bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Les scores de gouvernance et la performance des entreprises : effet de causalité
Authors: Louizi Amir 
Published: April 2018

La notion de gouvernance d’entreprise a fait l’objet d’un regain d’intérêt au cours des dernières décennies, en raison de la faillite spectaculaire de certaines grandes entreprises et des importantes pertes d’autres ayant réussi à survivre. Pour identifier les raisons ayant conduit les entreprises à ce constat alarmant, cette recherche a étudié le lien de causalité entre le score de gouvernance et la performance. Pour ce faire, à partir d’un échantillon de 112 entreprises françaises cotées sur la période 2009- 2013, une analyse factorielle non linéaire a été menée. Cette analyse a permis d’identifier un lien d’endogéneité entre le score de gouvernance et la performance en se basant sur les équations simultanées et de dégager deux axes de gouvernance. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que le score de gouvernance a un impact sur la performance de la firme. De même, le Q de Tobin a un effet négatif sur l’indépendance du conseil d’administration et la concentration du capital. De ce fait, les opportunités de croissance semblent avoir un impact significatif et positif sur le Q de Tobin.
Évaluation des méthodes de promotion de l’entrepreneuriat en Algérie
Authors: Laib Yassine , Benredjem Rédha 
Published: April 2018

Le développement du pays dépend de son activité entrepreneuriale qui est liée à l’esprit entrepreneurial et au rôle de soutien et d’accompagnement des organismes. Malgré les efforts du gouvernement algérien pour améliorer le taux de création et l’environnement des affaires, les résultats ne sont pas à la hauteur des ambitions. L’esprit entrepreneurial existe malgré le manque de sensibilisation et l’insuffisance du rôle des structures de soutien. Ce constat est le résultat d’une étude quantitative qui a été menée dans la ville de Constantine en Algérie auprès de 145 entrepreneurs ayant été aidés par l’un des organismes de soutien et d’accompagnement à l’entrepreneuriat.
Transfer prices assignment with integrated production and marketing optimization models
Authors: Parra Enrique 
Published: April 2018

Purpose: In decentralized organizations (today a great majority of the large multinational groups), much of the decision-making power is in its individual business units-BUs-. In these cases, the management control system (MCS) uses transfer prices to coordinate actions of the BUs and to evaluate their performance with the goal of guaranteeing the whole corporation optimum. The purpose of the investigation is to design transfer prices that suit this goal.Design/methodology/approach: Considering the results of the whole company supply chain optimization models (in the presence of seasonality of demand) the question is to design a mechanism that creates optimal incentives for the managers of each business unit to drive the corporation to the optimal performance. Mathematical programming models are used as a start point.Findings: Different transfer prices computation methods are introduced in this paper for decentralised organizations with two divisions (production and marketing). The methods take into account the results of the solution of the whole company supply chain optimization model, if exists, and can be adapted to the type of information available in the company. It is mainly focused on transport costs assignment.Practical implications: Using the methods proposed in this paper a decentralized corporation can implement more accurate transfer prices to drive the whole organization to the global optimum performance.Originality/value: The methods proposed are a new contribution to the literature on transfer prices with special emphasis on the practical and easy implementation in a modern corporation with several business units and with high seasonality of demand. Also, the methods proposed are very flexible and can be tuned depending on the type of information available in the company.
Promoting structured participation for competitiveness in services companies
Authors: García-Arca Jesús , Prado-Prado J. Carlos , Fernández-González Arturo J. 
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To identify the main drivers that facilitate the successful deployment of a participation program aimed at improving competitiveness, as a prior step to analyze and discuss the implementation of these drivers in three services companies.Design/methodology/approach: The selection of the drivers was based on a “content analysis” of recent literature (2007-2017). To test the level of deployment of these drivers, the “case study” technique was choosen. The authors have selected two public transport companies and one bank, which have more than twenty years´ experience in the development of participation programs.Findings: From the case studies analysis, we conclude that participation can successfully improve a company’s competitiveness, provided that the drivers are developed with this specific aim. Thus, the analysis of these drivers allows to identify some gaps in aspects such as, the extension of participation throughout the company, the methodology adopted in the deployment of participation programs, the organizational structure for monitoring the program tasks, the reward/recognition systems and, especially, the implementation of KPIs for connecting participation and competitiveness.Research limitations/implications: This paper is based on a review of current literature, the analysis of three case studies, and our own personal experience. Our observations and comments may be qualified by future investigation with an increased sample of companies.Practical implications: This paper could be of interest to companies due to outlines the drivers that are critical to implementing participation programs focused on competitiveness. This could help companies that are thinking of implementing such programs, or those that are unhappy with their current programs, to re-design their plans in line with their business strategy. Originality/value: The main contribution of this paper lies in its theoretical and applied approach, analyzing in a comparative and longitudinal way the deployment of the drivers in services companies. This analysis allows the identification of strengths and weaknesses in the implementation of these participation programs focused on competitiveness.This combined and comparative approach is considered especially novel in the academic and professional world. Likewise, the analysis of companies with a longstanding history in their participation programs is also relevant, particularly, in the services sector.
‘Primitive’: A key concept in Chidester’s critique of imperial and Van der Leeuw’s phenomenological study of religion
Authors: Strijdom Johan M. 
Published: April 2018

