Exchange Rate Regimes: Choices and Consequences

Book Description

Few topics in international economics are as controversial as the choice of an exchange rate regime. Since the breakdown of the Bretton Woods system in the early 1970s, countries have adopted a wide variety of regimes, ranging from pure floats at one extreme to currency boards and dollarization at the other. While a vast theoretical literature explores the choice and consequences of exchange rate regimes, the abundance of possible effects makes it difficult to establish clear relationships between regimes and common macroeconomic policy targets such as inflation and growth.

This book takes a systematic look at the evidence on macroeconomic performance under alternative exchange rate regimes, drawing on the experience of some 150 member countries of the International Monetary Fund over the past thirty years. Among other questions, it asks whether pegging the exchange rate leads to lower inflation, whether floating exchange rates are associated with faster output growth, and whether pegged regimes are particularly prone to currency and other crises. The book draws on history and theory to delineate the debate and on standard statistical methods to assess the empirical evidence, and includes a CD-ROM containing the data set used.

Book Description

Competitiveness is one of the key themes in the current debate about national economic performance. A vast array of statistical data is usually assembled by national governments to demonstrate a closing or widening of productivity or trade 'gaps' with other countries or groups of countries. The authors of this book argue that far too little attention has been paid to the often subtle, but highly significant, organizational and cultural characteristics which underpin production and trade in a globalized economy.

Dimensions of Competitiveness suggests that awareness of the impacts of this neglected dimension of competitiveness can, together with appropriate corrective action, significantly improve corporate and national performance.

While considering a variety of more conventional dimensions of international competitiveness, the authors challenge many established tenets. A number of policy prescriptions are outlined as a result. Attention is also paid to some of the key distributive and infrastructural roles in enhancing international competitiveness including facilitating labor and capital mobility and providing efficient transport systems.

Book Description

Plant biotechnology has become a priority area for technology transfer in developing countries where production of food, feed, and fiber is of vital concern. Many programs now have sufficient experience to permit anin-depth examination of approaches, achievements, controversies, and anticipated benefits. Developing countries are showcased for leading-edge advances, as represented by contributions from South Africa, Kenya, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru with a foreword form World Food Prize Laureate, M.S. Swaminathan. These presentations are augmented by reviews from organizations facilitating plant biotechnology transfer, including philanthropic foundations, bilateral and multilateralorganizations, and other new initiatives. Introductory chapters address the subjects of sustainable development, regulatory concerns, accessibility of resources, environmental issues, and socio-economic research.

Status of Research And Application of Crop Biotechnologies in Developing Countries

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Status of Research And Application of Crop Biotechnologies in Developing Countries

Manufacturer: Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN (FA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Biotechnology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Agronomy | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Crop Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

Globalization | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9251052905

Book Description

Biogeography was stuck in a "natural history phase" dominated by the collection of data, the young Princeton biologists Robert H. MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson argued in 1967. In this book, the authors developed a general theory to explain the facts of island biogeography. The theory builds on the first principles of population ecology and genetics to explain how distance and area combine to regulate the balance between immigration and extinction in island populations. The authors then test the theory against data. The Theory of Island Biogeography was never intended as the last word on the subject. Instead, MacArthur and Wilson sought to stimulate new forms of theoretical and empirical studies, which will lead in turn to a stronger general theory. Even a third of a century since its publication, the book continues to serve that purpose well. From popular books like David Quammen's Song of the Dodo to arguments in the professional literature, The Theory of Island Biogeography remains at the center of discussions about the geographic distribution of species. In a new preface, Edward O. Wilson reviews the origins and consequences of this classic book.

Customer Reviews:

dated, but excellent for seeing where the field began.......2003-08-26

This is a wonderful book that spawned a new sub-field in ecology as well as providing a major theoretical approach to conservation issues. Island biogeography provided us with a new way to view biodiversity as it related to space. A wonderful book.

