bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational therapists’ perception of their practice: A phenomenological study
Authors: Kinn Liv Grethe , Aas Randi W. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  International literature seems consistent in reporting that occupational therapists value their methods. However, little empirical evidence has been generated supporting the basic system of belief for occupational therapy. Few studies have explored the nature of the occupational therapists’ experiences and thoughts about their use of occupation as means and ends, and which strategies they use to implement their tools in their current practice. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore how occupational therapists understood and presented their practice and interventions. Methods:  A sample of six occupational therapists graduated in different decades, from diverse client populations and health‐care settings was selected to participate in a semistructured interview. Results:  Three main themes were developed: ‘To make the client's potentials visible’, ‘reaching a position one values’ and ‘looking with other eyes’. Whatever their specialities, the participants were unanimous in the way they described their role. Their common focus was ‘activities of daily living’. However, they had problems describing their therapeutic tools, and were not able to clearly articulate the ‘common sense aspects’ of their own methods. The participants were engaged in constructing their professional identities, and stressed the need to construct professional boundaries relevant to their particular work. Conclusion:  The occupational therapists perceived their practice and interventions as distinctly different from other team members, thus, they provided a ‘counterpoint’. The participants used various ways of marketing their perspectives. While the novices tended to go along with the team, the experienced therapists tended to assert their own special contribution.
ON THE STATE OF CONVULSION‐READINESS (KRAMPFBEREITSCHAFT) OF THE EPILEPTICS
Authors: Kurosawa Ryosuke , Inoue Syogo 
Published: March 2008

Summary1. Using the electrical excitability of muscle as an indicator we measured electrolyte, Hb and serum protein in epileptics.2. By subcutaneous injection of diazol (1 c. c.) Ca ion in serum showed no remarkable change, while the contentof K ion varid greatly, but the tendency of increase or decrease could not be determined.3. When the abnormal electrical excitability of the muscle was demonstrated, the muscle got the value normal after cardiazol injection, while the value of Hb was reduced obviously. The serum protein acted generally in parallel to Hb.4. From the above mentioned results we want to conclude that at the preparoxysmal period there exists water retention in the tissue and this state is the state of convulsion‐readineas (Krampf bereitschaft) in so far that the convulsive threshold has been lowered.
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF HISTOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HYPOTHALAMUS AND PERIPHERAL AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Authors: Okinaka Shigeo , Kuroiwa Yoshigoro 
Published: March 2008

Summary1. Following unilateral removal of the cervical sympathetic ganglion of new‐bom and young animals, we found that the periventricular fiber system at the hypothalamic level as well as the dorsal longitudinal fasciculus at the level of the midbrain showed marked degeneration homolaterally.As the dorsal longitudinal fasciculus (Schtütz) continues cranial‐wards in the periventricular fiber system, it is elucidated that these fiber systems relate themselves with the peripheral sympathetic system.2. After severing, of the vagus nerve the nerve cells of c zone Kurotsu's and the fiber system belonging to the medial forebrain bundle at the hypothalamic level got degenerated on the operated
STUDIES ON THE FUNCTIONS AND FIBER CON‐NECTIONS OF THE AMYGDALOID NUCLEI AND PERIAMYGDALOID CORTEX. EXPERIMENT ON THE RESPIRATORY MOVEMENTS (2)
Authors: Koikegami Haruyoshi , Fuse Shigeaki 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThrough stimulation of the lateral amygdaloid nucleus (M of Völsch) we could produce remarkable changes upon respiratory movements, namely, diminution of amplitude and increase in the rate of respiration. The stimulation of the intermediate or medial nucleus of amygdala proper (T or T of Völsch, basal amygdaloid nucleus of Fox) may not bring about changes upon the respiratory movements; if effective, it is typified in the increase in the rate and amplitude of respiration, as it was previously recognized through stimulation of the periamygdaloid cortex. The motion of the diaphragm stands still at the moment of stimulation, regardless as to whether it stands in expiratory or in inspiratory position. The histological observation of the lungs revealed that changes such as hemorrhage, congestion, emphysematous and edematous change, were ext: aordinarily severe in the stimulated side, except in a few instances where much severe damage was shown in the contralateral side.
SOLUBLE PROTEIN FRACTION OF THE BRAIN TISSUE IN RELATION TO MATURATION OF THE BRAIN
Authors: Kiyota Kazutami 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY

Soluble protein in the cerebral hemisphere of the immature dog brains occupies fairly large proportion of the solid components, and it gradually decreases with growth of the brain, while, insoluble protein shows concomitant increase with active myelination in development.
