mainstream American society might learn from the Hutterites, including both critical and appreciative assessments of the life of this communal people whose members live quietly and effectively in our midst.
H. G. J. as a Chronicler of the Keynesian Revolution: His Search of a Non Revolutionary Account
Authors: Dimand Robert W.
Published: March 2003

Repeatedly throughout his career, and especially when giving special invited lectures to national gatherings of economists, Harry Johnson reexamined the impact of Keynes's General Theory and its parallels with the revival of the quantity theory of money. This paper explores Johnson's changing view of the recent history of macroeconomics and particularly of the Keynesian Revolution, a term that he found problematic.
Bourgeoisie Out, Expertoisie In: The New Political Economies at Loggerheads
Authors: Hodges Donald Clark , Lustig Larry
Published: March 2003

Part I of our paper pinpoints the “political” in the new political economies: first, the distinction between political, public, and civic economies that are almost invariably confused; second, the role of power politics, force, and fraud in determining income differentials in the name of market forces. Part II pinpoints the “new” in twentieth‐century political economies: first, the emergence of a fourth factor of production in addition to labor, capital, and land, whether identified with organization, knowledge, headwork, education, brainpower, management, or information; second, the subordination of capital to this new factor; third, the formation of a new social class based on its ownership; fourth, the struggle between the owners of capital and the new class for control over decision making and for the lion's share in distribution; fifth, the reliance on government to protect and advance the interests of the new class of professionals; and sixth, the eclipse of the old class struggle between bourgeoisie and proletarians by a new class struggle between managers and managed, executives and executants, “knows” and “know‐nots.” Part III pinpoints the “loggerheads” or sources of dissension between the “human capital” and post‐capitalist variants of the new political economies: first, over whether the expertoisie constitute a new social class or a fraction of the bourgeoisie; second, over whether the new economic order constitutes an advanced stage of capitalism or the advent of a post‐capitalist society; and third, whether the “knows” exploit the “know‐nots” through their monopoly of economic and political power.

Why “political,” why “new,” and why “at loggerheads”? Our essay divides into three parts our tentative answers to these questions.
Money, Banking and Dynamics: Two Wicksellian Routes from Mises to Hayek and Schumpeter
Authors: Festré Agnès
Published: March 2003

This paper examines and compares, in both historical and theoretical perspectives, Hayek’s and Schumpeter’s accounts of the role played by banks and credit in their respective explanations of business cycles. The first section is focused on the common inheritance of these two authors, which can be traced back to Wicksell, going from Mises whose Theory of Money and Credit provides, as we shall see, a crucial link in this perspective. The following two sections deal with Hayek’s and Schumpeter’s respective accounts as well as critical reconstruction of this tradition. A close examination of their respective treatments of the banking system and its effects on economic productive structures then allows us to see in a new light the theoretical question of the impact of credit on economic dynamics and its related policy proposals. The last section is dedicated to a comparison between Hayek’s and Schumpeter’s views of the dynamics of monetary economies and their corresponding policy issues.
Introduction to the Symposium
Authors: Mäki Uskali , Moss Laurence S.
Published: March 2003

The editors of the symposium explain the origin of this interesting set of comments and the principal approach to the problem of custom offered by Ekkehart Schlicht.
Economic‐Psychological Reflections on Custom in the Economy
Authors: Antonides Gerrit
Published: March 2003

This comment is part of a symposium on Ekkehart Schlicht, On Custom in the Economy (1998)
Norms, Numbers and Hierarchy: Commenton E. Schlicht
Authors: Krug Barbara
Published: March 2003

This comment is part of a symposium on Ekkehart Schlicht, On Custom in the Economy (1998)
Reflections and Diffractions: Schlicht Replies to His Critics
Authors: Schlicht Ekkehart
Published: March 2003

This comment is part of a symposium on Ekkehart Schlicht, On Custom in the Economy (1998)
Green national income and expenditure
Authors: Cairns Robert D.
Published: March 2003

Distinguishing between national income and expenditure helps to shed light on some issues in green national accounting, including capital gains. Although their total is the same, different types of depreciation should be defined differently in the income and expenditure accounts. For example, there are two ways to define the depletion of non‐renewable resources. If depletion is defined as the resource rent, the unit value of the resource stock exceeds the current rent. If resource rent is viewed in terms of the resource’s contribution to national income, the stock can be valued at the current rent but depletion is less than resource rent. JEL classification: E20, Q30

