bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Political Dynamics of Agricultural Liberalisation in the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement
Authors: LEIGHT JESSICA 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe 2003 US-Chile free trade agreement, regarded by many as consistent with Chile's long-held trade liberalisation strategy, nonetheless engendered a surprisingly vigorous debate focused on the proposed elimination of the bandas de precio protecting traditional agricultural crops. Opposition to the agreement, mounted by the conservative Alianza por Chile, offers an intriguing political case study that suggests that populist posturing surrounding free trade agreements may persist long after a trade liberalisation strategy has become well-established. This article argues that agricultural liberalisation will be a significant challenge for Chile's governing coalition if it wishes to pursue trade negotiations while seeking to avoid costly political battles at home over the economic costs of abandoning price supports and the challenges of ‘reconverting’ to an export-oriented sector. Even given the strong elite consensus around trade liberalisation in Chile, the interconnections between sectoral interest groups, domestic politics and trade negotiations remain relevant, and deserving of analytical attention.
A reply to Robert Larmer
Authors: McDERMID KIRK 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe metaphysics of miracles put forward in my article, ‘Miracles: metaphysics, physics and physicalism’, above (125–147) are, argues Robert Larmer, both unnecessary and unworkable. Here, I try more clearly to explain that my goal of saving important physicalist intuitions that are incompatible with both the ‘open-systems’ and ‘exemption’ approaches’ use of powerfulceteris paribusclauses. I also defend the two mechanisms proposed in the paper from Larmer's criticisms.
Cones arising from C*-subalgebras and complete positivity
Authors: POP FLORIN , SMITH ROGER R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLet B ⊆ A be an inclusion of C*-algebras. Then B is said to norm A if, for each X ∈ ${\bb M}_n$(A),

In this paper we introduce and study the cones

These are shown to coincide with the standard positive cones precisely when B norms A, and we apply this to obtain automatic complete positivity of certain positive maps between C*-algebras.
Linear algebra algorithms as dynamical systems
Authors: Chu Moody T. 
Published: April 2008

Any logical procedure that is used to reason or to infer either deductively or inductively, so as to draw conclusions or make decisions, can be called, in a broad sense, a realization process. A realization process usually assumes the recursive form that one state develops into another state by following a certain specific rule. Such an action is generally formalized as a dynamical system. In mathematics, especially for existence questions, a realization process often appears in the form of an iterative procedure or a differential equation. For years researchers have taken great effort to describe, analyse, and modify realization processes for various applications.The thrust in this exposition is to exploit the notion of dynamical systems as a special realization process for problems arising from the field of linear algebra. Several differential equations whose solutions evolve in submanifolds of matrices are cast in fairly general frameworks, of which special cases have been found to afford unified and fundamental insights into the structure and behaviour of existing discrete methods and, now and then, suggest new and improved numerical methods. In some cases, there are remarkable connections between smooth flows and discrete numerical algorithms. In other cases, the flow approach seems advantageous in tackling very difficult open problems. Various aspects of the recent development and application in this direction are discussed in this paper.
Pre‐pregnancy body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy in relation to preterm delivery subtypes
Authors: RUDRA CAROLE B. , FREDERICK IHUNNAYA O. , WILLIAMS MICHELLE A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground. Associations between preterm delivery (PTD) and pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy weight gain may differ across outcome subtypes. Methods. The authors analyzed data from 2,468 cohort participants in western Washington State, USA (1996–2005) and examined pre‐pregnancy BMI and weight gain rate from pre‐pregnancy to 18–22 weeks’ gestation in relation to spontaneous PTD after preterm labor, spontaneous PTD after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), and indicated PTD. Results. Each 5kg/m2 BMI increase was associated with indicated PTD (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40–2.06). The association weakened somewhat after adjustment for hypertension and diabetes before and/or during pregnancy (5kg/m2 adjusted OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.12–1.75). Associations with spontaneous PTD and PPROM were weaker (5kg/m2 adjusted ORs, 0.90 and 1.14, respectively). Weight gain was associated with indicated delivery among women with normal BMI (0.1kg/week adjusted OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.02–1.45) but not among overweight or obese women (adjusted OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.87–1.20). Weight gain was inversely associated with spontaneous PTD (0.1kg/week adjusted OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77–0.99) and not strongly associated with PPROM (adjusted OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.90–1.17). Conclusions. Pre‐pregnancy overweight increases indicated PTD risk independently of hypertension and diabetes. High early pregnancy weight gain increases indicated PTD risk in women with a normal BMI.
