bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NON‐WAGE LABOUR COSTS, POLICY UNCERTAINTY AND LABOUR DEMAND – A THEORETICAL ASSESSMENT
Authors: Chen Yu‐Fu , Funke Michael 
Published: November 2005

AbstractLabour costs in various European countries have reached a record high in recent years. The topic of non‐wage labour costs is therefore increasingly being discussed among and between the political parties because non‐wage labour costs are likely to have major negative effects on employment. We follow the real options approach, which allows us to investigate the value to a firm of waiting to adjust labour when the firm's wage and non‐wage costs are stochastic and adjustment costs are sunk. Simulation exercises show that the interaction between hiring and firing costs, non‐wage labour costs and uncertainty can have important ramifications for employment dynamics.
TRAINING AND ESTABLISHMENT SURVIVAL
Authors: Collier William , Green Francis , Peirson John 
Published: November 2005

AbstractTraining decisions are affected by beliefs about the returns to training, surrounding which firms face considerable uncertainty. We model the consequent association between training, profitability and establishment survival. We propose a plausible definition of optimism about training effectiveness, and show that more optimistic firms train more. We then present estimates of the relationship between training and the likelihood of medium‐term commercial survival. We find that increased training of non‐manual workers in large establishments is associated with a greater chance of survival; however, disaggregation reveals that the association differs across occupational groups. In smaller establishments, increased training for Craft and Technical workers is associated with better chances of survival, while for Professional workers the opposite effect is found.
CONVERGENCE IN THE UK SERVICE SECTOR: FIRM LEVEL EVIDENCE, 1988–1998
Authors: Girma Sourafel , Kneller Richard 
Published: November 2005

Abstract Bernard and Jones (1996) have previously argued that similarity in the technologies used by firms in the service sector helps to explain evidence of absolute convergence at the cross‐country level. This paper searches for convergence at the firm level using data for the UK service sector over the period 1988–1998. Initial mixed support for this view is partly explained by strong business cycle effects in the data. Upon closer examination we find evidence that convergence was more likely in industries that had high levels of technology investment, greater exposure to new technologies and high levels of absorptive capacity.
THE NEW THEORY OF COMMERCIAL BANKING AND BANK LENDING BEHAVIOR
Authors: Ahtiala Pekka 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis paper studies the bank's lending decision, based on three observed phenomena: banks earn substantial profits from off‐balance sheet activities and services, which they take into account in their lending decisions. Secondly, the critical point in the customer relation is the loan decision: the probability of the customer staying with the bank is a function of the loan extended each time one is applied for. Third, what is at stake in the loan decision is the expected value of the entire customer relation, which is the probability times the present value of expected future profits. The bank is a maximizer of this expected present value, while making decisions on individual loan applications. It is shown that the bank is in a corner solution with respect to its good customers, and other customers often have an incentive to get to a corner. Therefore, corner solutions may be the rule rather than the exception in the bank's customer relations, and there is no mechanism making the bank indifferent, at the margin, between lending to different customers. It can be optimal to extend loans to (present and expected future) good customers at an interest rate loss. A rationed customer with a concave enough probability function can receive a larger loan by asking for less. Loyalty increases the customer's value to the bank but improves its loan terms only if the customer makes it conditional on the loan extended.
Understanding the social organisation of maternity care systems: midwifery as a touchstone
Authors: Benoit Cecilia , Wrede Sirpa , Bourgeault Ivy , Sandall Jane , Vries Raymond De , Teijlingen Edwin R. van 
Published: November 2005

AbstractTheories of professions and healthcare organisation have difficulty in explaining variation in the organisation of maternity services across developed welfare states. Four countries – the United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands and Canada – serve as our case examples. While sharing several features, including political and economic systems, publicly‐funded universal healthcare and favourable health outcomes, these countries nevertheless have distinct maternity care systems. We use the profession of midwifery, found in all four countries, as a ‘touchstone’ for exploring the sources of this diversity. Our analysis focuses on three key dimensions: (1) welfare state approaches to legalising midwifery and negotiating the role of the midwife in the division of labour; (2) professional boundaries in the maternity care domain; and (3) consumer mobilisation in support of midwifery and around maternity issues.