Revenus et dépenses nationaux verts. Le fait de distinguer le revenu national et la dépense nationale aide àéclairer certains problèmes dans la comptabilité nationale verte, y compris en ce qui a trait aux gains de capitaux. Même si leur total est le même, différents types d’amortissement devraient être utilisés dans les comptes de revenus et de dépenses. Par exemple, il y a deux manières de définir l’épuisement des ressources non‐renouvelables. Si l’épuisement est défini par la rente sur la ressource, alors la valeur unitaire du stock de ressource est plus grande que la rente courante. Si la rente de la ressource est considérée comme la contribution de la ressource au revenu national, le stock peut être évalué au niveau de la rente courante, mais alors l’épuisement est moins que la rente de la ressource.
Semi‐non‐parametric estimates of substitution for Canadian monetary assets
Authors: Fleissig Adrian R. , Serletis Apostolos
Published: March 2003

We estimate the dynamic Fourier expenditure system to obtain consistent estimates of short‐run and long‐run Morishima elasticities of substitution for Canadian liquid assets. We argue that the variability of the estimated elasticities and evidence of less than perfect substitution between monetary assets interferes with the successful use of simple‐sum aggregates and traditional log‐linear money‐demand functions.

Calibrations semi‐non‐paramétriques de la substitution pour des actifs monétaires canadiens. Les auteurs calibrent le système dynamique de dépenses à la Fourier pour obtenir des estimations cohérentes des élasticités de substitution à la Morishima à court et à long termes pour des actifs monétaires canadiens. Ils suggèrent que la variabilité des élasticités estimées et la constatation que la substitution n’est pas parfaite entre les actifs monétaires rendent difficile un usage heureux des agrégats de simple somme et des fonctions log‐linéaires de demande de monnaie.
Vertical product differentiation and the import demand function: theory and evidence
Authors: Malley Jim , Moutos Thomas
Published: March 2003

In this paper we use a model of vertical product differentiation to cast doubt on the general validity of the import demand function as specified in macroeconomic models. The empirical importance of our theoretical concerns is then established. According to our first hypothesis, the share of a good’s imports in total imports is non‐increasing in domestic wages if the country has comparative advantage in high‐quality varieties of this good. The second hypothesis states that the share of a good’s imports is increasing in non‐wage domestic income if the country has comparative advantage in high‐quality varieties of this good. JEL Classification: F4, F41

Différenciation verticale des produits et fonction de demande d’importations : théorie et résultats. Dans ce mémoire, les auteurs utilisent un modèle de différenciation verticale des produits pour jeter certains doutes sur la validité générale de la fonction de demande d’importations telle que spécifiée dans les modèles macroéconomiques. L’importance empirique de ces malaises théoriques est étudiée à l’aide de deux hypothèses. La première hypothèse suggère que la part d’un bien dans les importations totales d’un pays ne va pas croître quand les salaires du pays s’accroissent si le pays a un avantage comparatif dans les variétés de haute qualité de ce bien. La seconde hypothèse suggère que la part d’un produit qui provient de l’importation croît quand le revenu intérieur non‐salarial s’accroît si le pays a un avantage comparatif dans les variétés de haute qualité de ce bien. On observe des résultats qui donnent un support empirique ferme à ces deux propositions en analysant les données en provenance de l’Allemagne, du Japon et des Etats‐Unis.
Property rights, labour markets, and efficiency in a transition economy: the case of rural China
Authors: Benjamin Dwayne , Brandt Loren
Published: March 2003

We investigate the consequences of imperfect factor market development for farm efficiency in North China. We estimate the extent to which an inverse relationship in farm productivity can be attributed to the administrative (as opposed to market) allocation of land, combined with unevenly developed off–farm opportunities. Using a new household survey, we find considerable inefficiency in the use of labour. This inefficiency is alleviated by external labour markets and, to a limited degree, by administrative reallocations. The reallocations do not go far enough, however, which raises important questions about constraints on rental activity and property rights formation more generally. JEL Classification: Q15, O12

