bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Failures of the state failure debate: Evidence from the Somali territories
Authors: Hagmann Tobias , Hoehne Markus V. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMuch of the current literature on state failure and collapse suffers from serious conceptual flaws. It ignores the variegated types of empirical statehood that exist on the ground, it conflates the absence of a central government with anarchy, it creates an unhelpful distinction between ‘accomplished’ and ‘failed’ states, and it is guided by a teleological belief in the convergence of all nation‐states. Particularly African states figure prominently in this debate and are frequently portrayed in almost pathological terms. Proposing a comparative analysis of politics in the Somali inhabited territories of the Horn of Africa, this article challenges state failure discourses on both theoretical and empirical grounds. We draw attention to the multiple processes of state‐building and forms of statehood that have emerged in Somalia, and the neighbouring Somalia region of Ethiopia, since 1991. The analysis of the different trajectories of these Somali political orders reveals that state formation in Africa contradicts central tenets of the state failure debate and that external state‐building interventions should recognise and engage with sub‐national political entities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimising the policy cost of market stabilisation: Which commodity matters most in Ethiopia?
Authors: Getnet Kindie 
Published: October 2008

AbstractUnprecedented food crop price spikes in recent years prompted the Ethiopian government to impose grain export ban and to distribute grain stocks as price stabilization strategies. Successful price stabilization and size of public spending for such programs depend, to a large extent, on the choice and targeting of stabilization strategies. In a situation where a single commodity plays a leadership role in the price dynamics of other crops, targeting intervention at such a commodity would provide a useful mechanism to reduce policy cost of price stabilization while achieving commodity‐wide stabilization objectives. Using multiple cointegration analysis techniques to generate knowledge useful in targeting price stabilization intervention, this study investigates whether there is a single food crop in Ethiopia, among the three major ones (teff, wheat, and maize), with an exclusive price leadership role in the price formation process of the rest. The results show that maize price plays a leadership role in the dynamics of teff and wheat prices at all markets studied, except that of Addis Ababa teff market. Given the major evidence of a price leadership role of maize, it might be possible to achieve commodity‐wide price stabilization objectives through targeting intervention on maize. Such targeted intervention may also prove efficiency in terms of reducing policy cost and public spending. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The net contribution of the Mauritian export processing zone using benefit–cost analysis
Authors: Sawkut Rojid , Vinesh Sannassee , Sooraj Fowdar 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAn EPZ is basically no more than a device whereby imports, to be used in the production of exports, can be acquired by manufacturers on a bonded duty‐free basis. They are literally industrial zones with special incentives to attract foreign investors in which imported materials undergo some degree of processing before being exported again. The logic behind these zones was the creation of an area in which domestic policies do not hold and in which, therefore, a government could implement policies designed to enable individual firms to invest profitably on the basis of a country's comparative advantage. However, although there is significant literature on the impact of EPZs on host countries, nevertheless, the evidence has mainly been concerned with their benefits and costs and has stopped short of formal benefit‐cost analysis. In essence, what the empirical studies have lacked, including those done on the Mauritius Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), has been an analytical framework within which the benefits and costs of EPZs can be identified conceptually and quantified empirically. In this respect, the objective of the current paper is to formally attempt to calculate the net contribution of the MEPZ using a modified version of the enclave model put forward by Warr (1988). The results show that although Mauritius has been able to attain its objective of reducing employment and raising foreign exchange through the creation of the EPZ, yet overall the EPZ has cost more to the economy than the benefits it has conferred to the economy. This is principally because of the incentives that were given to the producers working in the EPZ sector. The costs of these incentives were higher than the overall returns obtained from the sector. The two variables that negatively contributed to the sector were domestic borrowings and electricity usage. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
There's more to life than money: Exploring the levels/growth paradox in income and health