Electrophoretic fractions of the soluble brain protein shows a variation with age. The more mature the brain tissue, the lower became the amounts of the soluble protein fractions with high hydration. This may likely account for the decrease of the hydrophilic property of brain tissue with added age.
Electrophoretic protein fractions of immature brain behave somewhat different from those of mature brain in precipitability through sodium sulfate and in coagulability through heat.
Cardiovascular symptoms and signs in evaluating cardiac murmurs in children
Authors: Koo Sergio , Yung Tak‐Cheung , Lun Kin‐Shing , Chau Adolphus K.T. , Cheung Yiu‐Fai 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground: The aim of the present study was to determine the usefulness of cardiovascular symptoms and signs in the recognition of significant congenital heart lesions that required surgical or catheter interventions in different pediatric age groups.Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out of 110 patients with significant heart anomalies that required surgical or catheter interventions (group I) and 113 children, presenting with cardiac murmurs, with congenital heart conditions not requiring any interventions. (group II)Results: Clinical symptoms or signs were significantly more common in group I than in group II subjects (85% vs 32%, P < 0.0001). The odds of having significant lesions requiring interventions in the presence of either cardiovascular symptoms or signs were 37.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.5–218.1) for neonates, 14.5 (95%CI: 4.7–51.7) for infants, and 8.0 (95%CI: 3.3–19.2) for children and adolescents. In neonates, the negative predictive values of the absence of symptoms or signs in isolation were relatively low at 64% and 65%, respectively. In children beyond infancy, the positive predictive values of the presence of symptoms or signs in isolation were also low at 62% and 68%, respectively.Conclusions: Clinical assessment of cardiovascular symptoms and signs remains useful in the evaluation of the significance of pathological cardiac murmurs in children in the present era of technology. Nonetheless, the predictive values vary with different pediatric age groups.
THE FINANCIAL STRUCTURE AND OBJECTIVES OF COMMONWEALTH TRADING UNDERTAKINGS: A REVIEW
Authors: Shand D. A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: This article examines the financial structure and financial objectives of eight major Commonwealth government trading undertakings. These are the Commonwealth Banking Corporation, Qantas, TAA, Telecom, Overseas Telecommunications Commission, Australia Post, Australian National Line and Australian National Railways, all of which are providing a service which is sold to the public. Between them they have an annual expenditure (operating and capital) of $4,400 million and employ around 190,000 staff. The differing financial arrangements laid down by the Commonwealth for these major trading undertakings lead to a lack of comparability in reported profit figures between these organizations and between them and private sector companies. They also lead to different cost structures and thus to different pricing decisions and allocation of resources. Assessing the significance of any reported profit figures needs to take account of various Commonwealth government requirements placed on the organizations. Neither clear and consistent financial objectives for these organizations based on consistent definitions of “capital” nor a consistent set of pricing principles based on economic analysis have been laid down.SummaryThis article has attempted to show first, that differing definitions of capital and treatment of payments to the Commonwealth make it difficult to compare the financial results of these organizations either with each other or the private sector; secondly, that differing liability of these organizations for various taxes and charges also arguably affects this comparability of results, although it clearly affects relative financial viqbility; thirdly, that the differing financial arrangements give differing costrtructures and thus pricing policies for these organizations; fourthly, that there has been no comprehensive study of the financial objectives of these organizations based upon economic analysis (the targets vary both in their level and in the way in which they are expressed and insome cases are vague ‐ again they appear to be based largely on ad hoc arrangements and some general considerations of what the organization can “afford”); and finally, that no clear guidelines have been laid down for the operation of their pricing policies within the overall financial target, although it is recognized that considerable economic analysis is used by individual authorities in determining their pricing schedules.In view of the significance of these organizations in the national economy the time seems right for a comprehensive economic and financial review to overhaul the existing arrangements. Matters of national resource allocation are involved and the more consistent application of economic analysis is desirable.
SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION IN AUSTRALIA: THE NEED FOR A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
Authors: Dixon John 
Published: March 2008

There appear to be two current, opposing misconceptions concerning the nature of social administration. On the one hand there is the belief that it constitutes “no special or definite study but a part of that general mass of things which every earnest young man or woman should know” and, on the other hand, it is “often assumed without question to be concerned with administrative practice”1.The domain of the subject of “social administration” is the social service industry in all its parts, its relationship with the industrial and commercial world, and its relationship with primary groups such as families, friends, and neighbours2.Narrowly defined, social administration is the study of the development structure and practices of the social services. Broadly defined, it is an attempt to apply the social sciences — including philosophy — to the analysis and solution of a changing range of social problems3.
DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Authors: Glass Pauline , Martin Suzanne , Swaine Valerie , MacGilp Ray 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The Public Service Board of Victoria initiated a project in March 1989 to plan a framework for the development of competent managers. The methodology involved an examination of the current practices of 23 organisations, together with a worldwide literature search. The major findings were that the managerial task is similar across sectors, but the manager level and the environment are qualifying variables; that training, management education and development in private sector organisations and statutory bodies has total commitment from the chief executive, is closely linked to the business plan, forms part of an integrated human resource management system, and is continually reinforced by the organisation's culture and values; and that there is no strategic and focused approach to developing managers across the Victorian Public Service. The 21 recommendations covered the areas of investment and commitment, the development of a systematic approach by providing quality management programs based on core managerial competencies and the integration of training, education and development with performance management processes.The implementation plan calls for pump‐priming funds for resourcing and delivering high quality programs, a change in the culture, the adoption of a set of principles, the establishment of a management education unit, acceptance of a common language of competence for managers, and an integration of education and development needs with corporate plans through the performance improvement system. Commitment to implementation should result in a systematic approach to the formation of competent managers with the benefits flowing to the community through improved services, the government gaining by increased performance of the agencies, and public servants being able to reach their full potential.
THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK OF AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC ENTERPRISE
Authors: McCrae Michael 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the complexities of accountability for Australian public enterprise and analyses some of the conceptual issues which need to be addressed in developing a framework for reform. The analysis suggests that the matrix of financial accountability relationships is quite complex in terms of its objectives, its concern for both public interest and commercial viability issues and the number of participants. Furthermore, it operates in an intricate environment of political, administrative and control structures. Although the general financial reporting objectives for public and private enterprises may be similar from a conceptual viewpoint, the assumptions underlying the private sector agency model (a simple one‐to‐one shareholder‐manager relationship based on profit maximisation and individual self‐interest) may not allow a realistic or suitable modelling of the intricacies of this process at an operational level at least.The analysis identifies some of the difficulties encountered when modelling the financial accountability processes for public enterprises. It then suggests a framework which takes into account the multi‐layered nature of performance objectives and the unique operational environment of public enterprises. The model encompasses performance responsibilities at both the macro‐ and micro‐economic levels, and operates through a linked chain of participants, each with distinct financial accountability obligations and information needs. It identifies several tiers of participants together with the appropriate accountability responsibilities at each level.
PROGRAM BUDGETING: COSTS AND BENEFITS
Authors: Robinson Marc 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: This article focuses on the divergence between the principle and the reality of program budgeting. The principle is that program budgeting is based on the “output” classification of expenditure. In reality, however, program budgets are more like hybrids between the organisational and functional classifications of expenditure. The reasons for this divergence between principle and reality are analysed by examining the costs and benefits of the output classification of expenditure, contrasted to organisational/functional classification, for the key purposes of budgeting—namely control, estimation and expenditure review and appraisal.It is concluded that, although the output classification of expenditure offers significant benefits from the standpoint of expenditure review and appraisal, it is inferior to the organisational/functional classification from a cost benefit point of view. This is essentially because of the very substantial costs of obtaining reliable information on actual expenditure in terms of output categories, relative to the lower costs of obtaining organisational/functional information.With respect to the other purposes of budgeting, two conclusions are drawn. First, output categories are much less suited to the estimation of forward expenditure than are organisational/functional categories. Second, the use of output categories for control (i.e. expenditure instruction) purposes is inappropriate, principally because it is unnecessary and creates unwarranted expenditure inflexibilities. It is argued, however, that this deficiency of the output categories for control purposes is a reflection of the general inappropriateness of prescriptive program budgets (whether based on output or organisationa/functional categories).
