L'étendue internationale des nouvelles firmes de hautes technologies: le rôle du capital humain et de l'intention stratégique des fondateurs

De récentes recherches ont mis l’accent sur l’importance pour les nouvelles entreprises internationales de l’existence de ressources et de compétences spécifiques. La présente recherche, qui s’inscrit dans ce courant, montre en particulier l’importance du capital humain acquis par les entrepreneurs sur base de leur expérience internationale passée. Mais nous montrons en même temps que ces organisations sont soutenues par une intention délibérée d’internationalisation dès l’origine. Notre recherche empirique est basée sur l’analyse d’un échantillon de 466 nouvelles entreprises de hautes technologies anglaises et allemandes. Nous montrons que ce capital humain est un actif qui facilite la pénétration rapide des marchés étrangers, et plus encore quand l’entreprise nouvelle est accompagnée d’une intention stratégique délibérée d’internationalisation. Des conclusions similaires peuvent être étendues au niveau des ressources que l’entrepreneur consacre à la start-up : plus ces ressources sont importantes, plus le processus d’internationalisation tend à se faire à grande échelle ; et là aussi, l’influence de ces ressources est augmenté par l’intention stratégique d’internationalisation. Dans le cadre des études empiriques sur les born-globals (entreprises qui démarrent sur un marché globalisé), cette recherche fournit une des premières études empiriques reliant l’influence des conditions initiales de création aux probabilités de croissance internationale rapide.

De la reconstruction a l’augmentation du corps humain en medecine restaurative et en cybernetique

Aux confluences historiques et conceptuelles de la modernité, de la technologie, et de l’« humain », les textes de notre corpus négocient et interrogent de façon critique les possibilités matérielles et symboliques de la prothèse, ses aspects phénoménologiques et spéculatifs : du côté subjectiviste et conceptualiste avec une philosophie de la conscience, avec Merleau-Ponty ; et de l’autre avec les épistémologues du corps et historiens de la connaissance Canguilhem et Foucault. Le trope prometteur de la prothèse impacte sur les formations discursives et non-discursives concernant la reconstruction des corps, là où la technologie devient le corrélat de l’identité. La technologie s’humanise au contact de l’homme, et, en révélant une hybridité supérieure, elle phagocyte l’humain du même coup. Ce travail de sociologie des sciences (Latour, 1989), ou encore d’anthropologie des sciences (Hakken, 2001) ou d’anthropologie bioculturelle (Andrieu, 1993; Andrieu, 2006; Andrieu, 2007a) se propose en tant qu’exemple de la contribution potentielle que l’anthropologie biologique et culturelle peut rendre à la médecine reconstructrice et que la médecine reconstructrice peut rendre à la plastique de l’homme ; l’anthropologie biologique nous concerne dans la transformation biologique du corps humain, par l’outil de la technologie, tant dans son histoire de la reconstruction mécanique et plastique, que dans son projet d’augmentation bionique. Nous établirons une continuité archéologique, d’une terminologie foucaldienne, entre les deux pratiques. Nous questionnons les postulats au sujet des relations nature/culture, biologie/contexte social, et nous présentons une approche définitionnelle de la technologie, pierre angulaire de notre travail théorique. Le trope de la technologie, en tant qu’outil adaptatif de la culture au service de la nature, opère un glissement sémantique en se plaçant au service d’une biologie à améliorer. Une des clés de notre recherche sur l’augmentation des fonctions et de l’esthétique du corps humain réside dans la redéfinition même de ces relations ; et dans l’impact de l’interpénétration entre réalité et imaginaire dans la construction de l’objet scientifique, dans la transformation du corps humain. Afin de cerner les enjeux du discours au sujet de l’« autoévolution » des corps, les théories évolutionnistes sont abordées, bien que ne représentant pas notre spécialité. Dans le cadre de l’autoévolution, et de l’augmentation bionique de l’homme, la somation culturelle du corps s’exerce par l’usage des biotechnologies, en rupture épistémologique de la pensée darwinienne, bien que l’acte d’hybridation évolutionnaire soit toujours inscrit dans un dessein de maximisation bionique/génétique du corps humain. Nous explorons les courants de la pensée cybernétique dans leurs actions de transformation biologique du corps humain, de la performativité des mutilations. Ainsi technologie et techniques apparaissent-elles indissociables de la science, et de son constructionnisme social.