Reprint of MacArthur's and Wilson's Seminal Ecological Tome.......2002-04-20

Originally published as part of the Princeton University Press' Monographs in Population Biology series, Robert MacArthur's and Edward O. Wilson's "Theory Of Island Biogeography" is regarded by many as the most influential tome in theoretical ecology published in the latter half of the 20th Century. Its importance is due to its success in predicting the causes and outcomes of variations in species diversity across a wide range of habitats, not only tropical islands. Furthermore it is the underlying theory behind current research in conservation biology. And it has played a magnificient role in analyzing fluctuations in taxonomic diversity from both marine and continental fossil records across the span of more than half a billion years of Earth history. MacArthur and Wilson conceived of a simple, yet conceptually fruitful equilibrium model of species diversity, recognizing that species diversity is often in a state of flux between varying rates of species immigration (or perhaps, speciation) and extinction. This then novel way at looking at species diversity combined MacArthur's sound mathematical reasoning with Wilson's excellent field biogeographic research (Yet those who are not mathematically inclined should not feel intimidated; their theoretical arguments are made through lucid, exquisite prose.). Without a doubt, their equilibrium theory of island biogeography is one of the finest achievements of 20th Century ecology.

The young lion revisited.......2000-07-31

Robert McArthur was on he knew was his last speaking trip across the country when I heard him in Boulder in the winter of 1974. He didn't talk about death; he talked about life and how it works. He wrote one short equation on the blackboard, then talked about it for an hour. No long after he was dead, but he was the real young lion, he changed ecology forever. His start was simple: look at avifauna in terms of foliage height diversity, but he did not stop there.

Wilson? He's brilliant in his own way, of course, but I'm betting his contribution to Island Biogeography was criticism and editing.

Book Description

In this poineering application of island biogeography theory, Harris presents an alternative to current practices of timber harvesting.

"Harris pulls together many threads of biological thinking about islands and their effect on plant and animal survival and evolution. He weaves these threads into a model for managing forest lands in a manner that might serve both our short-term economic and social needs as well as what some people feel is our ancient charge to be steward of all parts of creation."—American Forests

Winner of the 1986 Wildlife Society Publication Award

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The Theory of Island Biogeography
Robert MacArthyr
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IOROE8

Remnant shrubs in Mediterranean semi-arid steppes: effects of shrub size, abiotic factors and species identity on understorey richness and occurrence [An article from: Acta Oecologica]

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Remnant shrubs in Mediterranean semi-arid steppes: effects of shrub size, abiotic factors and species identity on understorey richness and occurrence [An article from: Acta Oecologica]
F.T. Maestre , and J. Cortina
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000RR4VLK

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Acta Oecologica, published by Elsevier in 2005. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
Isolated shrub patches are a key element for community structure and dynamics in semi-arid ecosystems, and may act as ''hot spots'' of understorey species diversity. Despite its importance, the relationships between shrub patch characteristics and understorey species richness, and the relative importance of these characteristics against other factors driving understorey species richness, are still poorly understood. We studied perennial species richness under the canopy of late-successional shrubs in semi-arid Stipa tenacissima steppes of SE Spain. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between shrub size and understorey richness, and to test if this relationship is modified by species identity. We also aimed to know the relative importance of shrub patch characteristics and abiotic factors as predictors of the distribution of understorey species under shrub canopies. Altitude and geographical co-ordinates were able to significantly explain the patterns of shrub occurrence and abundance in the study area. Understorey species richness was significantly related to the size of individual shrubs according to a simple power relationship for all evaluated species. Slope values of linear regressions with log-transformed data, ranging between 0.22 and 0.37, did not differ between species. Site characteristics, patch characteristics and patch species identity significantly explained the occurrence of species on patches. However, the relative importance of site characteristics was higher than that of patch characteristics and species identity in explaining these patterns. Our results agree with the general expectations of the theory of island biogeography and complement previous studies that emphasise the importance of late-successional shrubs in semi-arid Stipa steppes. Environmental management activities within these steppes should promote the conservation of remnant shrubs, as well as its introduction with restoration activities.

