bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monetary secrecy and selective disclosure: The emerging market case of Mexico's monetary reporting
Authors: Wilson Berry , Saunders Anthony 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) adopted a code of good conduct to increase the transparency of official operations in emerging markets, in part prompted by the 1994 peso and other emerging market crises. In the case of Mexico, its central bank increased monetary reporting from thrice a year to weekly monetary disclosures following the peso crisis. However, increasing evidence has established that emerging financial markets are strong form efficient with respect to public disclosures, implying substantial insider trading. This conclusion raises an important selective disclosure issue. If emerging market insiders can frontrun outside investors, asymmetric information costs increase, lessening the transactional and economic efficiency in the economy. This study's results suggest that the selective disclosure issue should be more widely discussed and addressed.
Agency theory and the House bank affair
Authors: Preece Dianna C , Mullineaux Donald J , Filbeck Greg , Dennis Steven A 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIn one of the worst political scandals of the 1990s, a large number of members of the U.S. House of Representatives wrote checks on nonexistent balances in what has become known as the House bank scandal. Agency theory tells us that the most entrenched members of the House should be more likely to consume excessive perquisites in the form of writing more bad checks. In this paper, we employ a Tobit model to test whether more entrenched members of the House engaged in excessive writing of bad checks. Our results support the agency‐theoretic interpretation and confirm that entrenched members were more likely to write a greater number of bad checks.
ON $M$-STRUCTURE AND WEAKLY COMPACTLY GENERATED BANACH SPACES
Authors: Nieto Eduardo 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIt is well known that every non-reflexive $M$-ideal is weakly compactly generated (in short, WCG). We present a family of Banach spaces $\{V_{s}:0 \lt s \lt 1\}$ which are not WCG and such that every $V_{s}$ satisfies the inequality$$ \|\f\|\geq\|\pi\f\|+s\|\f-\pi\f\|\quad\forall\f\in V_{s}^{\ast\ast\ast}, $$where $\pi$ is the canonical projection from $V_{s}^{\ast\ast\ast}$ onto $V_{s}^{\ast}$. In particular, no $V_{s}$ can be renormed to be an $M$-ideal.AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 46B20
RIGHT SEMIDEFINITE EIGENVALUE PROBLEMS
Authors: Binding Paul , Volkmer Hans 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe relationships between various notions of completeness of eigenvectors and root vectors of the eigenvalue problem $Af=\lambda Bf$ are investigated. Here $A$ and $B$ are self-adjoint operators in Hilbert space with $B$ bounded and positive semidefinite, and with $A$ having compact resolvent.AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 47A75. Secondary 34B24; 35P10
MULTIPLE POSITIVE SOLUTIONS AND BIFURCATION FOR AN EQUATION RELATED TO CHOQUARD’S EQUATION
Authors: Küpper Tassilo , Zhang Zhengjie , Xia Hongqiang 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIn this paper we study the existence of multiple positive solutions and the bifurcation problem for the following equation:$$ -\Delta u+u=\biggl(\int_{\mathbb{R}^3}\frac{|u(y)|^2}{|x-y|}\,\mathrm{d}y\biggr)u+\mu f(x),\quad x\in\mathbb{R}^3, $$where $f(x)\in H^{-1}(\mathbb{R}^3)$, $f(x)\geq0$, $f(x)\not\equiv0$. We show that there are positive constants $\mu^{*}$ and $\mu^{**}$ such that the above equation possesses at least two positive solutions for $\mu\in(0,\mu^{*})$, and no positive solution for $\mu>\mu^{**}$. Furthermore, we prove that $\mu=\mu^{*}$ is a bifurcation point for the equation under study.AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 35J60; 35J70
POSITIVE SEMIDEFINITENESS OF DISCRETE QUADRATIC FUNCTIONALS
Authors: Bohner Martin , Došlý Ondřej , Kratz Werner 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWe consider symplectic difference systems, which contain as special cases linear Hamiltonian difference systems and Sturm–Liouville difference equations of any even order. An associated discrete quadratic functional is important in discrete variational analysis, and while its positive definiteness has been characterized and is well understood, a characterization of its positive semidefiniteness remained an open problem. In this paper we present the solution to this problem and offer necessary and sufficient conditions for such discrete quadratic functionals to be non-negative definite.AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 39A12; 39A13. Secondary 34B24; 49K99
Choosing the Best Volatility Models: The Model Confidence Set Approach*
Authors: Hansen Peter Reinhard , Lunde Asger , Nason James M. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper applies the model confidence set (MCS) procedure of Hansen, Lunde and Nason (2003) to a set of volatility models. An MCS is analogous to the confidence interval of a parameter in the sense that it contains the best forecasting model with a certain probability. The key to the MCS is that it acknowledges the limitations of the information in the data. The empirical exercise is based on 55 volatility models and the MCS includes about a third of these when evaluated by mean square error, whereas the MCS contains only a VGARCH model when mean absolute deviation criterion is used. We conduct a simulation study which shows that the MCS captures the superior models across a range of significance levels. When we benchmark the MCS relative to a Bonferroni bound, the latter delivers inferior performance.
