bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isentropic Real Cubic Maps
Authors: Martins Nuno , Severino Ricardo , Sousa Ramos J.
Published: August 2003

Given a family of bimodal maps on the interval, we need to consider a second topological invariant, other than the usual topological entropy, in order to classify it. With this work, we want to understand how to use this second invariant to distinguish bimodal maps with the same topological entropy and, in particular, how this second invariant changes within a given type of topological entropy level set. In order to do that, we use the kneading theory framework and introduce a symbolic product * between kneading invariants of maps from the same topological entropy level set, for which we show that the second invariant is preserved. Finally, we also show that the change of the second invariant follows closely the symbolic order between bimodal kneading sequences.
A Unified Renormalization Scheme for Two-Piecewise Monotonous Maps of the Interval
Authors: Silva L. , Sousa Ramos J.
Published: August 2003

In this paper we study the relation between symbolic dynamics and renormalization of maps from the interval to itself, with one discontinuity and two branches of continuity and monotonicity. We introduce a symbolic formalism based on kneading theory that permits us to deal, in a unified way, with the four cases that can occur, at the same time. Using this formalism we also study properties of similarity from the four spaces of kneading invariants.
Minimal Sets on Graphs and Dendrites
Authors: Balibrea Francisco , Hric Roman , Snoha L'ubomír
Published: August 2003

The topological structure of minimal sets of continuous maps on graphs, dendrites and dendroids is studied. A full characterization of minimal sets on graphs and a partial characterization of minimal sets on dendrites are given. An example of a minimal set containing an interval on a dendroid is given.
A Characterization of ω-Limit Sets of Nonrecurrent Orbits in $\mathbb S^n$
Authors: Jiménez López Víctor , Soler López Gabriel
Published: August 2003

We characterize topologically ω-limit sets of nonrecurrent orbits for continuous flows on the n-sphere [Formula: see text]. Namely, it is shown that if Ω is the ω-limit set of some nonrecurrent orbit of a continuous flow on [Formula: see text] then it is the boundary of a region [Formula: see text] with connected complementary. Conversely, if Ω is the boundary of a region [Formula: see text] with connected complementary then there is a (C∞) smooth flow on [Formula: see text] having Ω as the ω-limit set of one of its nonrecurrent orbits.
Minimal Sets of Antitriangular Maps
Authors: Balibrea F. , Linero A. , Canovas J. S.
Published: August 2003

We consider the class of two-dimensional maps of the form F(x,y) = (g(y),f(x)), (x,y) ∈ [0,1] × [0,1] = I2, where f and g are continuous interval maps. The paper deals with the structure of minimal sets for this class of maps. We give a complete description of finite minimal sets and prove some partial results concerning the infinite case.
Periods for Continuous Self-Maps of the Figure-Eight Space
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Paraños José , Rodríguez J. Ángel
Published: August 2003

Let 8 be the graph shaped like the number 8. This paper contains a characterization of all possible sets of periods for all continuous self-maps of 8 with the branching point fixed. We remark that this characterization is the first complete classification of the sets of periods for all continuous self-maps on a connected graph with negative Euler characteristic with fixed branching points.
Center-Focus Problem for Discontinuous Planar Differential Equations
Authors: Gasull Armengol , Torregrosa Joan
Published: August 2003

We study the center-focus problem as well as the number of limit cycles which bifurcate from a weak focus for several families of planar discontinuous ordinary differential equations. Our computations of the return map near the critical point are performed with a new method based on a suitable decomposition of certain one-forms associated with the expression of the system in polar coordinates. This decomposition simplifies all the expressions involved in the procedure. Finally, we apply our results to study a mathematical model of a mechanical problem, the movement of a ball between two elastic walls.
On the Fractal Structure of Basin Boundaries in Two-Dimensional Noninvertible Maps
Authors: Agliari A. , Gardini L. , Mira C.
Published: August 2003

In this paper we give an example of transition to fractal basin boundary in a two-dimensional map coming from the applicative context, in which the hard-fractal structure can be rigorously proved. That is, not only via numerical examples, although theoretically guided, as often occurs in maps coming from the applications, but also via analytical tools. The proposed example connects the two-dimensional maps of the real plane to the well-known complex map.
On the Embedding of a (p-1)-Dimensional Noninvertible Map into a p-Dimensional Invertible Map (p=2,3)
Authors: Mira Christian , Gracio Clara
Published: August 2003

This paper concerns the description of some properties of p-dimensional invertible real maps Tb, turning into a (p-1)-dimensional noninvertible ones T0, p=2,3, when a parameter b of the first map is equal to a critical value, say b=0. Then it is said that the noninvertible map is embedded into the invertible one. More particularly, properties of the stable, and the unstable manifolds of a saddle fixed point are considered in relation with this embedding. This is made by introducing the notion of folding as resulting from the crossing through a commutation curve when p=2, or a commutation surface when p=3.
Phase Transitions in Correct–Incorrect Calculations for Some Evolution Problems
Authors: Sharkovsky A. N. , Berezovsky S. A.
Published: August 2003