What's in a care pathway? Towards a cultural cartography of the new NHS
Authors: Pinder Ruth , Petchey Roland , Shaw Sara , Carter Yvonne 
Published: November 2005

AbstractMaps are increasingly understood as socio‐cultural and political constructs, rather than mirrors of nature. Drawing on the insights of cultural cartographers, this paper presents a critical analysis of a specific instance of map‐making in health policy, namely the growing use of care pathways in care planning and service delivery. Widely regarded to date as devices for ensuring quality of care, equity of treatment, optimal resource allocation and a rational division of labour between healthcare professionals, they have been seen as helpful – and technically neutral – tools for routing patients through the system. By contrast, we argue that the metaphors are misleading: lived experience and its objectification in pathway maps continually re‐create one another, as we explore the slippage between map, map‐making and mapping. This paper is based on interviews and observations with a variety of healthcare workers in three areas of south eastern England. We trace the development of a series of pathways‐in‐process, and show how they configure the patient, highlighting some aspects of their experiences, whilst silencing others. We also analyse the role of pathways in the carving up and surveillance of space round the emergence of the ‘hybrid professional’, particularly new practitioners such as GP specialists, specialist nurses, extended scope therapists and others. In considering the wider implications of care pathways as part of the contemporary discourse on policy, the paper critiques the rationalist, and sometimes evangelical assumptions underpinning their current popularity. In particular, we suggest that a critical and processual understanding of pathways might contribute to a more informed appreciation of their potential (and their limitations) as mechanisms for healthcare policy implementation.
Telephone triage, expert systems and clinical expertise
Authors: Greatbatch D. , Hanlon G. , Goode J. , O'Cathain A. , Strangleman T. , Luff D. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis paper reports on a qualitative study of the use of an expert system developed for the British telephone triage service NHS Direct. This system, known as CAS, is designed to standardise and control the interaction between NHS Direct nurses and callers. The paper shows, however, that in practice the nurses use CAS in a range of ways and, in so doing, privilege their own expertise and deliver an individualised service. The paper concludes by arguing that NHS Direct management's policy of using CAS as a means of standardising service delivery will achieve only limited success due not only to the professional ideology of nursing but also to the fact that rule‐based expert systems capture only part of what ‘experts’ do.
The effects of the Primary Movement programme on the academic performance of children attending ordinary primary school
Authors: Jordan‐Black Julie‐Anne 
Published: November 2005

The present study investigated the prevalence of a primary reflex (the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) in children attending ordinary primary school and how this related to attainments in a number of academic areas. The effectiveness of a specific movement intervention programme in reducing primary reflex persistence and improving academic attainment was also evaluated.A comparative study of the progress of 683 children over a two‐year period from Years 3 and 5, who completed an intervention programme known as Primary Movement, was carried out using the relative attainments of children at the same schools and standardised scores as baseline and follow‐up measures. A second, quasi‐experimental study followed the progress of four parallel groups in each of two large schools with the experimental side completing the movement intervention programme while the other side acted as the control.It was found that ATNR persistence was significantly associated with level of attainments in reading, spelling and mathematics and that boys were more at risk than girls for ATNR persistence. In both studies, it was found that the movement intervention programme had a very significant impact on reducing the levels of ATNR persistence in children and that this was associated with very significant improvements in reading and mathematics, in particular.This research provides further evidence of a link between the attainment of core educational skills and the interference that may result from an underlying developmental deficit. The effectiveness of the intervention programme in reducing ATNR persistence and in increasing academic attainments suggests that this programme could be used to complement other strategies that have been shown to have a positive effect on children's learning.
