Showing papers by "University of Warwick published in 2004"
TL;DR: In the United States and Great Britain, life satisfaction has run approximately flat through time in Britain this article, consistent with the Easterlin hypothesis [Nations and Households in Economic Growth: Essays in Honour of Moses Abramowitz (1974) Academic Press; J. Econ. Behav. Org., 27 (1995) 35].
2,227 citations
TL;DR: The review revealed inconsistent associations between adversarial growth, sociodemographic variables (gender, age, education, and income), and psychological distress variables (e.g., depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder), however, the evidence showed that people who reported and maintained adversarialgrowth over time were less distressed subsequently.
Abstract: Empirical studies (n = 39) that documented positive change following trauma and adversity (e.g., posttraumatic growth, stress-related growth, perceived benefit, thriving; collectively described as adversarial growth) were reviewed. The review indicated that cognitive appraisal variables (threat, harm, and controllability), problem-focused, acceptance and positive reinterpretation coping, optimism, religion, cognitive processing, and positive affect were consistently associated with adversarial growth. The review revealed inconsistent associations between adversarial growth, sociodemographic variables (gender, age, education, and income), and psychological distress variables (e.g., depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder). However, the evidence showed that people who reported and maintained adversarial growth over time were less distressed subsequently. Methodological limitations and recommended future directions in adversarial growth research are discussed, and the implications of adversarial growth for clinical practice are briefly considered.
2,056 citations
TL;DR: A systematic review of research linking the networking behavior of firms with their innovative capacity is presented in this paper, where the authors find that the principal benefits of networking as identified in the literature include, risk sharing; obtaining access to new markets and technologies; speeding products to market; pooling complementary skills; safeguarding property rights when complete or contingent contracts are not possible.
Abstract: Porter and Ketels' (2003) study of British competitiveness emphasised the importance of business networking for innovativeness. Until recently insights into the dynamics of this relationship have been fragmented. This paper presents a systematic review of research linking the networking behaviour of firms with their innovative capacity. We find that the principal benefits of networking as identified in the literature include, risk sharing; obtaining access to new markets and technologies; speeding products to market; pooling complementary skills; safeguarding property rights when complete or contingent contracts are not possible; and acting as a key vehicle for obtaining access to external knowledge. The evidence also illustrates that those firms which do not cooperate and which do not formally or informally exchange knowledge limit their knowledge base on a long-term basis and ultimately reduce their ability to enter into exchange relationships. At an institutional level, national systems of innovation play an important role in the diffusion of innovations in terms of the way in which they shape networking activity. The paper provides evidence suggesting that network relationships with suppliers, customers, and intermediaries such as professional and trade associations are important factors affecting innovation performance and productivity. Where networks fail it is due to inter-firm conflict, displacement, lack of scale, external disruption and lack of infrastructure. The review identifies several gaps in the literature that need to be filled. For instance, there is a need for further exploration of the relationship between networking and different forms of innovation, such as, process and organisational innovation. Similarly, we need better understanding of network dynamics and network configurations, as well as the role of third parties such as professional and trade associations. Our study highlights the need for inter-disciplinary research in these areas.
1,636 citations
TL;DR: The long-run purchasing power parity (PPP) condition has been widely accepted as a long run equilibrium condition in the post-war period, and it first was advocated as a short-run equilibrium by many international economists in the first few years following the breakdown of the Bretton Woods system in the early 1970s and then increasingly came under attack on both theoretical and empirical grounds from the late 1970s to the mid 1990s as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Originally propounded by the 16th-century scholars of the University of Salamanca, the concept of purchasing power parity (PPP) was revived in the interwar period in the context of the debate concerning the appropriate level at which to re-establish international exchange rate parities. Broadly accepted as a long-run equilibrium condition in the post-war period, it first was advocated as a short-run equilibrium by many international economists in the first few years following the breakdown of the Bretton Woods system in the early 1970s and then increasingly came under attack on both theoretical and empirical grounds from the late 1970s to the mid 1990s. Accordingly, over the last three decades, a large literature has built up that examines how much the data deviated from theory, and the fruits of this research have provided a deeper understanding of how well PPP applies in both the short run and the long run. Since the mid 1990s, larger datasets and nonlinear econometric methods, in particular, have improved estimation. As deviations narrowed between real exchange rates and PPP, so did the gap narrow between theory and data, and some degree of confidence in long-run PPP began to emerge again. In this respect, the idea of long-run PPP now enjoys perhaps its strongest support in more than 30 years, a distinct reversion in economic thought.