Currently the main physical laws are formulated as differential equations or correlations, which automatically imply continuity of space and time. These laws control evolution of substance consisting of objects with very small but, nevertheless, finite sizes. We wonder what can describe evolution more faithfully, an exact solution of a boundary value problem for partial differential equations not taking into account the discreteness of matter or numerical investigation of this problem under finite accuracy of calculations. We consider some situations when the latter approach is found to be probably closer to reality.
Resonance Phenomena in Bistable Systems
Authors: Chacón Ricardo
Published: August 2003

It is shown through the example of a bistable stochastic system driven by oscillating fields that stochastic resonance is associated with the appearance of a maximum Lyapunov exponent, for an equivalent autonomous stochastic system, induced when the purely deterministic system is at geometrical resonance. The nature of the generic mechanism of the asymmetric purely deterministic case is also explained in terms of geometrical resonance.
Simplest Normal Forms of Hopf–Neimark–Sacker Bifurcations
Authors: Valverde J. C.
Published: August 2003

According to [Yu, 1999], at most two terms remain in the amplitude equation of the normal form of a continuous system, expressed in polar coordinates, with a Hopf or Generalized Hopf singularity, if we (only) apply specific nonlinear transformation to the conventional normal form; but, at least one remains in the phase equation. In this paper we show that, using a particular nonlinear scaling, these terms in the phase equation can be eliminated, which simplifies the (diffeomorphic) normal form given by [Yu, 1999]. Besides, we have also treated the Neimark–Sacker and Generalized Neimark–Sacker bifurcations, the corresponding discrete cases of the Hopf and Generalized Hopf, obtaining results which are similar to the continuous ones.
Invariant Curves and Focal Points in a Lyness Iterative Process
Authors: Gardini L. , Bischi G. I. , Mira C.
Published: August 2003

We investigate the properties of recurrence of the type [Formula: see text], known as Lyness iterations from [Lyness, 1942, 1945, 1961] and recently analyzed by several authors in the case a > 0, see e.g. [Kocic et al., 1993; Csornyei & Laczkovich, 2000]. We reconsider Lyness recurrences at the light of some recent results on iterated maps with denominator, given in [Bischi et al., 1999a], where new kinds of singularities, such as focal points and prefocal curves, have been defined. In this paper, in particular, we give an answer to one of the open problems proposed in [Kocic & Ladas, 1993, pp. 141] concerning the dynamic behavior of Lyness recurrences for a < 0. We also give some new results in the case a > 0, and we improve a previous result on Lyness "periodic recurrences".
On Covariant Embeddings of a Linear Functional Equation with Respect to an Analytic Iteration Group
Authors: Fripertinger Harald , Reich Ludwig
Published: August 2003

Let a(x), b(x), p(x) be formal power series in the indeterminate x over [Formula: see text] (i.e. elements of the ring [Formula: see text] of such series) such that ord a(x) = 0, ord p(x) = 1 and p(x) is embeddable into an analytic iteration group [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. By a covariant embedding of the linear functional equation [Formula: see text] (for the unknown series [Formula: see text]) with respect to [Formula: see text]. In this paper we solve the system ((Co1), (Co2)) (of so-called cocycle equations) completely, describe when and how the boundary conditions (B1) and (B2) can be satisfied, and present a large class of equations (L) together with iteration groups [Formula: see text] for which there exist covariant embeddings of (L) with respect to [Formula: see text].
On a Multivalued Differential Problem
Authors: Smajdor Andrzej
Published: August 2003

Let K be a closed convex cone with the nonempty interior in a real Banach space and let cc(K) denote the family of all nonempty convex compact subsets of K. Assume that two continuous linear set-valued functions G, Ψ : K → cc(K) are given. The following problem is considered: [Formula: see text] for t ≥ 0 and x ∈ K, where DtΦ(t, x) denotes the Hukuhara derivative of Φ(t, x). with respect to t.
On a System of Schröder Equations on the Circle
Authors: Ciepliński K. , Zdun M. C.
Published: August 2003

Let M be an arbitrary nonempty set and [Formula: see text] for t ∈ M be continuous mappings of the unit circle [Formula: see text]. The aim of this paper is to investigate the existence of solutions (Φ, c), where [Formula: see text] is a continuous function and [Formula: see text], of the following system of Schröder equations [Formula: see text] The particular case when card M = 1 is also considered.
On the Smallest Set-Valued Iterative Roots of Bijections
Authors: Jarczyk Witold , Powierża Tomasz
Published: August 2003

Necessary conditions of the existence of the smallest set-valued iterative root of a given bijection f are found. They are also sufficient for f to have a unique "real" iterative root.
Continuity of Measurable Solutions of Some Functional Equations
Authors: Guzik Grzegorz
Published: August 2003