ALTERNATIVES TO HIERARCHYTHE ROLE AND PERFORMANCE OF LATERAL STRUCTURES INSIDE BUREAUCRACY
Authors: Consldine Mark 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Lateral structures are the various cross linking arrangements which enable staff at similar levels to undertake project, policy or operational work in cooperation with officials in other divisions or departments. Their reliance on the expertise, judgment and commitment of their membership, and their comparative freedom from direct line control helps define these structures as an alternative to conventional hierarchies.This study examines the commonly made but rarely tested claim that lateral structures are one of the main ingredients in the organisation's capacity to achieve high quality results in situations requiring superior levels of skill and efficiency (Mintzberg 1973; Galbraith 1977). The study provides an empirical assessment of a number of important aspects of these work arrangements and reports the results of an investigation into the performance of lateral structures in the Australian public sector between 1987 and 1989. These data indicate that lateral structures outperform conventional hierarchy in quality of results, capacity to manage internal conflict, time‐management and technical competence. The research also identifies the importance of professional and political commitment in explanations of the success of these structures.
Microeconomic Reform and National Competition Policy: Misconceptions and Problems
Authors: Kolsen Ted 
Published: March 2008

Microeconomic reform and the so‐called National Competition Policy (NCP) have entered political discourse but often with little discussion of their specific meaning. The terminology tends to be emotionally and intuitively appealing. It implies that any microeconomic reform per se is necessarily ‘good’ for the achievement of economic efficiency. Moreover, misconceptions about the meaning of economic efficiency frequently result in the belief that a higher level of competition is always ‘good’ for the achievement of that objective.While there are many features in the new competition policy which deserve the wide acceptance and support it has been given, there are also aspects of it which do not stand up to closer scrutiny. It is those aspects, including the problems which will arise when ambitious but vague principles are put into practice, which will receive attention in this article.
A Comparative Analysis: New Public Management — The Way Ahead?
Authors: Armstrong Anona 
Published: March 2008

A set of measures constituting ‘New Public Management’ (NPM) has been adopted worldwide (Pollitt 1995). This article describes their implementation in the State of Victoria. In particular, the article assesses the reforms within the context of Pollitt's eight elements of NPM reforms that have taken place in management in the public sector in Victoria and, to varying degrees, in all OECD countries. It argues that the evaluation of the success of NPM in Victoria should be addressed by independent evaluations of the impacts of the changes within the political, executive and operational spheres of government, and on consumers and the public service itself. The article offers some lessons for those in government following Victoria's example of the implementation of NPM.Good governance is critical to ensuring that challenges to society are dealt with adequately (OECD 1995:5).
Poverty and Income Dynamics in Philippine Villages, 1985–2004
Authors: Estudillo Jonna P. , Sawada Yasuyuki , Otsuka Keijiro 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe authors examined the long‐term changes in household income structure and decline in poverty in three rice‐growing villages in the rural Philippines from 1985 to 2004. They found a shift of household income structure away from farm to nonfarm sources, accompanied by a decline in the incidence of poverty by about one‐half. Such a decline can be explained primarily by the rise in returns to the “quantity” attributes of human capital, measured by age composition, and, secondly, by the rise in returns to the “quality” attributes, measured by the proportion of household members completing secondary and tertiary schooling. It is clear that the poor benefited from the development of the nonfarm labor market where they were able to fully utilize their only asset, that is unskilled labor.
Capacity‐constrained Collusive Price Discrimination in the Informal Rural Credit Markets of Nepal
Authors: Hatlebakk Magnus 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe author tests two alternative models of price determination in informal rural credit markets, using LSMS data from Nepal. Strong support is found for a capacity‐constrained collusive oligopoly model, where lenders have full information about actual borrowers and charge heterogeneous interest rates. Only marginal support is found for a competitive cost‐pricing model with imperfect information. Interest rates vary with the observable characteristics of caste, installment period, and geographical region; and they decrease as village lending capacity increases up to a certain level. Interest rates do not depend on risk related variables such as land value and loan size.
Local Content Requirement under Vertical Technology Diffusion
Authors: Kwon Chul‐Woo , Chun Bong Geul 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMany developing countries (LDCs) still impose a local content requirement (LCR) regulation on multinational enterprises (multinationals). The authors develop a simple model to investigate whether the introduction of an LCR affects a multinational's choice of technology transfer. The key assumption made in their analysis is that the multinational in an LDC prefers importing intermediate inputs from its home country, for the manufacture of final goods, to purchasing them from local suppliers equipped with outdated technology. However, the LCR of the LDC forces the multinational to purchase a fixed proportion of its intermediate inputs. The authors show that the magnitude of an LCR policy cannot affect the multinational's decision regarding technology transfer under technology diffusion. In addition, an increase in the LCR may foreclose technology diffusion because it could make the multinational establish its own intermediate input supplier(s) and become a vertically integrated multinational.