859 citations
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse gender pay gaps by sector across the wages distribution for ten countries and find that gender pay gap is typically higher at the top than the bottom end of the wage distribution, suggesting that glass ceilings are more prevalent than sticky floors.
Abstract: Using harmonised data from the European Union Household Panel, we analyse gender pay gaps by sector across the wages distribution for ten countries. We find that the mean gender pay gap in the raw data typically hides large variations in the gap across the wages distribution. We use quantile regression (QR) techniques to control for the effects of individual and job characteristics at different points of the distribution, and calculate the part of the gap attributable to differing returns between men and women. We find that, first, gender pay gaps are typically bigger at the top of the wage distribution, a finding that is consistent with the existence of glass ceilings. For some countries gender pay gaps are also bigger at the bottom of the wage distribution, a finding that is consistent with sticky floors. Third, the gender pay gap is typically higher at the top than the bottom end of the wage distribution, suggesting that glass ceilings are more prevalent than sticky floors and that these prevail in the majority of our countries. Fourth, the gender pay gap differs significantly across the public and the private sector wages distribution for each of our EU countries.
798 citations
TL;DR: This article explored the extent to which distributed forms of leadership can contribute to school improvement and argued that the distributed perspective offers a new and important theoretical lens through which leadership practice in school can be reconfigured and reconceptualized.
Abstract: This article considers the relationship between distributed leadership and school improvement. Drawing upon empirical evidence from two contemporary studies of successful school leadership and recent studies of school improvement, it explores the extent to which distributed forms of leadership can contribute to school improvement. The article argues that the distributed perspective offers a new and important theoretical lens through which leadership practice in school can be reconfigured and reconceptualized. It concludes by suggesting that, while evidence would suggest that distributed forms of leadership can assist capacity building within schools which contributes to school improvement, further research is needed to confirm a relationship between distributed forms of leadership and improved student learning outcomes.
737 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed that variable horizontal gene acquisition by B. pseudomallei is an important feature of recent genetic evolution and that this has resulted in a genetically diverse pathogenic species.
Abstract: Burkholderia pseudomallei is a recognized biothreat agent and the causative agent of melioidosis. This Gram-negative bacterium exists as a soil saprophyte in melioidosis-endemic areas of the world and accounts for 20% of community-acquired septicaemias in northeastern Thailand where half of those affected die. Here we report the complete genome of B. pseudomallei, which is composed of two chromosomes of 4.07 megabase pairs and 3.17 megabase pairs, showing significant functional partitioning of genes between them. The large chromosome encodes many of the core functions associated with central metabolism and cell growth, whereas the small chromosome carries more accessory functions associated with adaptation and survival in different niches. Genomic comparisons with closely and more distantly related bacteria revealed a greater level of gene order conservation and a greater number of orthologous genes on the large chromosome, suggesting that the two replicons have distinct evolutionary origins. A striking feature of the genome was the presence of 16 genomic islands (GIs) that together made up 6.1% of the genome. Further analysis revealed these islands to be variably present in a collection of invasive and soil isolates but entirely absent from the clonally related organism B. mallei. We propose that variable horizontal gene acquisition by B. pseudomallei is an important feature of recent genetic evolution and that this has resulted in a genetically diverse pathogenic species.
726 citations
TL;DR: The application links SWOT analysis to resource-based planning, illustrates it as an iterative rather than a linear process and embeds it within the overall planning process.