A critical examination of the history of theories and uses of concepts such as ‘primitive’ and ‘savage’ in the academic study of religion in imperial, colonial and postcolonial contexts is particularly urgent in our time with its demands to decolonise Western models of knowledge production. In Savage Systems (1996) and Empire of Religion (2014), David Chidester has contributed to this project by relating the invention and use of terms such as ‘religion’, ‘primitive’ and ‘savage’ by theorists of religion in European imperial metropoles to South African colonial and indigenous contexts. This article intends to take Chidester’s project further by relating Gerardus Van der Leeuw’s phenomenological analysis of ‘primitive mentality’ (particularly in De primitieve mensch en de religie, 1937) to Chidester’s analysis and postcolonial critique of imperial theories of religion. By taking animism and dreams in Chidester’s and Van der Leeuw’s works as example, it is argued that in spite of the latter’s decontextualised use of ethnological material, a fundamental shift occurred in the judgement of ‘primitive’ religion from Tylor’s evolutionary to Van der Leeuw’s phenomenological analysis, which is contrary to claims according to which modern theories are unanimously denigratory of indigenous religions.
The impact of food prices on the welfare of households in South Africa
Authors: Van Wyk Roscoe B. , Dlamini Cliff S. 
Published: April 2018

Background and setting: The global food price surge of 2006 to 2008 has negatively impacted South African households. Rising food prices adversely affect food security in South Africa. The ever-increasing prices for food commodities and lack of access to finance make it very difficult to strengthen food security amongst households in South Africa. Aim: The aim of the study is to examine the impact of food prices on household welfare in South Africa. Additionally, the study attempts to analyse the short- and long-run relationship between food prices and household welfare in South Africa. This is done by determining how real household welfare responds and/or reacts whenever there is a shock in food prices and its fundamental determinants. Finally, the study attempts to distil recommendations toward a conceptual framework for the mitigation of the impact of high food prices on households in South Africa. Method: The Vector Error Correction Modelling (VECM) technique is utilised to estimate a regression model. Results: The results reveal that a 1% increase in food prices would reduce household welfare by 21.3%. The study, therefore, confirms a negative correlation between food prices and welfare. Conclusion: Short-run policy recommendations include: (1) subsidising staple food baskets for households in South Africa, (2) reducing prices of staple foods through the reduction of food tariffs and (3) reducing household expenditure on basic needs through subsidisation. These policy options could lessen the burden on households when there is a rise in the prices of staple food sources and therefore improve household welfare. Long-run policy recommendations include: (1) improving the unemployment rate in South Africa and (2) improving access to finance and credit for South African households. By addressing the rising unemployment rates and improving access to finance and credit in South Africa through job creation initiatives and improving micro-credit strategies, an environment can be created where households improve their disposable income.
Reconstructing volcanic plume evolution integrating satellite and ground-based data: application to the 23 November 2013 Etna eruption
Authors: Poret Matthieu , Corradini Stefano , Merucci Luca , Costa Antonio , Andronico Daniele , Montopoli Mario , Vulpiani Gianfranco , Freret-Lorgeril Valentin 
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Recent explosive volcanic eruptions recorded worldwide (e.g. Hekla in 2000, Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, Cordón-Caulle in 2011) demonstrated the necessity for a better assessment of the eruption source parameters (ESPs; e.g. column height, mass eruption rate, eruption duration, and total grain-size distribution – TGSD) to reduce the uncertainties associated with the far-travelling airborne ash mass. Volcanological studies started to integrate observations to use more realistic numerical inputs, crucial for taking robust volcanic risk mitigation actions. On 23 November 2013, Etna (Italy) erupted, producing a 10 km height plume, from which two volcanic clouds were observed at different altitudes from satellites (SEVIRI, MODIS). One was retrieved as mainly composed of very fine ash (i.e. PM20), and the second one as made of ice/SO2 droplets (i.e. not measurable in terms of ash mass). An atypical north-easterly wind direction transported the tephra from Etna towards the Calabria and Apulia regions (southern Italy), permitting tephra sampling in proximal (i.e. ∼ 5–25 km from the source) and medial areas (i.e. the Calabria region, ∼ 160 km). A primary TGSD was derived from the field measurement analysis, but the paucity of data (especially related to the fine ash fraction) prevented it from being entirely representative of the initial magma fragmentation. To better constrain the TGSD assessment, we also estimated the distribution from the X-band weather radar data. We integrated the field and radar-derived TGSDs by inverting the relative weighting averages to best fit the tephra loading measurements. The resulting TGSD is used as input for the FALL3D tephra dispersal model to reconstruct the whole tephra loading. Furthermore, we empirically modified the integrated TGSD by enriching the PM20 classes until the numerical results were able to reproduce the airborne ash mass retrieved from satellite data. The resulting TGSD is inverted by best-fitting the field, ground-based, and satellite-based measurements. The results indicate a total erupted mass of 1.2  ×  109 kg, being similar to the field-derived value of 1.3  ×  109 kg, and an initial PM20 fraction between 3.6 and 9.0 wt %, constituting the tail of the TGSD.
Going beyond the flood insurance rate map: insights from flood hazard map co-production
Authors: Luke Adam , Sanders Brett F. , Goodrich Kristen A. , Feldman David L. , Boudreau Danielle , Eguiarte Ana , Serrano Kimberly , Reyes Abigail , Schubert Jochen E. , AghaKouchak Amir , Basolo Victoria , Matthew Richard A. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Flood hazard mapping in the United States (US) is deeply tied to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Consequently, publicly available flood maps provide essential information for insurance purposes, but they do not necessarily provide relevant information for non-insurance aspects of flood risk management (FRM) such as public education and emergency planning. Recent calls for flood hazard maps that support a wider variety of FRM tasks highlight the need to deepen our understanding about the factors that make flood maps useful and understandable for local end users. In this study, social scientists and engineers explore opportunities for improving the utility and relevance of flood hazard maps through the co-production of maps responsive to end users' FRM needs. Specifically, two-dimensional flood modeling produced a set of baseline hazard maps for stakeholders of the Tijuana River valley, US, and Los Laureles Canyon in Tijuana, Mexico. Focus groups with natural resource managers, city planners, emergency managers, academia, non-profit, and community leaders refined the baseline hazard maps by triggering additional modeling scenarios and map revisions. Several important end user preferences emerged, such as (1) legends that frame flood intensity both qualitatively and quantitatively, and (2) flood scenario descriptions that report flood magnitude in terms of rainfall, streamflow, and its relation to an historic event. Regarding desired hazard map content, end users' requests revealed general consistency with mapping needs reported in European studies and guidelines published in Australia. However, requested map content that is not commonly produced included (1) standing water depths following the flood, (2) the erosive potential of flowing water, and (3) pluvial flood hazards, or flooding caused directly by rainfall. We conclude that the relevance and utility of commonly produced flood hazard maps can be most improved by illustrating pluvial flood hazards and by using concrete reference points to describe flooding scenarios rather than exceedance probabilities or frequencies.
A infância escolarizada: e o tempo de brincar?
Authors: Reis Laudeth Alves dos , Moreira Wagner Wey 
Published: April 2018

