bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Boundless Biofuels? Between Environmental Sustainability and Vulnerability
Authors: Mol Arthur P. J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBiofuels currently appear to be one of the major controversies in the agriculture/environment nexus, not unlike genetically modified organisms. While some countries (such as Brazil) have for quite some time supported successful large‐scale programmes to improve the production and consumption of biofuels, policy‐makers and research institutions in most developed and developing countries have only recently turned their attention to biofuels. Threat of climate change, new markets for agricultural output, reduced dependencies on OPEC countries and high fossil fuel prices are driving this development. But opposition to biofuels is growing, pointing at the various vulnerabilities – not in the least for developing countries – that come along with large‐scale ‘energy’ plantations. Against this background this article analyses the sustainability and vulnerability of biofuels, from the perspective of a sociology of networks and flows. Current biofuel developments should be understood in terms of the emergence of a global integrated biofuel network, where environmental sustainabilities are more easily accommodated than vulnerabilities for marginal and peripheral groups and countries, irrespective of what policy‐makers and biofuel advocates tell us.
Overconfidence and Investor Size
Authors: Ekholm Anders , Pasternack Daniel 
Published: October 2007

Abstract Recent research documents that institutional or large investors act as antagonists to other investors by showing opposite trading behaviour following the disclosure of new information. Using an extremely comprehensive official transactions data set from Finland, we set out to explore the interrelation between investor size and behaviour. More specifically, we test whether investor size is positively (negatively) correlated with investor reaction following positive (negative) news. We document robust evidence of that investor size affects investor behaviour under new information, as larger investors on average react more positively (negatively) to good (bad) news than smaller investors. We furthermore find that the performance of smaller, or more overconfident, investors is in general hurt by their behaviour.
Minority Protection and Dividend Policy in Finland
Authors: Kinkki Seppo 
Published: October 2007

Abstract This paper highlights some theoretical arguments and empirical results on whether legal‐based minority protection affects corporate cash dividends in Finland. The Company Act in Finland states that shareholders having one tenth of all shares can demand a so‐called minority dividend, which is half of the profit of the fiscal year, yet not more than 8% of the equity. Minority dividend, as in Finland, is rarely used in EU countries. I find, that minority protection is a better influence over managerial control than controlling shareholders having absolute voting power. When there is no controlling shareholder and coalition costs are lowest, minority protection in Finland is better than minority protection in mandatory dividend countries. Combining strong shareholder rights (as in the USA) and minority dividend (as in Finland) could decrease agency costs both vertically and horizontally.
Dispersed Trading and the Prevention of Market Failure: the Case of the Copenhagen Stock Exchange
Authors: Porter David C. , Tanggaard Carsten , Weaver Daniel G. , Yu Wei 
Published: October 2007

Abstract With augmented demands on power grids resulting in longer and larger blackouts combined with heightened concerns of terrorist attacks, trading institutions and policy makers have widened their search for systems that avoid market failure during these disturbing events. We provide insight into this issue by examining trading behaviour at the Copenhagen Stock Exchange during a major blackout. We find that although market quality declined, markets remained functional and some price discovery occurred during the blackout period suggesting that the NOREX structure of interlinked trading systems combined with widely dispersed trading locations may be a viable means of protection against market failure during massive power disruptions or terrorist attacks.
Behavioural Finance: A Review and Synthesis
Authors: Subrahmanyam Avanidhar 
Published: October 2007

Abstract I provide a synthesis of the Behavioural finance literature over the past two decades. I review the literature in three parts, namely, (i) empirical and theoretical analyses of patterns in the cross‐section of average stock returns, (ii) studies on trading activity, and (iii) research in corporate finance. Behavioural finance is an exciting new field because it presents a number of normative implications for both individual investors and CEOs. The papers reviewed here allow us to learn more about these specific implications.
Simulation of the Effectiveness of Protection and Assistance for Victims of Armed Conflict (Sepavac): An Example from Mali, West Africa
Authors: Benini Aldo A. 
Published: October 2007