652 citations
College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific1, Michigan State University2, Texas A&M University3, University of Warwick4, Vanderbilt University5, Tumaini University Makumira6, University of Malawi7, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme8, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine9
TL;DR: Autopsies in 31 children diagnosed with fatal cerebral malaria found that 23% of the children had actually died from other causes, and retinopathy was the only clinical sign distinguishing malarial from nonmalarial coma.
Abstract: To study the pathogenesis of fatal cerebral malaria, we conducted autopsies in 31 children with this clinical diagnosis. We found that 23% of the children had actually died from other causes. The remaining patients had parasites sequestered in cerebral capillaries, and 75% of those had additional intra- and perivascular pathology. Retinopathy was the only clinical sign distinguishing malarial from nonmalarial coma. These data have implications for treating malaria patients, designing clinical trials and assessing malaria-specific disease associations.
637 citations
TL;DR: A review and evaluation of the use of problem structuring methods (PSMs) in practice and some possible future developments are suggested, especially through productive interactions with similar or related practices.
611 citations
TL;DR: All cost-of-illness estimates highlight the heavy societal burden of schizophrenia, and to better interpret and explain the large within- and across-country differences that exist are highlighted.
Abstract: Schizophrenia is a chronic disease associated with a significant and long-lasting health, social, and financial burden, not only for patients but also for families, other caregivers, and the wider society. Many national and local studies have sought to estimate the societal burden of the illness--or some components of it--in monetary terms. Findings vary. We systematically reviewed the literature to locate all existing international estimates to date. Sixty-two relevant studies were found and summarized. Within- and between-country differences were analyzed descriptively. Despite the wide diversity of data sets and methods applied, all cost-of-illness estimates highlight the heavy societal burden of schizophrenia. Such information helps us to understand the health, health care, economic, and policy importance of schizophrenia, and to better interpret and explain the large within- and across-country differences that exist.
TL;DR: An intrinsic surface electron accumulation layer is found to exist and is explained in terms of a particularly low Gamma-point conduction band minimum in wurtzite InN, which produces charged donor-type surface states with associated downward band bending.
Abstract: The electronic structure of clean InN(0001) surfaces has been investigated by high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy of the conduction band electron plasmon excitations. An intrinsic surface electron accumulation layer is found to exist and is explained in terms of a particularly low Gamma-point conduction band minimum in wurtzite InN. As a result, surface Fermi level pinning high in the conduction band in the vicinity of the Gamma point, but near the average midgap energy, produces charged donor-type surface states with associated downward band bending. Semiclassical dielectric theory simulations of the energy-loss spectra and charge-profile calculations indicate a surface state density of 2.5 (+/-0.2)x10(13) cm(-2) and a surface Fermi level of 1.64+/-0.10 eV above the valence band maximum.
TL;DR: Reading disabilities are clearly more frequent in boys than in girls, and 4 independent epidemiological studies about the nature, extent, and significance of sex differences in reading disability show this.
Abstract: ContextAn influential article published in 1990 claimed that the increased
rate of reading disability in boys was a consequence of referral biasObjectivesTo summarize the history of research on sex differences in reading disability
and to provide new evidence from 4 independent epidemiological studies about
the nature, extent, and significance of sex differences in reading disabilityDesign, Setting, and ParticipantsThe Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study comprised
989 individuals (521% male) in a cohort born between April 1972 and March
1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand, and followed up from age 3 years; reading performance
and IQ were assessed at ages 7, 9, and 11 years using the Burt Word Reading
Test and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Revised (WISC-R),
respectively The Christchurch Health and Development Study comprised 895
individuals (50% male) in a prospectively studied cohort born in the Christchurch,
New Zealand, region during a 4-month period in 1977; reading performance and
IQ were assessed at ages 8 to 10 years using the Burt Word Reading Test and
the WISC-R The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Study comprised a UK
nationally representative sample of 5752 children (501% male) aged 9 to 15
years in 1999; reading was assessed on the British Ability Scales II and IQ
on the British Picture Vocabulary Scales II The Environmental Risk Longitudinal
Twin Study (E-Risk) comprised 2163 twin children from England and Wales (491%
male) identified at birth in 1994 and 1995 and included administration of
the Test of Word Reading Efficiency at age 7 years and the Wechsler Preschool
and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Revised as a test of IQ at age 5 yearsMain Outcome MeasureReading performance by sex in the lowest 15% of the distribution for
all 4 studies, with and without taking IQ into accountResultsIn all 4 studies, the rates of reading disability were significantly
higher in boys For non–IQ-referenced reading disability: Dunedin study,
216% in boys vs 79% in girls (odds ratio [OR], 319; 95% confidence interval
[CI], 215-417); Christchurch study, 206% in boys vs 98% in girls (OR,
238; 95% CI, 162-350); ONS study, 176% in boys vs 130% in girls (OR,
143; 95% CI, 123-165); and E-Risk, 180% in boys vs 130% in girls (OR,
139; 95% CI, 104-186) The rates for IQ-referenced reading disabilities
were similarConclusionReading disabilities are clearly more frequent in boys than in girls
TL;DR: The diffusion model allows for the statistical separation of different components of a speeded binary decision process (decision threshold, bias, information uptake, and motor response) and it was found that decision thresholds were higher when the authors induced accuracy motivation, and drift rates were lower when stimuli were harder to discriminate.