Droits de propriété, marchés du travail et efficacité dans une économie en transition : le cas de la Chine rurale. Ce mémoire analyse les conséquences du développement de marchés imparfaits des facteurs de production sur l’efficacité des fermes dans le nord de la Chine. On examine jusqu’à quel point la relation inverse entre la productivité des fermes et leur taille est attribuable à l’allocation administrative de la terre (par opposition à l’allocation par le marché), en combinaison avec le développement inégal des opportunités en dehors de la ferme. Les auteurs utilisent une nouvelle enquête sur les ménages qui révèle une grande inefficacité dans l’utilisation du travail. Cette inefficacité est atténuée par des marchés de travail externes, et, à un moindre degré, par des ré–allocations administratives. Les ré–allocations ne vont pas assez loin cependant. Voilà qui soulève des questions importantes à propos des contraintes sur les activités de location et la formation des droits de propriété en général.
Welfare–maximizing and revenue–maximizing tariffs with a few domestic firms
Authors: Larue Bruno , Gervais Jean–Philippe
Published: March 2003

In this paper we compare the orthodox optimal tariff formula with the appropriate welfare–maximizing tariff when there are a few producing or importing firms. The welfare–maximizing tariff can be very low, voire negative in some cases, while in others it can even exceed the maximum–revenue tariff. The relationship between the welfare–maximizing tariff and the number of firms need not be monotonically increasing, because the tariff is not strictly used to internalize terms of trade externality. It is also used to manipulate cost asymmetries between producing and importing firms. Welfare–maximizing specific tariffs are never worse than their ad valorem counterparts. JEL Classification F13, L13

Tarif qui maximise le bien être et tarif qui maximise le revenu quand on est en présence de peu de firmes. Nous comparons le tarif optimal orthodoxe au tarif maximisant le bien être lorsqu’il y a peu de firmes productrices ou importatrices. Le tarif qui maximise le bien être est parfois très bas, même négatif, mais il peut excéder le tarif qui maximise le revenu dans d’autres cas. La relation entre le tarif et le nombre de firmes n’est pas nécessairement monotone parce que le tarif n’est pas strictement utilisé pour améliorer les termes d’échange. Il est aussi utilisé pour manipuler les asymétries dans les coûts des firmes productrices et importatrices. Le tarif spécifique n’est jamais dominé par le tarif ad valorem.
Permanent and Transitory Driving Forces in the Asian‐Pacific Stock Markets
Authors: Darrat Ali F. , Zhong Maosen
Published: March 2003

This paper uses weekly data from November 1987 through May 1999 to examine whether U.S. or the Japan stock market (or both) is the main driving force behind major movements in eleven emerging Asian‐Pacific stock markets. We find a robust cointegrating relation linking each of the emerging market with the two matured markets of the U.S. and Japan. The results also show that the U.S., rather than Japan, is the main permanent force driving the equilibrium relations across all Asian‐Pacific markets. In contrast, the effect of the Japanese market on the Asian‐Pacific region is only transitory. Therefore, strategic asset portfolios in the Asian‐Pacific region should include Japanese stocks to diversify any country specific risks. As to U.S. investors, the persistent influence of the U.S. market may limit long‐run diversification gains from Asian‐Pacific stocks.
Debt vs. Equity and Asymmetric Information: A Review
Authors: Klein Linda Schmid , O’Brien Thomas J. , Peters Stephen R.
Published: March 2003

Recent Nobel Prizes to Akerlof, Spence, and Stiglitz motivate this review of basic concepts and empirical evidence on information asymmetry and the choice of debt vs. equity. We first review the literature that holds investment fixed. Then we review capital structure issues related to the adverse investment selection problem of Myers–Majluf. Finally, we discuss the timing hypothesis of capital structure. Empirical studies do not consistently support one theory of capital structure under information asymmetry over the others. Thus, the review suggests that additional theoretical contributions are needed to help understand and explain findings in the empirical literature.
Market Structure and Return Volatility: Evidence from the Hong Kong Stock Market
Authors: Tong Wilson H. S. , Tse K. S. Maurice
Published: March 2003

There is no consensus about the cause for higher volatility at the market open than at the market close in the U.S. market. As an order–driven, nonspecialist market, the Hong Kong stock market provides a useful setting for an examination. If halt of trade were the major cause of higher open–to–open volatility, the open–to–open volatility in the Hong Kong market would be higher. However, this is not observed. The autocorrelation of the open–to–open return series also indicates that the temporary price deviation at the market opening is not significant. We view these findings as consistent with the specialist argument.
An Empirical Examination of Sponsor Influence over the Board of Directors
Authors: Varma Raj
Published: March 2003