Taking as a point of departure the philosopher Karl Popper's (1974) well‐known dictum that it was better to let scientific hypotheses die rather than human beings, this paper investigates a case of humanitarian action by means of computer simulation. It looks at a segment of the programme that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been carrying out, since 1991, for the benefit of victims of low‐intensity warfare in Mali, West Africa. Scenarios with different arrangements between protection and assistance activities are examined in a formal model using a discrete‐event generator simulating the occurrence of violent abuses against the civilian population. The various mixes of protection and assistance are compared for their relative effectiveness in helping reduce the violence. Protection and assistance achieve that by dampening violence‐ and famine‐related tensions. The link between humanitarian activity and conflict behaviour is made through the different social clockworks that regulate retaliation against the opposing ethnic group as well as famine pressures.Tentative results of a small number of simulation runs point to surprising aspects of humanitarian effectiveness in the Malian setting. For example, delays in fielding the relief are shown to have less disastrous effects than one would fear by un‐aided reasoning. However, short‐time food assistance (to reverse a famine build‐up) may be less effective than traditionally believed even if after the end of distribution the delegates enhance their protection activities.Computer simulation is new for most humanitarian agencies. At this stage of early introduction, the emphasis should be less on programming sophistication than on changing the organizational culture for greater use of scenarios with explicit assumptions about the world in which humanitarian strategies are to work. Computer simulation may be welcomed as a means of scientifically improving methods to help save more victims of war.
A nose that roars: anatomical specializations and behavioural features of rutting male saiga
Authors: Frey Roland , Volodin Ilya , Volodina Elena 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe involvement of the unique saiga nose in vocal production has been neglected so far. Rutting male saigas produce loud nasal roars. Prior to roaring, they tense and extend their noses in a highly stereotypic manner. This change of nose configuration includes dorsal folding and convex curving of the nasal vestibulum and is maintained until the roar ends. Red and fallow deer males that orally roar achieve a temporary increase of vocal tract length (vtl) by larynx retraction. Saiga males attain a similar effect by pulling their flexible nasal vestibulum rostrally, allowing for a temporary elongation of the nasal vocal tract by about 20%. Decrease of formant frequencies and formant dispersion, as acoustic effects of an increase of vtl, are assumed to convey important information on the quality of a dominant male to conspecifics, e.g. on body size and fighting ability. Nasal roaring in saiga may equally serve to deter rival males and to attract females. Anatomical constraints might have set a limit to the rostral pulling of the nasal vestibulum. It seems likely that the sexual dimorphism of the saiga nose was induced by sexual selection. Adult males of many mammalian species, after sniffing or licking female urine or genital secretions, raise their head and strongly retract their upper lip and small nasal vestibulum while inhalating orally. This flehmen behaviour is assumed to promote transport of non‐volatile substances via the incisive ducts into the vomeronasal organs for pheromone detection. The flehmen aspect in saiga involves the extensive flexible walls of the greatly enlarged nasal vestibulum and is characterized by a distinctly concave configuration of the nose region, the reverse of that observed in nasal roaring. A step‐by‐step model for the gradual evolution of the saiga nose is presented here.
Dynamic social system in Nubian ibex: can a second mating season develop in response to arid climate?
Authors: Massolo A. , Spalton J. A. , Tear T. H. , Lawrence M. W. , Said al Harsusi L. , Lovari S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe studied a population of Nubian ibex Capra ibex nubiana in the eastern extreme of its range, the hyper‐arid central desert of the Sultanate of Oman. Long‐term data were collected from January 1983 to December 1997 by direct observation, as well as VHF telemetry on 12 animals (eight from 1987 to 1990; four from 1994 to 1996). We recorded 884 sightings: 40.4% of single animals and 59.6% of groups. Although no significant monthly variation of group size (Jarman's Typical Group Size) was found, there were distinct peaks in March (4.0 ind. group−1) and September (5.1 ind. group−1). Groups of males and females formed especially in March and November, and female–kid groups in February and July–August. Our data may suggest two mating periods: the first one in autumn (similar to the rut of ibex in temperate mountain areas), with kids born in spring/early summer, after winter–spring rainfall, and the second one in spring, with kids born in late summer/autumn, before winter–spring rainfalls. We suggest that the second rutting period may have evolved as a micro‐evolutionary process, with the local population adapting to hyper‐arid environment constraints. The spring mating season may favour only females in prime conditions, who can afford a pregnancy in the local severe summers and will deliver kids when plant greening begins, in the autumn, whereas the autumn (original) mating season may be afforded by any female, but kids will be born in an unfavourable period, before the summer drought.
Breeding strategies of Antarctic PetrelsThalassoica antarcticaand Southern FulmarsFulmarus glacialoidesin the high Antarctic and implications for reproductive success
Authors: CREUWELS JEROEN C. S. , VAN FRANEKER JAN A. , DOUST SUSAN J. , BEINSSEN ANNA , HARDING BELINDA , HENTSCHEL OLIVER 
Published: October 2007

