bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-track approach to public-sector restructuring in Europe: impact on employment relations; role of the trade unions
Authors: Andersen Søren Kaj , Due Jesper , Madsen Jørgen Steen 
Published: January 2010

The article discusses a) restructuring trends in Europe's public sector (in an employment relations perspective), b) the response of the trade unions to this process, and c) the overall impact of these developments on employment relations in the sector. We present an analysis emphasising the differences in the regulatory systems applied to public-sector restructuring processes in the EU Member States, arguing that there are significant variations in the development dynamics in employment relations, and, further, that these dynamics can be traced to at least three different regulatory regimes. The first regime of the three posited regimes emerged from the unique pattern of development observed in the UK's public sector, featuring large-scale privatisation schemes, the introduction of elements of competition and new forms of management. The second type of regime is evident in the Nordic countries, in the Netherlands and - albeit in modified form - in Italy, characterised by a certain measure of restructuring of the public-sector labour market, and based largely on co-operation between public-sector employers and the trade unions. The third type of regime is represented by Germany and France, with their independent regulatory systems in which centralism and sets of rules are paramount, with very few changes in the general pattern of employment relations. While identifying the significant variations listed above, we also argue that a common trend is evident in the EU Member States: a trend towards centralised decentralisation of relations on the public-sector labour market. Our study suggests that, viewed in a broad West European perspective, decentralisation - despite the many attempts to achieve it and despite its adoption, in principle at least, by politicians and the social partners - has been on a modest scale. This is clearly evident if decentralisation is considered in relation to wage-development. The tight budgetary constraints felt by West European governments may well be the single deter mining factor in what can be regarded as rather rigid control, at centralised level, of the framework for wage development in Western Europe. Admittedly, collective agreements can be nego tiated and concluded at decentralised level - but preferably within the framework determined at centralised level.
Urban time policies in Italy: an overview of time-oriented research
Authors: Bonfiglioli Sandra 
Published: January 2010

Italian urban times policies ( "tempi della città") started in the early 1990s when a reform of the local authorities empowered mayors to coordinate timetables of services to the public in order to gear their availability more closely to their users' needs. Such coordination involves close examination of the schedules that regulate human relationships in the urban setting. A number of municipalities have embarked on such projects, sometimes within a broader framework of regional regulation. The distinctive feature of the Italian experience, in a European perspective, is its emphasis on practical innovation, experimentation, and intervention at local level, starting out from the first experiments in Modena and Reggio Emilia. The cultural, social and economic transformations currently underway in Europe call for an informal rather than a rigidly legislative approach to time policies. The main new trends, in terms of time-related issues, may be summarised as follows: a new organisation of daily working time and annual schedules; increasing mobility; a new approach to reconciling occupational work and caring activities; a new interpretation of rationality; an "electronic" time dimension. Flexibility, mobility, speed, and objective time, but also memory, identity, and presence are typical features of the post-modern cultural landscape and are expressions based on time. The debate over urban times is strongly imbued with women's influence, in its attention to subjects present in their habitat, to the value of everyday life and activity, to the complex rationalities that inspire action. In this way bodies become the yardstick for action to shape city times. Public policy on city times initially focused on redesigning timetables for services to the public or trading activities. Today, within a framework geared to a qualitative transformation of services to the public, we are striving to improve the overall quality of life in the cities.
Time in the cities - a new action field for trade unions
Authors: Hoffmann Reiner 
Published: January 2010

Working time policy has always been an essential trade union concern but it has been apparent for quite some time now that the unions are broadening their traditional policy horizon in this respect - namely, the workplace - and bringing in new perspectives on this issue. Increasingly they concern themselves not just with working time but with time itself, asking how working time interacts with and relates to non-working time and how the resulting interface, which entails far more than a mere "work-leisure" dichotomy, can be organised. How can shop-opening hours and the provision of services to the public be combined with the need for a more flexible organisation of working time? How can account be taken at one and the same time of the needs of those employed in these areas and of the wishes of the users of the services in question? How can trade unions influence the time rhythms of cities and regions in such a way as to reduce the over-hectic pace of modern life? In the search for appropriate answers to these questions the trade unions, with their experience in collective bargaining, workplace representation and structural and employment policy, are playing an increasingly important role. Their involvement in this process, as in areas such as environmental policy and women's policy, entails, however, participation in the social dialogue and cooperation with other players.
Neo-entrepreneurs of the social and health care sector in Finland
Authors: Kovalainen Anne , Simonen Leila 
Published: January 2010