The well-known effect "measurability implies continuity" in the theory of functional equations is shown for solutions of some equations generalizing the classical translation and cocycle ones. All the obtained results are consequences of a single rather general theorem concerning continuity of measurable function f satisfying [Formula: see text]
On Continuous Iteration Semigroups on the Circle
Authors: Zdun M. C.
Published: August 2003

In this note we give a general description of iteration semigroups [Formula: see text] of continuous functions on the unit circle [Formula: see text] such that the mapping t ↦ Ft(z) is continuous for every [Formula: see text].
On an Equivalence Relation for Free Mappings Embeddeable in a Flow
Authors: Leśniak Z.
Published: August 2003

We consider an equivalence relation for a given free mapping f of the plane. Under the assumption that f is embeddable in a flow {ft : t ∈ R} we describe the structure of equivalence classes of the relation. Finally, we prove that f restricted to each equivalence class is a Sperner homeomorphism.
On Subordination of Convolution Semigroups
Authors: Othman Sonia Ben , Bouaziz Slim , Hmissi Mohamed
Published: August 2003

Let μ := (μt)t > 0 be a convolution semigroup on ℝd endowed with its Lebesgue measure λ. Let ℳ(μ) be the set of all positive Borel measures ω on ℝd for which μt * ω ≪ λ, for each t > 0. Let EX(μ) be the set of all exit laws of μ, i.e.the set of Borel functions φ :]0, ∞[× ℝd ↦ [0, ∞] which verifies the functional equation (by putting φt := φ(t, .)) [Formula: see text] Under some λ-regularity assumptions, it is proved in this paper that EX(μ) can be identified with ℳ(μ).

Moreover, let μβ be the convolution semigroup obtained by subordination of μ by a subordinator β (i.e. [Formula: see text] where β is a convolution semigroup on [0,∞[). It is also proved in this paper that, an exit law ψ of μβ is subordinated to some exit law of μ, if and only if ω belongs to ℳ(μ) where ω ∈ ℳ(μβ) is the associated measure to ψ by the preceding identification.
Tilings Described by Iterated Maps
Authors: Rocha J. Leonel , Sousa Ramos J.
Published: August 2003

We construct auto-similar tilings of the plane with the same expansion coefficient [Formula: see text], a complex Perron number, from free group endomorphisms characterized by a class of matrices with the same complex Perron eigenvalue λ. We define a relation between the interior and the board of the tiles and obtain some results about topological invariants of the tilings.
Approximations of Dynamical Systems and Their Applications to Cryptography
Authors: Amigó J. M. , Szczepański J.
Published: August 2003

During the last years a new approach to construct safe block and stream ciphers has been developed using the theory of dynamical systems. Since a block cryptosystem is generally, from the mathematical point of view, a family (parametrized by the keys) of permutations of n-bit numbers, one of the main problems of this approach is to adapt the dynamics defined by a map f to the block structure of the cryptosystem. In this paper we propose a method based on the approximation of f by periodic maps Tn(v.g. some interval exchange transformations). The approximation of automorphisms of measure spaces by periodic automorphisms was introduced by Halmos and Rohlin. One important aspect studied in our paper is the relation between the dynamical properties of the map f (say, ergodicity or mixing) and the immunity of the resulting cipher to cryptolinear attacks, which is currently one of the standard benchmarks for cryptosystems to be considered secure. Linear cryptanalysis, first proposed by M. Matsui, exploits some statistical inhomogeneities of expressions called linear approximations for a given cipher. Our paper quantifies immunity to cryptolinear attacks in terms of the approximation speed of the map f by the periodic Tn. We show that the most resistant block ciphers are expected when the approximated dynamical system is mixing.
Boundary Maps and Fenchel–Nielsen–Maskit Coordinates
Authors: Grácio Clara , Sousa Ramos J.
Published: August 2003

We consider a genus 2 surface, M, of constant negative curvature and we construct a 12-sided fundamental domain, where the sides are segments of the lifts of closed geodesics on M (which determines the Fenchel–Nielsen–Maskit coordinates). Then we study the linear fractional transformations of the side pairing of the fundamental domain. This construction gives rise to 24 distinct points on the boundary of the hyperbolic covering space. Their itineraries determine Markov partitions that we use to study the dependence of the Lyapunov exponent and length spectrum of the closed geodesics with the Fenchel–Nielsen coordinates.
Kleinian Groups and Holomorphic Dynamics
Authors: Correia Ramos C. , Sousa Ramos J.
Published: August 2003

It is known as a correspondence between iteration of rational maps and Kleinian groups, and is usually designated as the Sullivan's dictionary. This dictionary enumerates analogies between iteration of holomorphic endomorphisms and action of Kleinian groups. We propose to study explicitly examples establishing the correspondence between the two theories: iteration theory and Kleinian groups.
Attractors of Multivalued Dynamical Processes Generated by Phase-Field Equations
Authors: Kapustyan Alexei V. , Melnik Valery S. , Valero José
Published: August 2003

