bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring macroeconomic exposure: The case of Volvo Cars*
Authors: Oxelheim Lars , Wihlborg Clas 
Published: October 2006

AbstractVolvo Cars' economic exposure to exchange rates and other macroeconomic variables is estimated using quarterly cash flows as the firm's target variable. We discuss first several issues relating to management's view of the macroeconomic environment, as well as the firm's objective and structure. These issues must be addressed before multiple regression analysis can be implemented with the purpose of estimating exposures. the use of cash flow exposure coefficients for evaluating exposure and choosing currency denomination of liabilities is illustrated, and an out‐of‐sample analysis of the estimated exposure coefficients is carried out.
Determinants of the components of bid‐ask spreads on stocks
Authors: Kim Sung‐Hun , Ogden Joseph P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn this paper we show that George et al. (GKN, 1991) estimators of the adverse selection and order processing cost components of the bid‐ask spread are biased due to intertemporal variations in the bid‐ask spread. We use alternative estimators that correct this bias and that are applicable to individual securities, and estimate these cost components empirically using data on NYSE/AMEX stocks. As expected, our results indicate that on average adverse selection costs account for approximately 50% of the bid‐ask spread, sharply higher than the estimates of 8‐10% obtained by GKN for NASDAQ stocks and 21% that we obtain for NYSE/AMEX stocks using GKN's estimators. We then conduct cross‐sectional regressions designed primarily to determine whether adverse selection costs vary across specialists after controlling for firm size and other factors. Consistent with previously established hypotheses, we find that adverse‐selection costs vary across specialists, and that this variation is related to the number of securities that the specialist handles.
Corporate performance and firm perception: The British experience
Authors: Nanda Sudhir , Schneeweis Thomas , Eneroth Kristina 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPrevious academic research has presented a theoretical basis for a relationship between attributes of a firm's reputation and its financial performance. For the United States, researchers have analysed the correspondence between market and accounting based measures of US firm performance and external evaluators' perceptions of the qualitative attributes of US firms. In this study, expert surveys on the qualitative performance of British firms conducted by the British publication, the Economist, which are similar in content to surveys conducted by Fortune magazine for US firms, are used to determine the correspondence between qualitative and quantitative measures of British firms' performance. Results indicate that differences may exist between US and Britain in the use of qualitative survey data on a firm's strategic attributes as a forecast of a firm's future quantitative performance measures. Results also indicate that for small firms, certain qualitative factors (e.g. capacity to innovate) may be of greater importance in forecasting accounting and security market returns.
European banking integration, ten years after
Authors: Dermine Jean 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTen years ago, the White Paper on the Completion of the Single Market announced the integration of European banking markets. the purpose of this essay is to identify four public issues that remain to be addressed. Home country control of international banks need to be complemented by host country control. the deposit guarantee schemes should be modified by rendering insured deposits ‘first order claim’. A European authority is needed to ensure that banks do not exploit domestic rents to subsidise international activities. Finally, tax evasion is a fourth issue that remains to be addressed.
Major pyrolysis and thermoxidative products from certain polyamides
Authors: Michal Jasn , Mitera Jiří , Kubát Jaroslav 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe nature of the pyrolysis and thermoxidative decomposition products of a number of polyamides was investigated using thermogravimetry, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The degree of potential toxic effect has been assessed from qualitative evaluation of the results.
The Evolution of Research on Technological Crises in the US
Authors: Shrivastava Paul 
Published: October 2006

Technological crises and disasters are becoming an increasingly important menace to society. Over the past three decades these crises have received significant research attention in the United States. This paper examines the evolution of this research.This research emerged from a specific social‐historical context of the environmental movement and the critique of progressive technological development and industrialization. Its key evolutionary characteristics are discussed in terms of the way in which research issues are framed; the expansion in the domain of research concerns; the explanatory content of studies; the proliferation of research models and frameworks; the emerging methodological pluralism and the fragmented cumulation of knowledge.The field now needs a unifying focus and anticipatory policies for crisis prevention and management. The paper proposes‘ecologically sustainable economic development’ as a general framework for synthesizing understanding of technological crises. It cautions against unreflexive transfer of knowledge from the US setting to other countries.
Product Risks and Reputation: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Bezuyen Michel J. 
Published: October 2006

Product Risk Management, Howard Abbott, Pitman Publishing, London (1992), 276 pp. Managing Product Recall, Howard Abbott, Pitman Publishing, London (1992), 274 pp. Reputation Risk Management, Peter Sheldon Green, Pitman Publishing, London (1992), 204 pp.
Real‐Time Decision Support for Emergency Management: An Integration of Advanced Computer and Communications Technology
Authors: Beroggi Giampiero E.G. , Wallace William A. 
Published: October 2006