Influence of spherical intraocular lens implantation and conventional laser in situ keratomileusis on peripheral ocular aberrations

Aim: To measure the influence of spherical intraocular lens implantation and conventional myopic laser in situ keratomileusis on peripheral ocular aberrations. Setting: Visual & Ophthalmic Optics Laboratory, School of Optometry & Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. Methods: Peripheral aberrations were measured using a modified commercial Hartmann-Shack aberrometer across 42° x 32° of the central visual field in 6 subjects after spherical intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and in 6 subjects after conventional laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia. The results were compared with those of age matched emmetropic and myopic control groups. Results: The IOL group showed a greater rate of quadratic change of spherical equivalent refraction across the visual field, higher spherical aberration, and greater rates of change of higher-order root-mean-square aberrations and total root-mean-square aberrations across the visual field than its emmetropic control group. However, coma trends were similar for the two groups. The LASIK group had a greater rate of quadratic change of spherical equivalent refraction across the visual field, higher spherical aberration, the opposite trend in coma across the field, and greater higher-order root-mean-square aberrations and total root-mean-square aberrations than its myopic control group. Conclusion: Spherical IOL implantation and conventional myopia LASIK increase ocular peripheral aberrations. They cause considerable increase in spherical aberration across the visual field. LASIK reverses the sign of the rate of change in coma across the field relative to that of the other groups. Keywords: refractive surgery, LASIK, IOL implantation, aberrations, peripheral aberrations

Regulating IVF and pre-implantation tissue-typing for the creation of "saviour siblings" : a harm analysis

Scientific discoveries, developments in medicine and health issues are the constant focus of media attention and the principles surrounding the creation of so called ‘saviour siblings’ are of no exception. The development in the field of reproductive techniques has provided the ability to genetically analyse embryos created in the laboratory to enable parents to implant selected embryos to create a tissue-matched child who may be able to cure an existing sick child. The research undertaken in this thesis examines the regulatory frameworks overseeing the delivery of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in Australia and the United Kingdom and considers how those frameworks impact on the accessibility of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures for the creation of ‘saviour siblings’. In some jurisdictions, the accessibility of such techniques is limited by statutory requirements. The limitations and restrictions imposed by the state in relation to the technology are analysed in order to establish whether such restrictions are justified. The analysis is conducted on the basis of a harm framework. The framework seeks to establish whether those affected by the use of the technology (including the child who will be created) are harmed. In order to undertake such evaluation, the concept of harm is considered under the scope of John Stuart Mill’s liberal theory and the Harm Principle is used as a normative tool to judge whether the level of harm that may result, justifies state intervention or restriction with the reproductive decision-making of parents in this context. The harm analysis conducted in this thesis seeks to determine an appropriate regulatory response in relation to the use of pre-implantation tissue-typing for the creation of ‘saviour siblings’. The proposals outlined in the last part of this thesis seek to address the concern that harm may result from the practice of pre-implantation tissue-typing. The current regulatory frameworks in place are also analysed on the basis of the harm framework established in this thesis. The material referred to in this thesis reflects the law and policy in place in Australia and the UK at the time the thesis was submitted for examination (December 2009).

