bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachers as leaders ‐ an exploratory framework
Authors: Crowther Frank
Published: September 2004

Based on a study of the leadership approaches of highly successful teachers and paraprofessionals who work in socioeconomically disadvantaged school communities, presents a preliminary framework for teacher leadership in which aspects of transformational and educative approaches to leadership are evident, with strategic approaches less so. Concludes that the work of highly successful teachers is not sufficiently recognized in the development of most theories of educational leadership. This may be particularly the case with theories that originate in corporate and managerial systems, raising serious doubts about the potential of much existing theory to meet the needs of the education profession in emerging educational contexts.
Learning lessons: why choose distance learning in education management?
Authors: Law Sue
Published: September 2004

Examines an increasingly important feature of further and higher education provision: the development of distance‐learning opportunities for managers and teachers interested in education management qualifications in the context of a newly marketized education service in England and Wales. Draws on a university survey of prospective distance‐learning “clients” who had expressed an interest in postgraduate education management courses ‐ now a major growth area ‐ and analyses their stated needs and concerns. Considers, also, the impact of the developing education market on the professional demand for distance learning, and examines how far quality provision and academic excellence can be delivered and maintained by institutions as the new “value for money” imperative, increasingly driving the “professional development business”, becomes further established in further and higher education.
Management Development in East Anglia
Authors: Quayle Michael
Published: September 2004

Establishes the level, range and scope of current management education,
training and development (METD) activity in small and medium‐sized
enterprises and identifies good practice and assesses barriers to METD
including issues of provision, access and cost. Seeks to identify
practical approaches to management development in small – and
medium‐sized enterprises and establishes candidate profile for
competence‐based management qualifications.
The Human Side of Business Process Re‐engineering
Authors: Evans Rob
Published: September 2004

Scrutinizes business process re‐engineering (BPR) programmes and their
effect on employees – resistance and inability to change. Suggests BPR is
not the technically‐driven exercise many consider it to be; but instead
groups together identification of customer needs, use of enabling
technologies and staff education to understand the process. This last
area, the staff aspect is often neglected. Indicates how to implement
BPR in a staff‐friendly manner and provides examples to illustrate.
Developing a competence‐based management training programme
Authors: Strebler Marie
Published: September 2004

Examines the use of competences in the light of the many claims
which have been made about them recently. Investigates whether they are
here to stay or just a passing phase. One indication is the extent to
which companies use them in practice and how useful they find them in
delivering management training, and development. Also looks at whether
organizations have integrated competences in their training programmes
for managers. If so, with what success, and what approaches have they
used?
How NLP locations work
Authors: Hay Julie
Published: September 2004

Combines the concepts of neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and
transactional analysis (TA) in a process for changing beliefs. Describes
this process and the benefits to be gained.
Waterman’s views of excellence
Authors: Lloyd Bruce
Published: September 2004

In interview format, discusses Robert Waterman′s new book, Frontiers of Excellence. Discusses US productivity, competitiveness,
employability, and self‐directed work.
How to train people to think more creatively
Authors: Smolensky Elizabeth D. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: September 2004

Making the most of one′s resources is critical to the success of
any manager and those who are able to train their staff to think
creatively maximize one of the most valuable assets available to any
company: brain power. Re‐examines creativity in relation to the working
environment and corporate attitudes. Claims that training in various
creativity techniques can open new vistas to every employee willing to
try a new approach; and that managers must learn to manage the newly
energized team. Finds that the process can result in a powerful, more
committed workforce, and a company prepared for the future and its
challenges.
Behavioural analysis in Westland subsidiary
Authors: King Stephen
Published: September 2004

Describes an innovative behavioural assessment technique devised by Exeter‐based Quality Values Publications. The methodology recognizes nine critical motivating factors which combine in any organizational culture: identification, internationalization, instrumentality, consensus, rationality, development, group dynamics, equity and equality. Describes application of the method at Normalair‐Garrett.
Which training methods are effective?
Authors: Read Charles W. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: September 2004

Describes the importance of training and summarizes learning theory. Details the top ten learning methods: videotapes, lectures, one‐on‐one instruction, role plays, games/simulation, case studies, slides, computer‐based training, audiotapes and films. Discusses the factors to consider when selecting a training method or combination of methods. Emphasizes the importance of post‐training evaluation.
The paradox of power and learning
Authors: Lloyd Bruce
Published: September 2004

Outlines the links between the three key concepts that come with power ‐ leadership, responsibility and learning ‐ and what they mean for learning organizations. Suggests that leadership needs to balance the interests of all stakeholders in any situation to be more effective; that a responsibility approach is inclusive and more concerned with long‐term issues; and finally that learning is the heart of the productive activity, quoting Revans ‐ “for any organization to survive, its rate of learning must be equal to, or greater than, the rate of change in the environment”.
Using positioning models to measure and manage brand uncertainty
Authors: Ghosh Amit K. , Chakraborty Goutam
Published: September 2004

