bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining lower urinary tract symptoms and associated risk factors in young women
Authors: Timur‐Taşhan Sermin , Beji Nezihe K. , Aslan Ergül , Yalçin Önay 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and associated risk factors in women aged 20 years and older.MethodsThe present population‐based, randomized, cross‐sectional study recruited 766 women aged 20 years and older from the province of Malatya, Turkey. Data on LUTS were collected via face‐to‐face interviews between December 1, 2006, and July 30, 2007. The data were reported descriptively and analyzed by logistic regression for associated risk factors.ResultsRegarding female LUTS, the incidence of urgency, urinary incontinence, nocturia, and frequency symptoms was 36.1%, 32.4%, 27.1%, and 22.8%, respectively. Logistic regression indicated that LUTS development was 6.1 times higher among women who had vaginal delivery than among those who had cesarean delivery; 3.7 times higher among women with gas incontinence than among those without; 2.9 times higher among women with frequent urinary tract infections that among those without; and 4.8 times higher among women whose mothers had a history of urine incontinence than among those whose mothers did not.ConclusionVaginal delivery was found to be the highest risk factor for LUTS among women.
Gefährdung älterer Menschen durch Hitzewellen in exponierten Städten
Authors: Bittner Martin-Immanuel , Stößel Ulrich 
Published: April 2012

Einleitung
Klimaprognosen gehen von einer in Zukunft steigenden Gefährdung durch Hitzewellen aus. Besonders vulnerabel sind unter anderem ältere Menschen, chronisch Kranke und Alleinlebende; zudem sind städtische Gebiete verstärkt betroffen. In einer explorativen Interviewstudie wurden 2009/10 in Freiburg n = 20 Probanden zu ihrem Schutz- und Mitigationsverhalten bei Hitzewellen befragt. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen, dass die Public Health Forschung in diesem Feld an Bedeutung gewinnt. Mögliche Public Health Interventionen müssen sich auf die genauere Erfassung von Gefährdungslagen und Ressourcen stützen.
Cohomology for Generalized Bredon Coefficient Systems and Higher K-Theory
Authors: Kuku Aderemi 
Published: April 2012

AbstractLet be a generalized based category (see definition 1.2). In this paper, we construct a cohomology theory in the category of contravariant functors: where R is a commutative ring with identity, which generalizes Bredon cohomology involving finite, profinite or discrete groups.We also study higher K-theory of the category of finitely generated projective objects in and the category of finitely generated objects in and obtain some finiteness and other results.
Heterogeneous Beliefs and Risk-Neutral Skewness
Authors: Friesen Geoffrey C. , Zhang Yi , Zorn Thomas S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis study tests whether belief differences affect the cross-sectional variation of risk-neutral skewness using data on firm-level stock options traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange from 2003 to 2006. We find that stocks with greater belief differences have more negative skews, even after controlling for systematic risk and other firm-level variables known to affect skewness. Factor analysis identifies latent variables linked to risk and belief differences. The belief factor explains more variation in the risk-neutral skewness than the risk-based factor. Our results suggest that belief differences may be one of the unexplained firm-specific components affecting skewness.
Health for some: global health and social development since Alma
Ata
Authors: Carpenter Mick 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This article assesses the impact of the World Health Organization's strategy of Health For All by the Year 2000 (HFA2000) as a global strategy initiated from above, shaped by the 1970s world-wide challenge from below. While having been partially successful, the grand aims of Alma Ata have not been realized. Pressing new problems such as AIDS have emerged, health inequalities widened, and economic globalization has impacted negatively on health policy. The article concludes by suggesting that HFA2000 remains a relevant vision, and draws hope from the fact that a new global strategy for healthy development is emerging from below out of the campaigns of Global Social Movements (GSMs) against the neoliberal system of global governance.
Structure in Mathematics and Logic: A Categorical Perspective
Authors: AWODEY S. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
A precise notion of ‘mathematical structure’ other than that given by model theory may prove fruitful in the philosophy of mathematics. It is shown how the language and methods of category theory provide such a notion, having developed out of a structural approach in modern mathematical practice. As an example, it is then shown how the categorical notion of a topos provides a characterization of ‘logical structure’, and an alternative to the Pregean approach to logic which is continuous with the modern structural approach in mathematics.