Serum bone formation marker correlation with improved osseointegration in osteoporotic rats treated with simvastatin

Objective: Simvastatin has been shown to enhance osseointegration of pure titanium implants in osteoporotic rats. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the serum level of bone formation markers and the osseointegration of pure titanium implants in osteoporotic rats treated with simvastatin. Materials and methods: Fifty-four female Sprague Dawley rats, aged 3 months old, were randomly divided into three groups: Sham-operated group (SHAM; n=18), ovariectomized group (OVX; n=18), and ovariectomized with Simvastatin treatment group (OVX+SIM; n=18). Fifty-six days after ovariectomy, screw-shaped titanium implants were inserted into the tibiae. Simvastatin was administered orally at 5mg/kg each day after the placement of the implant in the OVX+SIM group. The animals were sacrificed at either 28 or 84 days after implantation and the undecalcified tissue sections were processed for histological analysis. Total alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and bone Gla protein (BGP) were measured in all animal sera collected at the time of euthanasia and correlated with the histological assessment of osseointegration. Results: The level of ALP in the OVX group was higher than the SHAM group at day 28, with no differences between the three groups at day 84. The level of BALP in the OVX+SIM group was significantly higher than both OVX and SHAM groups at days 28 and 84. Compared with day 28, the BALP level of all three groups showed a significant decrease at day 84. There were no significant differences in BGP levels between the three groups at day 28, but at day 84 the OVX+SIM group showed significantly higher levels than both the OVX and SHAM groups. There was a significant increase in BGP levels between days 28 and 84 in the OVX+SIM group. The serum bone marker levels correlated with the histological assessment showing reduced osseointegration in the OVX compared to the SHAM group which is subsequently reversed in the OVX+SIM group.

Implantation of osteogenic differentiated donor mesenchymal stem cells causes recruitment of host cells

The interaction between host and donor cells is believed to play an important role in osteogenesis. However, it is still unclear how donor osteogenic cells behave and interact with host cells in vivo. The purpose of this study was to track the interactions between transplanted osteogenic cells and host cells during osteogenesis. In vitro migration assay was carried out to investigate the ability of osteogenic differentiated humanmesenchymal stemcells (O-hMSCs) to recruit MSCs. At the in vivo level, O-hMSCs were implanted subcutaneously or into skull defects in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. New bone formation was observed bymicro-CT and histological procedures. In situ hybridization (ISH) against human Alu sequences was performed to distinguish donor osteogenic cells from host cells. In vitro migration assay revealed an increased migration potential of MSCs by co-culturing with O-hMSCs. In agreement with the results of in vitro studies, ISH against human Alu sequences showed that host mouse MSCs migrated in large numbers into the transplantation site in response to O-hMSCs. Interestingly, host cells recruited by O-hMSCs were the major cell populations in newly formed bone tissues, indicating that O-hMSCs can trigger and initiate osteogenesis when transplanted in orthotopic sites. The observations fromthis study demonstrated that in vitro induced O-hMSCs were able to attract hostMSCs in vivo andwere involved inosteogenesis togetherwith host cells,whichmay be of importance for bone tissue-engineering applications.

Evaluation of inflow cannulation site for implantation of right-sided rotary ventricular assist device

Right heart dysfunction is one of the most serious complications following implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), often leading to the requirement for short or long term right ventricular support (RVAD). The inflow cannulation site induces major haemodynamic changes and so there is a need to optimize the site used depending on the patient's condition. Therefore, this study evaluated and compared the haemodynamic influence of right atrial (RAC) and right ventricular (RVC) inflow cannulation sites. An in-vitro, variable heart failure, mock circulation loop was used to compare RAC and RVC in mild and severe biventricular heart failure (BHF) conditions. In the severe BHF condition, higher ventricular ejection fraction (RAC: 13.6%, RVC: 32.7%) and thus improved heart chamber and RVAD washout was observed with RVC, which suggested this strategy might be preferable for long term support (ie. bridge to transplant or destination therapy) to reduce the risk of thrombus formation. In the mild BHF condition, higher pulmonary valve flow (RAC: 3.33 L/min, RVC: 1.97 L/min) and lower right ventricular stroke work (RAC: 0.10 W, RVC: 0.13 W) and volumes were recorded with RAC. These results indicate an improved potential for myocardial recovery, thus RAC should be chosen in this condition. This in-vitro study suggests that RVAD inflow cannulation site should be chosen on a patient-specific basis with a view to the support strategy to promote myocardial recovery or reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Cataract surgery in eyes with low corneal astigmatism : implantation of the AcrySof IQ Toric SN6AT2 intraocular lens