Investment funds have a unique organization structure in which a fund's board of directors frequently contracts the management of the fund with the fund's sponsor but has a fiduciary duty to act in the interest of the fund's shareholders with regard to decisions such as the shareholder fees charged by the sponsor to manage the fund. For a large sample of closed–end funds, my findings indicate that sponsors exert considerable influence over the board of directors through a variety of mechanisms such as the installation of a sponsor–affiliated board leader, director compensation from service on multiple boards for the sponsor, and control of the director selection process. Furthermore, my examination of closed–end premiums indicates that the market perceives that the absence of sponsor involvement in the director selection process is a credible signal that new directors are not “hand–picked” by the sponsor and that this attribute is positively priced by the market.
Triune Grace
Authors: Jenson Robert
Published: March 2003

Grace is the favor of God, both the giver and the gift at the same time. In trinitarian understandings of grace, the Father is the ungifted giver; the Son and the Spirit are in different ways the gift. The Son is the external act of grace in humanity; and the Spirit is the internal gift. Both are infused. Although this is essential to Lutheran theology, it is here offered as ecumenical theology.
Celtic Saints and the Ecology of Death
Authors: Santmire Paul
Published: March 2003

Romantics mislead us when they depict nature as a garden where we feel at home. What drives nature is death, death with all its blood shedding pain. Death drives natural selection in evolutionary biology. The Celtic Saints in Ireland developed a rich spirituality that acknowledged the dominant role of death while trusting profoundly in divine providence.
Confirmation Ministry in the Crossfire of Tolerance and Fascism
Authors: Penumaka Moses
Published: March 2003

This article discuses the vitality of confirmation ministry in India in the present social, economic, and political contexts. The article analyses how confirmation ministry in the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church contributes to Lutheran identity and leadership, dealing briefly with the theological impetus from Luther’s Small Catechism and Luther’s theology of sola fide and sola gratsia
Early Retirees As the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Authors: Singh Gangaram , DeNoble Alex
Published: March 2003

In this article, we combine perspectives from labor economics and entrepreneurship to examine early retirees’ decision to become self–employed. Many individuals leave career employment before the traditional age of 65 and return to the labor market for a period of time before they fully retire. This phenomenon is referred to in the labor economics literature as bridge employment. Initial research of bridge employment has identified entrepreneurial activities to be common. The authors argue that first early retirees have to make the decision whether to permanently retire or to continue their labor force participation. If they decide to return to work, then self–employment is one option. Using the theoretical foundations of entrepreneurship, the authors outline the factors that would influence the self–employment choice and the types of entrepreneurial paths emanating from that choice.
Competitive Strategy and Performance of Exporting SMEs: An Empirical Investigation of the Impact of Their Export Information Search and Competencies
Authors: Julien Pierre–André , Ramangalahy Charles
Published: March 2003

The SMEs’ limited capacity to acquire information and use sources is a major factor explaining their low level of involvement and performance on export markets. Nonetheless, a small amount of applied research has been undertaken on this subject. We present the results of an inquiry into the impact of information search and competencies on the competitive strategy and export performance of 346 exporting manufacturing SMEs. The research model postulates that the performance of these SMEs is determined by their general competitive strategy, which in turn is explained by the ability of the business to acquire and manage foreign market information. The results of an analysis using a PLS method confirm three of the four hypotheses.
On the Lw2‐boundedness of solutions for products of quasi‐integro differential equations
Authors: Ibrahim Sobhy El-Sayed
Published: March 2003

Given a general quasi‐differential expressions τ1, τ2, …, τn each of order n with complex
coefficients and their formal adjoints are on [0, b), respectively, we show
under suitable conditions on the function F that all solutions
of the product of quasi‐integrodifferential equation
on [0, b), 0 < b ≤ ∞; t, s ≥ 0, are bounded and ‐bounded on [0, b). These results are extensions of those by Ibrahim (1994), Wong (1975),
Yang (1984), and Zettl (1970, 1975).
A note on Chen′s basic equality for submanifolds in aSasakian space form
Authors: Tripathi Mukut Mani , Kim Jeong-Sik , Kim Seon-Bu
Published: March 2003