Managers often use positioning models to understand the perceptual structure of markets and make strategic plans. The objective of this paper is to improve strategic planning by suggesting how positioning models can be used to understand, measure, and manage brand uncertainty. A theoretical framework is developed by unifying the results of studies conducted in several disciplines and this framework is used to document the effects of brand uncertainty on brand perceptions and performance. An experiment that empirically establishes the utility of Multiscale in measuring brand uncertainty is designed and conducted. Its results are favorable. A consideration of the limitations of conventional positioning methods leads to the conclusion that, for marketplaces where brand uncertainty exists, such methods provide erroneous and incomplete information. Ways are suggested in which the information provided by Multiscale can be used to improve the breadth and quality of marketing plans.
Assessing the impact of a very successful price promotion on brand, category and competitor sales
Authors: Dawes John
Published: September 2004

Many studies have examined the short‐term and long‐term effects of price promotions. This study adds to previous research by examining, in some depth, the effects of a massively successful price promotion in a consumer goods category. This study sought to determine if this large price promotion had any: longer‐term effect on brand volume; short‐term effect on total category volume for the retailer; short‐term effect on competing retailers; and longer‐term effect on category sales for the retailer that ran the promotion. The results showed that this promotion did not have any longer‐term (positive or negative) effect on the brand, but it did expand the total category for the retailer, albeit temporarily. Sales dropped slightly for one competing retailer at the time of the promotion, but not for the other two retailers in the market. Finally, the study found that the promotion was followed by a decline in total category volume for the retailer, suggesting some degree of purchase acceleration or stockpiling by consumers. The results suggest that the longer‐term negative effect on category volume cancelled out approximately two thirds of the gains of the price promotion to the retailer.
Factors influencing consumer perceptions of brand trust online
Authors: Ha Hong‐Youl
Published: September 2004

Unlike the traditional bricks‐and‐mortar marketplace, the online environment includes several distinct factors that influence brand trust. As consumers become more savvy about the Internet, the author contends they will insist on doing business with Web companies they trust. This study examines how brand trust is affected by the following Web purchase‐related factors: security, privacy, brand name, word‐of‐mouth, good online experience, and quality of information. The author argues that not all e‐trust building programs guarantee success in building brand trust. In addition to the mechanism depending on a program, building e‐brand trust requires a systematic relationship between a consumer and a particular Web brand. The findings show that brand trust is not built on one or two components but is established by the interrelationships between complex components. By carefully investigating these variables in formulating marketing strategies, marketers can cultivate brand loyalty and gain a formidable competitive edge.
Consumer price knowledge in the German retail market
Authors: Evanschitzky Heiner , Kenning Peter , Vogel Verena
Published: September 2004

Price knowledge as a construct has been one of the top behavioral pricing themes in the last four decades, especially in the Anglo‐American literature. In Germany, scientists have paid relatively little attention to this topic during the last 15 years – with some notable exceptions. Therefore, this study analyzes German consumers' price knowledge and, by doing so, replicates and extends existing international work. After reviewing earlier attempts at assessing the construct, a measure is developed for the price estimation error “PEE”, based on explicit price knowledge stored in long‐term memory. Results, including data from about 1,000 consumers on 69 products from a German retail chain, indicate that price knowledge in Germany is relatively low. Based on that observation, implications for the management are discussed.
Capturing the effects of coupon promotions in scanner panel choice models
Authors: Silva‐Risso Jorge M. , Bucklin Randolph E.
Published: September 2004

The authors develop a logit modeling approach, designed for application to UPC scanner panel data, to assess the effects of coupon promotions on consumer brand choice. The effects of coupon promotions are captured via two measures: the prevailing level of availability and the prevailing face value of coupons for each brand. Both of these measures are derived from coupon redemptions of a separate sample of households. The approach captures both the advertising effect and the price discount incentive of a coupon. It also avoids drawbacks of previous choice models which have incorporated coupon effects by subtracting the value of a redeemed coupon from the price of the brand purchased. The authors illustrate their modeling approach on data for two product categories: catsup (light coupon usage) and liquid laundry detergent (heavy coupon usage). Findings are reported for coupon users and non‐users as well as across latent segments.
Key technological trajectories and the expansion of mobile Internet applications
Authors: Funk Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2004