Recession, crisis of the welfare state, unemployment and a desire to affirm the dignity of one's own professional skills were reasons for the creation of neo-entrepreneurship in the social and health care sector in Finland. A total of 371 private social and health care sector entrepreneurs responded to the survey conducted by the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES). These companies are not attempting to compete with care offered by the local authorities but to offer alternative options. The companies in question were rest homes, sheltered housing units, etc. The social and health care sector entrepreneurs were researched both statistically and descriptively. In the majority of cases the companies were started up by persons who left employment in the public sector out of a desire to set up their own innovative and multidisciplinary service. Some of the entrepreneurs started up on their own while unemployed or under threat of unemployment. The entrepreneurs emphasised autonomy, creativity and the search for professional and psychological growth and satisfaction as their reasons for starting up their own company. They worked longer hours and were paid less than those in similar jobs in the public sector. However, they still considered entrepreneurship the right choice and also recommended it warmly to others.
Last best: experiences of Dutch European works councils
Authors: Veersma Ulke 
Published: January 2010

Dutch works councils are bodies of workers' representation that are equipped to influence enterprise policy at the national level. Possibilities for information disclosure, training and for the resolution of disputes through the court are. in broad terms, well established. The introduction of European Works Councils (EWC)1, however, look more time than in other countries. Nevertheless, the Directive has had its effects in the Netherlands since the first EWC was installed at the ING bank in April 1996. EWCs now operate in many Multinational Corporations (MNCs). In this article the first experiences of European Works Councils (EWCs) are reported. EWCs were surveyed on, among other things, the main impediments to their effective functioning at the European level, Furthermore, the article addresses the question of what strategies are being developed. Dutch MNCs appear to be generally behind with the establishment of EWCs. Another general conclusion of the survey is that, with the establishment of the EWC, different elements of industrial relations from other countries are being introduced, which can be seen as a first step towards the europeanisation of the system of national works councils in the Netherlands. It has yet to be seen if Dutch works councils will be able to maintain their relatively high standards, and possibly raise them to match those of other European countries, or whether a downgrading harmonisation has been put into force. More comparative research, which has to cover a longer period of lime, is required to point out whether the last will be the best at the European level.
The third pillar: adaptability
Authors: Meulders Danièle , Plasman Robert 
Published: January 2010

In most of the European Union countries, decisions related to the third pillar guidelines fall to those involved in collective bargaining. This is certainly the case for everything covered under Guideline 16 and, in particular, questions related to the reduction, reorganisation or modernisation of working time, with the exception of part-time work, which is very often the subject of statutory or legislative measures. Thus, we find numerous references to part-time work in the NAPs, whether to measures intended to facilitate the use of this form of work by employers or employees, or to the need to improve the working conditions of part-timers. On the other hand, all of the NAPs - with a few exceptions - are very circumspect, or not very explicit, about aspects linked to the duration and organisation of working time. It is difficult, moreover, to judge the progress made within the Member States with respect to partnership at all levels, as encouraged in the guidelines, which is meant to be one of the essential factors contributing to a modernisation of work organisation and an improvement in firms' adaptability. Although social pacts have been concluded in certain countries (Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Finland), their real scope cannot be evaluated by studying the National Action Plans. Moreover, their possible effects can only be judged over time. Investment in human capital is without doubt the aspect which comes up least in the NAPs, or can in any case be described as the dimension where innovative input is most lacking. Finally, the gender dimension puts in too rare an appearance in the third pillar, even though working time, employment contracts and training are three areas where the gender dimension is essential and causes significant stratification. It emerges from a close examination of the NAPs that the third pillar is interpreted in too restrictive a manner, underestimating the modernisation of work organisation aspect, and lacking an overall vision of the true potential of a strategy to modernise the organisation of work and working time.
Global transcriptional analysis of nitrogen fixation and ammonium repression in root-associated Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501
Authors: Yan Yongliang , Ping Shuzhen , Peng Junping , Han Yunlei , Li Liang , Yang Jian , Dou Yuetan , Li Yan , Fan Huili , Fan Ying , Li Danhua , Zhan Yuhua , Chen Ming , Lu Wei , Zhang Wei , Cheng Qi , Jin Qi , Lin Min 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Biological nitrogen fixation is highly controlled at the transcriptional level by regulatory networks that respond to the availability of fixed nitrogen. In many diazotrophs, addition of excess ammonium in the growth medium results in immediate repression of nif gene transcription. Although the regulatory cascades that control the transcription of the nif genes in proteobacteria have been well investigated, there are limited data on the kinetics of ammonium-dependent repression of nitrogen fixation.