It is proved that a Riemannian manifold M isometrically immersed in
a Sasakian space form of constant φ‐sectional
curvature c < 1, with the structure vector field ξ tangent to
M, satisfies Chen′s basic equality if and only if it is a
3‐dimensional minimal invariant submanifold.
[Retracted] On the interlacing property and the Routh‐Hurwitz criterion
Authors: Zahreddine Ziad
Published: March 2003

Unlike the Nyquist criterion, root locus, and many other
stability criteria, the well‐known Routh‐Hurwitz criterion is
usually introduced as a mechanical algorithm and no attempt is
made whatsoever to explain why or how such an algorithm works. It
is widely believed that simple derivations of this important
criterion are highly requested by the mathematical community. In this paper, we address this problem and provide a simple proof of the Routh‐Hurwitz criterion based on two generalizations of an interesting property known in stability theory as the
interlacing property. Within the same context, the singularities
that may arise in the Routh‐Hurwitz criterion are also dealt with.
A general lemma for fixed‐point theorems involving more than two maps in D‐metric spaces with applications
Authors: Dhage B. C. , Arya Smrati , Ume Jeong Sheok
Published: March 2003

A general procedural lemma for fixed‐point theorems for three and four
maps in a D‐metric space is proved, and it is further applied for
proving the common fixed‐point theorems of three and four maps in a
D‐metric space satisfying certain contractive conditions.
Sectional representation of Banach modules and their multipliers
Authors: Hõim Terje , Robbins D. A.
Published: March 2003

Let X be a Banach module over the commutative Banach algebra
A with maximal ideal space Δ. We show that there is a
norm‐decreasing representation of X as a space of bounded
sections in a Banach bundle π : ℰ → Δ, whose fibers are quotient modules of X. There is also a
representation of M(X), the space of multipliers T : A → X, as a space of sections in the same bundle, but
this representation may not be continuous. These sectional
representations subsume results of various authors over the past
three decades.
Generalized distributions of order k associated with success runs in Bernoulli trials
Authors: Tripsiannis Gregory A. , Papathanasiou Afroditi A. , Philippou Andreas N.
Published: March 2003

In a sequence of independent Bernoulli trials, by counting
multidimensional lattice paths in order to compute the
probability of a first‐passage event, we derive and study a
generalized negative binomial distribution of order k, type
I, which extends to distributions of order k, the generalized
negative binomial distribution of Jain and Consul (1971), and
includes as a special case the negative binomial distribution of
order k, type I, of Philippou et al. (1983). This new
distribution gives rise in the limit to generalized logarithmic
and Borel‐Tanner distributions and, by compounding, to the
generalized Pólya distribution of the same order and type.
Limiting cases are considered and an application to observed data
is presented.
Final Height in Girls with Turner Syndrome after Long-Term Growth Hormone Treatment in Three Dosages and Low Dose Estrogens
Authors: van Pareren Yvonne K. , de Muinck Keizer-Schrama Sabine M. P. F. , Stijnen Theo , Sas Theo C. J. , Jansen Maarten , Otten Barto J. , Hoorweg-Nijman J. J. Gera , Vulsma Thomas , Stokvis-Brantsma Wilhelmina H. , Rouwé Catrienus W. , Reeser H. Maarten , Gerver Willem-Jan , Gosen Jos J. , Rongen-Westerlaken Ciska , Drop Stenvert L. S.
Published: March 2003

Although GH treatment for short stature in Turner syndrome is an accepted treatment in many countries, which GH dosage to use and which age to start puberty induction are issues of debate. This study shows final height (FH) in 60 girls with Turner syndrome treated in a randomized dose-response trial, combining GH treatment with low dose estrogens at a relatively young age.