Authors: Kenny Charles 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper discusses historical and recent cross‐country evidence relating income to measures of health. After a review of the literature on income and the quality of life, the paper looks at long‐term historical evidence on the link between income change and health indicators. Using data on life expectancy, infant mortality and income for a small subset of largely wealthy countries over the 1913–1999 period, the paper examines correlations between income and health at period start and end as well as using the growth of the variables. Using a larger set of data over the period 1975–2000, the paper repeats these tests, as well as looking for any evidence of a larger impact of income, when different data are used or the sample is split. Results suggest a strong cross‐country link between income and health and considerable evidence of global improvements over time, but a comparatively weak relationship between improvements in income and improvements in health, even over the very long term. The paper discusses a model based on technology and institutions that might account for such results as well as some preliminary evidence in favour of such a model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exports and economic growth: The case of South Africa
Authors: Rangasamy Logan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEconomic policy has always accorded an important role to export production in the overall growth process in South Africa. Recent policy proposals once again reaffirm this commitment. This paper attempts to ascertain whether the emphasis on export production is justified. Using modern econometric techniques within a multivariate framework, the results show that there is uni‐directional Granger‐causality running from exports to economic growth in South Africa. In addition, the gross domestic product (GDP) accounting identity underestimates the contribution of exports to economic growth. Thus, deliberate policy measures that stimulate export production will greatly enhance the growth prospects for the South African economy. The results in this paper also indicate that more attention should be given to the promotion of non‐primary exports. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microfinance asymmetric information problems in Cameroon
Authors: Tche Jacob 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn recent financial liberalisation debates, increasing attention has been paid to the role of financial intermediation on the economy. Little research addressing the behaviour of bank lending interest rates under a financial liberalisation system has been articulated. This paper, therefore, draws a parallel between a completely liberalised microfinance and independent banks under financial liberalisation to indicate that in the presence of imperfect information there is a high probability of banks exhibiting a monopolistic behaviour. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Policy, vulnerability and the new debt sustainability framework
Authors: Ferrarini Benno 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe investigate the empirical foundations of the New Debt Sustainability Framework (NDSF), which was recently endorsed by the IMF and the World Bank in support of low‐income countries' (LICs) debt sustainability. Our empirical re‐assessment questions the existence of a probabilistic relationship between the quality of countries' policies and institutions and their risk of debt distress. In contrast, we find that indicators of economic vulnerability are more significant predictors of debt distress among LICs. We argue that the NDSF is bound to distort aid allocation away from the country‐specific circumstances which truly matter for the achievement of debt sustainability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acid‐formed pectin gel delays major incomplete kiwi fruit allergen Act c 1 proteolysis in in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Polovic Natalija Dj , Pjanovic Rada V , Burazer Lidija M , Velickovic Sava J , Jankov Ratko M , Cirkovic Velickovic Tanja D 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: It is thought that food sensitisers must be able to reach the intestine in order to sensitise patients. Pectin is a gel‐forming plant polysaccharide that can protect allergens from in vivo gastric digestion and in vitro pepsin digestion. The aim of this study was to examine if pectin gel formed in the acidic environment of the stomach can protect labile allergen from in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.RESULTS: Pectin forms a gel in the acidic conditions of gastric fluid up to a concentration of 1.0 ± 0.14 g L−1. Four allergenic fruits (kiwi, cherry, apple and banana) form gels in the same manner at the dilutions 14.8 ± 0.4; 8.4 ± 0.2, 9.4 ± 0.35 and 29.1 ± 0.2, respectively. The time necessary for dissolution of 50 g L−1 pectin gel in intestinal fluid was found to be 70 ± 0.2 min. Pectin gel formed in situ was able to protect Act c 1 from pepsin digestion for 1 h and from further intestinal digestion for one additional hour.CONCLUSION: Pectin gel in an acidic environment protects Act c 1 from pepsin digestion and dissolves slowly in the slightly basic environment of the intestine allowing the survival of fruit allergen for additional time and possible interaction with the gut immune system. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzymes in lipid production and modification – Current knowledge and future perspectives
Authors: Cowan David 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMicrobial enzymes are today used in a range of lipid processing from refining through to fat modification. The range of options is increasing following new research into enzyme types and functionalities. Within the near future, improved methods of enzymatic degumming will be developed as well as alternative enzymes for interesterification and synthesis of nutritionally interesting fats. An enzymatic route to Biod‐diesel is also a distinct possibility focussing on the waste oils and fats which are today difficult to process through chemical esterification.