Breeding strategies of two closely related fulmarine petrels were studied on Ardery Island, on the continental coast of East Antarctica, where short summers are expected to narrow the time‐window for reproduction. Both species had a similar breeding period (97 days from laying to fledging) but Antarctic PetrelsThalassoica antarcticabred up to 16 days earlier than Southern Fulmars. During the pre‐laying exodus, all Antarctic Petrels deserted the colony, whereas some Southern FulmarsFulmarus glacialoidesremained. Antarctic Petrels exhibited stronger synchronization in breeding, made longer foraging trips and spent less time guarding their chicks than Southern Fulmars. Overall breeding success of both species was similar but failures of Antarctic Petrels were concentrated in the early egg‐phase and after hatching, when parents ceased guarding. Southern Fulmars lost eggs and chicks later in the breeding cycle and so wasted more parental investment in failed breeding attempts. Different breeding strategies may be imposed by flight characteristics; Southern Fulmars are less capable of crossing large expanses of pack ice and need to delay breeding until the sea ice retreats and breaks up. However, due to the short summer they risk chick failure when weather conditions deteriorate late in the season.
An exploration of the handover process of critically ill patients between nursing staff from the emergency department and the intensive care unit
Authors: McFetridge Brian , Gillespie Mark , Goode Deborah , Melby Vidar 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe transfer of information between nurses from emergency departments (EDs) and critical care units is essential to achieve a continuity of effective, individualized and safe patient care. There has been much written in the nursing literature pertaining to the function and process of patient handover in general nursing practice; however, no studies were found pertaining to this handover process between nurses in the ED environment and those in the critical care environment. The aim was to explore the process of patient handover between ED and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses when transferring a patient from ED to the ICU. This study used a multi‐method design that combined documentation review, semistructured individual interviews and focus group interviews. A multi‐method approach combining individual interviews, focus group interviews and documentation review was used in this study. The respondents were selected from the ED and ICU of two acute hospitals within Northern Ireland. A total of 12 respondents were selected for individual interviews, three nurses from ED and ICU, respectively, from each acute hospital. Two focus groups interviews were carried out, each consisting of four ED and four ICU nurses, respectively. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed that there was no structured and consistent approach to how handovers actually occurred. Nurses from both ED and ICU lacked clarity as to when the actual handover process began. Nurses from both settings recognized the importance of the information given and received during handover and deemed it to have an important role in influencing quality and continuity of care. Nurses from both departments would benefit from a structured framework or aide memoir to guide the handover process. Collaborative work between the nursing teams in both departments would further enhance understanding of each others’ roles and expectations.
Commentary: Kause J et al. (2004). A comparison of antecedents to cardiac arrest, deaths and emergency intensive care admissions in Australia and ANZ, and the UK – the ACADEMIA study
Authors: Crocker Cheryl 
Published: October 2007

