bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a Data‐Based Environmental Policy: Induction of a Behavior‐Based Decision Support System
Authors: Kaiser Florian G. , Midden Cees , Cervinka Renate 
Published: October 2007

To advise policy‐makers about possible courses of action in the environmental domain, psychological science should employ a support system that allows for evidence‐based decisions with respect to the three generic policy questions: what, where, and how. The key to such a system is a measurement instrument in which environmental motivation becomes tangible in individual actions. In this article, we provide empirical examples of such a decision support system in the environmental domain. It consists of (a) evidence about environmental motivation of persons, (b) evidence about motivation's spatial distribution, (c) knowledge about the socio‐cultural conditions that affect individuals when they translate motivation into action (i.e. structural information), and (d) a forecast of the environmental impact—the concrete conservation potential of various behaviors.Pour conseiller les décideurs à propos de lignes de conduite possibles dans le domaine de l’environnement, la science psychologique devrait utiliser un système qui tienne compte des décisions provenant des trois questions génériques suivantes: quoi, ou et comment? La clé d’un tel système consiste en un instrument de mesure dans lequel la motivation environnementale devient tangible dans les actions individuelles. Dans cet article, nous prenons des exemples empiriques de telles aides à la décision dans le domaine de l’environnement. Peut être ainsi montré a) la motivation environnementale des personnes, b) la distribution spatiale de la motivation, c) l’influence de la connaissance des conditions socioculturelles des individus quand ils transforment motivation en action (i.e. information structurale) et (d) la prévision de l’impact environnemental sur le maintien potentiel de divers comportements.
Quality of diabetes care in the UK: comparison of published quality‐of‐care reports with results of the Quality and Outcomes Framework for Diabetes
Authors: Khunti K. , Gadsby R. , Millett C. , Majeed A. , Davies M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAims  To conduct a systematic review of published observational studies of quality of diabetes care in primary care in the UK and to compare the results with the quality of care data from the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) of the new General Practice Contract in the UK.Methods  medline and embase were searched for articles published from 1999 to June 2006. We also searched for reference lists of studies that fitted our inclusion criteria. All members of the Primary Care Diabetes Europe were contacted and asked to send lists of any relevant published articles. Abstracts were reviewed and data were collected independently by two authors.Results  Abstracts of 742 papers were identified, of which six papers fulfilled the final selection criteria. The total number of people included in the six published studies was 83 098 (a range of 504 to 54 180 people) compared with the UK QOF data of 1.8 million people with diabetes. The quality indicators for assessment of care varied between different published studies, making comparisons more difficult. Overall, there was a trend towards improvement in both process and outcome of care in the published studies. The quality of care achieved as a result of QOF was greater than that found in published studies.Conclusions  There have been improvements in both process and outcome measures recorded in publications of quality of diabetes care in the UK between 2000 and 2004. Modest financial incentives in primary care are a successful method of improving care for people with diabetes.
Inverse correlation between activated protein C generation and carotid atherosclerosis in Type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Matsumoto K. , Yano Y. , Gabazza E. C. , Araki R. , Bruno N. E. , Suematsu M. , Akatsuka H. , Katsuki A. , Taguchi O. , Adachi Y. , Sumida Y. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAims  Activated protein C (APC) is a key regulator of the clotting system and immune responses. We studied the relationship between the degree of atherosclerosis as measured by the intima‐media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery and APC generation in Type 2 diabetic patients.Methods  Eighty‐seven Type 2 diabetic patients and 35 control subjects participated. APC generation was assessed by the plasma APC–protein C inhibitor complex (APC‐PCI) levels and the mean IMT of carotid artery was measured by ultrasonography. The plasma levels of the thrombin–anti‐thromobin complex (TAT) and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassays.Results  Plasma TAT levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients [2.03 (1.12, 2.56) ng/ml, median (25th, 75th percentile)] compared with control subjects [0.85 (0.55, 2.08) ng/ml, P < 0.01]. Plasma APC‐PCI levels were significantly lower in diabetic patients [0.93 (0.74, 1.22) ng/ml], than in control subjects [1.66 (1.25, 2.36) ng/ml, P < 0.001]. The mean IMT was significantly increased in diabetic patients (0.881 ± 0.242 mm; mean ± sd) compared with control subjects (0.669 ± 0.140 mm; P < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed a significant and inverse correlation between plasma APC‐PCI levels and mean IMT (r = –0.32, P < 0.005), and multivariate regression analysis confirmed the independent correlation (P < 0.05). Moreover, plasma APC‐PCI levels significantly and inversely correlated with plasma PDGF levels in diabetic patients (r = –0.30, P < 0.01).Conclusions  These results suggest that decreased APC generation is associated with vascular atherosclerotic changes in Type 2 diabetic patients.
