bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population change due to geographic mobility in Albania, 1989–2001, and the repercussions of internal migration for the enlargement of Tirana
Authors: Agorastakis Michalis , Sidiropoulos Giorgos 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBeing a country in transition, Albania has sustained vast political and socio‐economic changes over the past 15 years, mostly due to its engagement in democratisation and transformation to an open market economy. The pathway to transition has involved economic hardship and political unrest and has been accompanied by intense, large‐scale, geographical mobility. This paper describes population change due to internal and international migration, 1989–2001, using Census data at district level. Its contribution is a technical one in applying a method that allows new estimates to be made of the scale of internal migration in Albania.Descriptive analysis of population changes in 36 Albanian districts, based on the last two censuses, lead to the identification of poles of attraction of internal migrants. Limited data concerning the 1989 Census and the 12 years between the censuses resulted in the creation of various indices that characterise internal migration, such as the Attraction and Expulsion Index stemming from the Origin–Destination Matrix of the districts. In addition an Index of Conservation of the population and an Index of External Migration were also derived at the district level. By considering internal and international migration as two separate phenomena, we emphasise their uniqueness in affecting population change in Albania. The District of Tirana, capital of Albania, absorbed the majority of the inflow of internal migrants. The latter part of the paper focuses on the population of Tirana as the county's major migration destination. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Force tracking neural block control for an electro‐hydraulic actuatorviasecond‐order sliding mode
Authors: Loukianov Alexander G. , Sanchez Edgar , Lizalde Carlos 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper presents a novel scheme for identification and control of an electro‐hydraulic system using recurrent neural networks. The proposed neural network has the nonlinear block control form structure. A sliding‐mode control technique is applied then to design a discontinuous controller, which is able to track a force reference trajectory. Due to the presence of an unmodelled dynamics, the standard sliding‐mode controller produces oscillations (or ‘chattering’) in the closed‐loop system. The second‐order sliding mode is used to eliminate the undesired chattering effect. Simulations are presented to illustrate the results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of information and variance maximization strategies for characterizing neural feature selectivity
Authors: Sharpee Tatyana O. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper compares several statistical methods for analyzing neural feature selectivity with natural stimuli. Despite the non‐Gaussian character of correlations in natural stimuli, several relevant stimulus dimensions can be found by maximizing either information or, as is demonstrated here, variance. In the case of information, the relevance of each dimension is quantified by a Kullback–Leibler divergence between the full input probability distribution and that across inputs associated with positive neural responses, both projected onto that dimension. We demonstrate that least‐square matching of the nonlinear prediction based on several dimensions relevant to the recorded spike trains yields an optimization scheme similar to information maximization. The relevant dimensions are found as those that capture the most variance in neural response. The variance along a stimulus dimension is given by a Rényi divergence of order 2 instead of the Kullback–Leibler divergence used for maximizing information. Statistical errors expected for the two schemes are shown to be similar through both analytical and numerical calculations. However, in the asymptotic limit of large spike numbers, maximizing information results in smaller errors than variance optimization. Numerical simulations for model cells with different noise levels show that this trend persists, and possibly increases, when the number of spikes decreases. This makes the problem of finding relevant dimensions one of the examples where information‐theoretic approaches are no more data limited than the variance‐based measures. Variance and information optimization also outperform methods based on the spike‐triggered average for all numbers of spikes and neural noise levels. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of Glycerol in Wines Using 31P‐NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Hatzakis Emanuel , Archavlis Eleftherios , Dais Photis 
Published: June 2007

Abstract31P‐NMR spectroscopy was employed to detect and quantify glycerol in red wines from various regions of Greece. This novel analytical method was based on the derivatization of the hydroxyl groups of glycerol with 2‐chloro‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl dioxaphospholane, and identification of the phosphitylated compound on the basis of 31P chemical shifts. Quantification of glycerol in wines was accomplished by integration of appropriate signals in the 31P‐NMR spectrum and the use of the phosphitylated cyclohexanol as the internal standard. The method was reproducible (CV (%) = 2.35) and accurate (CV (%) = 1.34). Its applicability to glycerol quantification in wines was tested against a weighted amount of a glycerol‐model compound by linear regression analysis (R = 0.999; intercept = 0.074 ± 0.078; slope = 0.998 ± 0.003; p = 0.000). Furthermore, the NMR method was compared to the AOAC official method (HPLC) using the Bland and Altman statistical analysis. The distribution of the data points in the bias plot showed that 100% of the measurements of glycerol in 16 wine samples from various regions of Greece were within the limits of agreement of the two methods.