In this paper we define and study multivalued dynamical processes in Hausdorff topological spaces. Existence theorems for attractors of multivalued processes are proved, their topological properties are studied. The abstract results are applied to a system of phase-field equations without conditions providing uniqueness of solutions and to nonautonomous differential inclusions.
On the Minimal Models for Graph Maps
Authors: Alsedà Ll. , Juher D. , Mumbrú P.
Published: August 2003

The aim of this paper is to present a survey on the existence of minimal models for graph maps and its consequences.
Bowen–Franks Groups Associated with Linear Mod One Transformations
Authors: Martins Nuno , Sousa Ramos J.
Published: August 2003

We consider those linear mod one transformations fβ,α on the unit interval, for which the respective kneading sequences are periodic. Then, we construct the corresponding Markov transition matrices Aβ,α. Using symbolic dynamics techniques, we prove that the Bowen–Franks groups BF(Aβ,α) can be directly computed from the number of symbols of the respective periodic words of the kneading sequences of fβ,α.
Symbolic Representations and ${\mathbb T}^n$ Automorphisms
Authors: Martins Rodrigues P. , Sousa Ramos J.
Published: August 2003

We introduce a generalization of bijective arithmetical codings for torus automorphisms, emphasizing the link with algebraic number theory.
An Estimate for the Iterates of Cm-Functions with Fixed Point 0
Authors: Gronau Detlef
Published: August 2003

We provide an estimate for the iterates of analytic functions and of Cm functions with fixed point 0, see formula (3) and (4) below. We use a method of E. Jabotinsky which yields the explicit representation of the coefficients of the iterates of analytic functions.
GAMAN: A GA Based QoS Routing Method for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Barolli Leonard , Koyama Akio , Suganuma Takuo , Shiratori Norio
Published: August 2003

The Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) are useful in many applications environments and do not need any infrastructure support. Much work has been done on routing in MANETs. However, the proposed routing solutions only deal with the best effort data traffic. Connections with Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, such as voice channels with delay and bandwidth constraints, are not supported. The QoS routing has been receiving increasingly intensive attention in the wireline network domain. However, these QoS routing algorithms can not be applied directly to MANETs, because of the bandwidth constraints and dynamic network topology of MANETs. Searching for the shortest path with minimal cost and finding delay constrained least-cost paths are NP-complete problems. For this reason, approximated solutions and heuristic algorithms should be developed for multi-path constraints QoS routing. Also, to cope with changing of MANET topology, routing methods should be adaptive, flexible, and intelligent. In this paper, we propose a Genetic Algorithm (GA) based routing method for Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (GAMAN). Robustness rather than optimality is the primary concern of GAMAN. The GAMAN uses two QoS parameters for routing. The performance evaluation via simulations shows that GAMAN is a promising QoS routing algorithm for MANETs.
A Dual-Channel System for Providing Location Estimation in Mobile Computing
Authors: Chan Stephen Ka Chun , Kan Kenny Ka Ho , Ng Joseph Kee-Yin
Published: August 2003

A dual channel system, which is based on the GPS and the GSM Network, is being developed to compensate the problem of the lost of GPS signals in providing location services to mobile users in urban areas. In this design, when GPS signals are being blocked in blind spot areas, GSM positioning algorithms would be used as an alternative method to provide location estimations. This research is an investigation in search of a set of location estimation algorithms based on signal attenuation to work with GPS, so as to develop a dual channel positioning system. With the technical support from a local mobile operator, we have constructed and conducted several real world experiments for our investigation and results are promising.
CoCTelS, A Model to Compose Private Adaptive Bouquets of Services in Telecom Networks
Authors: Choukair Zied
Published: August 2003

New multimedia telecom commercial services are expected to embody a rich set of customized elementary services implementing customized behaviors. These challenges in a competitive telecom environment can benefit from the set up of a model to support the composition of private adaptive bouquets of services from elementary services and aspects.

Our model named CoCTelS (Composition and Customization of Telecommunication Services) provides an environment in which to compose telecommunication services and non-functional aspects (behaviors, profiles and preferences). The generated private bouquets are virtual as the elementary services which compose them are shared : A private connector is generated to provide a call interface to the bouquet owner which take in charge the coordination of each execution and refer to the shared elementary services and aspects.