Establishment of a national Danish hysterectomy database: Preliminary report on the first 13,425 hysterectomies
Authors: HANSEN CHARLOTTE T. , MØLLER CHARLOTTE , DAUGBJERG SIGNE , UTZON JAN , KEHLET HENRIK , OTTESEN BENT ,   THE STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE DANISH HYSTERECTOMY DATABASE
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective. To describe the concept and early results from the Danish Hysterectomy Database (DHD). Design. Nationwide prospective cohort. Setting. Denmark. Population. All women who had undergone an elective hysterectomy for benign indication carried out in 2004–2006. Methods. Structured data are registered prospectively by the surgeons involved in the treatment. Data is reported using the Danish National Patient Registry (LPR) and feedback is provided as clinical indicators with well‐defined goals. The DHD concept includes annual plenary meetings, elaboration of national clinical guidelines and parallel causal studies. Main outcome measures. Completeness, data validation and department‐identifiable clinical indicators (surgical volume, method of hysterectomy, use of antibiotic and thromboembolic prophylaxis, postoperative hospitalization and bleeding complications, surgical infections, reoperations, readmissions and death within 30 days postoperatively). Results. A total of 13,425 hysterectomies were performed in Denmark from 2004 to 2006. In 2005, all gynecological departments in Denmark (n = 31) were included in the database collaboration and the national response rate was 99%. Data validity was good in general (82–100% agreement and κ = 0.40–1.00) and data completeness was high (92–100% in 2006). From 2004 to 2006, two clinical guidelines were implemented, the postoperative hospitalization was stable at median 2 days, the rate of postoperative surgical infections was reduced from 4 to 2%, the rate of bleeding complications from 8 to 6%, the reoperation rate from 5 to 4%, and the readmission rate from 7 to 5%. Conclusions. Clinical performance indicators, audit meetings and nationwide collaboration are useful in monitoring and improving outcome after hysterectomy on a national level. In addition, the DHD offers scope for causal studies about perioperative management.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of cesarean delivery in macrosomia
Authors: MAZOUNI CHAFIKA , ROUZIER ROMAN , COLLETTE EMMANUELLE , MENARD JEAN‐PIERRE , MAGNIN GEORGES , GAMERRE MARC , DETER RUSSELL 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective. To develop and validate a nomogram that predicts individual probability of cesarean delivery in cases of macrosomia (>4,000 g). Methods. The nomogram was built based on the data from 246 patients who delivered macrosomic infants at Conception Hospital (Marseille, France), and was validated on an external population of 206 patients. Logistic regression was used to construct a model to predict the probability of cesarean section. The calculations were based on actual birth weight. Main outcome measures. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by area under the receiver operator curve. Results. In the multivariate analysis performed on the training set, maternal age (p = 0.002), parity (p = 0.003), and maternal height <1.65 m (p = 0.01) were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of cesarean delivery and included in the nomogram. The final variables included in the nomogram were: age (p = 0.01), maternal height (p = 0.02), parity (p <0.001), and previous cesarean section (p = 0.009). Area under the ROCs was 0.80 and 0.78 in the training set before and after bootstrapping, respectively, and 0.88 in the validation set. The calibration of the nomogram was good. Conclusion. We have developed a nomogram based on actual birth weight that accurately predicts the risk of cesarean delivery in cases of macrosomia. This tool might be useful for decision‐making.