A low‐carbohydrate diet is more effective in reducing body weight than healthy eating in both diabetic and non‐diabetic subjects
Authors: Dyson P. A. , Beatty S. , Matthews D. R. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground  Low‐carbohydrate diets are effective for weight reduction in people without diabetes, but there is limited evidence for people with Type 2 diabetes.Aims  To assess the impact of a low‐carbohydrate diet on body weight, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), ketone and lipid levels in diabetic and non‐diabetic subjects.Methods  Thirteen Type 2 diabetic subjects (on diet or metformin) and 13 non‐diabetic subjects were randomly allocated to either a low‐carbohydrate diet (≤ 40 g carbohydrate/day) or a healthy‐eating diet following Diabetes UK nutritional recommendations and were seen monthly for 3 months. Subjects (25% male) were (mean ± sd) age 52 ± 9 years, weight 96.3 ± 16.6 kg, body mass index 35.1 kg/m2, HbA1c 6.6 ± 1.1%, total cholesterol 5.1 ± 1.1 mmol/l, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol 1.3 ± 0.4 mmol/l, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol 3.1 ± 0.9 mmol/l, triglycerides (geometric mean) 1.55 (1.10, 2.35) mmol/l and ketones range 0.0–0.2 mmol/l.Results  Analysis was by intention to treat with last observation carried forward. Twenty‐two of the participants (85%) completed the study. Weight loss was greater (6.9 vs. 2.1 kg, P = 0.003) in the low‐carbohydrate group, with no difference in changes in HbA1c, ketone or lipid levels.Conclusions  The diet was equally effective in those with and without diabetes.
HETEROGENEITY IN REAL WAGE CYCLICALITY
Authors: Martins Pedro S. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper presents evidence that real wage cyclicality can be a particularly heterogeneous parameter, depending on different worker characteristics and also on the specific stage of the business cycle. Using matched employer–employee panel data for Portugal covering the period 1986–2004, real wages are shown to be considerably more procyclical during recessions than during expansions, resulting in relatively moderate overall levels of cyclicality (about −0.6). However, most of the procyclicality during downturns is shown to be driven by the younger employees, as older workers appear to be insulated from the business cycle. Moreover, movers between firms typically display higher cyclicality than workers that stay in the same firm, regardless of whether the latter move or not between job levels. Most results also hold when considering basic wages instead of total wages, except that the procyclicality of movers during downturns is substantially higher.
WAGE AND EMPLOYMENT DETERMINATION THROUGH NON‐COOPERATIVE BARGAINING
Authors: Roberts Kevin 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates wage and employment determination by a group of workers or union and a firm, making use of the techniques of non‐cooperative bargaining. Previous analyses have examined wage determination with an artificial restriction that employment is determined either before or after wage determination has occurred. Here, employment determination is made part of the bargaining process. With two variables being determined, there is bargaining with a variable pie and solutions correspond to equilibria without commitment. Two different notions of efficiency – exchange and pie efficiency – are relevant and serve to characterise equilibria. Multiple equilibria are shown to arise naturally once exchange inefficient proposals are possible. In all equilibria there is overemployment. Factors that restrict a firm's ability to alter the labour force during or after the wage‐bargaining process are shown, paradoxically, to benefit the firm.
ON EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS WITH ENDOGENOUS ON‐THE‐JOB SEARCH
Authors: Kiraly Francis 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTWe consider an equilibrium search model and employment contracts when workers have endogenous on‐the‐job search. When a firm tries to retain an employee by matching outside offers, variable search intensity leads to a moral hazard problem. We first consider workers with identical productivities. We derive an equilibrium where firms commit not to respond to outside offers and workers search less. Second, we investigate the case with heterogeneous workers and asymmetric information. Assuming that firms can commit to retain all workers irrespective of their ability, we establish conditions under which it is optimal to do so. This policy again reduces the incentive for active on‐the‐job search. We discuss an equilibrium where all firms use these so‐called ‘pooling’ contracts.
The Missing Link: Intersecting Governance and Trade in the Space of Place and the Space of Flows
Authors: Bush Simon R. , Oosterveer Peter 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCommodity chains that once involved a stepwise progression through multiple global, national and local scales are increasingly controlled through new ‘spaces’ of information and access, beyond the reach of scale‐dependent governance regimes such as the state. Thus, to determine the geography of trade, the source and influence of information and the relevance of governance systems which mediate access and control over coastal resources requires an understanding both of the global and locally articulated trade networks. This article uses the case of Southeast Asia shrimp production and trade to examine the linkages between material commodity transfers through the ‘space of place’ and the movement of information through the ‘space of flows’. Linking these two spaces is particularly challenging in information‐poor societies where flows of information, technology and consumer perceptions back to these areas pass through a ‘black box’, limiting clear lines of exchange between producers and globally connected exporters.