Staff Views and Behaviour Regarding Patient Involvement in Myocardial Infarction Care: Development and Evaluation of a Questionnaire
Authors: Arnetz Judith E. , Höglund Anna T. , Arnetz Bengt B. , Winblad Ulrika 
Published: June 2007

Background: Healthcare legislation in several nations now dictates the responsibility of health care professionals to involve patients in decisions concerning care and treatment. However, few studies have examined the impact of patient involvement on the work of health care professionals. A better understanding of staff views and behaviour might enhance patient involvement. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire for measuring views and behaviour regarding patient involvement among physicians and nursing staff caring for patients with myocardial infarction. Methods: Focus groups among cardiology staff provided the basis for the construction of the questionnaire. Questionnaire validity and reliability were evaluated in a small pilot study and a larger cross-sectional study among cardiology staff at twelve Swedish hospitals. Results: The questionnaire demonstrated good validity and reliability, with two factors measuring staff views and four measuring behaviour. Conclusion: The questionnaire appears to be a useful tool for evaluating the perceptions and behaviour of physicians and nursing staff regarding patient involvement in myocardial infarction care. Use of this questionnaire may provide insight regarding areas of staff–patient interaction that need improvement, as well as implications of patient involvement for the work of each professional group on cardiology wards.
Comparison of self-reports and biological measures for alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs consumption in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: de Beaurepaire Renaud , Lukasiewicz Michael , Beauverie Patrick , Castéra Sophie , Dagorne Odile , Espaze Renaud , Falissard Bruno , Giroult Patrick , Houery Michèle , Mahuzier Georges , Matheron Isabelle , Niel Philippe , Padovani Pierre , Poisson Nicole , Richier Jean-Paul , Rocher Jérôme , Ruetsh Odile , Touzeau Didier , Visinoni André , Molimard Robert 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundAsking psychiatric in-patients about their drug consumption is unlikely to yield reliable results, particularly where alcohol and illicit drug use is involved. The main aim of this study was to compare spontaneous self-reports of drug use in hospitalized psychiatric patients to biological measures of same. A secondary aim was to determine which personal factors were associated with the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs as indicated by these biological measures.MethodsThe consumption of substances was investigated using biological measures (urine cotinine, cannabis, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines and barbiturates; blood carbohydrate-deficient transferrin [CDT] and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) in 486 consecutively admitted psychiatric patients, one day following their hospitalization. Patients’ self-reports of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs consumption were recorded. Socio-professional and familial data were also recorded.ResultsThe results show a low correlation between biological measures and self-reported consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs. Fifty-two percent of the patients under-reported their consumption of illicit drugs (kappa = .47). Patients with schizophrenia and personality disorders were more likely to disclose their illicit drug consumption relative to patients suffering from mood disorders and alcohol dependence. Fifty-six percent of patients underreported alcohol use, as evaluated by CDT (kappa = .2), and 37% underreported when using the CDT + GGT measure as an indicator. Smoking appeared to be reported adequately. In the study we observed a strong negative correlation between cannabis use and age, a strong correlation between tobacco and cannabis use, and correlations between tobacco, cannabis and alcohol consumption.ConclusionThis study is the first to compare self-reports and biological measures of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug uses in a large sample of inpatients suffering from various categories of psychiatric illnesses, allowing for cross-diagnosis comparisons.
Access to sexual and reproductive health care: Adolescents and young people
Authors: Braeken D. , Otoo‐Oyortey N. , Serour G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObstetricians and gynecologists at the FIGO pre‐congress workshop on adolescents deliberated on their role as clinicians, educators and advocates in upholding young peoples’ sexual and reproductive health rights. Comprehensive services to adolescents should include emergency contraception, safe abortion and also provide care for survivors of sexual violence. Key to successful access to youth friendly services consist of providers’ attitudes and addressing consent, confidentiality, evolving capacities of young people and youth participation.
Strategic supply management, quality initiatives, and organizational performance
Authors: Yeung Andy C.L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractResearchers in supply chain management have found over the past two decades that supply management should be not merely a purchasing function but a strategic tool for supply chain integration. Supply management, the cornerstone of the integration of industrial supply chains, has evolved as a key research area. Based on quantitative and qualitative investigations of 225 electronics manufacturing firms, we examine the organizational impacts of strategic supply management (SSM) and the contexts of company size, process type, ISO 9000 certification, and quality management (QM) implementation that facilitate such an endeavor. We reveal that SSM is essentially a quality management initiative that requires bilateral efforts for continuous improvement and thus is not associated with the basic requirements of ISO 9000. We find that SSM improves on‐time shipments, reduces operational costs, and leads to customer satisfaction and improved business performance. Developed based on contemporary premises in supply chain and QM, this research refines our understanding of the relationships among quality initiatives, SSM, and organizational performance.