Amblyopia prevalence and cigarette smoking by women
Authors: Lempert Philip 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe relationship between cigarette smoking by young women and amblyopia in children was investigated in 13 population groups. Two searches were conducted on Medline using the following keywords for the first search: amblyopia, prevalence or incidence, and the names of specific countries. The keywords for the second search were smoking, cigarettes, women and the names of the same specific countries. Relevant articles were reviewed. A positive relationship between the rate of smoking among women and the prevalence of amblyopia in school‐aged children and military recruits was found. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.73. The occurrence of decreased visual acuity attributed to amblyopia in disparate population groups is directly related to rates of cigarette smoking by young women.
The management of systemic hypertension in optometric practice
Authors: Hurcomb Peter G. , Wolffsohn James S. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim:  Systemic hypertension is a silent killer that may have very few warning signs. This study examines detection and management of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) by optometrists in the UK.Method:  A survey was sent out to 1402 optometrists who practice in the UK to investigate the nature and knowledge of detection of systemic hypertension.Results:  The survey response rate was 37%. Optometrists were neutral to slightly positive towards the use of blood pressure (BP) monitors, but not on a routine basis. The most frequently asked question during history and symptoms concerned the patient's prescribed medication for systemic hypertension, and the least was that of specifying the last BP measurement. The additional test most widely used in the examination of the systemic hypertensive patient was direct ophthalmoscopy with red‐free filter. Over one‐tenth of optometric practices had a BP monitor, with automated devices being the most popular. Patients most likely to have their BP measured were suspect systemic hypertensives. Retinal haemorrhages are the most important finding in influencing an optometrist's referral criteria for suspected systemic hypertension.Conclusion:  Although optometrists monitor the retina for signs of damage from systemic hypertension, further education in this important condition is warranted.
Association between human leukocytes antigen alleles and chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the Korean population
Authors: Yoon Seung Kew , Han Joon Yeol , Pyo Chul‐Woo , Yang Jin Mo , Jang Jeong Won , Kim Chang Wook , Chang U Im , Bae Si Hyun , Choi Jong Young , Chung Kyu Won , Sun Hee Sik , Choi Hee Baeg , Kim Tai‐Gyu 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Background/Aim: Recent data have shown that the clinical outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may be influenced by the host genetic factor. The aim of this study was to investigate whether particular human leukocytes antigen (HLA) molecules are associated with the susceptibility to HCV infection in the Korean population.Methods: One hundred and thirty‐seven patients with chronic HCV infection and 206 normal individuals were examined for HLA class I and II molecules.Results: In class I antigens, the frequencies of HLA‐A3 (relative risk (RR)=3.5, P<0.04), HLA‐B35 (RR=2.0, P<0.03), and HLA‐B46 (RR=2.5, P<0.02) significantly increased in chronic HCV carriers compared with the controls. The frequencies of DRB1*0803, DQB1*0601 and DQB1*0604 were significantly higher in chronic HCV carriers than in controls (RR=2.5, P<0.005; RR=1.8, P<0.05; RR=1.9, P<0.04, respectively). On the other hand, the frequencies of DRB1*0301, DQA1*0501 and DQB1*0201 were significantly lower in chronic HCV carriers than in normal controls (RR=0.2, P<0.03; RR=0.4, P<0.004; RR=0.5, P<0.02, respectively). The haplotype DRB1*0803−DQB1*0601 significantly increased (RR=2.5, P<0.02) while the DQA1*0501−DQB1*0201 significantly decreased (RR=0.2, P<0.03) in chronic HCV carriers compared with normal controls. In stratification analysis to investigate the interrelationships among the associated alleles, DRB1*0803 and DQB1*0601 were associated with HLA‐B46, particularly in patients with chronic HCV carriers.Conclusions: These results suggest that particular HLA alleles may have an influence on chronic HCV infection as a host genetic factor in the Korean population.