This paper describes the key technological trajectories and their potential effect on the expansion of mobile Internet applications. The initial success of entertainment content in Japan in 1999 caused manufacturers to introduce phones with color displays, polyphonic tones, cameras, and Java programs, and these functions are supported by other technological improvements like faster microprocessors, larger memory, and faster network speeds. Coupled with an evolution in user behavior, these technologies are making the phone a portable entertainment player, a new marketing tool for retailers and manufacturers, a multi‐channel shopping device, a navigation tool, a new type of ticket and money, and a new mobile intranet device. These trends will have a large impact on competition in the global mobile phone market as dominant designs emerge at the global level.
An examination of media richness theory in product Web site design: an empirical study
Authors: Simon Steven John , Peppas Spero C.
Published: September 2004

Internet2 research will lead to new technologies that will launch the Internet into another wave of unprecedented growth with enhanced interactivity and greater amounts of information delivered via richer communication. As a result, Web‐based retailers must begin to rethink the design of their sites, the amount of information to provide, and the degree of media richness to deliver. Based on a large sample of managers, this study examines media richness theory in the context of simple and complex products. The findings suggest that, overall, Internet users have more positive attitudes and higher levels of satisfaction with regard to rich sites than to lean sites, although the results for simple product sites were inconclusive. The study discusses the impact of the results for both simple and complex products and details the development of a new experimental instrument to measure user attitudes and satisfaction.
Sloan Programme Opens Doors
Authors: Griffiths John
Published: September 2004

Outlines the aim, methods and content of the London Business School
Sloan Fellowships Programme. Looks at who are the participants and the
effect the programme can have on their long‐term careers.
Business Outcomes for Training
Authors: Ashton Chris
Published: September 2004

Reports on the training and development focus of five National Training
Award winners – North West Water, Reading Buses, Black & Decker, Pirelli
and Dolland & Aitchison – and at how their training programmes have
affected their businesses.
Counselling through Employee Assistance Programmes
Authors: King Stephen
Published: September 2004

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) provide confidential counselling
services to employees with problems that may or may not be work related.
Reports on the recently initiated EAP managed by FOCUS Limited for
British Gas. Outlines the essential stages involved for a company to
establish an EAP.
Collaborative management development pays off
Authors: Jones Sue
Published: September 2004

Blames hierarchical management behaviours, attitudes and priorities ‐ characteristic of the traditional “exclusive” Anglo‐Saxon business culture ‐ for the small number of UK world‐class companies referred to in the Government’s third Competitiveness White Paper. Contrasts the “inclusive” collaborative approach of best practice and the core skills and attitudes which underpin it. Considers that widespread neglect of the culture issue is the reason why so many management and training initiatives intended to increase efficiency, quality and innovation, are unsuccessful. Discusses the key role of top management in achieving best practice and points to an inclusive “genuine team” management and training method which can be integrated effectively into day‐to‐day activities in the workplace. Indicates a strategy for initiating and managing radical ‐ yet cost‐effective culture change necessary for removing the barriers to world‐class performance.
Competitive Analysis and New Venture Performance: Understanding the Impact of Strategic Uncertainty and Venture Origin
Authors: Zahra Shaker A. , Neubaum Donald O. , El–Hagrassey Galal M.
Published: September 2004

Effective competitive analysis (CA) is important for success in today's marketplace. CA may be particularly important to new ventures that may lack experience in their industries and knowledge of their rivals. Using survey data from 228 new ventures, this study concludes that the formality, comprehensiveness, and user orientation of CA activities are positively associated with new venture performance. Strategic uncertainty and venture origin also significantly moderate the relationship between CA and new venture performance.
The effects of species’ range sizes on the accuracy of distribution models: ecological phenomenon or statistical artefact?
Authors: McPHERSON JANA M. , JETZ WALTER , ROGERS DAVID J.
Published: September 2004

Conservation scientists and resource managers increasingly employ empirical distribution models to aid decision‐making. However, such models are not equally reliable for all species, and range size can affect their performance. We examined to what extent this effect reflects statistical artefacts arising from the influence of range size on the sample size and sampling prevalence (proportion of samples representing species presence) of data used to train and test models.

Our analyses used both simulated data and empirical distribution models for 32 bird species endemic to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Models were built with either logistic regression or non‐linear discriminant analysis, and assessed with four measures of model accuracy: sensitivity, specificity, Cohen's kappa and the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) plots. Environmental indices derived from Fourier‐processed satellite imagery served as predictors.

We first followed conventional modelling practice to illustrate how range size might influence model performance, when sampling prevalence reflects species’ natural prevalences. We then demonstrated that this influence is primarily artefactual. Statistical artefacts can arise during model assessment, because Cohen's kappa responds systematically to changes in prevalence. AUC, in contrast, is largely unaffected, and thus a more reliable measure of model performance. Statistical artefacts also arise during model fitting. Both logistic regression and discriminant analysis are sensitive to the sample size and sampling prevalence of training data. Both perform best when sample size is large and prevalence intermediate.