Results
Here we report a global transcriptional profiling analysis of nitrogen fixation and ammonium repression in Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501, a root-associated and nitrogen-fixing bacterium. A total of 166 genes, including those coding for the global nitrogen regulation (Ntr) and Nif-specific regulatory proteins, were upregulated under nitrogen fixation conditions but rapidly downregulated as early as 10 min after ammonium shock. Among these nitrogen fixation-inducible genes, 95 have orthologs in each of Azoarcus sp. BH72 and Azotobacter vinelandii AvoP. In particular, a 49-kb expression island containing nif and other associated genes was markedly downregulated by ammonium shock. Further functional characterization of pnfA, a new NifA-σ54-dependent gene chromosomally linked to nifHDK, is reported. This gene encodes a protein product with an amino acid sequence similar to that of five hypothetical proteins found only in diazotrophic strains. No noticeable differences in the transcription of nifHDK were detected between the wild type strain and pnfA mutant. However, the mutant strain exhibited a significant decrease in nitrogenase activity under microaerobic conditions and lost its ability to use nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor for the support of nitrogen fixation under anaerobic conditions.

Conclusions
Based on our results, we conclude that transcriptional regulation of nif gene expression in A1501 is mediated by the nif- specific and ntr gene regulatory systems. Furthermore, microarray and mutational analyses revealed that many genes of unknown function may play some essential roles in controlling the expression or activity of nitrogenase. The findings presented here establish the foundation for further studies on the physiological function of nitrogen fixation-inducible genes.
Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of infrared imaging of the breast: a preliminary study
Authors: Wang Jane , Chang King-Jen , Chen Chin-Yu , Chien Kuo-Liong , Tsai Yuh-Show , Wu Yuh-Ming , Teng Yu-Chuan , Shih Tiffany Ting-Fang 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
The study was conducted to investigate the diagnostic performance of infrared (IR) imaging of the breast using an interpretive model derived from a scoring system.

Methods
The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of our hospital. A total of 276 women (mean age = 50.8 years, SD 11.8) with suspicious findings on mammograms or ultrasound received IR imaging of the breast before excisional biopsy. The interpreting radiologists scored the lesions using a scoring system that combines five IR signs. The ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve and AUC (area under the ROC curve) were analyzed by the univariate logistic regression model for each IR sign and an age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression model including 5 IR signs. The cut-off values and corresponding sensitivity, specificity, Youden's Index (Index = sensitivity+specificity-1), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) were estimated from the age-adjusted multivariate model. The most optimal cut-off value was determined by the one with highest Youden's Index.

Results
For the univariate model, the AUC of the ROC curve from five IR signs ranged from 0.557 to 0.701, and the AUC of the ROC from the age-adjusted multivariate model was 0.828. From the ROC derived from the multivariate model, the sensitivity of the most optimal cut-off value would be 72.4% with the corresponding specificity 76.6% (Youden's Index = 0.49), PPV 81.3% and NPV 66.4%.

Conclusions
We established an interpretive age-adjusted multivariate model for IR imaging of the breast. The cut-off values and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity can be inferred from the model in a subpopulation for diagnostic purpose.

Trial Registration
NCT00166998.
Dentin dysplasia type I: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Toomarian Lida , Mashhadiabbas Fatemeh , Mirkarimi Mahkameh , Mehrdad Leili 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIntroductionDentin dysplasia is a rare hereditary disturbance of dentin formation characterized by defective dentin development with clinically normal appearing crowns, severe hypermobility of teeth and spontaneous dental abscesses or cysts. Radiographic analysis shows obliteration of all pulp chambers, short, blunted and malformed or absent roots and peri-apical radiolucencies of non carious teeth.Case presentationWe present a case of dentin dysplasia type I in a 12-year-old Iranian boy, and the clinical, radiographic and histopathologic findings of this condition and treatment are described.ConclusionsThere are still many inconclusive issues in the diagnosis and management of patients with dentin dysplasia. The diagnostic features of this rare disturbance will remain incompletely defined until additional cases have been described. Early diagnosis of the condition and initiation of effective regular dental treatments may help these patients to prevent or delay loss of dentition.
Increasing participant recruitment into large-scale screening trials: experience from the CADET II study
Authors: Gillan Maureen G C , Gilbert Fiona J , Flight Helen , Cooper Joanna , Wallis Matthew G , James Jonathan J , Boggis Caroline R M , Astley Susan M , Agbaje Olorunsola F , Duffy Stephen W 
Published: January 2010