AbstractMany patients have physiological deterioration prior to cardiac arrest, death and intensive care unit (ICU) admission that are detected and documented by medical and nursing staff. Appropriate early response to detected deterioration is likely to benefit patients. In a multi‐centre, prospective, observational study over three consecutive days, we studied the incidence of antecedents (serious physiological abnormalities) preceding primary events (defined as in‐hospital deaths, cardiac arrests and unanticipated ICU admissions) in 90 hospitals [69 UK, 19 Australia and two New Zealand (ANZ)]. Sixty‐eight hospitals reported primary events during the 3‐day study period (50 UK, 16 Australia and two ANZ). Data on the availability of ICU/high‐dependency unit (HDU) beds and cardiac arrest teams and medical emergency teams (METs) were also collected. Of 638 primary events, there were 308 (48.3%) deaths, 141 (22.1%) cardiac arrests and 189 (29.6%) unplanned ICU admissions. There were differences in the pattern of primary events between the UK and ANZ (P < 0.001). There were proportionally more deaths in the UK (52.3% versus 35.3%) and a higher number of unplanned ICU admissions in ANZ (47.3% versus 24.2%). Sixty per cent (383) of primary events had a total of 1032 documented antecedents. The most common antecedents were hypotension and a fall in Glasgow Coma Scale. The proportion of ICU/HDU to general hospital beds was greater in ANZ (0.034 versus 0.016, P < 0.001) and METs were more common in ANZ (70.0% versus 27.5%, P = 0.001). The data confirm antecedents are common before death, cardiac arrest and unanticipated ICU admission. The study also shows differences in patterns of primary events, the provision of ICU/HDU beds and resuscitation teams, between the UK and ANZ. Future research, focusing upon the relationship between service provision and the pattern of primary events, is suggested. This abstract was published in Resuscitation, volume 62, Kause J et al., ‘A comparison of antecedents to cardiac arrest, deaths and emergency intensive care admissions in Australia and ANZ, and the UK – the ACADEMIA study.’, pages 275–282. Copyright Elsevier 2004.
MUSCLE CRAMPS: I
Authors: Rutecki Gregory W. , Whittier Frederick C. 
Published: October 2007

A 52‐year‐old white male presented for evaluation of moderate azotemia (blood urea nitrogen [BUN] 52 mg/dl and creatinine 5.4 mg/dl). Renal history was positive for hypertension (156/100), nocturia, and polyuria. There was a 10‐year history of an idiopathic seizure disorder. Medications were phenytoin 100 po tid and diltiazem 240 mg sustained release bid. An S4 and 1+peripheral edema were the only positive physical findings. Postural blood pressure changes were absent. Laboratory findings included a urinalysis with 2+protein, finely granular casts, and 5–10 WBCs/ HPF. Twenty‐four hour urine protein was 1.1 g/24 h. Renal ultrasound: 9.2 cm left, 8.9 cm right kidney, and left renal biopsy demonstrated chronic interstitial nephritis. Other potential causes for interstitial injury were ruled out and phenytoin was discontinued. Prevention of seizures was obtained with phenobarbital. A few months later, the patient complained of excruciating nocturnal cramps in both gastrocnemius, occurring four to five times per night and necessitating hot baths and passive stretching of the calf muscles for temporary relief. Muscle exam was normal; neurologic exam revealed symmetric sensory and motor neuropathy consistent with renal failure. Thyroid function, magnesium, sodium, and calcium concentrations were normal. The patient was treated with vitamin E 400 IU/day with a decreased frequency and severity of cramps. Azotemia progressed to dialysis dependence (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD]). His cramp frequency and intensity on CAPD has waxed and waned. His dry weight has been frequently reassessed and increased as necessary. He has continued vitamin E with periodic use of verapamil or quinine, in addition, for cramp relief.
REFRACTORY CHF AND MODEST RENAL FAILURE: I
Authors: Latos Derrick L. 
Published: October 2007