Abomasal nematodes of the red deerCervus elaphusin north-eastern Italy
Authors: Manfredi M.T. , Di Cerbo A.R. , Tranquillo V. , Nassuato C. , Pedrotti L. , Piccolo G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe composition of the abomasal helminth fauna and parasite diversity were studied in 298 red deer collected during 1997–2000 from three different sectors (Bolzano, Trento and Sondrio provinces) of the Stelvio National Park, one of the main protected areas of north-eastern Italy. The association between parasite burdens and geographical areas of the hosts was assessed using the negative binomial regression. A variety of abomasal helminths, both host specific and generalist, was found in all sectors. The most commonly observed parasites were theSpiculopteragia spiculopteramorphspiculopteraandOstertagia leptospicularismorphleptospicularis, with prevalences of 79.5% and 40.9%, respectively. The minor morphsS. spiculopteramorphmathevossiani(prevalence 31.9%) andO. leptospicularismorphkolchida(18.8%) occurred at lower prevalences.Teladorsagia circumcinctamorphcircumcincta, Marshallagia marshallimorphmarshalliandHaemonchus contortuswere rarer, at prevalences of 1, 1.3 and 1.3%, respectively. Deviance analysis of the negative binomial regression model shows that the geographical area is significantly related to parasite burdens (P = 0.001). Prevalences of hosts with parasites were greater in the Sondrio (odds ratio = 1.31; 95% confidence interval: 0.16–10.85) and smaller in the Trento (odds ratio = 0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.20–1.96) sectors with respect to Bolzano, but these differences were not statistically significant. Possible cross-infections by more generalist parasites between wild and domestic animals were also suggested, as deer and domestic ruminants (Bovinae, Caprinae and Ovinae) used the same feeding areas of the park sectors.
Nitazoxanide in the treatment of Ascaris lumbricoides in a rural zone of Colima, Mexico
Authors: Galvan-Ramirez M.L. , Rivera N. , Loeza M.E. , Avila X. , Acero J. , Troyo R. , Bernal R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIntestinal parasites in Mexico are an endemic problem. A study was conducted in children, teenagers and adults in a rural community in Colima, Mexico to examine the prevalence and intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides infection and to evaluate the parasitological and clinical efficacy of nitazoxanide (NTZ). Two hundred and eighty children, teenagers and adults participated in this study. Parasitological diagnosis from faeces was confirmed by three consecutive stool samples using the floatation concentration Faust method. Egg counts were performed as described by the Kato–Katz technique before and after treatment. A questionnaire was systematically applied to obtain information about socio-economic status and hygienic habits. One hundred and six participants (38%) were diagnosed as harbouring intestinal parasites, and 86 of them (81%) were infected with A. lumbricoides. All patients with ascariasis infections underwent a complete physical examination before and after NTZ treatment. NTZ resolved 88% of the ascariasis cases, with a 89% clinical efficacy, and there was a 97.5% reduction in the levels of morbidity. The most intense infections for A. lumbricoides were found in housewives, and statistically significant associations were found between ascariasis and the absence of drainage and living in houses with dirt floors.
Public entrepreneurship and the economics of reform
Authors: SCHNELLENBACH JAN 
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Public entrepreneurship is commonly understood as the outcome of the activities of a Schumpeterian political innovator. However, empirical research suggests that changes to a more efficient economic policy, even if it is known and technically easy to implement, are usually delayed. This is difficult to reconcile with Schumpeterian notions of public entrepreneurship. In this paper, it is argued that the attempt to transfer a Schumpeterian approach to the public sector is fundamentally flawed. Institutional checks and balances that characterize most modern liberal democracies make the strategy of bold leadership an unlikely choice for an incumbent. If change occurs, it occurs normally as a response to the fact that the status quo has become untenable. From a normative point of view, it is argued that if public entrepreneurship nevertheless occurs, it will often be associated with unwanted consequences. A dismantling of formal institutional checks and balances is therefore not reasonable.
On the optimal specificity of legal rules
Authors: FON VINCY , PARISI FRANCESCO 
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Lawmakers can choose to craft laws with different levels of detail to guide judges in their decision-making process, incorporating rules or standards into the laws they write. The optimal degree of specificity of legal rules under different environmental conditions and the functionality of these rules or standards are the subjects of the present study. A basic model of optimal specificity of laws is presented, clarifying the relevance of legal obsolescence and volume of litigation in the optimal choice. We then consider the important influence of codification style, judges’ specialization, and complexity of reality on the optimal choice of legislative instrument. The implications of our results are then reexamined in light of the more complex institutional reality that characterizes contemporary legislative processes in various areas of the law.