Abstract: The diffusion model (Ratcliff, 1978) allows for the statistical separation of different components of a speeded binary decision process (decision threshold, bias, information uptake, and motor response). These components are represented by different parameters of the model. Two experiments were conducted to test the interpretational validity of the parameters. Using a color discrimination task, we investigated whether experimental manipulations of specific aspects of the decision process had specific effects on the corresponding parameters in a diffusion model data analysis (see Ratcliff, 2002; Ratcliff & Rouder, 1998; Ratcliff, Thapar, & McKoon, 2001, 2003). In support of the model, we found that (1) decision thresholds were higher when we induced accuracy motivation, (2) drift rates (i.e., information uptake) were lower when stimuli were harder to discriminate, (3) the motor components were increased when a more difficult form of response was required, and (4) the process was biased towardrewarded responses.
TL;DR: Comparison of the results of MLST with those of toxA typing and serotyping revealed that strains with identical STs may possess different toxA types and diverse serotypes, which reveals the strength of the MLST approach for obtaining a better understanding of the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa.
Abstract: A multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme has been developed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa which provides molecular typing data that are highly discriminatory and electronically portable between laboratories. MLST data confirm the data from previous studies that suggest that P. aeruginosa is best described as nonclonal but as having an epidemic population. The index of association was 0.17, indicating a freely recombining population; however, there was evidence of clusters of closely related strains or clonal complexes among the members of this population. It is apparent that the sequence types (STs) from single isolates, representing each of the present epidemic clones in the United Kingdom from Liverpool, Manchester, and the West Midlands, are not closely related to each other. This suggests distinct evolutionary origins for each of these epidemic clones in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, these clones are distinct from European clone C. Comparison of the results of MLST with those of toxA typing and serotyping revealed that strains with identical STs may possess different toxA types and diverse serotypes. Given that recombination is important in the population of P. aeruginosa, the lack of a linkage between toxA type and serotype is not surprising and reveals the strength of the MLST approach for obtaining a better understanding of the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa.
TL;DR: A number of simple model systems where the coarse-grained or macroscopic behaviour of a system can be explicitly determined from the full, or microscopic, description are described.
Abstract: In many applications, the primary objective of numerical simulation of timeevolving systems is the prediction of coarse-grained, or macroscopic, quantities. The purpose of this review is twofold: first, to describe a number of simple model systems where the coarse-grained or macroscopic behaviour of a system can be explicitly determined from the full, or microscopic, description; and second, to overview some of the emerging algorithmic approaches that have been introduced to extract effective, lower-dimensional, macroscopic dynamics. The model problems we describe may be either stochastic or deterministic in both their microscopic and macroscopic behaviour, leading to four possibilities in the transition from microscopic to macroscopic descriptions. Model problems are given which illustrate all four situations, and mathematical tools for their study are introduced. These model problems are useful in the evaluation of algorithms. We use specific instances of the model problems to illustrate these algorithms. As the subject of algorithm development and analysis is, in many cases, in its infancy, the primary purpose here is to attempt to unify some of the emerging ideas so that individuals new to the field have a structured access to the literature. Furthermore, by discussing the algorithms in the context of the model problems, a platform for understanding existing algorithms and developing new ones is built.