Girls were randomly assigned to group A (4 IU/m2·d; ∼0.045 mg/kg/d), group B (first year, 4 IU/m2·d; thereafter 6 IU/m2·d), or group C (first year, 4 IU/m2·d; second year, 6 IU/m2·d; thereafter, 8 IU/m2·d). After a minimum of 4 yr of GH treatment, at a mean age of 12.7 ± 0.7 yr, low dose micronized 17β-estradiol was given orally. After a mean duration of GH treatment of 8.6 ± 1.9 yr, FH was reached at a mean age of 15.8 ± 0.9 yr. FH, expressed in centimeters or sd score, was 157.6 ± 6.5 or −1.6 ± 1.0 in group A, 162.9 ± 6.1 or −0.7 ± 1.0 in group B, and 163.6 ± 6.0 or −0.6 ± 1.0 in group C. The difference in FH in centimeters, corrected for height sd score and age at start of treatment, was significant between groups A and B [regression coefficient, 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4, 6.9; P < 0.01], and groups A and C (coefficient, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.3, 7.7; P < 0.001), but not between groups B and C (coefficient, 0.9; 95% CI, −1.8, 3.6). Fifty of the 60 girls (83%) had reached a normal FH (FH sd score, more than −2). After starting estrogen treatment, the decrease in height velocity (HV) changed significantly to a stable HV, without affecting bone maturation (change in bone age/change in chronological age). The following variables contributed significantly to predicting FH sd score: GH dose, height sd score (ref. normal girls), chronological age at start of treatment, and HV in the first year of GH treatment. GH treatment was well tolerated.

In conclusion, GH treatment leads to a normalization of FH in most girls, even when puberty is induced at a normal pubertal age. The optimal GH dosage depends on height and age at the start of treatment and first year HV.
Approaches toward the genetic analysis of complex traits: asthma and atopy
Authors: Marsh David G
Published: March 2003

With the challenges emerging from the analysis and interpretation of the human genome, and the specific issues pertinent to pursuing the Genome Project itself, it is truly an exciting time in the development of the biological sciences. The occasion is certainly ripe for the emergence of new concepts and ideas, as the theories of complexity, natural selection, and reductionism become integrated into a new whole. We need to learn how to approach the analyses of the complex data sets that will be generated by the Genome Project and address, more generally, the problems inherent in the analysis of the complex diseases such as asthma. Finally, we need to consider how the recent advances in genetics and genomics will affect biomedical research reaching into the next millennium and beyond.
Mite fauna in the home and sensitivity to house‐dust and storage mites
Authors: Warner A , Boström S , Möller C , Kjellman N‐i‐m , Warner A
Published: March 2003

In search of potential new indoor allergen sources, all mites in dust from homes of 55 asthmatic children living in three climatic regions in Sweden were counted and identified by light microscope. Antibodies of the IgE class against three house‐dust mites and three storage mites were measured in corresponding serum samples. Mites were found in all but two homes from the northernmost area, where levels also were lower than in the other regions. The highest mite densities were most often found in bedrooms (50%) and living rooms (40%). Mite density was increased in homes with high humidity and was higher in bungalows than in flats. House‐dust mites predominated in the south and storage mites in the east central area, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Mite‐density and IgE‐antibody levels against house‐dust mites were significantly associated. The same association applied to storage mites. Other species numbered around 100 mites/g dust in some homes. Microscopy helps to identify potentially important mites. Analysing home dust only for house‐dust mites will underestimate mite exposure. Storage mites may be as relevant to sensitivity as house‐dust mites. As other species occasionally were found in high numbers, their relevance should also be assessed.
Soluble E‐selectin correlates with disease activity in cyclosporin A‐treated patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kägi Mk , Joller‐jemelka H , Wüthrich B
Published: March 2003

Background:The expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells regulates leukocyte migration. The level of soluble adhesion molecules which are shed into the circulation is known to reflect the degree of inflammation, and this level can therefore be used as an indicator of disease activity.

The objective of this study was first to investigate the relationship between sE‐selectin levels and disease activity parameters (scores of extent, severity, itch, and sleep) in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, and second to determine the effect of therapy with an immunosuppressive drug (cyclosporin A) on sE‐selectin levels.

Methods:Fourteen patients with severe AD and 41 healthy controls were studied. sE‐selectin was measured by ELISA both 2 weeks before therapy with cyclosporin A and after 16 weeks of treatment.

Results:At baseline, the level of sE‐selectin was significantly higher in patients with AD than in healthy control subjects (P<0.0001). After treatment of AD with cyclosporin A, there was a significant reduction of the sE‐selectin levels (P<0.0001). In addition, changes in sE‐selectin levels significantly correlated with changes in disease activity parameters such as severity (P<0.002) and extent of disease (P<0.049).