Este estudo investigou como professores de Educação Infantil concebem o ser criança no momento da escolarização. Foram entrevistadas dez professoras de cinco centros municipais de Educação Infantil, conveniados com o PROINFÂNCIA que trabalham com crianças de cinco anos de idade. Utilizou-se para interpretação das respostas a Técnica de Elaboração e Análise de Unidades de Significado proposta por Moreira, Simões e Porto (2005). Com os resultados conclui-se que as professoras veem a Educação Infantil centrada no preparo para o Ensino Fundamental, acarretando prejuízos ao tempo da infância por subtrair seus momentos de brincar.
Quand des adolescents font une vidéo sur la cyberintimidation : une action citoyenne ?1
Authors: Bégin Mathieu 
Published: April 2018

La recherche présentée s’intéresse au problème de la cyberintimidation. Elle souhaite apporter une réponse à la question suivante : dans quelle mesure, chez les adolescents, la publication dans les médias sociaux d’une vidéo sur la cyberintimidation constitue-t-elle une action citoyenne ? En nous fondant sur la pensée du philosophe Habermas, nous définissions une action citoyenne comme un acte situé dans un contexte sociohistorique donné, qui entend répondre à un problème social précis, par la mobilisation de connaissances et de moyens techniques, et dont la finalité première doit être la transformation de la société. Trois entrevues individuelles et 14 groupes de discussion avec 75 adolescents fréquentant une maison de jeunes ont été menés. Leur analyse a permis de constater que les adolescents ne font pas de la transformation de la société une priorité lorsqu’ils produisent des vidéos sur une thématique sociale comme la cyberintimidation et qu’ils accordent peu d’importance à la nécessité de documenter le discours contenu dans leurs vidéos. Leurs productions vidéos ne peuvent donc pas être considérées comme des actions citoyennes au sens strict. Les résultats montrent aussi que les adolescents sont attirés par l’appropriation des langages et techniques vidéographiques et par la reconnaissance publique. Des priorités éducatives fondées sur ces constats sont proposées. Il est notamment suggéré d’intégrer des notions de base de psychologie sociale à tout enseignement relatif aux médias, puisque les adolescents tendent à penser que toute communication de masse ciblant une large population peut se traduire par un changement social rapide et à grande échelle.
Efficacy of Adding Veliparib to Temozolomide for Patients With MGMT-Methylated Glioblastoma
Authors: Sarkaria Jann N. , Ballman Karla V. , Kizilbash Sani H. , Sulman Erik P. , Giannini Caterina , Friday Bret B. , Butowski Nicholas A. , Mohile Nimish A. , Piccioni David E. , Battiste James D. , Drappatz Jan , Campian Jian L. , Mashru Sandeep , Jaeckle Kurt A. , O’Brien Barbara J. , Dixon Jesse G. , Kabat Brian F. , Laack Nadia L. , Hu Leland S. , Kaufmann Timothy , Kumthekar Priya , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Anderson S. Keith , Galanis Evanthia 
Published: October 2024