TL;DR: This work reanalyzes the ion channel model using an importance sampling scheme based on a hidden Markov representation, and compares population Monte Carlo with a corresponding MCMC algorithm.
Abstract: Importance sampling methods can be iterated like MCMC algorithms, while being more robust against dependence and starting values. The population Monte Carlo principle consists of iterated generations of importance samples, with importance functions depending on the previously generated importance samples. The advantage over MCMC algorithms is that the scheme is unbiased at any iteration and can thus be stopped at any time, while iterations improve the performances of the importance function, thus leading to an adaptive importance sampling. We illustrate this method on a mixture example with multiscale importance functions. A second example reanalyzes the ion channel model using an importance sampling scheme based on a hidden Markov representation, and compares population Monte Carlo with a corresponding MCMC algorithm.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a new approach to detect and measure herding which is based on the cross-sectional dispersion of the factor sensitivity of assets within a given market.
TL;DR: Evidence of diversifying selection visible in both components suggests that the host and pathogen may be locked in a coevolutionary conflict at these loci, where attempts to evade host resistance by the pathogen are matched by the development of new detection capabilities by the host.
Abstract: Plants are constantly exposed to attack by an array of diverse pathogens but lack a somatically adaptive immune system. In spite of this, natural plant populations do not often suffer destructive disease epidemics. Elucidating how allelic diversity within plant genes that function to detect pathogens (resistance genes) counteracts changing structures of pathogen genes required for host invasion (pathogenicity effectors) is critical to our understanding of the dynamics of natural plant populations. The RPP13 resistance gene is the most polymorphic gene analyzed to date in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we report the cloning of the avirulence gene, ATR13, that triggers RPP13-mediated resistance, and we show that it too exhibits extreme levels of amino acid polymorphism. Evidence of diversifying selection visible in both components suggests that the host and pathogen may be locked in a coevolutionary conflict at these loci, where attempts to evade host resistance by the pathogen are matched by the development of new detection capabilities by the host.
TL;DR: Results highlight the potential of this bacterium to be used in the cleanup of contaminated pesticide waste in the environment and reveal that the strain possessed a novel phosphotriesterase enzyme system.
Abstract: Six chlorpyrifos-degrading bacteria were isolated from an Australian soil and compared by biochemical and molecular methods. The isolates were indistinguishable, and one (strain B-14) was selected for further analysis. This strain showed greatest similarity to members of the order Enterobacteriales and was closest to members of the Enterobacter asburiae group. The ability of the strain to mineralize chlorpyrifos was investigated under different culture conditions, and the strain utilized chlorpyrifos as the sole source of carbon and phosphorus. Studies with ring or uniformly labeled [(14)C]chlorpyrifos in liquid culture demonstrated that the isolate hydrolyzed chlorpyrifos to diethylthiophospshate (DETP) and 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, and utilized DETP for growth and energy. The isolate was found to possess mono- and diphosphatase activities along with a phosphotriesterase activity. Addition of other sources of carbon (glucose and succinate) resulted in slowing down of the initial rate of degradation of chlorpyrifos. The isolate degraded the DETP-containing organophosphates parathion, diazinon, coumaphos, and isazofos when provided as the sole source of carbon and phosphorus, but not fenamiphos, fonofos, ethoprop, and cadusafos, which have different side chains. Studies of the molecular basis of degradation suggested that the degrading ability could be polygenic and chromosome based. Further studies revealed that the strain possessed a novel phosphotriesterase enzyme system, as the gene coding for this enzyme had a different sequence from the widely studied organophosphate-degrading gene (opd). The addition of strain B-14 (10(6) cells g(-1)) to soil with a low indigenous population of chlorpyrifos-degrading bacteria treated with 35 mg of chlorpyrifos kg(-1) resulted in a higher degradation rate than was observed in noninoculated soils. These results highlight the potential of this bacterium to be used in the cleanup of contaminated pesticide waste in the environment.