Low fibrosis progression of recurrent hepatitis C in apolipoprotein E ɛ4 carriers: relationship with the blood lipid profile
Authors: Fabris Carlo , Toniutto Pierluigi , Bitetto Davide , Minisini Rosalba , Smirne Carlo , Caldato Maya , Pirisi Mario 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Background: The histological outcome of chronic hepatitis C is better among carriers of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ɛ4 allele, for reasons unknown. The orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) setting allows to separate the role played by liver‐derived ApoE (graft) from ApoE of different origin (recipient).Patients and methods: Forty‐six OLT recipients with recurrent hepatitis C were studied. Grafts and recipients were genotyped for ApoE. In a follow‐up extending up to 4 years, the serum triglycerides‐to‐cholesterol ratio (T/C ratio) was measured 1 year after OLT, whereas fibrosis progression was assessed yearly and expressed as fibrosis units/month (FU/mo).Results: A T/C ratio ≤0.75 was observed in 13/15 cases in which both donor and recipient were ɛ4 carriers, 10/19 cases in which ɛ4 alleles were of exclusive recipient's origin and 5/12 cases in which ɛ4 alleles were of exclusive donor's origin or absent (P<0.02). One year after OLT, a fibrosis progression ≤0.100 FU/mo was associated with a low T/C ratio (24/34 vs. 4/12, P<0.05). An Ishak staging score >2 was reached later by male recipients who were ɛ4 carriers (P<0.002).Conclusions: Recipient's carriage of ApoE ɛ4 affects fibrosis progression of recurrent hepatitis C through gender‐specific mechanisms, associated with a peculiar, ApoE‐associated, lipid profile.
Noninvasive assessment of liver steatosis, fibrosis and inflammation in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Schneider A. R. J. , Teuber G. , Kriener S. , Caspary W. F. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Background: Duplex–Doppler ultrasound is a noninvasive method for the assessment of hepatic hemodynamics beyond conventional gray‐scale imaging. The clinical value of the method for the grading and staging of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the prediction of hepatic steatosis still has to be determined. This study aimed to compare Duplex–Doppler and ultrasound with the histologic staging and the estimation of hepatic steatosis in chronic HCV infection.Patients and methods: One hundred and nineteen consecutive patients with chronic HCV infection underwent both liver biopsy and ultrasound with Duplex–Doppler. Maximum portal venous blood flow velocity, portal venous flow undulation, hepatic venous flow pattern and spleen size were assessed and compared with histologic findings. Histologic grading and staging was performed according to the modified HAI and hepatic steatosis was estimated.Results: Doppler ultrasound was unable to discriminate between different degrees of fibrosis. Sensitivity/specificity of portal venous flow and undulations for the diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis was 74.5%/53% and 76.5%/100%. The PPV and NPV of reduced undulations was 100% and 96.2%. Mono‐ or biphasic hepatic venous flow indicated advanced hepatic steatosis (sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 74.5%, PPV 36.6%, NPV 97.5%). Spleen size was significantly enlarged both in patients with cirrhosis and steatosis.Conclusions: Although Duplex–Doppler of the portal and hepatic veins is not a substitute for histologic grading and staging, portal vein undulations can predict liver cirrhosis with considerable accuracy. Moreover, triphasic patterns of hepatic venous flow virtually exclude significant fatty liver disease. Additional studies should perform intraindividual follow‐up investigations to further define the role of Duplex–Doppler ultrasound in chronic HCV infection.
Usefulness of urine strip test in the rapid diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Kim Do Young , Kim Jie Hyun , Chon Chae Yoon , Han Kwang‐Hyub , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Ja Kyung , Paik Yong Han , Lee Kwan Sik , Moon Young Myoung 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Purpose: Rapid and accurate diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is mandatory for timely treatment in cirrhotic patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of two different reagent strips, the UriSCAN and the Multistix10SG, for the rapid bedside diagnosis of SBP.Methods: A total of 75 paracenteses in 53 cirrhotic patients with ascites were performed. All ascitic fluid was analyzed with the two reagent strips, and compared with the manual cell count with differential and ascitic fluid culture. SBP was defined as an ascitic polymorphonuclear cell count ≥250/mm3.Results: SBP was diagnosed in 18 of the 75 samples. If we considered the positive UriSCAN result of 2 or more, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were all 100%. When we considered the positive UriSCAN result of 3, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 67%, 100%, 100%, and 89%, respectively. When we considered the positive Multistix10SG result of 3, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 50%, 100%, 100%, and 87%, respectively.Conclusion: Urine reagent strip might be useful for rapid and accurate diagnosis of SBP in cirrhotic patients with ascites.