Responses to emergencies are typically based on contingency plans. However, unexpected events can occur during the operation that affect safety and/or effectiveness of the activated response plan. Latest advances in communications and information technology can collect and transfer a large amount of data to the on‐scene commander in real‐time. The commander can then assess the potential impact of such events and decide if and how to revise the planned course of action to maintain safety and efficiency of the operation.This paper proposes a new paradigm for real‐time decision support for emergency response ‐ operational risk management. Emergency response is modelled as a large‐scale operational system, including a human‐machine real‐time controller. The decision model is based on a topological graph structure, where the nodes are decisions and the arcs the activities. The attributes of the activities are expressed as ordinal preference values. The optimal course of action is the sequence of activities with the highest preference for resolving the emergency situation. The implementation of the decision model into a prototype decision support system is discussed.
Effect of native and exotic leaf litter on macroinvertebrate communities and decomposition in a western Montana stream
Authors: Reinhart Kurt O. , VandeVoort Rachel 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTInvasion by exotic trees into riparian areas has the potential to impact terrestrial and aquatic systems. To test the effect of different streamside tree species on the aquatic food web in a stream in Montana, we compared decomposition rates of leaf litter and invertebrate assemblages associated with the leaf litter of the exoticAcer platanoidesand the dominant nativePopulus trichocarpatrees. Macroinvertebrate family richness, evenness, and diversity increased with days of aquatic processing; however, there was no effect of leaf species. Leaves of theA. platanoideswere associated with 70% greater density of macroinvertebrates of the family Nemouridae. This family consists primarily of detritivores and had the greatest overall density and frequency of occurrence relative to other macroinvertebrate families. The density of a family of predatory macroinvertebrates (Rhyacophilidae) was also generally (73%) greater in association withA. platanoidesthanP. trichocarpaleaves. The density of Ephemerellidae and Rhyacophilidae increased over time. In contrast to studies comparing leaves of exotic vs. native trees, we observed no difference in leaf decomposition rates; however, the amount of leaf inputs are likely to differ between native and invaded forests. The results indicate that replacement of native riparian trees with exotics affected the most common family of macroinvertebrates and possibly a common family of predatory macroinvertebrates (Rhyacophilidae), which may affect the detrital food web.
Do flatland‐ and mountain‐dwelling species show different structuring of their experienced environment over latitude? A western vs. central‐eastern North America rodent multispecies comparison
Authors: Guralnick Robert 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTSpecies occurrence databases and climate databases were used to examine differences in patterns of species experienced climate across latitude for wide‐ranging rodents in the central‐eastern and western North America. The accumulated data were used to address three questions: (1) Do rodent species in the central and eastern region of North America select habitat at range edges to remain closer to climate conditions at the range core? (2) Is there a trend toward species having greater experienced climate variation consistent with smaller effects of orbitally controlled climate oscillations in the south vs. north? (3) How do species experienced temperature, precipitation, and elevation means and variation in this region compare to rodent species in the adjacent but more heterogeneous western North America? Results showed that central‐eastern North American species occur in as wide a range of environmental conditions as available throughout their ranges. These patterns are different from previous findings for rodents in the adjacent western USA and highlight major differences in current structure of species experienced environmental means and variation over latitude for species in spatially heterogeneous, mountainous areas vs. those that occupy flatter lands. The differences are likely important for determining differential response to climate changes.
Assessing the potential range expansion of the exotic monk parakeet in Spain
Authors: Muñoz Antonio‐Román , Real Raimundo 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTIn this study we determine favourable areas for the monk parakeet,Myiopsitta monachus, in peninsular Spain to account for its current distribution and predict its future course according to its potential range. We applied a favourability function based on generalized linear models using the presence/absence of breeding colonies of the species and the values of a set of variables on the 5167 UTM 10 × 10 km squares comprising the study area. We calculated the factor of distribution change in presences predicted by the model, and grouped the variables into explanatory factors performing a variation partitioning to assess the explanatory power of each factor. Our model included six predictors to explain the presence and absence of the species. These predictors were grouped into three factors: human activity, climate, and topography. Purely human influences accounted for 63.8% of the variation of the final model, while topographical variables explained 15.2% and climate only 5.7%. We obtained a high distribution change factor in which the presences of the species were predicted to increase between two‐ and sevenfold. Taking into account highly favourable squares, we conclude that the species is still absent in more than 72% of potential settlement areas, and thus we expect a continuous increase in the distribution of the species. Human activity is the main force moulding the distribution of the species, and lies behind its fast expansion, which is not only active, but is also passive via releases and escapes. We identified the areas of likely future expansion of the exotic monk parakeet in Spain. The pest status of the species in its native range, together to its distribution trend, should be taken into account by wildlife agencies to consider options for management.
Identification of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Using a Stress‐Free Signal Variance Cardiograph Through Analysis of Temporal Heterogeneity
Authors: Deedwania Prakash C. , Carbajal Enrique V. 
Published: October 2006