Synthesis and applications. Species’ ecological characteristics may influence the performance of distribution models. Statistical artefacts, however, can confound results in comparative studies seeking to identify these characteristics. To mitigate artefactual effects, we recommend careful reporting of sampling prevalence, AUC as the measure of accuracy, and fixed, intermediate levels of sampling prevalence in comparative studies.
Allee effects driven by predation
Authors: GASCOIGNE JOANNA C. , LIPCIUS ROMUALD N.
Published: September 2004

In a population with Allee effects a positive relationship exists between fitness and population size or density. Allee effects may result in extinction thresholds and are therefore crucial in conservation and management. It has been shown theoretically that Allee effects can be driven by predation; however, there are few empirical data. Previous empirical work on Allee effects has emphasized that taxa with life‐history characteristics such as co‐operative breeding may be prone to such effects. Because predation is a general ecological mechanism, Allee effects may be more widespread than previously thought.

We used a series of simple heuristic models to develop a theoretical framework for understanding predation‐driven Allee effects as a function of predator functional and aggregative responses.

Predators can create an Allee effect if they have a type I (linear) or type II (saturating) functional response without a type III (sigmoid) aggregative response, or vice versa. In addition, predation must be the main driver of prey dynamics, and prey must have little spatial or temporal refuge from predation.

We highlighted several, mainly unrecognized, examples of predation‐driven Allee effects from the literature, the majority of which came from systems that had been perturbed by exploitation or introduced predators.

Synthesis and applications. Allee effects can arise from a general ecological process under a variety of different combinations of functional and aggregative responses. Allee effects may thus be present in a broad spectrum of different taxa with different types of life history, not only those taxa, such as broadcast spawners and co‐operative breeders, on which empirical work has focused thus far. Conservation biologists and managers working with heavily exploited or threatened populations, or attempting reintroductions, should be aware of the possibility of a threshold population size or density below which extinction is likely. These thresholds can occur regardless of species life history, if predation is a major source of mortality and spatial and temporal predation refuges are limited.
Implications of a zoned fishery management system for marine benthic communities
Authors: BLYTH ROBERT E. , KAISER MICHEL J. , EDWARDS‐JONES GARETH , HART PAUL J. B.
Published: September 2004

The impacts of trawls and dredges on marine benthic habitats and communities have been studied extensively, but mostly at small scales and over short time periods. To investigate the large‐scale chronic impacts of towed fishing gears, zoned commercial fishery management systems allow comparison of habitats and communities between areas of seabed subjected to varying levels of towed‐gear use.

The Inshore Potting Agreement (IPA) was implemented in 1978 to restrict the use of towed gears in inshore areas that had traditionally been used by static‐gear (pot and net) fishers. We used scallop dredges to sample benthic communities at sites within and adjacent to the IPA area that had been subjected to four different commercial fishing regimes since the inception of the system. These were: (i) towed gears only, (ii) annual, seasonal towed‐gear use, (iii) temporary towed‐gear use but reverting to static‐gear use 18–24 months prior to sampling, and (iv) static gears only.

There were no significant differences in the total species richness or biomass of benthic communities between sites under regimes (i) and (ii). There was significantly greater total species richness and biomass of benthic communities at sites under regimes (iii) and (iv) than at sites under regimes (i) and (ii). The benthic community biomass under regime (iv) was significantly greater than under all other regimes.

The IPA has maintained benthic species that are important for the settlement and survival of others. The cessation of towed‐gear fishing for a period of greater than 2 years would be necessary for benthic communities in areas adjacent to the IPA to recover such that they were indistinguishable from areas where towed gears had not been used.

Synthesis and applications. Members of the fishing industry may object to the creation of permanent closed areas because harvestable stocks can move in space and time. This study indicates that zoned fishery management can allow some sectors of the fishing industry to retain access to fishery resources while protecting benthic species and habitats.
Electrocution alters the distribution and density of a top predator, the eagle owlBubo bubo
Authors: SERGIO FABRIZIO , MARCHESI LUIGI , PEDRINI PAOLO , FERRER MIGUEL , PENTERIANI VINCENZO
Published: September 2004

Electrocution has frequently been suggested as a cause of territory abandonment and eventual population decline of threatened species, but this has been rarely tested. We investigated the impact of electrocution in two eagle owlBubo bubopopulations located in the Italian Alps and Apennines and subject to different levels of electrocution risk (i.e. low and high risk). The eagle owl is one of the species most affected by electrocution, to the point of causing local conservation and economic concern. In a review of 25 studies, electrocution was frequently cited as the major cause of death and has progressively increased in the last three decades, independently from other causes of mortality.