A first implementation is provided and tested for private weather broadcast bouquet composition. This example is intended to show the feasibility, but more complex bunches will be developed based on the model. The paper shows how a bunch is composed according to the end-user's selections when configuring his bouquet out of line and then discuss automatable proof obligations. We also present our evaluation of the approach that has been carried out and the future work.
Autonomic Group Communication Protocol
Authors: Enokido Tomoya , Takizawa Makoto
Published: August 2003

Multiple peer processes are exchanging multimedia messages with each other in a network. An autonomic group protocol supports applications with enough quality of service (QoS) in change of QoS supported by the network and application requirement. An autonomic group service is supported for applications by cooperation of multiple autonomous agents. Each agent autonomously takes a class of each protocol function like retransmission. Classes taken by an agent are required to be consistent with but might be different from the others. A group is composed of views in each of which agents autonomously take protocol classes consistent with each other. We discuss a model of autonomic group protocol and present how to autonomously change retransmission ways in a group.
Network Mobility from the InternetCAR Perspective
Authors: Ernst Thierry , Mitsuya Koshiro , Uehara Keisuke
Published: August 2003

A number of devices, including sensors, mobile phones, and various computers will be deployed in next generation vehicles, and interconnected through an embedded in-vehicle network. These vehicles will be connected to the Internet as both a step toward ubiquitous computing and as a means to meet Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) needs. At first, a communication system is required to connect vehicles to the Internet. Such communication system is investigated in our InternetCAR project. For flexibility and ease of use, we advocate IPv6. This paper particularly focus on network mobility since network mobility support is mandated to maintain ongoing sessions as the in-vehicle embedded network changes its point of attachment to the Internet topology. We outline our testbed specifically designed for the purpose of demonstrating our proposed communication system and we detail our implementation based on Prefix Scope Binding Updates, the initial network mobility support solution proposed at the IETF before the NEMO working group was set up.
Performance Evaluation of Modified IEEE 802.11 MAC for Multi-Channel Multi-Hop Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Li Jiandong , Haas Zygmunt J. , Sheng Min , Chen Yanhui
Published: August 2003

In this paper, the IEEE 802.11 multiple access control (MAC) protocol was modified for use in multi-channel, multi-hop ad hoc networks through the use of a new channel-status indicator. In particular, in the modified protocol, the RTS/CTS dialogue is exchanged on the common access control channel and data packets are transmitted on a selected traffic channel. We have evaluated the improvement due to the multi-channel use and we report in this paper on the results of the per-node throughput and the end-to-end delay for different network sizes. Using these results, we were able to propose a number of per-node throughput scaling laws. Our simulation results show that the per-node throughput with multiple channels for the fully connected, the line, and the grid ad hoc network topologies increases by 90% to 253%, by 47%, and by 139% to 163%, respectively, for networks with 16 to 64 nodes, as compared with that of a single channel.
Adaptive Handoff Algorithm for Efficient Network Resource Utilization in Mobile Internet Environments
Authors: Ohzahata Satoshi , Kimura Shigetomo , Ebihara Yoshihiko
Published: August 2003

In this paper, we propose an adaptive handoff algorithm based on the "threshold-with-hysteresis." In general, such handoff algorithms are proposed to improve their handoff decision mechanism for only one user. Our algorithm aims to provide efficient network utilization and effect for all users. The proposed method dynamically changes the timing of handoff by the number of calls in the base station (BS). In our algorithm, when a BS has quite many calls, each MN tends to easily go out from the cell. On the other hand, in case that the BS is less crowded, every MN tries to keep the current connection as long as possible. From above control, the network resource is efficiently used, because our proposed method works as if the network resources are traded among the adjacent BSs. To implement our algorithm in Mobile IP, we also propose a system architecture with QoS mechanism. To realize the handoff decision based on the mobile nodes, the periodical agent advertisements in Mobile IP include information of the congestion status at the BS for our algorithm. The simulation experiments show that our proposed algorithm improves the average handoff blocking rate without decreasing throughput of the entire networks.
THE ROMANS AND US: STRABO'S GEOGRAPHY AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF ETHNICITY
Authors: Van Der Vliet Edward Ch.L.
Published: August 2003

The aim of this article is to study how ethnographic descriptions and categories in Strabo's Geography might be used in the construction of representations of ethnicity. Departing from, in particular, R. Cohen's approach of ethnicity as constructed through nesting dichotomizations, Strabo's text is studied on the basis of the dichotomies of civilised - uncivilised, Greek - barbarian, and Roman - non-Roman. Special attention is given to Strabo's view of the various stages of evolution of human culture, which intersects with the idea of simple dichotomies, as well as to the particular aspect of city-identities. In the end, the problem turns out to be rather complicated, involving the question of the definition of Romanness in social practice, and the emergence of particular provincial identities within the context of the Roman Empire.
COLOUR MIXTURES ACCORDING TO DEMOCRITUS AND PLATO
Authors:   Struycken
Published: August 2003

Attempts to explain the colour blends described by Democritus and Plato in terms of the pigments used by painters fail. Scholars as a rule have refrained from tackling this problem. The present paper, taking up a suggestion of Walter Kranz, argues that the colour blends of these two philosophers pertain to a broad spectrum of natural phenomena and processes.
GOD AND THE NATURE OF THE WORLD: THE 'THEOLOGICAL EXCURSUS' IN THEOPHRASTUS' METEOROLOGY
Authors: Van Raalte Marlein
Published: August 2003