ImportanceThe prognosis for patients with glioblastoma is poor following standard therapy with surgical resection, radiation, temozolomide, and tumor-treating fields.ObjectivesTo evaluate the combination of veliparib and temozolomide in glioblastoma based on preclinical data demonstrating significant chemosensitizing effects of the polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase 1/2 inhibitor veliparib when combined with temozolomide.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsPatients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma with MGMT promoter hypermethylation who had completed concomitant radiation and temozolomide were enrolled between December 15, 2014, and December 15, 2018, in this Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology trial. The data for this analysis were locked on April 21, 2023.InterventionsPatients were randomized and treated with standard adjuvant temozolomide (150-200 mg/m2 orally, days 1-5) combined with either placebo or veliparib (40 mg orally, twice daily, days 1-7) for 6 cycles.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary end point for the phase 3 portion of the trial was overall survival (OS).ResultsThere were 322 patients randomized during the phase 2 accrual period and an additional 125 patients randomized to complete the phase 3 accrual, for a total of 447 patients in the final phase 3 analysis. The median (range) age for patients was 60 (20-85) years and 190 patients (42.5%) were female. The median OS was 24.8 months (90% CI, 22.6-27.7) for the placebo arm and 28.1 months (90% CI, 24.3-33.3) for the veliparib arm (P = .17). The difference in survival did not meet the prespecified efficacy end point. However, there was a separation of the survival curves that favored the veliparib arm over 24 to 48 months of follow-up. The experimental combination was well tolerated with an acceptable elevation in grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxic effects.Conclusions and RelevanceThis trial found that adding veliparib to adjuvant temozolomide did not significantly extend OS in patients with newly diagnosed, MGMT-hypermethylated glioblastoma.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02152982
Vitamin D Deficiency and Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity
Authors: Bluher Andrew E. , Kearney Timothy , Vazifedan Turaj , Baldassari Cristina M. 
Published: October 2024

ImportancePrior research has demonstrated an association between vitamin D deficiency and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults; however, its association with pediatric OSA is emerging.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of vitamin D levels with obstructive Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in children with OSA.Design, Settings, and ParticipantsThis was a cross-sectional study of children aged 2 to 16 years with severe obstructive OSA (AHI ≥20 on polysomnogram) who were undergoing adenotonsillectomy at a tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology clinic from 2017 to 2022. Age, sex, race, body mass index, history of asthma, and season were considered in the analyses. Data were analyzed from September 3, 2021, to October 8, 2021.Main Outcomes and MeasuresSerum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were measured and assessed for correlation with polysomnography metrics. Fasting blood samples were collected and vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D level less than 20 ng/mL.ResultsThe consecutive sample included 72 patients (mean [SD] age, 6.7 [3.9] years; 34 [47.2%] females and 38 [52.8%] males). The mean (SD) AHI was 42.8 (25.5), and 35 participants (49.0%) had obesity. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 27 participants (37.5%). In univariate analysis, vitamin D deficiency was associated with younger age (difference, −5.0; 95% CI, −7.2 to −2.8), Black race (odds ratio [OR], 4.3; 95% CI, 1.4 to 14.3), female sex (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.7 to 12.5), and higher obstructive AHI (difference, 13.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 26.4). In multivariable analysis, vitamin D deficiency remained significantly associated with AHI. A 1.0-unit decrease in serum 25(OH)D levels was associated with an AHI increase of 0.7 (95% CI, 0.04 to 1.40).ConclusionsThe findings of this cross-sectional study indicate that vitamin D deficiency was common in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for severe OSA and is significantly associated with increased OSA severity. Future research is needed on vitamin D supplementation and its association with any improvements in pediatric OSA treatment outcomes.