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with a small but measurable amount of electrical disorganization, which may appear as temporal electrical heterogeneity on the electrocardiogram and is not visible with the low resolution, 12‐lead electrocardiogram. A newly developed, multilead, high‐fidelity variance cardiograph captures the heterogeneity component of the electrocardiograph signal. The subsequent analysis produces an electrical heterogeneity index (EHI) by quantifying phase‐invariant electrical disorganization, which represents cardiac abnormalities that are modulated onto the measured high frequency electrocardiogram. A prospective investigation was conducted to determine the predictive accuracy of the variance cardiograph to detect clinically important CAD.Methods: Sixty‐five patients (group I) with documented CAD were given the variance cardiography test, as well as 21 normal volunteers (group II). An EHI >; 75 from the variance cardiograph was determined to best represent a positive test for clinically important CAD.Results: Group I had a mean EHI of 89.5 ± 19.7, while group II had a mean EHI of 61.1 ± 19.1 (P < 0.001). The variance cardiograph had a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 76%, a positive predictive value of 91%, and a negative predictive value of 55%.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that analysis of the temporal electrical heterogeneity component of the electrocardiographic signal obtained by the variance cardiograph provides a new and reliable stress‐free test For the detection of CAD.
Late Potentials Detected by Digital Holter ECG: Reproducibility, Lead Systems, and Effects of Physical Activity
Authors: Kulakowski Piotr , Biedrzycka Agnieszka , Ceremuzynski Leszek 
Published: October 2006

Background: We sought to assess reproducibility, effects of various lead systems, and influence of physical activity on the results of signal‐averaged ECG obtained from the digital Holter system. Late potentials are routinely recorded using specially designed electrocardiographic devices. It has been shown recently that late potentials can also be recorded and analyzed from Holter tapes, which enables to examine possible dynamic changes of late potentials in relation to transient ischemia and spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias. However, there are some technical limitations of the signal‐averaged ECG analysis from Holter tapes that may be overcome by the use of digital, solid‐state Holter recorders where the ECG signal is acquired directly by the computer system and analyzed in real time.Methods: The signal‐averaged ECG was recorded at rest from XYZ leads and from lead system suggested by the manufacturer (Holter leads), and during moderate physical activity in 34 postin‐farction patients, using a new solid‐state Holter recorder. From each of these 20 minutes of recording, four consecutive ECG segments, lasting 5 minutes, were averaged, combined into vector magnitude, and analyzed using a Butterworth bidirectional filter between 40 and 250 Hz.Results: Reproducibility of signal‐averaged ECG was high; the P values (ANOVA) ranged from 0.93–0.99. Of the individual signal‐averaged ECG variables, reproducibility of the total QRS duration was superior to that of the terminal QRS measurements (the standard deviations of the mean relative errors were 6.3% vs 22.3% and 24.4%, respectively). There were no signifcant differences in signal‐averaged ECG variables when results obtained using orthogonal XYZ leads were compared with those obtained from Holter leads. Modest physical activity (slow walk) did not alter significantly signal‐averaged ECG variables. The values of the total QRS duration were more consistent than the terminal QRS measurements when two lead confgurations and recordings obtained during rest and physical activity were compared.Conclusions: Reproducibility of signal‐averaged ECG analysis obtained from a digital Holter system is high, the results are similar using XYZ or Holter leads, and the signal‐averaged ECG can be recorded and analyzed during minor physical activity.
Changes of Heart Rate Variability After Coronary Bypass Grafting
Authors: Osterhues Hans‐H. , Neßlauer Thomas , Eggeling Thomas , Kochs Matthias , Hannekum Andreas , Hombach Vinzenz 
Published: October 2006