The so-called theological excursus in the Arabic translation of Theophrastus' Meteorology shows a division between two kinds of causation that gives rise to serious doubts concerning the authorship of the passage. Whereas from the Metaphysics it may be inferred that Theophrastus was inclined to consider the mode of being of the cosmos, by its very essence consisting of both order and disorder, as good and divine, the excursus maintains that god is responsible only for the order in the world (which is good), whereas the nature of the world itself, with its plurality of causes, accounts for the disorder (which is bad). It is argued that those passages adduced as a parallel for the excursus (from the Metaphysics and De pietate in particular) do not bear out this claim, and that other Theophrastean texts and sources make it unlikely that Theophrastus is the author of the excursus in its present form.
Decentralization As Political Strategy In West Africa
Authors: Boone Catherine
Published: August 2003

Administrative and political decentralization have emerged as high developmental priorities in Africa and elsewhere. Although the possible benefits of such reforms have been well theorized, the actual politics of decentralization are not well understood. Often there are large gaps between reform rhetoric and governments'real commitment to decentralization. And often legal changes have not produced decentralization's supposed political and administrative benefits. These dynamics have been especially clear in rural Africa, where a decade of decentralizing reforms has produced generally disappointing results. When do regimes pursue state-building strategies that involve real devolution of political and administrative prerogative? This article addresses this question and proposes an answer for rural West Africa. The author employs a political economy approach to propose a model of regional variation in the political capacities and interests of rural societies and rural notables and argues that these differences shape the institution-building strategies governments choose trying to entrench their power.
The Economic Development-Democratization Relationship
Authors: Colaresi Michael , Thompson William R.
Published: August 2003

The relationship between economic development and democratization offers a central focus in linking comparative and international politics. Analysts agree that economic development facilitates democratization but that the relationship is considerably less than perfect. Should advocates of the democratic peace argument prove to be correct in emphasizing the role of regime type in pacifying international politics, an obvious question becomes, What else drives democratization besides economic development? In this article, the authors explore the relationship between domestic development, in the form of economic growth and democratization, and international conditions. They suggest that a number of international factors, such as external threat, conflict, and trade openness, can aid or abet democratization and economic growth. To systematically analyze one facet of this proposition they use both robust regression and generalized estimating equations and find that the international environment significantly alters democracy. External threats from other states tend to decrease democracy.
Economic Performance And Survival In New Democracies
Authors: Bernhard Michael , Reenock Christopher , Nordstrom Timothy
Published: August 2003

In the literature on democratic survival, theories of democratic consolidation assume that new democracies are more vulnerable to breakdown. Theories of democratic honeymoons, however, claim that new democracies are less vulnerable to breakdown. This article addresses this seeming contradiction. Using an original data set that includes all democracies from the period 1951 to 1995, the authors use discrete-time duration analysis to determine if there is evidence for a period of enhanced survivability in new democracies. Using both continuous and discrete specifications of a honeymoon period, they test whether new democracies experience an absolute honeymoon (whether newness in itself makes them less prone to breakdown) or a relative honeymoon (where newness insulates them from the effect of poor economic performance). The results suggest that there is a short-lived absolute honeymoon, but that new democracies are actually more vulnerable to effects of poor economic performance prior to their third legislative election.
Policing the Remnants of War
Authors: Mueller John
Published: August 2003

Certain standard, indeed classic, varieties of war have become so rare and unlikely that they could well be considered to be obsolescent, if not obsolete. Moreover, much, but not all, of what remains of war is substantially opportunistic predation waged by packs of criminals, bandits, and thugs who engage in warfare in much the same way as they often did in medieval and early modern Europe: as mercenaries recruited or dragooned by weak (or even desperate) state governments or as warlord gangs developed within failed or weak states. Much of this warfare could be reduced or substantially eliminated by disciplined police and military forces and, in their new era of essential consensus in the wake of the Cold War, the developed countries could create mechanisms for policing civil warfare. However, they are likely to do so with any sort of reliability only where their interests seem importantly engaged or where they manage to become self-entrapped. Rather, the key lies in the establishment of competent domestic military and policing forces, tracing a process Europe went through in the middle of the last millennium. Indeed, much of the civil warfare that persists in the world today is a function of the extent to which inadequate governments exist. Of late, there seems to have been an increase in the number of countries led by effective people who, instead of looting and dissipating their country's resources, appear to be dedicated to adopting policies that will further its orderly development. Thus, while far from certain, a further (or continuing) decline in a most common remaining kind of war does seem to be an entirely reasonable prospect.
Instrument Choice and the Effectiveness of International Sanctions: A Simultaneous Equations Approach
Authors: Jing Chao , Kaempfer William H. , Lowenberg Anton D.
Published: August 2003