The Impact of Trade on Organization and Productivity*
Authors: Caliendo Lorenzo , Rossi-Hansberg Esteban 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
A firm's productivity depends on how production is organized. To understand this relationship we develop a theory of an economy where firms with heterogeneous demands use labor and knowledge to produce. Entrepreneurs decide the number of layers of management and the knowledge and span of control of each agent. As a result, in the theory, heterogeneity in demand leads to heterogeneity in productivity and other firms' outcomes. We use the theory to analyze the impact of international trade on organization and calibrate the model to the U.S. economy. Our results indicate that, as a result of a bilateral trade liberalization, firms that export will increase the number of layers of management. The new organization of the average exporter results in higher productivity, although the responses of productivity are heterogeneous across these firms. Liberalizing trade from autarky to the level of openness in 2002 results in a 1% increase in productivity for the marginal exporter and a 1.8% increase in its revenue productivity. Endogenous organization increases the gains from trade by 41% relative to standard models.
Liquidity and Asset Returns Under Asymmetric Information and Imperfect Competition
Authors: Vayanos Dimitri , Wang Jiang 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
We analyze how asymmetric information and imperfect competition affect liquidity and asset prices. Our model has three periods: Agents are identical in the first, become heterogeneous and trade in the second, and consume asset payoffs in the third. We show that asymmetric information in the second period raises ex ante expected asset returns in the first, comparing both to the case where all private signals are made public and to that where private signals are not observed. Imperfect competition can instead lower expected returns. Each imperfection can move common measures of illiquidity in opposite directions.
The art of successful persuasion: seven skills you need to get your point across effectively
Authors: Manning Tony 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the extensive and wide‐ranging published literature on the skills needed to get your point across effectively and succeed in the art of persuasion. It provides a structured, evidence‐based framework of learnable interpersonal skills. This framework can be used in training and development to describe current thinking and best practice in the essential skills needed to persuade others. It can be used by training and development professionals to help those they work with reflect on previous attempts at persuasion and prepare for future ones. It can also be used in training and development work to analyse and give feedback on role‐plays and presentations. The use of a structured, standardised and evidenced‐based framework increases the reliability and validity of the assessment process and, inconsequence, improves the quality of feedback.Design/methodology/approachThe article begins by looking at previous research by the author showing that the frequency with which people at work use six influence strategies, and combine them to form various styles, is related to a variety of contextual variables. However, it concludes that, while a focus on strategies and styles, and their appropriateness to particular contexts, has much merit, it is inevitably limited. In particular, it lacks specificity and any notion of quality. The concept of “skills” overcomes such limitations and provides important additional insights, particularly when focusing on the skills involved in using “reason”, the most frequently used and least context‐specific of the six influence strategies, to convince other people at work. Skills are defined as abilities, expertise or proficiency acquired through learning or training. The skills described herein are “interpersonal” skills or skills that people need to interact effectively with others.FindingsSeven skills people need to get their point across effectively and be successful in the art of persuasion are identified: be clear about “who”, “what” and “why”; target your case on the other person; search for common ground; keep it simple; appeal to “head” and “heart”; be calm and confident; and make it interactive.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this paper lies in the way in which it reviews previous theory and research on interpersonal influence, identifies seven specific skills from this literature review and provides a structured, standardised and evidence‐based framework of learnable skills. These findings have implications for anyone who needs to get their point across effectively and succeed in the art of persuasion, as well as training and development professionals working in this area. The conclusions complement other research carried out by the author and published in a previous edition of Industrial and Commercial Training, showing that influencing behaviour varies in different contexts and arguing that the art of successful influence involves using strategies and styles appropriate to the context.
Intercultural training for Taiwanese business expatriates
Authors: Chien Tien‐Chen 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis study aims to focus on intercultural training for Taiwanese expatriates and assess the gap between intercultural training needs perceived by Taiwanese expatriates and the training provided by their companies.Design/methodology/approachThis study surveyed both Taiwanese expatriates and HR managers of their companies. It developed a questionnaire based on the research of Black and Mendenhall to assess contents and methods of intercultural training. There were 16 questions for assessing intercultural training and they were divided into two categories: symbolic learning and participatory learning.FindingsIt is found that the needs of intercultural training perceived by expatriates are generally higher than the training provided by their companies. In the categories of symbolic and participatory learning, findings are consistent with the overall items. Results indicate that the perceived intercultural training needs of both categories are significantly higher than the training provided by their companies. Items of participatory learning are rated higher than those of symbolic learning by both groups.Originality/valueCoping with the increasing competition in the international arena, Taiwanese business people are in need of being able to work effectively with people from a diversity of countries and cultures. It is necessary to study issues related to intercultural training for business expatriates. Findings in this area can be helpful for human resource practitioners in developing training programs for their business expatriates.