PEPITO: improved discontinuous B-cell epitope prediction using multiple distance thresholds and half sphere exposure
Authors: Sweredoski Michael J. , Baldi Pierre 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Accurate prediction of B-cell epitopes is an important goal of computational immunology. Up to 90% of B-cell epitopes are discontinuous in nature, yet most predictors focus on linear epitopes. Even when the tertiary structure of the antigen is available, the accurate prediction of B-cell epitopes remains challenging.
Results: Our predictor, PEPITO, uses a combination of amino-acid propensity scores and half sphere exposure values at multiple distances to achieve state-of-the-art performance. PEPITO achieves an area under the curve (AUC) of 75.4 on the Discotope dataset. Additionally, we benchmark PEPITO as well as the Discotope predictor on the more recent Epitome dataset, achieving AUCs of 68.3 and 66.0, respectively.
Availability: PEPITO is available as part of the SCRATCH suite of protein structure predictors via www.igb.uci.edu.
Contact: pfbaldi@ics.uci.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Retrospective stock assessment of the Emperor red snapper (Lutjanus sebae) on the Seychelles Bank between 1977 and 2006
Authors: Grandcourt E. M. , Hecht T. , Booth A. J. , Robinson J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGrandcourt, E. M., Hecht, T., Booth, A. J., and Robinson, J. 2008. Retrospective stock assessment of the Emperor red snapper (Lutjanus sebae) on the Seychelles Bank between 1977 and 2006. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 889–898. The stock status of the Emperor red snapper (Lutjanus sebae) on the Seychelles Bank was determined between 1977 and 2006 using models of yield-per-recruit (YPR) and spawner-biomass-per-recruit (SBR). Demographic parameters were derived from size frequency and size-at-age data from validated annuli in sagittal otoliths. The long lifespan (tmax = 28 years), slow growth rate (k = 0.14), empirically estimated low natural mortality rate (M = 0.12), and late age at sexual maturity (tm = 9 years for males and females combined) predisposed the L. sebae resource to overfishing. Fish became vulnerable to the gear at a mean size (Lc50 = 39.8 cm LF) and age (3.1 years) before the attainment of sexual maturity at 62 cm LF. Consequently, there was a large proportion of immature fish in landings (51.2% on average) and the full growth potential for the resource might not have been realized. For most years, the fishing mortality rates and SBR approximated the limit reference point F30%. The potential for recruitment-overfishing was identified for some years (1990 and 2004), and the dramatic increase in recent yields is further evidence that management of this fishery requires urgent attention. Previous length-based assessments probably overestimated sustainable harvest rates, which should be between 6.7% and 7.2% of the SBR.
Data-driven exploration of ‘spatial pattern-time process-driving forces’ associations of SARS epidemic in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Jin-Feng , Christakos George , Han Wei-Guo , Meng Bin 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackgroundSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was first reported in November 2002 in China, and spreads to about 30 countries over the next few months. While the characteristics of epidemic transmission are individually assessed, there are also important implicit associations between them.MethodsA novel methodological framework was developed to overcome barriers among separate epidemic statistics and identify distinctive SARS features. Individual statistics were pair-wise linked in terms of their common features, and an integrative epidemic network was formulated.ResultsThe study of associations between important SARS characteristics considerably enhanced the mainstream epidemic analysis and improved the understanding of the relationships between the observed epidemic determinants. The response of SARS transmission to various epidemic control factors was simulated, target areas were detected, critical time and relevant factors were determined.ConclusionIt was shown that by properly accounting for links between different SARS statistics, a data-based analysis can efficiently reveal systematic associations between epidemic determinants. The analysis can predict the temporal trend of the epidemic given its spatial pattern, to estimate spatial exposure given temporal evolution, and to infer the driving forces of SARS transmission given the spatial exposure distribution.
