bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Institutional Interplay Regarding the New Architecture for the EC's External Assistance
Authors: Bartelt Sandra 
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  The article concerns the inter‐institutional relations and describes the dynamics between the main EC institutions in the decision‐making process regarding the adoption of the new external action instruments. In 2004, the Commission had proposed a set of new external action instruments as base for the delivery of the Community's external assistance. By that time, the existing instruments amounted to more than 30 different legal instruments, which implicated a loss of efficiency in the management of the EC's external assistance. After 2 years of inter‐institutional negotiations between the European Parliament, Council and the Commission, the new set of instruments was finally adopted. Compared to the initial Commission proposals, the design of the new instruments got significantly reshaped in the course of the inter‐institutional decision‐making procedure. In particular, the European Parliament had gained an unprecedented degree of power over the legislative framework for external spending.Compared to the former range of geographic and thematic regulations, the new external action instruments fundamentally reform the delivery of external financial assistance with their streamlined and simplified structure. They consist of three horizontal instruments to respond to particular needs or crisis situation: an Instrument for Stability, an Instrument for Nuclear Safety Co‐operation) and a European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights. With regard to geographic coverage, four instruments will implement particular policies: the Instrument for Pre‐accession Assistance, the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument and the Instrument for Development Co‐operation and an Instrument for Co‐operation with Industrialised Countries.
Globalization, the ‘Competition’ State and the Rise of the ‘Regulatory’ State in European Telecommunications*
Authors: HUMPHREYS PETER , SIMPSON SEAMUS 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article examines European telecommunications through the conceptual lenses of the ‘competition’ and the ‘regulatory’ state, exploring their complementarities and tensions. It analyses the EU's electronic communications regulatory framework, exposing contradictions in the EU‐level competition and regulatory state in telecommunications in the context of the well‐developed variety at the national level.
The European Policy for the Development of an Information Society: the Right Path?*
Authors: GÓMEZ‐BARROSO JOSÉ LUIS , FEIJÓO CLAUDIO , KARNITIS EDVINS 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe end of 2005 marked the closure of one stage in the European strategy for the promotion of the information society (the eEurope programme) and the start of the next one (i2010). This seems to be a good time for assessing the results achieved to date by the community policy in this area and analysing whether the correct approach has been adopted. Despite the satisfaction shown in certain official appraisals, the picture resulting from consulting different classifications globally measuring the adaptation of countries to the information society is not that optimistic. Only the European Union leaders in this field (the Nordic countries) have improved their positions, broadening the gap with the rest: western European countries have lost ground (or at least have not improved) in the rankings, the southern countries do not seem to have corrected their deficiencies and the indices for the new Member States have not evolved as expected or have even deteriorated in some cases. Even though becoming one of the most competitive and dynamic knowledge‐based economies in the world was the first Leitmotiv of the Lisbon strategy, the interpretation of the documents connected to the definition of the new stage in the strategy led to doubts over whether the European Union has a clear notion on the course of action to take in order to make progress on the information society a matter of priority.
Government Learning in German and British European Policies*
Authors: BANDELOW NILS C. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWhy do some governments change their policies toward European integration while other national positions endure? Governments may change their policies even while the governmental parties remain the same. This article focuses on the explanatory capacities of policy learning, and thereby develops some contra‐intuitive theses concerning the impact of political systems. Under some circumstances even the existence of many veto‐players with opposite belief systems may increase the probability of learning.
The Broad Economic Policy Guidelines: Before and After the Re‐launch of the Lisbon Strategy*
Authors: DEROOSE SERVAAS , HODSON DERMOT , KUHLMANN JOOST 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article explores the evolution of the European Union's Broad Economic Policy Guidelines (BEPGs) since their introduction in 1993. It argues that the BEPGs have demonstrated value‐added as an overarching instrument of policy co‐ordination and as a catalyst for co‐operation between European and national policy‐makers. Notwithstanding this, the effectiveness of the BEPGs appears to have been hindered by the progressive accumulation of guidelines and by the failure of peer pressure to bite as a sanction mechanism. The re‐launch of the Lisbon Strategy in March 2005 simplified and streamlined the BEPGs, embedding them within a new set of Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs. Key issues surrounding the future of the BEPGs concern their potential as a trigger for ‘home grown’ peer pressure, their attention to euro area specific issues and the involvement of the European Parliament in multilateral surveillance.