The use of taxonomic distinctness to assess environmental disturbance of insect communities from running water
Authors: MARCHANT RICHARD 
Published: June 2007

Summary1. Taxonomic distinctness (or average taxonomic breadth) of a sample is a measure of diversity that has the great advantage of not being sensitive to variations in sampling effort, unlike measures of species richness. It can also be tested for departures from expectation and can thus be used to determine whether a site has suffered from a genuine loss of diversity.2. Taxonomic distinctness or delta+ was measured using all insect species from three datasets obtained from running water habitats: reference or least disturbed sites from channel and bank habitats on rivers from the Australian state of Victoria; test sites distributed along a water quality gradient in Victoria and sites immediately below a series of dams in Victoria and New South Wales. The last two datasets comprised sites subject to a range of obvious disturbances.3. At reference sites delta+ was generally within the range of expected values (95% confidence limits) for both habitats as would be anticipated for these essentially undisturbed sites. However, 13–14% of sites fell below the lower confidence limits. Sites in river basins with less cover of natural habitat had slightly but significantly lower delta+ values than those with more cover and these sites contributed to this anomaly.4. Delta+ was inversely correlated with water quality (r = −0.54, P = 0.002) as measured by the first axis of a PCA of water quality variables. It was also inversely correlated with individual variables, such as turbidity and total phosphorous.5. Delta+ was below expectation for 18 of the 19 dam sites and at 13 of these sites delta+ values were below the lower confidence limit.6. Delta+ was a sensitive index of diversity that generally distinguished sites suffering from environmental disturbance. Only a few previous studies of river ecosystems have used delta+, which did not respond consistently to disturbance because either too few taxa at species or higher taxonomic levels were available or because longitudinal changes in species composition swamped the signal from delta+. Neither of these problems occurred with the current datasets.7. Delta+ responded more readily to disturbance than number of species, perhaps because taxonomic distinctness reflects some of the multivariate nature of community samples, whereas number of species is blind to this aspect.
Species‐specific responses of planktivorous fish to the introduction of a new piscivore: implications for prey fitness
Authors: HÖLKER FRANZ , DÖRNER HENDRIK , SCHULZE TORSTEN , HAERTEL‐BORER SUSANNE S. , PEACOR SCOTT D. , MEHNER THOMAS 
Published: June 2007

Summary1. Antipredator behaviour by the facultative planktivorous fish species roach (Rutilus rutilus), perch (Perca fluviatilis) and rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) was studied in a multi‐year whole‐lake experiment to evaluate species‐specific behavioural and numerical responses to the stocking of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), a predator with different foraging behaviour than the resident predators large perch (P. fluviatilis) and pike (Esox lucius).2. Behavioural responses to pikeperch varied greatly during the night, ranging from reduced activity (roach and small perch) and a shift in habitat (roach), to no change in the habitat use and activity of rudd. The differing responses of the different planktivorous prey species highlight the potential variation in behavioural response to predation risk from species of similar vulnerability.3. These differences had profound effects on fitness; the density of species that exhibited an antipredator response declined only slightly (roach) or even increased (small perch), whereas the density of the species that did not exhibit an antipredator response (rudd) decreased dramatically (by more than 80%).4. The maladaptive behaviour of rudd can be explained by a ‘behavioural syndrome’, i.e. the interdependence of behaviours expressed in different contexts (feeding activity, antipredator) across different situations (different densities of predators).5. Our study extends previous studies, that have typically been limited to more controlled situations, by illustrating the variability in intensity of phenotypic responses to predators, and the consequences for population density, in a large whole‐lake setting.
Population genetic structure reveals terrestrial affinities for a headwater stream insect
Authors: FINN DEBRA S. , BLOUIN MICHAEL S. , LYTLE DAVID A. 
Published: June 2007

Summary1. The spatial distribution of stream‐dwelling organisms is often considered to be limited primarily according to the hierarchical structure of the hydrologic network, and previous conceptual models of population genetic structure have reflected this generality. Headwater specialists, however, are confined to short upstream sections of the network, and therefore are unlikely to respond in the same way as species with a broader range of habitat tolerance.2. Here, we propose a model to describe spatial patterns of genetic diversity in headwater specialists with a limited ability for among‐stream dispersal. The headwater model predicts a partitioning of genetic variance according to higher‐elevation ‘islands’ of terrestrial habitat that provide required headwater stream conditions. The model therefore expects a geographic pattern of genetic variance similar to that expected for low‐dispersal terrestrial species occupying the adjacent habitat.3. Using a 1032‐bp mitochondrial DNA fragment encompassing parts of the COI and COII genes, we demonstrate that Madrean Sky Islands populations of the giant water bug Abedus herberti conform to the proposed headwater model. Furthermore, they exhibit phylogeographic patterns broadly concordant with those shown for several terrestrial species in the region, including a major zone of discontinuity in the Chiricahua mountain range.4. Overall, populations are highly isolated from one another, and a nested clade analysis suggested that A. herberti population structure, similarly to terrestrial Sky Islands species studied previously, has been influenced by Pleistocene climatic cycles causing expansion and contraction of temperate woodland habitat.5. Because they have no ability to disperse among present‐day mountaintop habitat islands, A. herberti and other headwater species with limited dispersal ability are vulnerable to the projected increasing rate of climatic warming in this region.