The Theory of Island Biogeography (Monographs in Population Biology 1)

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The Theory of Island Biogeography (Monographs in Population Biology 1)
Robert H. Mac Arthur , and Edward O. Wilson
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinction

ASIN: B000JLJS4E

Continental and island life: A review of Wallace, with reference to the bearing of geological facts and theories of evolution on the distribution of life

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Continental and island life: A review of Wallace, with reference to the bearing of geological facts and theories of evolution on the distribution of life
John William Dawson
Manufacturer: s.n
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Review of theory relevant to acquiring land (Technical report)

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Review of theory relevant to acquiring land (Technical report)
Daniel Simberloff
Manufacturer: Florida State University
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006S54R0

Settlement patterns in pre-war Siwai: An application of central place theory to a horticultural society (Solomon Island studies in human biogeography)

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Settlement patterns in pre-war Siwai: An application of central place theory to a horticultural society (Solomon Island studies in human biogeography)
Jay S Callen
Manufacturer: Field Museum of Natural History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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The Theory of Island Biogeography
Robert H.; Wilson, Edward O. MacArthur
Manufacturer: Princeton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N38VLE

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Theory of Island Biogeography.
Robert H. MacArthur
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M4MAK2

Customer Reviews:

Just when we thought we'd seen most sea creatures.......2007-05-27

My kids and I loved this book. Tons of pictures of sea creatures we'd never heard of before i.e. Football fish (appropriately named), Gulper Eel,, Glass sponge, Brittle Star. This interesting book covers everything related to the sea including sea birds.

Wonderful pictures & photos

sort of like a sea dictionary.......2006-07-13

This was the best book I found in looking for something to do a unit on sea animals with my daughter (we homeschool). We are doing simple file folders of basic facts and picture of each animal and this was the ticket. Instead of having to look through lots of books and piece it together, this book is almost like a little dictionary of sea creatures. Probably about 3 animals to a page with an illustration and just the basic facts in about 3 sentences on each animal. Since that was all we wanted, it fit the bill. It's not in debth on the animals, just a short overview.

Our preschooler loves this.......2000-03-31

Our preschooler loves this book and has pretty much memorized every "creature" in it. The drawings are exciting without being frightening and the text is short. The authors have selected creatures with great appeal for children and she loves to say their names: Black-eyed goby! Moorish Idol! Sockeye salmon!

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Always helpful and insightful

A Must Have Book for Flyfishers

Finally, a new useful how to book for experienced anglers

Fly-Fish Better: Practical Advice On Tackle, Methods, And Flies
Art Scheck
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fly Fishing | Fishing | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
General | Fishing | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Fish Food: A Fly Fisher's Guide To Bugs And Bait

Active Nymphing: Aggressive Strategies for Casting, Rigging, And Moving the Nymphs

Trout Rigs & Methods: What You Need to Know to Construct Rigs that Work for All Types of Trout Flies & the Most Effective Fishing Methods for Catching More & Larger Trout

Fly Fishing With A. K.

No Hatch to Match: Aggressive Strategies for Fly-Fishing Between Hatches

ASIN: 0811732169

Customer Reviews:

Always helpful and insightful.......2007-03-09

Very intellectual author and the photos make it easy to follow the descriptions on knot tying.

A Must Have Book for Flyfishers.......2007-02-13

This little book offers some creative and fresh thinking on several aspects of fly fishing. Scheck does not simply say here's my way, do this, he offers alternatives so that anyone can learn from him and still make choices that fit personal styles and preferences. His observations on stronger tippets and knots will help us all land more of those big fish, and do so more quickly, so they live to thrill another angler. Icing on the cake, Scheck is a good writer whose style makes for a fun read. Bundle this with Ames' book on New England Hatches, and you have a Supersaver order for less than thirty bucks with no postage and handling--I did, and was delighted when both books arrived.