The level of Internet access and ICT training for health information professionals in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ajuwon Grace Ada , Rhine Lenny 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:   Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are important tools for development. Despite its significant growth on a global scale, Internet access is limited in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Few studies have explored Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in Africa.Objective:  The study assessed Internet access, use of electronic resources and ICT training among health information professionals in SSA.Methods:  A 26‐item self‐administered questionnaire in English and French was used for data collection. The questionnaire was completed by health information professionals from five Listservs and delegates at the 10th biannual Congress of the Association of Health Information and Libraries in Africa (AHILA).Results:  A total of 121 respondents participated in the study and, of those, 68% lived in their countries’ capital. The majority (85.1%) had Internet access at work and 40.8% used cybercafes as alternative access points. Slightly less than two‐thirds (61.2%) first learned to use ICT through self‐teaching, whilst 70.2% had not received any formal training in the previous year. Eighty‐eight per cent of respondents required further ICT training.Conclusions and recommendations:  In SSA, freely available digital information resources are underutilized by health information professionals. ICT training is recommended to optimize use of digital resources. To harness these resources, intergovernmental and non‐governmental organizations must play a key role.
Let's stick together: collaborative purchasing of electronic journals in the National Health Service
Authors: Marriott Richard 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim:  To describe the process and the lessons learned from the collaborative purchasing of electronic journals by National Health Service (NHS) libraries in the East Midlands, UK.Results:  The background to a successful joint purchasing initiative is described, including the methodology for selecting titles and the formula for dividing the payment. Factors that have a bearing on successful collaboration are discussed, including use of a Framework Agreement, licensing conditions and measuring impact.Conclusion:  NHS librarians working together can leverage collective benefits for users through collaborative purchasing.
Strategies in assessing the need for updating evidence‐based guidelines for six clinical topics: an exploration of two search methodologies
Authors: Voisin Christiane E. , De La Varre Claire , Whitener Lynn , Gartlehner Gerald 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  Because of the expense of updating practice guidelines, recent attention has focused on approaches that can reliably assess any updating required. Shekelle et al. (Journal of the American Medical Association 2001, 286, 1461–7) proposed using limited literature searches with expert involvement to reduce resources used in assessing whether a guideline needs updating.Objectives:  This study compared Shekelle's method and the traditional systematic review method regarding comprehensiveness and effort.Methods:  Two research teams translated critical key questions on screening test treatments and outcomes to Medical Subjects Headings (MeSH) and search strategies. They refined Shekelle's method over three iterations, seeking greater efficiency. Using both methods independently, teams assessed the need to update six topics from the 1996 Guide to Clinical Preventive Services (US Preventive Services Task Force). Outcomes included completeness of study identification, importance of missed studies and effort involved.Results:  The revised review approach produced fewer citations than the traditional approach and saved time, identifying fewer eligible studies than the traditional approach. None of the studies missed was rated important by the experts consulted.Conclusions:  The revised review approach provides an acceptable method for judging whether a guideline requires updating. Librarians were an integral part of the research process that streamlined the searches.
Increasing the rural general practitioners’ use of library and information services through publicity: a randomized controlled trial in Cornwall, UK
Authors: Oak Katy , Gegg Rod 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives:  To provide evidence on the effectiveness of publicity with the aim of encouraging general practitioners (GPs) in Cornwall to make better use of the Cornwall Health Library Service (CHLS). In the light of the findings, a second objective was formulated to determine which resources they used to look for health information.Methods:  A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) measured the effect of two types of publicity, comparing emails with visiting GP practices. After the trial period, a questionnaire was sent to all 332 GPs to ascertain the resources they accessed for their information and any barriers to their use of the CHLS.Results:  The GP's use of the library services was lower than the level needed for a conclusive statistical analysis; however, visiting practices was associated with an apparent increase in library use and warrants further investigation. The questionnaire showed that GPs make good use of databases and colleagues.Conclusion:  The RCT confirmed the low uptake of library services anticipated, but was inconclusive in demonstrating the most effective form of publicity. The questionnaire suggested that a substantial number of GPs are interested in the library services and has provided an insight into the way that GPs look for information in Cornwall.