Multiple aneurysms in an Iranian patient with neuro‐Behcet's disease
Authors: GHORBANI Askar , SHAHRAM Farhad , MONSHI Babak , NADJI Abdolhadi , DAVATCHI Fereydoun 
Published: November 2005

AbstractArterial aneurysm, despite its rarity, is a characteristic feature of Behcet's disease. Although involvement of different arteries has been reported in the literature, few cases of carotid or subclavian aneurysms have been reported. We present here a 22‐year‐old Iranian man with Behcet's disease presenting with neurological problems (such as headache, seizure, hemiparesis, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, dysarthria and mental problems), and absent left radial pulse. He was diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography, as having multiple ischemic lesions in the brainstem, as well as multiple aneurysms in the territory of carotid and subclavian arteries. To our best knowledge this is the first case of multiple aneurysms of these arteries in a patient with Behcet's disease. Its unusual presentation as a neuro‐Behcet case, associated with hand pulselessness is the outstanding feature of this case.
Randomized clinical trials of osteoarthritis: a review
Authors: BAYAT Noushin , KEEN Helen I. , HILL Catherine L. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim:  The objective of this study was to review published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of osteoarthritis (OA) in three time periods to determine the characteristics of RCTs and the types of outcome measures used and whether any changes have occurred.Methods:  We identified RCTs assessing clinical efficacy of treatments for osteoarthritis published in English in 1987/1988, 1997/1998 and 2001/2002, using MEDLINE. RCTs were then assessed for baseline disease characteristics, treatment type and outcome measures utilized. We classified outcome measures into 10 broad subgroups.Results:  The number of RCTs increased with each time period (31 in 1987/1988; 36 in 1997/1998; 91 in 2001/2002). The majority of RCTs were of knee, hip or both (94% in 1987/1988, 69% in 1997/1998, 71% in 2001/2002). The median duration of RCTs for all three time periods was ≤ 3 months. In 1987/1988, nonsteroidal anit‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) accounted for 65% of RCTs. In 1997/1998, NSAID/COX‐2 trials accounted for 41.7%, with glucosamine (14%) and hyaluronan (11%). In 2001/2002, 28% of RCTs were related to NSAID/COX‐2 inhibitors and 25% to complementary therapies. The median number of participants was unchanged over the three time periods. The median number of outcome measures used at all three time periods was four (range 1–8). The most commonly used outcome measures were: (i) symptoms (pain, stiffness); (ii) function; (iii) global assessment (patient, physician); and (iv) composite scores (such as Western Ontario and McMaster [WOMAC] Osteoarthritis index) in order of use. There has been significant increase in use of function and composite score as outcome measures.Conclusion:  There has been a recent increase in both the number and variety of therapeutic interventions for OA. This study shows that currently a wide variety of outcome measures are used. This reinforces the importance of using standardized responder criteria, such as the OMERACT‐OARSI set of responder criteria, which incorporate pain, function and patient's global assessment.
Position 247 of the β2‐glycoprotein I gene polymorphism in Chinese patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: CHEN Pei−Chih , LIU Ming‐Fei , GUO How‐Ran , LIANG Chun‐Ching , WANG Chrong‐Reen 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAims:  This study investigates the relationship between β2GPI gene polymorphism and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in Chinese subjects.Methods:  Twenty‐five APS patients, 80 lupus patients and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled into the study. The genetic polymorphism of position 247 of β2GPI gene was analyzed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction.Results:  Low frequency of V allele was noted in these Chinese. The frequency of V allele was similar among healthy individuals, lupus patients and APS patients. There was statistically significant correlation between the V allele expression and the presence of anti‐β2GPI antibodies.Conclusion:  The inter‐population differences exist in β2GPI gene polymorphism. Although there was no association of V allele at the position 247 with the Chinese APS patients, significant correlation was found between the V allele expression and the presence of anti‐β2GPI antibodies.