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) may serve as a follow‐up parameter in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Several studies have shown significant changes of HRV parameters in the case of restenosis. The value of this method as a prognostic parameter in patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is unknown.Methods: In the present study we investigated changes of HRV parameters in patients undergoing CABG to prove whether this method would predict the outcome in these patients. Twenty patients (six female, 14 male, age 51–75 years, mean 62 years) with angiographically documented coronary artery disease (1 × 1‐vessel disease, 10 × 2‐vessel disease, 9 × 3‐vessel disease) were investigated. Eight patients had previous myocardial infarction: 3 × anterior infarction and 5 × inferior infarction. Before and after CABG 24‐hour measurement of HRV was performed using Holler monitoring (elapsed time between the two measurements 218 ± 92 days). All patients underwent successful CABG with complete revascularization. The following time domain parameters were calculated: SDNN, SDNN index, SDANN, r‐MSSD and pNN50.Results: These parameters showed a significant decrease after CABG (P < 0.05) except rMSSD, which was below the statistic level. The results of the patients without previous myocardial infarction suggested that the parasympathetically influenced paramenters r‐MSSD and pNN50 were mainly involved, while in the subgroup with previous myocardial infarction the sympathetically influenced parameters (SDNN, SDANN) were significantly changed. Other variables such as ejection fraction or severity of coronary artery disease did not influence the HRV results.Conclusions: In contratst to patients with revascularization by PTCA, HRV does not seem to be a suitable predictive parameter in patients after successful CABG. Intrinsic operative alterations with injury of cardiac nerves may be responsible for this observation.
Reproducibility and Comparability of Short‐ and Long‐Term Heart Rate Variability Measures in Healthy Young Men
Authors: Dekker Jacqueline M. , de Vries Emmy L. , Lengton Remko R. , Schouten Evert G. , Swenne Cees A. , Maan Arie 
Published: October 2006

Background: In heart rate variability (HRV) studies, the duration of the electrocardiographic recordings may vary between 20 seconds and 24 hours. Little is known about the reproducibility or comparability of HRV measures calculated over observation periods of different duration.Methods: To assess the reproducibility and comparability of HRV measures computed from short recordings under standardized conditions and from ambulatory 24‐hour recordings, 15 healthy young males were studied on three occasions.Results: The reliability coefficient (between subject variation divided by summed between and within subject variation) for 20‐second intervals was low for all measures. For 5‐minute intervals in supine position, but not standing position, the reliability coefficients of the standard deviation, root of mean squared successive differences, proportion of successive differences > 50 ms, and the proportion low frequency power were about 70%. The reliability coefficients of the 24‐hour HRV measures were > 80% for all measures. Short‐ and long‐term measures of heart rate and HRV appeared to be correlated, implying that these measures result in similar ranking of subjects.Conclusions: The results indicate that HRV measures based on 24‐hour monitoring during regular activities are better reproducible than short‐term measures under standardized conditions. A single 5‐minute recording may suffice to characterize a group of persons in a population study, but, because of considerable day‐to‐day variation, it is not adequate for individual characterization.
The Signal‐Averaged Electrocardiogram
Authors: Tamis Jacqueline E. , Steinberg Jonathan S. 
Published: October 2006

Background: The signal‐averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) is a useful noninvasive diagnostic tool for assessing delayed ventricular activation.Methods: The advantage of the SAECG over standard ECGs the ability to detect very low amplitude signals indicative of areas of slowed myocardial conduction, a requirement for reentrant arrhythmias.Results: The SAECG has been proven useful in a variety of clinical situations, particularly in risk stratification after myocardial infarction or in the patient with dilated cardiomyopathy, and in screening for the need for electrophysiological studies in the syncope patient or the patient with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia.Conclusions: This review focuses on the currently accepted methodology of the time‐domain SAECG, and outlines the standard applications of the SAECG based on the results of important clinical research.
Circadian Rhythms of Heart Rate Variability in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Guzzetti Stefano , Choudhury Lubna , Mezzetti Silvia , Cogliati Chiara , Camici Paolo G. , Malliani Alberto 
Published: October 2006

Background: It has been hypothesized that an interaction between sympathetic nervous activity and an abnormal myocardium plays a role in the development and progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Methods: In the present study we investigated cardiac autonomic function by 24‐hour spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) in 18 patients with HCM, without evidence of heart failure, and 18 controls of similar age.Results: We found a significant reduction of 24 hour variance in HCM patients relative to controls (15,000 ± 9480 ms2 vs 24,720 ± 12,450 ms2 respectively; p < 0.05). Moreover, a loss of the expected day‐night changes in the low frequency (LF) spectral component (expressed in normalized units), and LF/HF ratio (HF; high frequency component) were observed in HCM patients. Decreased day‐night changes in LF/HF ratio were previously reported in patients with mild hypertension, uncomplicated coronary disease, and after myocardial infarction, conditions in which it seems to exist a higher than normal sympathetic activity. No significant correlations were found between HRV indices and echocardiographic standard measures of systolic and diastolic function parameters.Conclusions: These data are consistent with the presence of an alteration in neural modulation of heart period in HCM patients, noninvasively detectable by continuous 24 hour HRV analysis.