Purpose The aim of this study is to assess the refractive and visual outcomes following cataract surgery and implantation of the AcrySof IQ Toric SN6AT2 intraolcular lens (IOL) (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) in patients with low corneal astigmatism. Materials and Methods A retrospective, consecutive, single surgeon series of ninety-eight eyes of 88 patients following cataract surgery and implantation of the AcrySof IQ Toric SN6AT2 IOL in eyes with low preoperative corneal astigmatism. Postoperative measurements were obtained at one month post surgery. Main outcome measures were monocular distance visual acuity and residual refractive astigmatism. Results The mean preoperative corneal astigmatic power vector (APV) was 0.38 ± 0.09 D. Following surgery and implantation of the toric IOL, mean postoperative refractive APV was 0.13 ± 0.10 D. Mean postoperative distance uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.08 ± 0.09 logMAR. Postoperative spherical equivalent refraction (SER) resulted in a mean of - 0.23 ± 0.22 D, with 96% of eyes falling within 0.50 D of the target SER. Conclusions The AcrySof IQ Toric SN6AT2 IOL is a safe and effective option for eyes undergoing cataract surgery with low amounts of preoperative corneal astigmatism.

The making of control : an ethnomethodology of choosing management accounting systems [La fabrique du controle : une ethnomethodologie du choix des outils de gestion]

This paper sets out to contribute to the literature on the design and the implementation of management control systems. To this end, we question what is discussed when a management control system is to be chosen and on what decision-making eventually rests. This study rests upon an ethnomethodology of the Salvation Army’s French branch. Operating in the dual capacity of a researcher and a counsellor to management, between 2000 and 2007, we have unrestricted access to internal data revealing the backstage of management control: discussions and interactions surrounding the choosing of control devices. We contribute to understanding the arising of a need for control, the steps and process followed to decide upon a management control system, and controls in nonprofits. [Cet article vise à contribuer à la littérature sur la mise en place des systèmes de contrôle de gestion. À cette fin, nous questionnons ce qui est discuté lors du choix d’un système de contrôle et sur quoi repose in fine la décision. Cet article est fondé sur une approche ethnométhodologique de l’Armée du Salut en France permise par notre double qualité de chercheurs mais également de conseiller auprès de la direction de l’organisation entre 2000 et 2007. Un accès illimité à des données internes nous permet ainsi de mettre en lumière les aspects méconnus et invisibles du contrôle de gestion : les discussions et interactions entourant le choix d’outils. Nous contribuons à la compréhension de l’émergence du besoin de contrôle, des étapes et du processus de choix d’outils et enfin du contrôle de gestion dans une organisation à but non lucratif.]

From democracy in America to a la francaise accountability. Grasping the sociopolitical origins of accountability [De la démocratie en Amérique du Nord à l’accountability à la française]

Whilst native French speakers oftentimes collapse accountability to account giving, this paper outlines the shape of an accountability ala française. Reading Tocqueville’s (1835) work highlights that accountability as practiced in Anglo-Saxonc countries has been an offspring of American democracy. An accountability a la française would be characterised by conformance to a set or universal values, the submission of minorities to choices made by the majority, a means obligation as well as the rejection of transparency. [Alors que le francophone réduit généralement l’accountability à la reddition de comptes, cet article esquisse les contours d’une véritable accountability à la française. La lecture de Tocqueville (1835) révèle que l’accountability pratiquée dans les pays anglo-saxons trouve ses origines dans les fondements de la démocratie américaine. En France, l’accountability serait caractérisée par le respect d’un ensemble de valeurs universelles, l’adhésion des minorités aux choix majoritaires, l’absence de discriminations, une obligation de moyens et un rejet de la transparence.]