The literature on economic sanctions suggests that the choice of policy instrument, for example trade sanctions, financial sanctions, or military intervention, is endogenous to the political process and, in particular, to the policy outcome sought by the sanctioner. But the choice of instrument also affects the outcome of the sanctions. Therefore, the sanctions policy outcome and the probabilities of the sanctioner's adoption of different sanctions instruments are jointly determined. To capture this endogeneity, multivariate probit and logit models are estimated using data from Hufbauer, Schott & Elliott, with the random utilities to the sanctioner of choosing military action, trade sanctions, and financial sanctions as dependent variables. The expected probabilities of choosing these alternatives are then incorporated as explanatory variables in predicting the success of the sanctions in attaining their political objectives. This procedure generates simultaneous estimates of the determinants of both instrument choice and sanctions success. The empirical results indicate that military force is less likely to be used against an economically healthy and politically stable target than against a more vulnerable target. However, military action is encouraged by third-country assistance to the sanctioned country and by a high cost of sanctions to the sanctioner. Financial sanctions are more likely to be used against a target that receives third-country support but are less likely against an economically healthy country. Sanctions success is positively correlated with the degree of warmth in relations between sanctioner and target prior to the sanctions; negatively correlated with the size of the sanctioner relative to the target; and negatively correlated with the economic health and political stability of the target. There is no evidence that third-country assistance to the target diminishes the effectiveness of sanctions or that the cost of sanctions to either the target or the sanctioner has a strong effect on the sanctions outcome.
Defense Pacts and International Trade
Authors: Long Andrew G.
Published: August 2003

Theories of international political influences on trade maintain that shared alliance commitments affect bilateral commercial exchange. The most prominent of these suggests that trade produces a security externality threatening states, but that a military alliance alleviates these concerns, leading to greater trade among allies. Yet past empirical analyses produce inconsistent findings with respect to the effect of military alliances on bilateral trade levels. This article presents a new argument to explain the inconclusive findings in previous studies. The potential increase in military power from efficiency gains through trade is a positive security externality only when a commitment to defend one's alliance partner exists. In essence, cooperative security agreements that require states to give military assistance to each other if attacked (i.e. defense pacts) will lead to greater trade among their members than agreements in which the members promise neutrality, non-aggression, or consultation. The analysis distinguishes alliances that include commitments of defense from those that do not, and uses two different sources of alliance data to examine the effects of defense pacts on trade levels between major powers from 1885 to 1990. The results demonstrate that defense pacts are associated with higher trade among alliance members, but that trade between members of non-defense pacts is statistically indistinguishable from trade between non-allies. This article recognizes that a link between economic and security issues exists and emphasizes their mutual relationship.
Measure for Measure: Concept Operationalization and the Trade Interdependence-Conflict Debate
Authors: Gartzke Erik , Li Quan
Published: August 2003

While most quantitative studies find a negative relationship between economic interdependence and interstate disputes, research by Barbieri finds that interdependence precipitates conflict. Participants in the debate suggest several causes, but we show that alternative variable constructions are sufficient to account for the discrepant findings. A simple formal equivalence unites respective operationalizations of dyadic interdependence used by Oneal & Russett ( trade dependence, trade ij/GDP i) and Barbieri ( trade share, trade i/trade i) with the consensus construction of monadic trade openness (trade i/GDP i). We also show that Barbieri's trade share is negatively correlated with openness. Arguments in the article are verified through large-sample quantitative regression analyses of the two competing dyadic variable constructions and trade openness on MID onset. The results of these dyadic regression analyses show that trade share increases the probability of MID onset, trade dependence decreases the probability of MID onset and, correspondingly, that trade openness is negatively correlated with MID onset.
Revisiting the Security/Identity Puzzle in Russo-Estonian Relations
Authors: Aalto Pami
Published: August 2003

This article engages the persisting and commonplace claim that post-Soviet politics is imbued with the prevalence of very close linkages between security and identity. Such a claim is often made in analyses of Russo-Baltic relations, where especially the inter-ethnic policies of the ethnic Estonians and Latvians have been found to be in a triadic conflict with the interests of their Russophone minorities and the declared policy preferences of the contemporary Russian Federation. However, this article contests such claims and argues that there are several signs of a gradual erosion of the intense security/identity linkages. First, the article outlines some overall developments in the strategic and politico-economic context that have accounted for a relative accommodation in Russo-Baltic relations. Second, the article enquires into the subjective roots of such accommodation patterns by introducing an in-depth analysis of Russo-Estonian relations that makes use of an intensive fieldwork method, Q methodology. It becomes clear that security/identity linkages, as subjectively perceived by ethnic Estonians and Estonia's Russophones, are best understood as varied: in some discourses that issue from these groups, they are very close, but relatively loose in others. Such a variation in security/identity linkages is an important condition for the gradual erosion of tensions that has been taking place in Russo-Estonian relations and in Russo-Baltic relations in general. On the whole, these findings speak to the importance of methodological plurality and case-sensitiveness in the study of the complexities of security/identity linkages.
Continuity in Environments
Authors: Ytreberg Espen
Published: August 2003