Understanding Farm Succession by the Objective Hermeneutics Method
Authors: Mann Stefan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWhile farm succession has been well explored using quantitative data, we use the qualitative, case‐oriented method of objective hermeneutics to explore important issues in succession processes. Objective hermeneutics makes use of short text sequences from interviews, exploiting the relationship between societal norms and the constitutive rules resulting from personal biographies. A case study including an intra‐family succession, an almost‐failed succession and an inter‐family succession is analysed with reference to three sequences from an interview. It is shown that hierarchy plays a big role in succession processes within the family. Another result is the emotional turmoil that can result from a failed succession.
European Consumers’ Perceptions, Definitions and Expectations of Traceability and the Importance of Labels, and the Differences in These Perceptions by Product Type
Authors: Kehagia Olga , Chrysochou Polymeros , Chryssochoidis George , Krystallis Athanassios , Linardakis Michalis 
Published: October 2007

AbstractGiven the heterogeneity of European consumers, it is not surprising that they have different perceptions and expectations regarding and understanding the concept of ‘traceability’. Consumers may also perceive traceability differently for different product types. The present study is based upon an analysis of focus groups in 12 countries across Europe. It explains how European consumers understand the traceability of food products as well as their expectations of traceability for different types of food product (meat and honey have been used as examples). Labelling schemes for these two types of products are also examined. The results showed that dissimilarities exist in consumers’ perceptions of traceability in different countries. Some dissimilarities also exist between consumers’ expectations of traceability and the information they require. However, labels are still seen as an important way of communicating with consumers, although the participants claimed that these labels need to be understandable and more easily accessible to facilitate consumer understanding.
Buy‐outs in Hungary, Poland and Russia: governance and finance issues1
Authors: Filatotchev Igor , Grosfeld Irena , Karsai Judit , Wright Mike , Buck Trevor 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe governments of Hungary, Poland and Russia have used buy‐outs as an important privatization strategy which can be viewed as forming a continuum from straightforward sales where management and employees generally achieve significant ownership, as in Hungary, via intermediate approaches as in Poland where both payment and free distribution of shares are involved, to the Russian case where state‐owned enterprises were effectively “given away” through a voucher privatization scheme. This paper, first, presents preliminary evidence on the extent and nature of post‐privatization restructuring in buy‐outs in these three countries, which highlights the transitory nature of this form of organization. Second, in the light of these findings, the paper analyses the possibilities and difficulties associated with enhancing corporate governance and finance.
Inflation, interest and exchange rates in the transition1
Authors: Nuti Domenico Mario 
Published: November 2007

AbstractCentral and Eastern European economies have made extraordinary progress in their trade and exchange regimes. Surprisingly, instant convertibility was established for a great variety of exchange rate regimes. In spite of diversity, all these countries have followed a common pattern: severe initial undervaluation ‐ the cost of speed and unrestricted trade ‐ followed by rapid real revaluation and incipient protectionism. Since 1994 in many cases an embarrass de richesse has appeared: high capital inflows which are either inflationary or costly to sterilize. A major cause of these flows ‐ or at any rate of the high cost of sterilization ‐ is the presence of significant interest rate differentials higher than required to cover the risk of devaluation. These are the necessary consequence of a policy of positive real interest rates and of real revaluation from excessively undervalued exchange rates. Lower interest rates are recommended, both to stem financial capital inflows and to reduce the cost of their sterilization.
Enterprise reform in China: agency problems and political control
Authors: Qian Yingyi 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe past reforms of state‐owned enterprises in China delegated many effective control rights to managers while maintaining ultimate control rights for the Party and government. The result is that either the agency costs are high because managers lack accountability or the political costs are high because the government causes political interference. Reform of state‐owned enterprises in China should aim at reducing both political and agency costs, which can be done through depoliticization, effective corporate governance, and deserialization. In particular, China needs an ownership transformation with a combination of privatization, denationalization, and pluralization; a state assets management system to limit political influence from the government; and corporatization to establish effective corporate governance which may take a variety of forms.
‘Industrial demonopolization and competition policy in Poland and Hungary’: a comment‘
Authors: Pittman Russell 
Published: November 2007

AbstractProtestations that ‘neither neoclassical economics nor Western experience offers clear guidelines concerning optimal competition policies towards state‐owned firms in a transition economy’ are overly pessimistic. Both sources suggest the importance of attacking barriers to entry into markets, especially when those barriers are associated with vertical integration or exclusive vertical contracts by already dominant enterprises. Beyond this, they demonstrate that different priorities of enforcement are appropriate in transition economies and that competition advocacy is especially important in this context.