Making innovation happen – moving beyond a conceptual framework
Authors: Ceserani Jonne 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to help people in organizations understand why so much of the talk and effort focused on innovation fails to generate real results.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the origins of the Synectics® approach to creative problem solving based upon observation of successful innovators. This approach resulted in a tool kit that has applicability for anyone in organizational life struggling to get new ideas and to take these to action.FindingsThe paper has reference to a number of organizations and the results realised.Originality/valueThe originality is the reference to a holistic view of creative problem solving connected with a behavioural approach to make it happen. The value to any organization is beyond measure. At a simplistic level the time in meetings can be halved while simultaneously doubling the output. That is a huge cost saving and release of human energy into more productive effort.
Experimental study and prediction using ANN on mass loss of hybrid composites
Authors: Velmurugan C. , Subramanian R. , Thirugnanam S. , Anandavel B. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to produce Al6061 metal matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite particulates and study their wear behavior and also to develop artificial neural network model to predict the mass loss of hybrid composites.Design/methodology/approachThe hybrid composites were produced by using stir casting process. The experiments were conducted based on the central composite rotatable design matrix using pin‐on‐disc wear testing machine. The set of data collected from the experimental values were used to train a back propagation (BP) learning algorithm with one hidden layer network. In artificial neural network (ANN) training module, four input vectors were used in the construction of proposed network namely, weight percentage of SiC particles, weight percentage of graphite particles, applied load and sliding distance. Mass loss was the output to be obtained from the proposed network. After training process, the test data collected from the experimental values were used to check the accuracy of proposed ANN model.FindingsThe results show that the well trained one hidden layer network have smaller training errors and much better generalization performance and can be successfully used for the prediction of mass loss of hybrid aluminium metal matrix composites.Originality/valueIn this paper the ANN method was adopted to predict the mass loss of hybrid composites. It was found that artificial neural network can be successfully used for prediction of mass loss of composites.
A new design of smart journal bearing based on GMM actuators
Authors: Lau H.Y. , Liu K.P. , Wong P.L. , Wang Wen 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to carry out a proof‐of‐concept experiment on positioning control of a smart journal bearing using giant magnetostrictive material (GMM)‐based actuators.Design/methodology/approachIn the system, a journal bearing integrated with GMM actuators is actively controlled using self‐tuning P control under PID algorithm.FindingsWith the aid of GMM actuators, the positioning performance of journal bearing system is enhanced. The results demonstrate that the smart bearing system is practical and that GMM is an excellent material for driving function.Research limitations/implicationsThe smart bearing system can be applied to other types of machinery if new calibrations are done on both bearing and actuators.Practical implicationsThe results prove the possibility of applying the smart bearing system to demanding industrial usages (high load capacity, control ability and stability at high speeds).Originality/valueThe idea of using GMM for the smart journal bearing is original and has not been mentioned in past literature.
Assessing going concern
Authors: Kuruppu Nirosh , Laswad Fawzi , Oyelere Peter 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to ascertain the practical efficacy of statistical corporate failure models in improving auditors' going concern assessment. It also aims to examine auditors' perceptions of corporate failure models as an analytical procedure in this context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilises a survey questionnaire with a case study component to evaluate the practical value of corporate failure models for assessing going concern, and to examine auditors' perceptions of such models as an analytical procedure for assessing going concern.FindingsThe results indicate that corporate failure models facilitate the formation of more appropriate going concern opinions and increase judgment consensus. Auditors perceive such models as useful in obtaining relevant evidential matter and in mitigating some of the subjectivity involved in assessing going concern. However, the results also indicate that corporate failure models are perceived to be more effective in the planning stages than at the final stages of the audit. Furthermore, auditors are seeking more explicit guidance in auditing standards on the use of corporate failure models for assessing going concern.Originality/valueThe study extends previous research by examining the practical efficacy of corporate failure models for assisting auditors to assess going concern in light of human information processing limitations. Further, it examines auditors' perceptions of corporate failure models as an analytical procedure, and the guidance that auditors seek on the use of such models in auditing standards.