TL;DR: A review discusses recent findings and future challenges in the study of plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere, a biologically active zone of the soil that contains soil-borne microbes including bacteria and fungi.
TL;DR: Rat ARC neurons containing neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein, which are conditional pacemakers, are activated by orexigens and inhibited by the anorexigen leptin to propose a neuron-specific signaling mechanism through which central and peripheral signals engage the central neural anabolic drive.
Abstract: The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) integrates and responds to satiety and hunger signals and forms the origins of the central neural response to perturbations in energy balance. Here we show that rat ARC neurons containing neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP), which are conditional pacemakers, are activated by orexigens and inhibited by the anorexigen leptin. We propose a neuron-specific signaling mechanism through which central and peripheral signals engage the central neural anabolic drive.
TL;DR: A review of pendant carbohydrate-carrying linear polymers and their subsequent properties can be found in this article, with a focus on the synthesis of polymers with a wide range of controlled architectures and functionalities.
TL;DR: In this paper, returns to education are used to address the relation between schooling and wage inequality, and the results suggest that schooling has a positive impact upon within-levels wage inequality and that factors such as over-education, ability, schooling interactions and school quality or different fields of study may be driving this result.
TL;DR: The data suggest (i) that Se and S enter Arabidopsis through multiple transport pathways with contrasting sulphate/selenate selectivities, whose activities vary between plants of contrasting nutritional status, (ii) that rhizosphere sulphate inhibits selenate uptake, (iii) thatrhizosphere selenates promotes sulphate uptake and (iv) thatSe toxicity occurs because Se andS compete for a biochemical process, such as assimilation into amino acids of essential proteins.
Abstract: Selenium (Se) is an essential plant micronutrient, but is toxic at high tissue concentrations. It is chemically similar to sulphur (S), an essential plant macronutrient. The interactions between Se and S nutrition were investigated in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Arabidopsis plants were grown on agar containing a complete mineral complement and various concentrations of selenate and sulphate. The Se/S concentration ratio in the shoot ([Se](shoot)/[S](shoot)) showed a complex dependence on the ratio of selenate to sulphate concentration in the agar ([Se](agar)/[S](agar)). Increasing [S](agar) increased shoot fresh weight (FW) and [S](shoot), but decreased [Se](shoot). Increasing [Se](agar) increased both [Se](shoot) and [S](shoot), but reduced shoot FW. The reduction in shoot FW in the presence of Se was linearly related to the shoot Se/S concentration ratio. These data suggest (i) that Se and S enter Arabidopsis through multiple transport pathways with contrasting sulphate/selenate selectivities, whose activities vary between plants of contrasting nutritional status, (ii) that rhizosphere sulphate inhibits selenate uptake, (iii) that rhizosphere selenate promotes sulphate uptake, possibly by preventing the reduction in the abundance and/or activity of sulphate transporters by sulphate and/or its metabolites, and (iv) that Se toxicity occurs because Se and S compete for a biochemical process, such as assimilation into amino acids of essential proteins.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider forecasting using a combination, when no model coincides with a non-constant data generation process (DGP), and show that combining forecasts adds value, and can even dominate the best individual device.
Abstract: Summary We consider forecasting using a combination, when no model coincides with a non-constant data generation process (DGP). Practical experience suggests that combining forecasts adds value, and can even dominate the best individual device. We show why this can occur when forecasting models are differentially mis-specified, and is likely to occur when the DGP is subject to location shifts. Moreover, averaging may then dominate over estimated weights in the combination. Finally, it cannot be proved that only non-encompassed devices should be retained in the combination. Empirical and Monte Carlo illustrations confirm the analysis.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a new measurement scale (the RELQUAL scale) to assess the degree of relationship quality between the exporting firm and the importer, which is presented as a high order concept.