Interfirm influence strategies and their impact on developing buyer‐supplier relationships
Authors: Chang Hae‐Ching , Lin Chi‐Huang 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a guidance for boundary personnel regarding how to use influence strategies to increase channel satisfaction across relationship development process.Design/methodology/approachThis paper investigates the use of influence strategies and their impact on channel satisfaction across formation, operation, and maintenance stage from Das and Teng's viewpoint. The sample from Taiwanese manufacture in electronic, information and motors industry involving buyer‐supplier relationships, and asks respondents (sales manager) to select a newer customer to complete a questionnaire for enable sufficient responses to be obtained, representing different stages of the buyer‐supplier relationship.FindingsThe results indicate that the frequency of requests, promises, legalistic pleas, and threat strategies differ significantly among relationship stages. Additionally, information exchange, recommendations, and request strategies have dramatic effect on channel satisfaction across different stages.Originality/valueThis paper proposes the most appropriate model for channel managers to apply influence strategies judiciously in each relationship stage.
The polluted ecosystem game
Authors: Brock W.A. , Dechert W.D. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the issue of optimal management of ecosystems by developing a dynamic model of strategic behavior by users/communities of an ecosystem such as a lake, which is subject to pollution resulting from the users. More specifically, it builds a model of two ecosystems that are spatially connected.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the techniques of optimal control theory and game theory.FindingsThe paper uncovers sufficient conditions under which the analysis of the dynamic game can be converted to an optimal problem for a pseudo authority. It is shown that if the discount rate on the future is high enough relative to ecological self‐restoration parameters then multiple stable states appear. In this case, if the pollution level is high enough it is too costly in terms of what must be given up today to restore the damaged system. By using computational methods, the paper evaluates the relative strengths of lack of coordination, strength of ecosystem self‐cleaning forces, size of discount rates, etc.Originality/valueThe methodology as well as findings can help to devise an optimal management strategy over time for ecosystems.
THE COPPER CONTENT OF THE LIVER OF SOME GAME ANIMALS IN KENYA
Authors: Howard D. A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe liver copper levels of a number of game animals in Kenya were determined. It was found that the results fell naturally into two fairly distinct groups; for those with simple and those with complex stomachs respectively. The latter, generally speaking, had a higher mean content and a much greater range, with more individual variation. An exception to this was the hippopotamus which appeared to have a much higher content of liver copper than others in the simple stomach group.
THE UTILIZATION OF NATURAL PASTURES BY WILD ANIMALS IN THE RUKWA VALLEY, TANGANYIKA
Authors: Foster Desmond 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe object of this paper is to elucidate the principles involved in the utilization of natural grasslands by an indigenous community of animals. The studies were carried out in the Rukwa valley during a period of fourteen years and it is suggested that the results are applicable to other similar ecological areas.The various types of grassland and pasture which occur are described, and their ecology and seasonal development are discussed in relation to the climate and drainage in the valley. The incidence of fire is recorded and its influence is compared with the effects of grazing.The utilization of the pastures by herbivorous animals is described, and it is explained how grazing pressure results in pasture rejuvenation which is manifest by the development of a grazing mosaic. It is shown that a sequence of animals, heavier ones followed by lighter ones, use the different pastures in rotation during the year and as a consequence alternate periods of optimum use and rest occur, and the harmful effects of over‐grazing do not appear.The species of animals which form the Rukwa valley grazing community are listed and the ecological stresses which they experience in a changeable environment are noted. Examples are quoted to support the view that dry periods favour the fauna whereas extremely wet ones are unfavourable. It is shown how the ability of the animals to establish biotic pressure on the pastures enables them to become rehabilitated even though conditions remain unfavourable.It is opined that if the same principles are made use of in game management schemes elsewhere, successful conservation of both grasslands and animals is likely to be achieved.