Searching for the Causal Structure of a Vector Autoregression*
Authors: Demiralp Selva , Hoover Kevin D. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWe provide an accessible introduction to graph‐theoretic methods for causal analysis. Building on the work of Swanson and Granger (Journal of the American Statistical Association, Vol. 92, pp. 357–367, 1997), and generalizing to a larger class of models, we show how to apply graph‐theoretic methods to selecting the causal order for a structural vector autoregression (SVAR). We evaluate the PC (causal search) algorithm in a Monte Carlo study. The PC algorithm uses tests of conditional independence to select among the possible causal orders – or at least to reduce the admissible causal orders to a narrow equivalence class. Our findings suggest that graph‐theoretic methods may prove to be a useful tool in the analysis of SVARs.
An Introduction to Best Empirical Models when the Parameter Space is Infinite Dimensional*
Authors: Ploberger Werner , Phillips Peter C. B. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractPloberger and Phillips (Econometrica, Vol. 71, pp. 627–673, 2003) proved a result that provides a bound on how close a fitted empirical model can get to the true model when the model is represented by a parameterized probability measure on a finite dimensional parameter space. The present note extends that result to cases where the parameter space is infinite dimensional. The results have implications for model choice in infinite dimensional problems and highlight some of the difficulties, including technical difficulties, presented by models of infinite dimension. Some implications for forecasting are considered and some applications are given, including the empirically relevant case of vector autoregression (VAR) models of infinite order.
Selecting a Nonlinear Time Series Model using Weighted Tests of Equal Forecast Accuracy*
Authors: van Dijk Dick , Franses Philip Hans 
Published: December 2003

AbstractNonlinear time series models have become fashionable tools to describe and forecast a variety of economic time series. A closer look at reported empirical studies, however, reveals that these models apparently fit well in‐sample, but rarely show a substantial improvement in out‐of‐sample forecasts, at least over linear models. One of the many possible reasons for this finding is the use of inappropriate model selection criteria and forecast evaluation criteria. In this paper we therefore propose a novel criterion, which we believe does more justice to the very nature of nonlinear models. Simulations show that this criterion outperforms those criteria currently in use, in the sense that the true nonlinear model is more often found to perform better in out‐of‐sample forecasting than a benchmark linear model. An empirical illustration for US GDP emphasizes its relevance.
Consistent Model Selection by an AutomaticGetsApproach*
Authors: Campos Julia , Hendry David F. , Krolzig Hans‐Martin 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWe establish the consistency of the selection procedures embodied inPcGets, and compare their performance with other model selection criteria in linear regressions. The significance levels embedded in thePcGetsLiberal and Conservative algorithms coincide in very large samples with those implicit in the Hannan–Quinn (HQ) and Schwarz information criteria (SIC), respectively. Thus, bothPcGetsrules are consistent under the same conditions as HQ and SIC. However,PcGetshas a rather different finite‐sample behaviour. Pre‐selecting to remove many of the candidate variables is confirmed as enhancing the performance of SIC.
Bayesian Model Selection with an Uninformative Prior*
Authors: Strachan Rodney W. , van Dijk Herman K. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBayesian model selection with posterior probabilities and no subjective prior information is generally not possible because of the Bayes factors being ill‐defined. Using careful consideration of the parameter of interest in cointegration analysis and a re‐specification of the triangular model of Phillips (Econometrica, Vol. 59, pp. 283–306, 1991), this paper presents an approach that allows for Bayesian comparison of models of cointegration with ‘ignorance’ priors. Using the concept of Stiefel and Grassman manifolds, diffuse priors are specified on the dimension and direction of the cointegrating space. The approach is illustrated using a simple term structure of the interest rates model.