The cultural prerequisites of social cohesion
Authors: Støvring Kasper 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the cultural prerequisites for the creation of social cohesion, with particular reference to Denmark, a nation that has been found to exhibit strong social cohesion.Design/methodology/approachThe different cultural elements that characterize a society with strong cohesion are investigated and an argument is presented as to how cohesion can be conserved.FindingsCulture is understood as a social order based on mainly informal norms. Of these, trust is vital in creating social cohesion. However, trust occurs only under specific conditions, and in this regard the Danish nation, understood as a cultural community, is of interest. There is in Denmark a strong civil society characterized by honesty, reliability, and mutuality, which historically is due to the existence of several civil movements. In contrast to the idea that society can be integrated through policy initiatives, it is proposed that social cohesion occurs precisely because of the existence of a certain culture.Originality/valueThe cultural and national aspect of trust is often underestimated in scientific research. The paper shows the value of culture and national community.
Al‐Ma'brouk in rural Egypt: a socially constructed identity
Authors: Hussein Nashaat 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the meaning of the socially constructed identity of Al‐Ma'brouk in rural Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThe principal qualitative tool of data collection included intensive interviews with a sample of ten parents from two villages in lower Egypt.FindingsThe two main outcomes which emerged from the research were first, the social construction of intellectual disability in rural Egypt has contributed to the emergence of a distinctive culturally‐mediated social identity called Al‐Ma'brouk, or the “blessed”, with ascribed social roles; and second, this socially constructed identity has a positive impact on the families of intellectually disabled children.Research limitations/implicationsThe first finding concerning the local social construction of intellectual disability corresponds to previous research on how culture shapes “disability”. The second finding that ascribed social roles of intellectually disabled children have rooted social rationalizations raises a general question concerning how rural communities in Egypt justify and cope with intellectual disability.Originality/valueMany studies on intellectually disabled children overlook their social roles in society, and mainly envision disability as a barrier and a familial adversity. The paper contributes to the debate that intellectual disability is a social construction rather than a limiting factor.
Recruiting and retaining volunteer EMTs: from motivation to practical solutions
Authors: Haug James Charles , Gaskins John N. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeMost rescue squad members, both in the city and in rural areas, serve on a volunteer (unpaid) basis. It has been widely reported and observed that the number of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) volunteers is falling in communities across the USA. Meanwhile, internationally, the need for emergency services volunteers is increasing as government support dwindles in these uncertain economic times. The purpose of this paper is to determine how to keep EMT volunteerism at desired levels and provide recommendations for increasing recruitment and retention.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines what motivates people and why people volunteer in general, beginning with a discussion of citizenship participation and international EMS, then reviewing general and volunteer motivation theories, and finally focusing on volunteer EMT motivation/retention theories in particular. Research studies in two diverse locations (one urban, one rural) are then implemented to survey volunteer EMT motivations and priorities, to find what stimulates EMTs to join and continue to participate in rescue squad operations.FindingsTheoretical explanations and research results are analyzed to determine the implications for both recruitment and retention of volunteer EMTs.Originality/valueBased on these findings, the remainder of the article is dedicated to the practical application of strategies which are easily implemented and cost‐effective for any volunteer EMT organization, regardless of locale or country of origin. Utilization of these strategies is both timely and relevant, because few communities' operational budgets can absorb the costs of hiring additional professional EMTs.
In search of workplace democracy
Authors: Kokkinidis George 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the possibilities of workplace democracy in contemporary organisations. While organisational democracy is a popular theme in contemporary management literature, it is often asserted that participatory democracy is impractical and thus representative forms of governance constitute a more appealing and “realistic” option. Such views not only fail to picture workplace democracy beyond procedural principles (e.g. periodical elections), but they also block one of its promising features: its openness to change. In this context, direct democracy that is guided by horizontality and prefiguration may offer more promising grounds in the search for workplace democracy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper exposes the contradictions and limits of representative democracy and traces the debates around hierarchism and horizontality, size and democracy with the aim to focus on its core theme – workplace democracy.FindingsThis paper argues that although representative democracy is considered a “realistic” alternative to hierarchical forms of governance it, in fact, reproduces and legitimizes hierarchism. Therefore, organisations can effectively coordinate collective action, without representatives and strict hierarchical structures, by giving emphasis to decentralized networks guided by horizontality and prefiguration.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the current demands for workplace democracy through representation constrains one's imagination of organisational democracy and therefore, one's perception of workplace democracy has to be broadened and radicalized by giving emphasis not only to who rules but also to the process of governance, that is, how to rule.