Conclusions:Soluble E‐selectin is a new serologic marker in AD which reflects disease activity. Therefore, soluble E‐selectin may be a useful parameter in the monitoring of this disease.

Abbreviations: AD: atopic dermatitis; sE‐selectin: soluble E‐selectin; CsA: cyclosporin A; SEM: standard error of mean; ELISA: enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; VCAM: vascular adhesion molecule; ICAM: intercellular adhesion molecule; ELAM: endothelial cell‐leukocyte adhesion molecule; LEC‐CAM: leukocyte‐endothelial cell – cellular adhesion molecule.
Bronchial allergen challenge in subjects with low levels of allergic sensitization to indoor allergens
Authors: Witteman AM , Jansen HM , Van Der Zee JS , Mulder M , Aalberse RC , Witteman AM
Published: March 2003

Background: Low skin reactivity to common inhalant allergens is frequently found in asymptomatic individuals as well as in patients with respiratory complaints. However, most studies on bronchial allergen challenge concern patients with high levels of allergic sensitization. The present study was directed to bronchial reactions after allergen challenge in subjects with low skin reactivity to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus or cat dander.

Methods: Titrated intracutaneous skin tests, skin prick tests, specific IgE assays, histamine release on washed leukocytes, and bronchial histamine and allergen‐challenge tests were performed in 20 subjects with an intracutaneous skin test threshold for cat dander (Felis domesticus) or D. pteronyssinus above 0.1 BU/ml (mean wheal diameter in skin prick test with 10 000 BU/ml: 4.4 mm). Ten of the 20 patients had specific IgE below the detection limit in at least one of the three IgE assays which were done. Fifteen patients had a specific IgE level below 2 kU/l in all three tests. As a positive control group, the same parameters were studied in seven moderately sensitized patients with an intracutaneous skin test threshold below 0.1 BU/ml (mean wheal diameter with 10 000 BU/ml: 7.2 mm).

Results: The 20 subjects with low levels of allergic sensitization had an early decrease in FEV1 of 8.6% (P<0.01) and a mean late decrease of 6.3% (P<0.05). There was a trend for decrease in PC20 histamine 24 h after allergen challenge (−0.4 doubling doses, P=0.09).

Conclusions: In this group of subjects with low levels of allergic sensitization, a statistically significant early and late decrease in FEV1 was found. However, the decrease in lung function was small and unnoticed by most patients. The increase in nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness after bronchial allergen challenge did not reach statistical significance in the study group. The results indicate that allergen exposure in patients with low levels of allergic sensitization may lead to airways changes in the absence of acute symptoms.
Comparison of peak expiratory flows and FEV1 in assessing immediate asthmatic reactions due to occupational agents
Authors: Weytjens K , Malo J‐L , Cartier A , Ghezzo H , Delwiche J‐P , Vandenplas O
Published: March 2003

Background: FEV1 is more sensitive than PEF in assessing late asthmatic responses (LAR) after specific inhalation challenges (SIC) with occupational agents. As immediate asthmatic reactions (IAR) mainly involve proximal airways, PEF may, however, be as valid as FEV1.

Methods: Thirty‐seven subjects who experienced an immediate fall in FEV1 of ≥20% during SIC with occupational agents and 20 subjects with fall of ≤10% in FEV1 were included. Both FEV1 and PEF were measured in a random order every 10 min for 1 h after exposure. We corrected PEF (PEFc) for inaccuracies of the mini‐Wright meters by the Miller equation.

Results: Maximum changes in PEFc (30±11%) were not significantly different from changes in FEV1 (27±5%) (P=0.13). Their timings after exposure were 14±11 min and 17±17 min, respectively (P=0.4). High sensitivity (92%), specificity (95%), accuracy (93%), and positive predictive value (97%) were found for a 20% fall in PEFc to detect a significant IAR. Results were better and not influenced by meter inaccuracies with a cutoff point of 15% change in noncorrected PEF (PEFnc). An absolute decrease in PEF of 70 l/min gave a good discrimination between reactions with and without an asthmatic response.

Conclusions: PEF is as satisfactory as FEV1 for detecting a significant IAR after exposure to an occupational agent if one considers a cutoff point of

1)15% fall in PEF

2)20% fall in PEFc

3)20% fall and/or 70 l/min decrease in PEFnc.