The impact of electrocution was tested by (i) comparing estimates of electrocution risk between currently occupied owl territories and infrequently occupied or abandoned territories; (ii) collecting information on the spatiotemporal frequency of electrocution incidents; (iii) measuring density, breeding success and post‐fledging survival for populations and territories subject to different electrocution risk.

In the low‐risk population electrocution casualties varied spatiotemporally, peaking in the period of immature dispersal and at pylons that were good hunting perches. Furthermore, eagle owls over‐selected low‐altitude habitats, which forced them into close contact with power lines. However, nest‐site selection was independent of electrocution risk, although territories that were not occupied every year were nearer to power lines than stable territories.

In contrast, in the high‐risk population, territories near to power lines, most of them at low altitude, were progressively abandoned during a 10‐year period, leading to a steeply declining, scattered, low‐density and increasingly high‐altitude population.

Although there was no effect on long‐term breeding success, the presence of pylons within 200 m of the nest increased the likelihood of partial or complete brood loss in the post‐fledging period. We estimated that 17% of the fledged young were lost to electrocution.

At the population level, density was negatively related to electrocution risk in eight Alpine study areas. However, comparison between the two regions suggested that electrocution impact may interact with other factors, such as resource availability.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show how subtle anthropogenic disturbance may affect population breeding performance and quickly alter the gradient of environmental quality for an endangered bird, leading to potential population limitation. Conservation guidelines should prioritize the insulation of those pylons most likely to cause casualties (e.g. in good hunting habitat and close to nests), ensuring that all new lines are raptor safe.
Recovery of wild large herbivores following livestock decline in a tropical Indian wildlife reserve
Authors: MADHUSUDAN M. D.
Published: September 2004

Resource competition is an important process governing the impact of livestock on native wild mammalian herbivores, an issue acknowledged to be of global conservation concern. Resource competition occurs between species when their resources (habitat and diet) overlap and are limiting. Yet the evidence that livestock compete with wild herbivores has remained weak because resource limitation is often difficult to demonstrate in the field.

This 2‐year field study at Bandipur National Park, India, examined livestock‐mediated resource limitation among five wild herbivore species: wild pig Sus scrofa, chital Axis axis, sambar Cervus unicolor, gaur Bos gaurus and Asian elephant Elephas maximus, by comparing their distribution and densities in adjoining livestock‐grazed and livestock‐free areas before, and after, a 49% decline in livestock density.

During 2001, mean densities of wild grazers, gaur (0·11 ha−1), chital (1·51 ha−1) and elephant (0·61 ha−1), were, respectively, 132, 11 and six times higher in the livestock‐free area than in the adjacent livestock‐grazed area. Densities of gaur, chital and elephant showed a sharp declining relationship with increasing livestock density, whereas no clear pattern was discernible with wild pig, a non‐ruminant generalist, and the sambar, a forest browser. Preferred plant biomass also fell sharply with increasing livestock density.

Following the decline in livestock density in the livestock‐grazed area in 2002, the densities of gaur, chital and elephant increased by a factor of 57, five and two in the same area, respectively, whereas no changes were seen in the densities of wild pig and sambar or in the preferred plant biomass. Except for a decline in elephant density, the livestock‐free area did not show changes in wild herbivore densities.

Given the considerable overlap in habitat and dietary preference/requirements between livestock and wild herbivores in the study area, it is suggested that the recovery of gaur, chital and elephant densities following the livestock decline represents their release from livestock‐mediated resource limitation.

Synthesis and applications. These results indicate that resource competition may be intense between wild herbivores and grazing livestock, and if left unchecked could trigger declines of wild herbivores, particularly grazing ruminants and bulk feeders. These results also suggest that, where possible, interventions to reduce livestock grazing may rapidly benefit wild herbivores that have been competitively suppressed. This has important implications for the management of livestock grazing in India's wildlife reserves.
Estimating population size by genotyping remotely plucked hair: the Eurasian badger
Authors: FRANTZ ALAIN C. , SCHAUL MICHEL , POPE LISA C. , FACK FRED , SCHLEY LAURENT , MULLER CLAUDE P. , ROPER TIMOTHY J.
Published: September 2004

Size is a basic attribute of any population but it is often difficult to estimate, especially if the species under investigation is rare or cryptic. For example, there is currently no cheap and robust way of estimating the abundance of the European badgerMeles meles, despite the species’ role as an agricultural pest and carrier of bovine tuberculosis.