Developing research capacity in health librarians: a review of the evidence
Authors: Rossall Hannah , Boyes Chris , Montacute Kim , Doherty Patrick 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis critical review considers current issues of research capacity development in UK health care and the role of health librarianship in this context, placing particular focus on the use of research networks. There is a growing literature base recognising the need for librarians to engage more with research. The concepts of evidence‐based health librarianship and clinical librarianship are discussed in the context of research and examples of existing good practice are reviewed. It is suggested that librarians should build on this through better consideration of evidence based methodologies, hierarchies of evidence, improvement of research skills, and a collective endeavour to identify research priorities. The importance research capacity is being given in the Department of Health R&D strategy and the use of networks in achieving this is discussed, and it is suggested that the utilisation of networks and collaboration should be undertaken and explored in more depth in developing research capacity in health librarianship. Areas where librarians currently engage with research and use networks and collaborative practices to contribute to the research base are reviewed. A co‐ordinated approach to developing research capacity is called for and it is argued that the use of networks would be beneficial in assisting the process.
Ischemic insult to cerebellar Purkinje cells causes diminished GABAAreceptor function and allopregnanolone neuroprotection is associated with GABAAreceptor stabilization
Authors: Kelley Melissa H. , Taguchi Noriko , Ardeshiri Ardalan , Kuroiwa Masayuki , Hurn Patricia D. , Traystman Richard J. , Herson Paco S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractCerebellar Purkinje cells (PC) are particularly vulnerable to ischemic injury and excitotoxicity, although the molecular basis of this sensitivity remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that ischemia causes rapid down‐regulation of GABAAreceptors in cerebellar PC, thereby increasing susceptibility to excitotoxicity. Oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) caused a decline in functional GABAAreceptors, within the first hour of re‐oxygenation. Decreased amplitude of miniature inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials confirmed that OGD caused a significant decrease in functional synaptic GABAAreceptors and quantitative Western blot analysis demonstrated the loss of GABAAreceptor current was associated with a decline in total receptor protein. Interestingly, the potent neuroprotectant allopregnanolone (ALLO) prevented the decline in GABAAreceptor current and protein. Consistent with ourin vitrodata, global ischemia in mice caused a significant decline in total cerebellar GABAAreceptor protein and PC specific immunoreactivity. Moreover, ALLO provided strong protection of PC and prevented ischemia‐induced decline in GABAAreceptor protein. Our findings indicate that ischemia causes a rapid and sustained loss of GABAAreceptors in PC, whereas ALLO prevents the decline in GABAAreceptors and protects against ischemia‐induced damage. Thus, interventions which prevent ischemia‐induced decline in GABAAreceptors may represent a novel neuroprotective strategy.
PANDEMIC MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPING WORLD BIOETHICS: BIRD FLU IN WEST BENGAL
Authors: CHAKRABORTI CHHANDA 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the case of a recent H5N1virus (avian influenza) outbreak in West Bengal, an eastern state of India, and argues that poorly executed pandemic management may be viewed as a moral lapse. It further argues that pandemic management initiatives are intimately related to the concept of health as a social ‘good’ and to the moral responsibility of protection from foreseeable social harm from an infectious disease. The initiatives, therefore, have to be guided by special moral obligations towards biorisk reduction, obligations which remain unfulfilled when a public body entrusted with the responsibility fails to manage satisfactorily the prevention and control of the infection. The overall conclusion is that pandemic management has a moral dimension. The gravity of the threat that fatal infectious diseases pose for public health creates special moral obligations for public bodies in pandemic situations. However, the paper views the West Bengal case as a learning opportunity, and considers the lapses cited as challenges that better, more effectively conducted pandemic management can prepare for. It is hoped that this paper will provoke constructive bioethical deliberations, particularly pertinent to the developing world, on how to ensure that the obligations towards health are fulfilled ethically and more effectively.
A thermodynamic analysis of the anaerobic oxidation of methane in marine sediments
Authors: LAROWE D. E. , DALE A. W. , REGNIER P. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTAnaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) in anoxic marine sediments is a significant process in the global methane cycle, yet little is known about the role of bulk composition, temperature and pressure on the overall energetics of this process. To better understand the biogeochemistry of AOM, we have calculated and compared the energetics of a number of candidate reactions that microorganisms catalyse during the anaerobic oxidation of methane in (i) a coastal lagoon (Cape Lookout Bight, USA), (ii) the deep Black Sea, and (iii) a deep‐sea hydrothermal system (Guaymas basin, Gulf of California). Depending on the metabolic pathway and the environment considered, the amount of energy available to the microorganisms varies from 0 to 184 kJ mol−1. At each site, the reactions in which methane is either oxidized to , acetate or formate are generally only favoured under a narrow range of pressure, temperature and solution composition – particularly under low (10−10 m) hydrogen concentrations. In contrast, the reactions involving sulfate reduction with H2, formate and acetate as electron donors are nearly always thermodynamically favoured. Furthermore, the energetics of ATP synthesis was quantified per mole of methane oxidized. Depending on depth, between 0.4 and 0.6 mol of ATP (mol CH4)−1 was produced in the Black Sea sediments. The largest potential productivity of 0.7 mol of ATP (mol CH4)−1 was calculated for Guaymas Basin, while the lowest values were predicted at Cape Lookout Bight. The approach used in this study leads to a better understanding of the environmental controls on the energetics of AOM.