Rheological Properties of Cross‐Linked Hyaluronan–Gelatin Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Vanderhooft Janssen L. , Alcoutlabi Mataz , Magda Jules J. , Prestwich Glenn D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHydrogels that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) are used in three‐dimensional cell culture, cell therapy, and tissue engineering. A semi‐synthetic ECM based on cross‐linked hyaluronana offers experimental control of both composition and gel stiffness. The mechanical properties of the ECM in part determine the ultimate cell phenotype. We now describe a rheological study of synthetic ECM hydrogels with storage shear moduli that span three orders of magnitude, from 11 to 3 500 Pa, a range important for engineering of soft tissues. The concentration of the chemically modified HA and the cross‐linking density were the main determinants of gel stiffness. Increase in the ratio of thiol‐modified gelatin reduced gel stiffness by diluting the effective concentration of the HA component.magnified image
Anisotropic Electrical Transport Properties of Aligned Carbon Nanotube/PMMA Films Obtained by Electric‐Field‐Assisted Thermal Annealing
Authors: Valentini Luca , Bon Silvia Bittolo , Kenny Josè M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper demonstrates how the electric‐field‐assisted thermal annealing of octadecylamine‐functionalized SWNT/PMMA films induces an increase in the composite transversal conductivity of several orders of magnitude and a decrease in the lateral conductivity. This difference has been rationalized in terms of the nanotube alignment into the polymer matrix along the electric field direction. This result provides an initial understanding of how electric fields can be used to control the bulk physical properties of such nanocomposites.magnified image
Deterministic and fuzzy verification methods for a hierarchy of numerical models
Authors: Amodei Marielle , Stein Joël 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDeterministic and fuzzy verification methods are compared to assess the Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (QPF) performance of an hierarchy of models run at Météo‐France: two operational models (ARPEGE and ALADIN) and a prototype version of the high resolution model AROME. The reference data are 24‐h accumulated rainfall values measured by the French climatological network of rain gauges. The deterministic forecasts are converted to frequencies of threshold exceedence in a neighbourhood in order to apply a fuzzy verification method, able to determine the influence of the double penalty. Local and regional versions of the Brier skill score (BSS) are computed and persistence is the selected reference system. An optimal size of the neighbourhood can be determined from the local version of the BSS. The regional version of the BSS increases with the size of the neighbourhood and provides useful information on the reduction of the error for large scales. All the scores show that the ALADIN 3DVAR implementation improves the quality of the ALADIN QPF in comparison to the ARPEGE QPF. Deterministic verification methods show that AROME improves the QPF for weak precipitation but produces too many false alarms for heavy rain. Moreover, the fuzzy approach removes more substantially the double penalty for the heavy rain forecasts of AROME than for the light precipitation of ALADIN. After recalibration the ALADIN QPF have better deterministic scores than the AROME QPF. Nevertheless, fuzzy verification methods prove the contrary: for scales larger than 50 km, the AROME scores exceed the ALADIN scores, but not significantly. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Inextensible reinforcement on non‐linear elasto‐plastic subgrade under oblique pull
Authors: Shahu J. T. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this paper, a rational analysis of pullout resistance of inextensible sheet reinforcement subjected to oblique end force has been presented considering a non‐linear (hyperbolic), elasto‐plastic, normal stress–displacement relationship of the subgrade. Under an oblique pull, high normal stresses develop on stronger subgrades, thus mobilizing high shearing resistance at the reinforcement–soil interface. The higher the bearing resistance of the subgrade, the higher the horizontal component of pullout force and the lower the end displacement of the reinforcement. On the other hand, the end displacement at pullout can become very high for weaker subgrades especially at high values of the angle of obliquity. Also, the pullout capacity under oblique loading for weaker subgrades may approach or even fall below the axial pullout capacity at high values of the angle of obliquity. These adverse pullout responses owing to a low value of bearing resistance of subgrade are magnified when the subgrade stiffness is also small. On weaker subgrades, improvement in angle of interface shear is not advisable as this leads to further reduction in the pullout force and increase in the end displacement. Results are compared with back analysis of published test data on model reinforced soil walls. The comparison suggests that the present model leads to a more rational and better prediction of the pullout failure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A combined neural network/gradient‐based approach for the identification of constitutive model parameters using self‐boring pressuremeter tests
Authors: Obrzud Rafał F. , Vulliet Laurent , Truty Andrzej 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper presents a numerical procedure of material parameter identification for the coupled hydro‐mechanical boundary value problem (BVP) of the self‐boring pressuremeter test (SBPT) in clay. First, the neural network (NN) technique is applied to obtain an initial estimate of model parameters, taking into account the possible drainage conditions during the expansion test. This technique is used to avoid potential pitfalls related to the conventional gradient‐based optimization techniques, considered here as a corrector that improves predicted parameters. Parameter identification based on measurements obtained through the pressuremeter expansion test and two types of holding tests is illustrated on the Modified Cam clay model. NNs are trained using a set of test samples, which are generated by means of finite element simulations of SBPT. The measurements obtained through expansion and consolidation tests are normalized so that NN predictors operate independently of the testing depth. Examples of parameter determination are demonstrated on both numerical and field data. The efficiency of the combined parameter identification in terms of accuracy, effectiveness and computational effort is also discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of α1‐adrenergic receptors in detrusor overactivity induced by cold stress in conscious rats