We tested the reliability and accuracy of estimating badger abundance by genotyping DNA extracted from remotely plucked hair. We assessed the accuracy of our methodology by estimating local abundance by direct observation. Hair samples were collected near five target setts using a baited barbed wire enclosure or (at one sett) barbed wire suspended over a clearly visible badger run. All the hairs found on a barb were included in the extraction.

Of the 113 samples collected over a 6‐month period, 105 gave rise to amplifiable DNA and originated from single animals. Through comparison with reliable reference genotypes of captured badgers, we showed that amplifiable DNA, including extracts obtained from single guard hairs, produced accurate profiles in a single round of amplifications.

Direct observation of the target setts suggested that a minimum of 13 badgers was present in the study area. Analysis of the 105 usable samples provided a baseline estimate of 15 animals.

To test the practical use of hair trapping to estimate population size, hair samples were collected daily during a 3‐week period. The 66 usable samples obtained originated from 14 of the 15 known badgers. Estimates of true abundance were generated using rarefaction analyses, the least biased of which produced an abundance estimate of 14·23, corresponding well with the number of genetic profiles obtained over the 6‐month period. The results allowed comparisons of theoretical predictions and empirical data relating to rarefaction analyses.

Synthesis and applications.DNA extracted from remotely plucked badger hair could form the basis of a potentially cost‐effective, reliable and widely applicable method of estimating badger abundance. Hair trapping may offer a feasible method of estimating population size in a range of species even when the species are rare or patchily distributed.
Diclofenac poisoning as a cause of vulture population declines across the Indian subcontinent
Authors: GREEN RHYS E. , NEWTON IAN , SHULTZ SUSANNE , CUNNINGHAM ANDREW A. , GILBERT MARTIN , PAIN DEBORAH J. , PRAKASH VIBHU
Published: September 2004

Rapid population declines of the vultures Gyps bengalensis, Gyps indicus and Gyps tenuirostris have recently been observed in India and Pakistan, continuing at least up to 2003. Surveys indicate annual rates of decline of 22–50% for G. bengalensis and G. indicus during 2000–03. Previous studies in Pakistan have shown that the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac causes renal failure and is lethal to G. bengalensis when it feeds on the carcass of a domestic animal that received a normal veterinary dose shortly before death. In Pakistan, diclofenac poisoning was found to be by far the most frequent cause of death.

A simulation model of vulture demography, described in this paper, demonstrated that the observed rates of population decline could be caused by contamination with a lethal level of diclofenac in a small proportion (between 1 : 130 and 1 : 760) of ungulate carcasses available to vultures.

Proportions of adult and subadult vultures found dead or dying in the wild that had signs of diclofenac poisoning were similar to the proportions of deaths expected from the model if the observed population decline was due entirely to diclofenac poisoning. The proportion of the excess mortality required to cause the observed population declines that could be attributable to diclofenac was estimated to be between 71% and 100%, depending on model assumptions. However, across all or most of the plausible range of assumed values for adult survival, the upper 95% confidence limit for the proportion of excess mortality due to diclofenac was 100%. Hence, available data are consistent with diclofenac poisoning being at least the major cause, and possibly the only cause, of rapid population declines of Gyps vultures across the Indian subcontinent.

Synthesis and applications. We recommend that urgent action is taken in the range states of the three currently threatened vulture species to prevent the exposure of vultures to livestock carcasses contaminated with diclofenac. Research is also needed to identify alternative drugs that are effective in livestock and safe for vultures. Efforts should also be made to raise awareness, among veterinarians, pharmacists, livestock owners and the general public, of the problem of diclofenac contamination and the availability of safe alternatives. Captive holding and breeding of vultures until diclofenac is controlled is recommended as a precaution to ensure the long‐term survival of the threatened species and to provide a stock of birds for future reintroduction programmes.
Modelling the impacts of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on Calluna‐dominated ecosystems in the UK
Authors: TERRY A. C. , ASHMORE M. R. , POWER S. A. , ALLCHIN E. A. , HEIL G. W.
Published: September 2004

The increased deposition of nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere over the last century has been associated in Europe with changes in species composition, including replacement of characteristic ericaceous shrubs such as Calluna vulgaris by grasses in heathlands and moorlands. However, these changes may also be associated with changes in management practices and environmental stresses, which may interact with changes in N deposition. Policies have now been implemented to reduce N deposition, but whether, and over what time scale, changes in vegetation composition will be reversed is uncertain.

A model was developed to simulate competitive growth between Calluna vulgaris and the grass species Deschampsia flexuosa and Molinia caerulea, driven by light and N availability. The model was parameterized for application to UK heath and moorland systems, and tested using a synthesis of data from 10 years of three field manipulation experiments in the UK. New routines to simulate management (burning, mowing, sheep grazing) were incorporated, and the model included a stochastic treatment of heather beetle Lochmaea suturalis responses. The effects of increases and decreases in N deposition over a period of 250 years were simulated under different management regimes.