Abstract: In this article the authors develop a new measurement scale (the RELQUAL scale) to assess the degree of relationship quality between the exporting firm and the importer. Relationship quality is presented as a high order concept. Findings reveal that a better quality of the relationship results in a greater 1) amount of information sharing, 2) communication quality, 3) long-term orientation, as well as 4) satisfaction with the relationship. The four multi-item scales show strong evidence of reliability as well as convergent, discriminant and nomological validity in a sample of British exporters. Findings also reveal that relationship quality is positively and significantly associated with export performance. Suggestions for applying the measure in future research are presented.
TL;DR: It is concluded that microbial parameters are more effective and consistent indicators of management induced changes to soil quality than biochemical parameters, and that a variety of biochemical and microbial analyses should be used when considering the impact of management on soil quality.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine interrelationships between functional biochemical and microbial indicators of soil quality, and their suitability to differentiate areas under contrasting agricultural management regimes. The study included five 0.8 ha areas on a sandy-loam soil which had received contrasting fertility and cropping regimes over a 5 year period. These were organically managed vegetable, vegetable–cereal and arable rotations, an organically managed grass clover ley, and a conventional cereal rotation. The organic areas had been converted from conventional cereal production 5 years prior to the start of the study. All of the biochemical analyses, including light fraction organic matter (LFOM) C and N, labile organic N (LON), dissolved organic N and water-soluble carbohydrates showed significant differences between the areas, although the nature of the relationships between the areas varied between the different parameters, and were not related to differences in total soil organic matter content. The clearest differences were seen in LFOM C and N and LON, which were higher in the organic arable area relative to the other areas. In the case of the biological parameters, there were differences between the areas for biomass-N, ATP, chitin content, and the ratios of ATP: biomass and basal respiration: biomass. For these parameters, the precise relationships between the areas varied. However, relative to the conventionally managed area, areas under organic management generally had lower biomass-N and higher ATP contents. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus colonization potential was extremely low in the conventional area relative to the organic areas. Further, metabolic diversity and microbial community level physiological profiles, determined by analysis of microbial community metabolism using Biolog GN plates and the activities of eight key nutrient cycling enzymes, grouped the organic areas together, but separated them from the conventional area. We conclude that microbial parameters are more effective and consistent indicators of management induced changes to soil quality than biochemical parameters, and that a variety of biochemical and microbial analyses should be used when considering the impact of management on soil quality.
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TL;DR: The authors investigated gender differences within and across EU countries in training participation, using decomposition analysis, and found that women are no less likely than men to undertake training and considerably more likely to train in four countries.
Abstract: Using the first six waves of the European Community Household Panel (ECHP), a largescale comparative survey collected annually since 1994, we establish some stylised facts about the extent and determinants of work-related training in European Union (EU) countries. We investigate gender differences within and across EU countries in training participation, using decomposition analysis. We focus on: access to “lifelong learning”, fixed-term contracts, part-time versus full-time work, public/private sector affiliation, educational attainment, and the individual’s position in the wage distribution prior to training. We find that, overall, women are no less likely than men to undertake training and considerably more likely to train in four countries. The differing effects of characteristics and ‘returns’ can explain the gaps. There is no significant training-age profile for women and a strong negative profile for men. In several countries there is a negative association between fixed-term contacts and training, particularly for men. In most countries and, for both sexes, training is positively associated with public sector employment, high educational attainment and a high position in the wage distribution.
TL;DR: In this article, the links between income, sexual behavior and reported happiness were studied using recent data on a sample of 16,000 adult Americans, and they found that sexual activity entered strongly positively in happiness equations.
Abstract: The links between income, sexual behavior and reported happiness are studied using recent data on a sample of 16,000 adult Americans. The paper finds that sexual activity enters strongly positively in happiness equations. Higher income does not buy more sex or more sexual partners. Married people have more sex than those who are single, divorced, widowed or separated. The happiness-maximizing number of sexual partners in the previous year is calculated to be 1. Highly educated females tend to have fewer sexual partners. Homosexuality has no statistically significant effect on happiness.