Objectives Multicentre randomized trials frequently encounter difficulties in meeting their recruitment targets, resulting in extension of the trial and delays in implementation of the findings. We report on recruitment strategies implemented in a randomized evaluation of computer-aided detection in women attending routine screening in the UK Breast Screening Programme. Setting The target population for the trial was identified from an existing NHS database of women aged 50–70 invited for routine mammography in Coventry, Manchester and Nottingham, UK. Women were asked to consent to their mammograms being randomly allocated (in a ratio of 28:1:1) to one of three film-reading protocols. Trial information was mailed to women, along with the invitation to attend screening, and informed consent was obtained at the mammography appointment. Several strategies were implemented to increase recruitment rates. Results Recruitment rate increased significantly over time in the study ( P < 0.0010 in all centres) with an overall acceptance rate of 46% of those attending screening. Mailing of the trial information sheet separate from the screening invitation in Coventry and Nottingham increased the recruitment rate, even after adjustment for the trend over time and for socioeconomic status of the attendees ( P < 0.001). Extension of recruitment to mobile screening units in Nottingham, and the presence of an additional member of staff also improved recruitment ( P < 0.001). Simplification of the trial information sheet had little effect. Increases in recruitment rate were not attributable to socioeconomic status of the attendees. Conclusions In multicentre trials, monitoring of local recruitment protocols is required to ensure that each centre can maximize accrual targets.
Screening histories of invasive breast cancers diagnosed 1989–2006 in the West Midlands, UK: variation with time and impact on 10-year survival
Authors: Lawrence Gill , O'sullivan Emma , Kearins Olive , Tappenden Nancy , Martin Kate , Wallis Matthew 
Published: January 2010

Objectives To examine variations in screening status category with time for 20,862 invasive breast cancers diagnosed in the West Midlands between 1989 and 2006, and to provide 10-year relative survival rates for each category. Method Population-based breast screening was introduced in the West Midlands from 1988. Primary invasive breast cancers diagnosed from 1 April 1989 to 31 March 2006 in women eligible for breast screening were identified from the West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit's cancer registration database. A screening status was determined for each case using previously published methodology. Results Screening status rates are affected initially by the gradual rollout of the screening programme and more recently by the need to wait for three years before interval cancers and cancers in lapsed and non-attenders can be identified. In the steady-state period 1994–2003, 40.6% of invasive breast cancers were screen-detected, 36.3% were interval cancers and 11.2% were cancers in non-attenders (NA). Ten-year relative survival was 89.6% for screen-detected breast cancers, 73.3% for interval cancers and 51.9% for cancers in NA. Conclusion The detection of invasive breast cancers by screening has improved over time, with an equivalent reduction in the numbers of interval cancers. This, together with a stable rate of cancers in NA and an improvement in the survival of women with interval cancers, suggests that further improvements in breast cancer mortality can be predicted. International comparisons of interval cancer rates are difficult due to interprogramme differences in the time between screens.
Characterization of Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in an Eastern U.S. Soft Red Winter Wheat Population
Authors: Sneller Clay H. , Paul Pierce , Guttieri Mary 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTHost resistance is important to control Fusarium head blight (FHB) ), caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe) [teleomorph: Gibberella zeae (schw.) Petch], in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Effective breeding requires understanding the genetics of resistance in breeding populations. Our objective was to deduce the genetics of FHB resistance in eastern U.S. soft red winter wheat (SRWW) by estimating heritability, means, and phenotype frequencies. We evaluated the FHB index of 2983 lines from 223 parents in a series of single‐ and multiyear trials conducted in inoculated FHB nurseries. The mean index of all lines (23.8%) was similar to that of the moderate resistant check (19.7%), and the distribution was often skewed toward low index values. Without selection, 41% of all lines had moderate resistance and 70% of all crosses produced such lines. Entry‐mean heritability for index generally exceeded 0.65 and selection for lower index reduced the index by −37%. The moderate resistance arose from many SRWW parents with varying levels of FHB resistance. The genetics of resistance in this population is probably characterized by a relatively high frequency of resistance alleles at multiple loci, dispersed over many parents that differ in allele content at loci controlling FHB resistance. This population should provide excellent gain from recurrent selection and complement current marker‐assisted selection efforts.