Authors: Chen Zhong , Ishizuka Osamu , Imamura Tetsuya , Aizawa Naoki , Igawa Yasuhiko , Nishizawa Osamu , Andersson Karl‐Erik 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAimsα1‐Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are involved in micturition control both centrally and peripherally. α1‐AR antagonists improve not only voiding but also storage symptoms in patients with bladder outlet obstruction. We investigated the role of α1‐AR mechanisms involved in detrusor overactivity induced by cold stress in conscious rats.MethodsContinuous cystometry was performed at room temperature (RT, 28 ± 2°C) and for 40 min at cold temperature (CT, 4 ± 2°C). Voiding interval (VI), micturition volume (MV), and bladder capacity (BC) were evaluated before and after intravenous administration of KMD‐3213 (selective α1A‐AR antagonist), naftopidil (selective α1D‐AR antagonist), tamsulosin (selective α1A/1D‐AR antagonist), and prazosin (non‐selective α1‐AR antagonist). Blood pressure (BP), cumulative voided volume and body temperature were also evaluated.ResultsAt RT, none of the AR antagonists caused significant change in the cystometric parameters. During 40 min of cold stress cumulative voided volume and body temperature did not change, but there were significant decreases in VI, MV, and BC. Low doses of the AR antagonists had no effect on CT‐induced decreases of these variables. However, high doses of KMD‐3213, tamsulosin, naftopidil and prazosin significantly inhibited the CT‐induced decreases in VI, MV, and BC. CT caused a significant increase in BP, and this was not affected by low doses of the AR antagonists. However, high doses of prazosin significantly lowered the CT‐induced increase of BP.ConclusionsCold stress induces detrusor overactivity and increases BP in conscious rats. These effects are mediated, at least in part, by α1A‐AR and α1D‐AR subtypes and can be prevented/reduced by α1‐AR antagonists. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:251–256, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coenzyme Q10 diminishes ischemia–reperfusion induced apoptosis and nerve injury in rabbit urinary bladder
Authors: Juan Yung‐Shun , Chuang Shu Mien , Mannikarottu Anita , Huang Chun‐Hsung , Li Suning , Schuler Catherine , Levin Robert M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAimsIschemia/reperfusion (I/R) can significantly change the nerve function of the bladder, thus resulting in detrusor weakness and overactivity. CoQ10 is a lipid‐soluble cofactor found naturally in the mitochondria and has been reported to have neuroprotective and antiapoptosis effects. The aim of this study is to determine if CoQ10 can protect bladders subjected to I/R injury.MethodsFour groups of male New Zealand White rabbits (N = 4) were treated with CoQ10 (3 mg/kg body weight/day) (groups 1and 2) or vehicle (groups 3 and 4). In groups 2 and 4 (I/R groups), bilateral vesicular ischemia was induced for 2 hr and the rabbits allowed to recover for 2 weeks. Groups 1 and 3 were controls and given sham surgery. The cholinergic nerve marker, vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), was examined by western blotting. Nerve density and cell apoptosis were calculated by immunohistochemistry.ResultsI/R significantly decrease bladder innervation; CoQ10 has significant neuroprotective effects, which are evidenced by increased VAChT expression and neurofilament immunostaining. Detrusor cells apoptosis increase significantly by I/R. CoQ10 control and I/R groups both show significantly lower apoptosis than vehicle groups.ConclusionsThe current study clearly demonstrated that these CoQ10 supplement provides significant bladder protection against I/R injury. This protective effect is in part by protecting damage to cholinergic innervation. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:339–342, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lagrange‐Projection scheme for two‐phase flows. 2. Boundary and conditions second‐order enhancement.
Authors: Coquel F. , Nguyen Q. L. , Postel M. , Tran Q. H. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a new way to perform second‐order enhancement using slope‐limiters for the numerical linear advection ∂t Ψ + u ∂x Ψ = 0, while ensuring not only the monotonicity of each component of Ψ, but also that of a nontrivial combination G (Ψ) called control variable. This problem arises in fluid mechanics codes using the Lagrange‐Projection formalism, such as [1], where the additional monotonicity property is required by physical considerations within the “remap” step. The sophisticated slope reconstruction procedure we devised can be extended to a large number of industrial problems. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Basic studies on the dynamics of rotating circular structures
Authors: Brinkmeier Maik , Nackenhorst Udo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this paper the dynamic effects due to rotation of spinning circular structures will be discussed by analytical, experimental and numerical investigations. Basic phenomena of spinning are studied on the analytical solution of a spinning ring. The observed effects will be underlined by rather simple experimental investigations on a rotating wine glass. Based on this fundamental knowledge special attention has to be payed to the finite element modeling and implementation of the eigenvalue analysis of gyroscopic systems, which requires the numerical solution in complex numbers. Besides the influence of rotational speed, the disturbances due to rolling contact will be discussed on rotating tubes as well as detailed finite element models of rolling tires. The application of these techniques with emphasis to the prediction of tire noise will be outlined. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A posteriori error analysis for eigenvalue problems
Authors: Carstensen Carsten , Gedicke Joscha , Livshits Ira 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA new a posteriori error analysis for symmetric eigenvalue problems of the adaptive finite element method (AFEM) is presented. Based on an H1 stable L2 projection, we prove reliability of the edge contribution for P1 finite element methods. Hence the AFEM proposed can ignore the volume contribution as well as oscillations. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)