Stock markets in transition: the Warsaw experiment1
Authors: Nivet Jean‐François 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper investigates the development from 1991 to 1994 of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, which opened on April 16th, 1991. An overview is presented focusing first on the deepening of the equity market, with a still limited but increasing number of listed companies, and then on the high trading activity and price dynamics with their impressive outburst in 1993. Three important dimensions are thereafter analyzed: the relevance of organizational and regulatory choices, the degree of market inefficiency and the origin of the discrepancy between IPO prices and first quoted market prices. Concluding remarks concentrate on the market's ability to fulfil its fundamental tasks.
Opening up for foreign banks: How Central and Eastern Europe can benefit1
Authors: Buch Cludia M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper analyses the role of foreign banks in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, and Poland. With respect to their planned EU membership, these countries have to consider the full implementation of free trade in financial services. Generally, liberalizing the market access of foreign banks allows the production of financial services according to comparative advantage, it fosters competition, it promotes bank privatization, and it facilitates a transfer of know‐how into the emerging financial systems. The most important sequencing issue that arises is that the incumbent banks should have been recapitalized for their truly inherited bad loans before markets are opened up. In view of the reform progress that has already been made in the countries under review, abolishing remaining entry barriers is unlikely to put the stability of banking systems at risk while allowing the benefits of open markets to be exploited.
Labour market transitions and unemployment duration: Evidence from Bulgarian and Polish micro‐data1
Authors: Cazes Sandrine , Scarpetta Stefano 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe segmentation of the labour market is one of the most striking characteristics of the transition process in Central and Eastern European countries. Not only do the young, unskilled workers and women face a high risk of unemployment, but joblessness also varies significantly geographically. This paper sheds some light on labour market segmentation in transition countries by analysing individual records of individuals registered at the labour offices of two Polish regions (Warsaw and Ciechanov and two Bulgarian regions (Sofia and Botevgrad) over the initial three to four years of the transition to a market economy. The empirical results confirm the existence of highly selective firing and hiring processes in the Polish and Bulgarian labour markets. Overall, unskilled or poorly educated workers have the highest probability of becoming unemployed and remaining without a job for a long period of time. We also analysed the determinants of unemployment duration across regions and over time using a piece‐wise constant hazard model with multiple destinations, i.e. employment and exit from the labour force. The results suggest that the unemployed with a high education and previous experience in the private sector have a higher probability of getting a new job, especially in the more dynamic labour markets, while those without previous work experience tend to stay unemployed for a longer period of time and often leave the labour market. The econometric results also suggest that the reforms of the unemployment benefit systems have produced important effects on unemployment flows.
The results of ‘mass privatization’in Romania: A first empirical study1
Authors: Earle John S. , Telegdy Álmos 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper provides an assessment of the contribution to privatization in Romania of the 1995‐96 Mass Privatization Programme (MPP), which offered shares in nearly 5,000 companies to citizens in exchange for coupons. Analysing a comprehensive database of MPP companies, we find that an average of only 18.7 per cent of these companies' shares were actually transferred to Romanian citizens, and only 7.8 per cent of the companies were majority privatized (on a size‐weighted basis). We estimate that the MPP accounted for only about 5.5 per cent of the value of state‐owned enterprise assets inherited from the socialist period. The design of the programme created highly dispersed ownership structures, which is likely to generate particularly difficult problems in the many small companies in the programme. We place our findings in the context of the history of Romanian privatization policies since 1990, and provide some comparisons with mass privatization programmes in other countries. We also analyse the implications of the MPP for the corporate governance and the restructuring of enterprises.
The Evolution of Corporate Governance and Firm Performance in Transition Economies: The Case of Sellier and Bellot in the Czech Republic
Authors: Jandik Tomas , Rennie Craig G. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract This paper investigates the evolution of corporate governance and firm performance in transition economies. It focuses on barriers that impeded adoption of optimal corporate governance at Czech ammunition manufacturer Sellier and Bellot (S&B) following voucher privatisation in 1993. Exogenously imposed diffuse ownership, combined with legal, capital market, and accounting deficiencies, contributed to poor corporate governance and weak firm performance. This study shows how legal, capital market, and accounting deficiencies hinder corporate governance evolution; it demonstrates monitoring and incentive mechanisms can create value in transition economies; it suggests effective privatisation not only involves rapid ownership transfer but careful accounting and securities regulation and legal protection.