A 56‐year‐old white male had longstanding insulin‐requiring diabetes mellitus and diffuse vascular disease. At age 50, he underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and placement of a permanent cardiac pacemaker. Four years later, he required bilateral above‐knee amputations for severe peripheral arterial disease. Over the next two years, he was hospitalized fifteen times for angina pectoris and congestive heart failure (CHF). In September 1990, six years following his cardiac surgery, Swan‐Ganz catheter data confirmed low cardiac performance. He required dopamine, dobutamine, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, and high dose parenteral diuretics. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was 30 mg/dl, serum creatinine was 1.8 mg/dl, serum albumin was 3.9 g/dl and total serum protein was 7.1 g/dl. Fractional urinary sodium excretion was 0.36. Endogenous creatinine clearance was 20 ml/min. Urine protein excretion was 640 mg/day. Anasarca was attributed to CHF, and renal insufficiency was felt to be due to a combination of nephrosclerosis and low renal perfusion. Conservative management proved futile with development of worsening edema, progressive azotemia, and hyponatremia. At the time of nephrologic consultation, BUN was 159 mg/dl, serum creatinine was 4.5 mg/dl and serum sodium was 114 mEq/l. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was 22 mmHg and chest X ray confirmed the presence of large bilateral pleural effusions. Blood pressure had remained surprisingly normal at 126/70 mmHg. A Tenckhoff peritoneal dialysis catheter was placed and peritoneal dialysis begun using 1 l volume exchanges. Over the next several days, dialysis fluid volume was increased to 2 l, with dwell time and dextrose concentration being adjusted to allow for gradual fluid loss. Dialysis was continued on a daily basis for two weeks with a 40 pound weight loss and total resolution of CHF. He was discharged home, but required intermittent peritoneal dialysis over the next six weeks. He was trained to perform peritoneal dialysis using the technique of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). His regimen consisted of 4 two‐liter exchanges daily with variable use of 1.5% and 4.25% dextrose‐containing solutions and intraperitoneal insulin. Over the ensuing months he required only 24 days of hospitalization. He regained use of his lower extremity prostheses and was able to drive his truck. He had no episodes of peritonitis, but required short‐term oral antibiotics for peritoneal catheter exit‐site infection. He expired of acute myocardial infarction after 14 months of CAPD.
SEIZURES: II
Authors: Bleyer Anthony J. , Burkart John M. 
Published: October 2007

A 55‐year‐old African‐American hemodialysis patient presented to the emergency room with complaints of nausea and vomiting. The patient had been on hemodialysis for two years secondary to diabetic nephropathy. Her baseline blood pressure was approximately 120/70 mm Hg on no antihypertensive medications. Five months previously, she was started on erythropoietin, 2000 units subcutaneously twice weekly, at which time her hematocrit was 23%. Her erythropoietin dose was gradually increased to 3500 units subcutaneously thrice weekly two months prior to admission. With this dosage, her hematocrit increased to 31%. Several weeks prior to admission, the patient's calcium carbonate was increased to correct a rising serum phosphate. In the emergency room her physical examination was remarkable for a blood pressure of 196/94 mm Hg. Funduscopic examination showed changes consistent with diabetic retinopathy but no evidence of papilledema or hemorrhages. Neurologic examination was nonfocal. An electrolyte panel revealed a serum sodium of 139 mEq/1, potassium 4.8 mEq/l, chloride 98 mEq/l, total CO2 29 mEq/l, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 50 mg/dl, creatinine 11.4 mg/dl, glucose 125 mg/dl, calcium 13.6 mg/dl, phosphate 5.7 mg/dl, and albumin 4.2 mg/dl. While in the emergency room, the patient sustained a generalized tonic‐clonic seizure. Seizure activity ceased with the administration of diazepam 5 mg intravenously. Electrolytes were repeated immediately after the seizure, with sodium 137 mEq/l, potassium 4.6 mEq/l, chloride 98 mEq/l, and total CO2 17 mEq/l. Three hours later, electrolytes were again repeated, showing a sodium of 133 mEq/l, potassium 6.0 mEq/l, chloride 100 mEq/l, and total CO2 26 mEq/l. She was admitted for further evaluation. Phenytoin was begun at 100 mg po tid, and the patient had no further seizures. Without intervention, her blood pressure decreased to 114/70, which was stable over the next several days. Head computerized axial tomographic (CAT) scan, lumbar puncture, and electroencephalogram (EEG) were all unremarkable. The intact PTH level returned at less than 15 pg/ml, and the aluminum level was 14 mcg/ml. Hypercalcemia was treated with intravenous etidronate followed by adjusting the patient's calcium carbonate regimen. Over the next several months, phenytoin was withdrawn, and erythropoietin reintroduced. The patient has remained seizure‐free and normocalcemic over the following twelve months.