The Pyramid Club Primary School‐Based Intervention: Evaluating the Impact on Children's Social‐Emotional Health
Authors: Ohl Maddie , Mitchell Kathryn , Cassidy Tony , Fox Pauline 
Published: August 2008

Background: Children with poor social‐emotional health are at risk of failing to reach their potential.Method: The impact of the Pyramid Club year 3 preventive intervention on children's social‐emotional health was investigated. Children were allocated to an intervention or non‐problem comparison group.Results: Post‐intervention both groups had improved Total Difficulty scores (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) with the Pyramid group showing a significantly stronger effect size (r = .71) than the non‐problem comparison group (r = .44).Conclusions: The Pyramid Club intervention improves the social‐emotional health of vulnerable children. The need to evaluate such interventions and to extend research are discussed.
Teaching Mass Casualty Triage Skills Using Immersive Three‐dimensional Virtual Reality
Authors: Vincent Dale S. , Sherstyuk Andrei , Burgess Lawrence , Connolly Kathleen K. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Virtual reality (VR) environments offer potential advantages over traditional paper methods, manikin simulation, and live drills for mass casualty training and assessment. The authors measured the acquisition of triage skills by novice learners after exposing them to three sequential scenarios (A, B, and C) of five simulated patients each in a fully immersed three‐dimensional VR environment. The hypothesis was that learners would improve in speed, accuracy, and self‐efficacy.Methods:  Twenty‐four medical students were taught principles of mass casualty triage using three short podcasts, followed by an immersive VR exercise in which learners donned a head‐mounted display (HMD) and three motion tracking sensors, one for their head and one for each hand. They used a gesture‐based command system to interact with multiple VR casualties. For triage score, one point was awarded for each correctly identified main problem, required intervention, and triage category. For intervention score, one point was awarded for each correct VR intervention. Scores were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for each student. Before and after surveys were used to measure self‐efficacy and reaction to the training.Results:  Four students were excluded from analysis due to participation in a recent triage research program. Results from 20 students were analyzed. Triage scores and intervention scores improved significantly during Scenario B (p < 0.001). Time to complete each scenario decreased significantly from A (8:10 minutes) to B (5:14 minutes; p < 0.001) and from B to C (3:58 minutes; p < 0.001). Self‐efficacy improved significantly in the areas of prioritizing treatment, prioritizing resources, identifying high‐risk patients, and beliefs about learning to be an effective first responder.Conclusions:  Novice learners demonstrated improved triage and intervention scores, speed, and self‐efficacy during an iterative, fully immersed VR triage experience.
Academic Emergency Medicine Faculty and Industry Relationships
Authors: Birkhahn Robert H. , Blomkalns Andra L. , Klausner Howard A. , Nowak Richard M. , Raja Ali S. , Summers Richard L. , Weber Jim E. , Briggs William M. , Arkun Alp , Diercks Deborah 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives:  The authors surveyed the membership of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) about their associations with industry and predictors of those associations.Methods:  A national Web‐based survey inviting faculty from the active member list of SAEM was conducted. Follow‐up requests for participation were sent weekly for 3 weeks. Information was collected on respondents’ personal and practice characteristics, industry interactions, and personal opinions regarding these interactions. Raw response rates were reported and a logistic regression was used to generate descriptive statistics.Results:  Responses were received from 430 members, representing 14% of the 3,183 active members. Respondents were 83% male and 86% white, with 96% holding an MD degree (24% with an additional postdoctoral degree). Most were at the assistant (37%) or associate (25%) professor rank, with 51% holding at least one leadership position. Most respondents (82%) reported some type of industry interaction, most commonly the acceptance of food or beverages (67%). Respondents at the associate professor rank or higher were more likely to receive payments from industry (51% vs. 22%, odds ratio [OR] = 3.7).Conclusions:  This survey suggests that interactions between industry and academic EM faculty are common and increase with academic rank, but not with years in practice or leadership influence. The number and type of interactions are consistent with those reported by a national sampling of other physician specialties.