Model runs demonstrated that changes in species composition in response to step changes in N deposition may occur over several decades and management cycles. The simulations showed a strong effect of management intensity, and in particular litter removal, in modifying the long‐term impact of N deposition: recovery of Calluna dominance in lowland heaths was predicted within two to three decades of a decrease in N deposition under high‐intensity management, but over five decades under low‐intensity management. The timing of outbreaks of heather beetles, which were modelled stochastically, also had a strong effect on the balance between Calluna and grass species. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the importance of mineralization rates, and Calluna growth rates and mortality rates, in influencing model outcomes, and also demonstrated significant interactions between these three factors and the probability of heather beetle outbreaks.

Synthesis and applications. Using a simulation model of competition between heather and grasses for light and N, scenarios were run for 250 years. Nitrogen deposition above 30 kg ha year−1 initially increased Calluna biomass, consistent with field experiments, but after several decades led to grass dominance rather than heather dominance. The effect of N deposition depended on grazing pressure and the degree of litter removal through mowing, burning or sod‐cutting. The benefits of policies to reduce N deposition, in terms of restoring heather dominance, may only be realized after several decades, and active site management may be needed to capture the full benefits of such policies.
Integrative measures of consumption rates in salmon: expansion and application of a trace element approach
Authors: KENNEDY BRIAN P. , KLAUE BJOERN , BLUM JOEL D. , FOLT CAROL L.
Published: September 2004

Establishing reliable estimates of consumption is necessary for understanding the physiology, bioenergetics and trophic relationships of organisms. For fish, the inability to measure consumption directly prevents a mechanistic understanding of habitat–foraging relationships. Building upon established models for 137caesium (Cs) mass balance in fish, we used natural abundances of a stable geologically derived isotope of Cs to estimate consumption rates over the first growing season for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and to derive a general model that provides integrative estimates of consumption rates for individuals of all sizes.

To test the reliability of the trace metal approach we (i) performed a sensitivity analysis of model parameters and (ii) parameterized the model with site‐specific data, including gut contents, Cs concentrations of invertebrate prey and assimilation rates.

We applied the method in two sites to make the first in situ determinations of consumption rates of individual age‐0 salmon at post‐larval and fry stages, for fish as small as 0·1 g. Consumption estimates were most responsive to changes in three parameters: Cs body burdens, Cs concentration in prey items and assimilation efficiency, all of which could be measured with high precision using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

The assimilation efficiency of Cs measured on field‐caught age‐0 salmon was approximately 60%. Consumption rates at 2 weeks post‐stocking were highly variable in both sites, ranging from no detectable consumption to 8·5% fresh weight (fw) day−1. By the end of the growing season, consumption rates were less variable (2–4% fw day−1).

Synthesis and applications. This study is the first to demonstrate that background levels of geologically derived Cs can be used to estimate consumption rates of fish. Our results show that extremely low consumption rates during the first 6 weeks of life correspond closely with the critical survival period in other fish populations, and suggest a mechanism for a hypothesized survival bottleneck at this time. The results implicate the importance of early season habitat availability when considering management priorities of fish. Additionally, our use of stable Cs at natural abundance concentrations permits the global application of this trace element approach for estimating consumption rates of fish as well as other organisms. This general approach can be adopted for conservation and management settings in which it is necessary to identify suitable foraging habitat of a species or to quantify the relationship between consumption and growth.
Multi‐source mixing models to quantify food web sources and pathways
Authors: LUBETKIN S. C. , SIMENSTAD C. A.
Published: September 2004

Biogeochemical tracers such as stable isotopes are often used to determine sources and pathways of organic matter through food webs, which may provide powerful indicators of environmental stress or insight into resource management issues. However, mixing models using such tracers are algebraically constrained and rarely attempted for more than two sources. This makes them of limited value for ecosystems that have numerous contributing sources.

We developed two complementary mixing models, SOURCE and STEP, which use linear programming techniques with multiple tracers, to estimate the dominant primary producer sources of consumers, and their diets and trophic levels, regardless of the number of sources and trophic steps.

SOURCE is used to estimate consumers’ direct and indirect uptake of autotrophic sources and their trophic levels. STEP calculates an estimate of a consumer's diet, which may include autotrophs and/or heterotrophs.

The two models were tested using simulated data sets of producer and consumer tracer values and then used with published δ13C, δ15N and δ34S data from a study tracing organic matter flows in a saltmarsh estuary.

SOURCE and STEP accurately estimated flows and trophic structures in the simulations, with average errors of 0·07–0·09 for SOURCE and 0·03–0·05 for STEP, depending on the number of tracers used.