Finally, a new useful how to book for experienced anglers.......2005-12-28

I got this how-to class book for Christmas and I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. The first several chapters of the book deal with equipment, rigging, and knots and I am fascinated to learn that "the way I've always done it" could be improved so much by forgetting what I think I know.

Art Scheck does an excellent job of explaining his pragmatic approach to sifting lore from fact about the important topic of leaders, tippets, and knots - this information alone will no doubt improve my ability to bring fish to net.

I've been fly-fishing for more than 20 years, both saltwater and fresh. Whether I fish for Specks, Reds, Rainbows or Bass/Bluegills most of my fishing buddies consider me a good caster and fisherman. This books is proof that you can never stop learning from others and after I've read the whole thing several times, I will be better. You will too.

One thing that really impresses me about this book, is that I could easily see myself through Art's eyes. I feel a strong connection with him as I read his words. I don't share his fame in the fishing community, but I do share his concerns and most of his opinions.

Forget that new thunderstick fly rod, buy this book, and spend some serious time learning if you want to catch more fish.

If you like Flourocarbon leaders, clinch and surgeon knots, you REALLY need to read this book. He'll make you better.

K

Book Description

A French reader for intermediate through advanced students

Le Fantôme de l’Opéra (Leroux) is an adaptation that captures the meaning and mood of the original 1910 Gaston Leroux novel and includes all major scenes. It is 152 pages in length.

Customer Reviews:

Great Easy French Read.......2005-04-22

I read this french book during my fourth semester of high school french. By choice, not as an assignment. I have always loved the story of the phantom of the opera and here was my chance to read it is french! YAY! It's simple to read if you know the basics. Throughout the book there are footnotes that help you along the way. There is also a dictionary in the back of words in the book so it's simple and quick to look up words you don't know. If you undertstand the basic tenses and have a decent vocabulary, you are good to go and you will enjoy this book that is specialy made for students of french. I would say it is just below the petit prince level. So what are you waiting for? Go for it!

Excellent for School.......2004-06-27

I read this book before my French 5 AP class and found it surprisingly easy to understand. The grammar guides and context questions at the end of each chapter are perfect for class and discussions, and help the reader understand the novel. The novel itself is of course a classic, but it is so much better in French than English, which I read afterwards to see if I had truly gotten the jist of it. I would recommend this book to anyone in intermediate french.

Tre Magnficent!.......2001-04-30

For those of you that don't understand French, don't try to read this, go for the English version, But I have to say that I loved this book, I don't see why it was so different. (though it was in French) I have six copies of the book in both French and English, and there is always some change, so I can tell you it was a great book, even though some of the wording was different, as it is in most of the others I have. I totally recomend it! I'm only fourteen but I loved this and other classical lit.

Not what I expected.......1999-12-27

I had to give the book two stars simply because it is in part Gaston Leroux's novel. However, it is not the original. I was terribly disappointed to discover that, far from being the original novel in its entirety, it is "abridged and adapted especially for intermediate students of French." In other words, it was rewritten. The author's foreword is almost completely gone, retaining only "Le fantome de l'Opera a existe. Il a existe en chair et en os." [Please pardon the lack of accents.] The epilogue had vanished, too. I only explored a little farther, to discover that any sentences or words extra had been cut, even such simple things as "The Persian had seen the poor, unhappy Erik for the last time." Now, I can understand that some editing for students is necessary (did I mention there are questions at the end of each chapter?) However, this seems to me to be an extreme and heartless adaptation, and there was no mention of the alterations in the description of the book. For those who do not have a complete command of the French language and wish to read a novel in that language, fine. However, for Phantom fans who have read every English translation within reach (and own most of them), I regretfully suggest that you continue the search, and please tell me what you find. I wish you good hunting.