In current television business rhetoric it is often assumed that television channels are `dying' as a consequence of digitalization and convergence. The article argues that such scenarios tend to be based on too restricted notions of what broadcasters' assembling of programmes consists of. To readdress this issue the article proposes the basic concepts of `continuity' and `environments'. It argues that established practices of television channel construction have not just been about building channel-based continuity but also about promoting cross-channel continuity within the context of an overall designed environment. The conceptual argument is supported with results from a comparative analysis of developments in Nordic public service television.
The Professionalization of Political Communication
Authors: Negrine Ralph , Lilleker Darren G.
Published: August 2003

Professionalization has become a self-defining, catch-all buzzword employed to explain the recent changes in political communication. However, because of the catch-all or blanket explanatory quality of the term `professionalization', its use within the literature on political communication and campaigning obscures multifaceted shifts in the methods by which political actors communicate through the media. Drawing on a number of interviews with former and current UK members of parliament and prospective parliamentary candidates, the authors argue that much of what is referred to within the discourse of professionalization is linked more to responses to technological change. They propose, therefore, that more care should be taken when describing all modern political communication as professional, otherwise there is a danger of inferring that the practices of the past were amateurish; a conclusion that does not stand up to rigorous research.
Research Note: Television, Cultural Identity and Youth Lifestyles in Cyprus
Authors: Roussou Nayia
Published: August 2003

This article, based on research that the author conducted between 1997 and 2000, examines the relationship between Cypriot television programmes and the lifestyles of 13- to 18-year-old Greek-Cypriot teenagers. Cognitive and affective lifestyle values are identified in relation to television content, whether in local Cypriot productions, or in programmes imported from Greece or from the US. Further combinations of cognitive/affective lifestyle values are also traced in the relationship between television programmes and lifestyle reported by respondents in the research. In the light of Cyprus's expectations for accession to the European Union in the near future, the predicament of young people's attitudes, value systems and modes of behaviour, in relation to television content, is interesting to trace and place within a more general public discussion that tries to examine identities in the European community, in a global setting. The conclusions seem to point to globalizing tendencies, with strong local resonances.
The Pros and Cons of Dubbing and Subtitling
Authors: Koolstra Cees M. , Peeters Allerd L. , Spinhof Herman
Published: August 2003

Dubbing and subtitling are the most prevalent methods used to make foreign-language television programmes available to a domestic market. Each adaptation method has its advantages and disadvantages. This article provides an inventory of the pros and cons of both methods on the basis of three questions: Through which method can information best be transferred? What are the aesthetic advantages and disadvantages of each method? Which skills do viewers acquire `incidentally' by using one of the two adaptation methods? The answers given to these questions are based as much as possible on the results of empirical research on dubbing and subtitling. The conclusion is that there is no empirical evidence for some frequently claimed advantages and disadvantages. With regard to other pros and cons, it depends on the viewer, the type of television programme and the way in which a programme is subtitled or dubbed as to whether the argument should be taken seriously.
Design-Oriented Stress-Strain Model for FRP-Confined Concrete in Rectangular Columns
Authors: Lam L. , Teng J. G.
Published: August 2003

The behavior of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-confined concrete in circular columns has been extensively studied, but much less is known about concrete in FRP-confined rectangular columns in which the concrete is nonuniformly confined and the effectiveness of confinement is much reduced. This paper presents a simple design-oriented stress-strain model for FRP-confined concrete in rectangular columns. To this end, existing theoretical models are first reviewed. A database of existing test results collected by the authors is next presented, which is then augmented by a new set of results from tests conducted by the authors. The augmented test database is next employed to assess the existing theoretical models. Finally, a stress-strain model is presented, which is an extension of a recent design-oriented stress-strain model developed for concrete uniformly-confined with FRP based on test results of circular concrete specimens. The proposed stress-strain model is shown to provide satisfactory predictions of the stress-strain curves obtained from the authors' new tests.
Compressive Behavior of Concrete Confined by Various Types of FRP Composite Jackets
Authors: Xiao Y. , Wu H.
Published: August 2003

This paper summarizes the experimental results from a comprehensive research program to study the fundamental stress-strain behavior of concrete confined by various types of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite jackets. More than 200 concrete stub columns with 9 types of FRP composite jackets were tested under axial compression. The impact of different design parameters including plain concrete unconfined strength, types of composites as well as jacket thickness were considered in this study. The strength enhancement and ductility improvement of specimens confined with FRP composite jackets are discussed. In addition, a new stress-strain model to predict the behavior of axial members jacketed with FRP composites is presented. Comparisons between the analytical results using the proposed model and test results are also presented.