We illustrate two resultant food webs for the saltmarsh estuary showing possible interpretations of the SOURCE and STEP estimates.

Synthesis and applications. SOURCE and STEP can be used with stable isotope data to estimate accurately consumers’ trophic levels, primary producer dependence and diets, even when the number of potential autotrophic sources or foods is larger than the number of tracers. SOURCE and STEP could be used to assess the roles played by individual species within food webs, to compare food webs across locations or over time, and to examine potential pollutant bioaccumulation in higher order consumers, among other potential applications. The s‐plus code for both models is available at http://staff.washington.edu/lubetkin.
Governance and Performance Implications of Diversification Strategies: Evidence from Large U.S. Firms
Authors: Singh Manohar , Mathur Ike , Gleason Kimberly C.
Published: October 2004

Recent research focuses on explaining the diversification discount. However, there is little direct evidence regarding the relation among ownership structure, corporate governance, and corporate diversification. The results in this paper suggest that agency issues do not account for firms adopting a particular diversification strategy. Also, the performance consequences of the shift in the diversification strategy and the subsequent changes in institutional and block ownership structures are not related to agency issues. In fact, investors seem not to avoid diversified firms per se. We suggest that observed board and ownership differences between diversified and focused firms are due to their being at different stages of corporate evolution.
Stock Returns and the Business Cycle
Authors: DeStefano Michael
Published: October 2004

This article examines whether movements in economic factors dictated by the dividend discount model can explain broad movements in stock returns over the business cycle. As anticipated, stock returns decrease throughout economic expansions and become negative during the first half of recessions. Returns are largest during the second half of recessions, suggesting an important role for expected earnings. These results are consistent with the notion that expected stock returns vary inversely with economic conditions, yet suggest that realized returns are especially poor indicators of expected returns prior to turning points in the business cycle.
The Impact of Regulation Fair Disclosure on Information Asymmetry and Trading: An Intraday Analysis
Authors: Chiyachantana Chiraphol N. , Jiang Christine X. , Taechapiroontong Nareerat , Wood Robert A.
Published: October 2004

This study examines the impact of Regulation Fair Disclosure (FD) on liquidity, information asymmetry, and institutional and retail investors trading behavior. Our main findings suggest three conclusions. First, Regulation FD has been effective in improving liquidity and in decreasing the level of information asymmetry. Second, retail trading activity increases dramatically after earnings announcements but there is a significant decline in institutional trading surrounding earnings announcements, particularly in the pre‐announcement period. Last, the decline in information asymmetry around earnings announcements is closely associated with a lower participation rate in the pre‐announcement period and more active trading of retail investors after earnings releases.
A randomized study (WOS MM1) comparing the oral regime Z‐Dex (idarubicin and dexamethasone) with vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone as induction therapy for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Cook G. , Clark R. E. , Morris T. C. M. , Robertson M. , Lucie N. P. , Anderson S. , Paul J. , Franklin I. M.
Published: October 2004

Whilst infusional vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone (VAD) is an effective treatment for patients with multiple myeloma (MM), administration may be complicated by line‐associated infections and thromboses. The oral regime, Z‐Dex (idarubicin and dexamethasone) has been shown to be efficacious in MM. We conducted a randomized study comparing Z‐Dex with VAD as induction therapy in newly diagnosed MM patients. A total of 106 patients (median age, 56 years; range: 37–73; Durie‐Salmon stage II/III) were randomized to receive four to six cycles of Z‐Dex or VAD. Central line complications were reported in 38 patients on 57 cycles, primarily because of infection. Neutropenia (all grades) was more common in the Z‐Dex arm (P = 0·009) although grade III/IV neutropenia was not significantly different between the treatment groups (P = 0·06). Infections (all grades) were more commonly seen in the VAD arm (P = 0·001) although grade III/IV infections were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0·081). The responses to therapy (complete/partial response) in evaluable patients were: VAD 74% vs. Z‐Dex 58%, with an estimated difference in response of 16% (95% CI −2–33, P = 0·075). VAD recipients (15%) suffered early treatment‐related mortality compared with 12% of Z‐Dex recipients. Overall, 45 patients have died: disease progression (Z‐Dex n = 13, VAD n = 10), regimen‐related toxicity (Z‐Dex n = 2, VAD n = 2), infection (Z‐Dex n = 0, VAD n = 3), other causes (Z‐Dex n = 7, VAD n = 2), unknown (Z‐Dex n = 3, VAD n = 2). This study demonstrated that Z‐Dex might be a suitable oral alternative to VAD for treating newly diagnosed MM patients, although definitive evidence for equivalence is not provided.