A Flexible Tool for Model Building: the Relevant Transformation of the Inputs Network Approach (RETINA)*
Authors: Perez‐Amaral Teodosio , Gallo Giampiero M. , White Halbert 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA new method, called Relevant Transformation of the Inputs Network Approach is proposed as a tool for model building. It is designed around flexibility (with nonlinear transformations of the predictors of interest), selective search within the range of possible models, out‐of‐sample forecasting ability and computational simplicity. In tests on simulated data, it shows both a high rate of successful retrieval of the data generating process, which increases with the sample size and a good performance relative to other alternative procedures. A telephone service demand model is built to show how the procedure applies on real data.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella spp. in Pet Mammals, Reptiles, Fish Aquarium Water, and Birds in Trinidad
Authors: Seepersadsingh N. , Adesiyun A. A. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryThe prevalence of Salmonella spp. was determined in 970 animals comprising 423 pet birds, 485 fish aquaria water and 62 other pets (40 pet mammals, 14 reptiles, eight others – crustaceans, snail, stingray) from both pet shops and households throughout Trinidad. The serotypes of Salmonella spp. isolated were identified and the resistance to various antimicrobial agents was determined. Overall nine (0.9%) of 970 pet animals were positive for Salmonella spp. Six isolates of Salmonella spp. were recovered from all pet birds with two isolates of serotype Aberdeen and one isolate each of Thompson, Rubislaw, Panama and Newport. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in birds was 0.9%. Four isolates of Salmonella spp. were recovered from fish aquaria water, serotypes included Panama (two isolates), Newport (one isolate) and Virchow (one isolate). Prevalence of Salmonella spp. from fish aquaria was 0.4%. No isolate of Salmonella spp. was detected in pet mammals sampled while two isolates were recovered from reptiles, S. Enteritidis and S. Montevideo. One isolate of Salmonella spp. was recovered from a stingray, serotype unknown. Antimicrobial resistance was present is all animal types. The highest prevalence of resistance was to streptomycin among isolates from birds (83.3%) and other pets (100.0%) while isolates from fish aquarium water exhibited comparatively high resistance to cephalothin (50.0%). It was concluded that the isolation of Salmonella spp. from apparently healthy birds, fish aquarium water and other pet animals may pose a health risk to their owners and contacts as all serotypes are known to be potentially pathogenic depending on the oral dosage of the organism and the immune status of those in contact. The high prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial agents among Salmonella isolates across pet species may pose chemotherapeutic consequences to their owners and contacts.
Primary nurses’ performance: role of supportive management
Authors: Drach‐Zahavy Anat 
Published: December 2003

Background.  Most studies examining primary nursing focus on outcome variables such as enhanced patient and staff satisfaction with care, perceived autonomy and quality of care, whereas only limited research has examined processes of implementing and maintaining primary nursing. In addition, the few studies that have explored process variables discuss only direct relationships between the design of the primary nursing care‐delivery system, process and nurse outcomes, and disregard how such variables interact.Aim.  This study sought to address previous inconsistent findings about the impact of primary nursing care‐delivery models on the performance of nurses by incorporating the moderating role of supportive management practices.Method.  Three hundred and sixty‐eight nurses from a variety of wards completed questionnaires that assessed the degree of primary nursing on their unit, the support practices of their direct supervisor and their perceptions of the cost of seeking support from their supervisor. In addition, the direct supervisor evaluated the nurse's performance in the unit.Results.  Primary nursing did not exert a direct impact on nurses’ performance. Rather, the interaction of primary nursing with supervisor support was more predictive of performance: if supervisor support was high, performance was substantially higher than if supervisor support was low. In addition, nurses’ perceptions of the costs of seeking support had a detrimental impact on their performance.Conclusions and limitations.  The study was cross‐sectional and relied on self‐report data only. Nevertheless, the findings show that supportive management practices are crucial to the success of implementing primary nursing.
Health visiting: the public health role
Authors: Smith Martin A. 
Published: December 2003

Background.United Kingdom (UK) government policy advocates the development of a family‐centred public health role for health visitors. Studies have suggested that barriers and constraints exist to hinder the development of a public health role. However, few of these have considered the issues from a practitioner perspective.Aim.  The aim of the study was to examine the constraints on developing a family‐centred public health role in a health visiting service.Methods.  An exploratory study was carried out using focus groups with 27 health visitors in one primary health care trust in North West England. Data were transcribed and analysed to identify themes.Findings.  Elements of practice that contributed to public health were identified, along with constraints on the development of a family‐centred public health role. Three themes were generated from the health visitor focus group discussions as a framework for addressing the constraints: connecting to public health, clarifying the role and changing practice.Conclusions.  The study sets out the challenge faced in developing the public health roles of practitioners. Leadership is essential for clarifying the public health role, developing networks between public health and practitioners, and supporting change in practice. Despite the limitations of the study, its findings, together with evidence from previous literature, suggest that there are common issues that face health visiting services in the UK as they seek to develop the public health role.