ON SOCIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR IN IMPALA (AEPYCEROS (MELAMPUS LICHTENSTEIN)
Authors: Schenkel Rudolf 
Published: April 2008

Summary1. The required habitat of impala, association with other herbivores and the relation to predators are outlined.2. The commonest types of group formation ‐ female herd with dominant male and bachelor herd ‐ and the factors determining the dynamic aspect of these formations are discussed.3. The daily activity rhythm is described, distinct activities are charac‐terlised as such and in relation to the social situation.4. The relationship between the dominant male and the female herd is analysed more closely. The herding activity of the male, the main forms of his courtship, and “roaring”, which occurs in the context of courting and as showing off and threat displays in male rivalry, are described.5. Social conflict amongst females and bachelors is of short duration and suggests the existence of a social hierarchy within the herds. Severe encounters and fighting occur between rival males exclusively over the possession of a female herd. The different forms of fightings and encounters are summarised and explained on the basis of the proportion of aggressiveness and inhibition of the rivals.6. Pre‐mating behaviour and copulation are described.7. The mother‐child bond is outlined in a preliminary form.8. The special features of impala sociology are discussed and compared with similar behaviour in other bovidae.
FIELD AND LABORATORY METHODS FOR RESEARCH INTO THE ANATOMY OF EAST AFRICAN GAME ANIMALS
Authors: Hofmann R. R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryDescriptions are given of various methods which have been used in the field and in the laboratory to obtain and investigate specimens for comparative studies of the anatomy of East African game animals.Fixation of the animals via the blood vascular system, if possible, with the animal in a natural standing position, is described. Experiences in this respect are recorded in detail, including the preparation of a standing ostrich with its airsac ‐ system unfolded by pumping air into it during infusion of formalin. Emphasis is laid on saving the maximum amount of material from the minimum number of specimens.
FURTHER NOTES ON SOME TEKMITES OF NORTHERN SOMALIA
Authors: Glover P. E. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe greater part of the paper consists of descriptions of the different types of termitaria built by Macroter‐mes betticosits in the red sandy soils of Northern Somalia. The tall, rounded sealed type of mound and the tall corneal type with open chimneys were excavated and details of the internal struetnre, especially the form of the fungus gardens and royal chamber, are given. There are notes on associated insects and plante.The tube‐forming termite Odontoter‐mes classicus I3 discussed briefly, and there are notes on three other species of termite. A discussion of the ecologi‐cal effeets of termites on pastures, with or without the presence of man and his domeatic animais, concludes the paper.
HOME RANGE, BEHAVIOUR, AND RECRUITMENT RATES OF TWO BLACK RHINOCEROS POPULATIONS
Authors: Goddard John 
Published: April 2008

SummaryDuring the period 1964 – 1966 biological studies were conducted of two black rhinoeeros Diceros bicornis L. populations in northern Tanzania. One population occupies the caldera of Ngorongoro and the other the area in the vicinity of Olduvai Gorge. Detailed records were made of each rhinoeeros observatson and 182 individuais were seen in the two study areas during the three‐year period.The black rhinoeeros is a very sedentary species, and the size of the home range is governed by several factors which are described in the^text. The home range of an immature rhinoeeros is larger than that of an adult individual. The adult rhinoeeros, especially the male, is essentially a solitary animal, but immatures frequently join up with a companion.Activity patterns are described and illustrated, and are similar in the two study areas. Behaviour of the species follows welldefined patterns, and territorial behaviour is uncommon. Vocal communication in the species is described. The significance of dung piles, used regularly by the species, is considered and the results of experiments iflsing faecal samples are described. Relations with two carnivores are discussed.The recruztment rates of the two populations are almost identical, i.e. 7.0% at Ngorongoro and 7.2% at Olduvai. Various reproductive characteris‐tics affecting recruitment rates, such as age at maturity, gestation period and interval between successive calves are described using records obtained from zoological gardens and from field observations.The results of the studies indIcate that the rhinoeeros population of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is considerably higher than was formerly believed. The future of the species in the area appears favourable, providing its habitats are not destroyed through encroaching cultivation.
BASKING BEHAVIOUR OF THE NILE CROCODILE ON CENTRAL ISLAND, LAKE RUDOLF
Authors: Modha M. L. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe basking behaviour of the Nile Crocodile on Central Island is discussed in relation to various environmental conditions and compared with the findings of other authorities. This is followed by accounts of the effect of territorial, courting and mating activity on basking patterns, and of interspecific behaviour on basking grounds.