Control of density of self-organized carbon nanotube arrays by catalyst pretreatment through plasma immersion ion implantation

A simple and effective method of controlling the growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays in a lowerature plasma is presented. Ni catalyst was pretreated by plasma immersion ion implantation prior to the nanotube growth by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Both the size distribution and the areal density of the catalyst nanoparticles decrease due to the ion-surface interactions. Consequently, the resulting size distribution of the vertically aligned carbon nanotubes is reduced to 50 ∼ 100 nm and the areal density is lowered (by a factor of ten) to 10 8 cm -2, which is significantly different from the very-high-density carbon nanotube forests commonly produced by thermal chemical vapor deposition. The efficiency of this pretreatment is compared with the existing techniques such as neutral gas annealing and plasma etching. These results are highly relevant to the development of the next-generation nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices that require effective control of the density of nanotube arrays.

Progesterone regulation of implantation-related genes: new insights into the role of oestrogen

Genomic profiling was performed on explants of late proliferative phase human endometrium after 24-h treatment with progesterone (P) or oestradiol and progesterone (17 beta-E-2+P) and on explants of menstrual phase endometrium treated with 17 beta-E-2+P. Gene expression was validated with real-time PCR in the samples used for the arrays, in endometrium collected from early and mid-secretory phase endometrium, and in additional experiments performed on new samples collected in the menstrual and late proliferative phase. The results show that late proliferative phase human endometrium is more responsive to progestins than menstrual phase endometrium, that the expression of several genes associated with embryo implantation (i.e. thrombomodulin, monoamine oxidase A, SPARC-like 1) can be induced by P in vitro, and that genes that are fully dependent on the continuous presence of 17 beta-E-2 during P exposure can be distinguished from those that are P-dependent to a lesser extent. Therefore, 17 beta-E-2 selectively primes implantation-related genes for the effects of P.

Visual rehabilitation in low-moderate keratoconus : intracorneal ring segment implantation followed by same-day topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy and collagen cross linking

AIM: To present the results of same-day topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (TG-PRK) and corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) after previous intrastromal corneal ring segment (ISCR) implantation for keratoconus. METHODS: An experimental clinical study on twenty-one eyes of 19 patients aged, 27.1±6.6 years (range: 19 – 43 years), with low to moderate keratoconus who were selected to undergo customized TG-PRK immediately followed by same-day CXL, 9 months after ISCR implantation in a university ophthalmology clinic. Refraction, uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuities (CDVA), keratometry (K) values, central corneal thickness (CCT) and coma were assessed 3 months after TG/PRK and CXL. RESULTS: After TG-PRK/CXL: the mean UDVA (logMAR) improved significantly from 0.66±0.41 to 0.20±0.25 (P<0.05); K flat value decreased from: 48.44±3.66 D to 43.71±1.95 D; K steep value decreased from 45.61±2.40 D to 41.56±2.05D; K average also decreased from 42.42±2.07 D to 47.00±2.66 D (P<0.05 for all). The mean sphere and cylinder decreased significantly post-surgery from, -3.10±2.99 D to -0.11±0.93 D and from, -3.68±1.53 to -1.11±0.75D respectively, while the CDVA, CCT and coma showed no significant changes. Compared to post-ISCR, significant reductions (P ˂ 0.05 or all) in all K-values, sphere and cylinder were observed after TG-PRK/CXL. CONCLUSION: Same-day combined topography-guided PRK and corneal crosslinking following placement of ICRS is a safe and potentially effective option in treating low-moderate keratoconus. It significantly improved all visual acuity, reduced keratometry, sphere and astigmatism, but caused no change in central corneal thickness and coma.