Coping strategies of people with kidney transplants
Authors: Lindqvist Ragny , Carlsson Marianne , Sjödén Per‐Olow 
Published: December 2003

Background.  There has been little research into coping process following renal transplantation, but it has been shown that health‐related stress is not eliminated and that fear of rejection and economic factors are the most stressful issues. Coping strategies used have included prayer, looking at problems objectively, and trying to main control over the situation.Aim.  The study was concerned with kidney transplant patients and their efforts to cope with problems posed by the transplantation and treatment. The aim was to describe and compare the use and perceived effectiveness of different coping strategies in people after kidney transplant with an age, gender and civil status‐matched sample of the general Swedish population.Methods.  Coping was assessed by the Jalowiec Coping Scale and self‐rated efficiency with visual analogue scales. From a total of 73 post‐transplant patients, a consecutive series of 30 was compared with an age, gender and civil status‐individually matched sample of the general Swedish population (n = 30). Data were collected from 1994 to 1997.Results.  The patient sample used significantly more optimistic, self‐reliant, supportive and emotive coping than the general population sample. Evasive, emotive, and fatalistic coping were associated with low perceived efficiency in handling various aspects of the condition.Study limitations.  The study design does not permit causal conclusions and the patient sample was relatively small and non‐randomly chosen, which could affect its external validity.Conclusions.  The results suggest that assessment of coping strategies should be explored in clinical nursing practice so that nurses can encourage the use of those likely to be more useful, and discourage those with possible negative effects.
Randomized controlled trials of socially complex nursing interventions: creating bias and unreliability?
Authors: Lindsay Bruce 
Published: December 2003

Background.  The randomized controlled trial is viewed by many researchers as the ‘gold standard’ research design. It is used increasingly to evaluate the effectiveness of socially complex activities such as nursing interventions. This use is seen by many commentators as problematic, while others are concerned about the quality of many published trial reports. One area of concern is that of intervention bias: the impact that a sentient intervention, such as a nursing one, may have consciously or unconsciously on study outcomes. This paper reports on an analysis of intervention definitions and possible intervention bias in 47 reports of randomized controlled trials of nursing interventions published in 2000 or 2001.Aims.  This study evaluates four characteristics of the included reports: intervention sample size, intervention definition, involvement of intervention nurses in other aspects of the trial, and the claimed generalizability of results.Methods.  Reports of randomized controlled trials published in 2000 or 2001 were identified. Full‐text versions of 47 papers were obtained and information about the four characteristics was extracted and analysed.Results.  Problems relating to possible intervention bias were identified in each of the papers. Inadequate intervention definition was the commonest problem, leading to difficulties in calculating the ‘intervention dose’ and in replicating or generalizing from the studies.Discussion.  None of the included studies met the requirements of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials. Four types of intervention bias were identified, and their possible implications for the reporting of trials of nursing interventions are discussed. This was a small‐scale study, limited by time and resources. Its results are suggestive of a major problem of intervention bias but larger‐scale investigations are necessary to quantify its extent.Conclusions.  Intervention bias is potentially a problem in randomized controlled trials. Lack of detail about interventions in published papers could be corrected by stricter adherence to guidelines such as the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials, but this will not correct the underlying problem of inadequate study design that appears to be widespread in randomized controlled trials of nursing interventions.
A hyperparasitic microsporidian infecting the salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis: an rDNA‐based molecular phylogenetic study
Authors: Freeman M A , Bell A S , Sommerville C 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe sea louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, is an obligate ectoparasitic copepod that lives on the external surface of salmonid fish. It is the most common ectoparasite of marine cage‐reared salmonids, causing major economic loss to the aquaculture industry. During a sea louse monitoring programme, samples of L. salmonis were found to harbour an unreported microsporidian parasite. The microsporidian was observed in pre‐adult and adult stages of both male and female copepods, with a prevalence of up to 5%. Unfixed spores were slightly pyriform in shape measuring 2.34 μm by 1.83 μm (±0.01 μm) and were not observed to be enclosed by a sporophorous vesicle. The microsporidian infection was observed in all areas of the copepods’ body, xenoma‐like cysts forming directly under the cuticle in the epidermal tissue layer. In the present study, rDNA (530f–580r) sequence data gathered from the unidentified microsporidian parasite isolated from infected sea lice were compared with equivalents available in the databases in an attempt to identify its systematic position. The microsporidian was found to group within the phylogenetic clade containing the family Enterocytozoonidae, being most similar to members of the intranuclear genus Nucleospora. This is the first report of a hyperparasitic microsporidian infecting a caligid copepod.