A dynamic model of endogenous interest group sizes and policymaking

We present a dynamic model of endogenous interest group sizes and policymaking. Our model integrates `top-down' (policy) and `bottom-up' (behavioral) influences on the development of interest groups. We show that, for example an increase in the contribution by members of an interest group need not induce larger subsidies to that group, even though it would in case of fixed interest group sizes. This is due to a political participation effect, next to a redistribution effect. On the other hand, the dynamic analysis of the model shows that reliance on equilibrium results such as these can be misleading since equilibria may not be stable. In fact, complicated dynamics may emerge leading to erratic and path dependent time patterns for policy and interest group sizes. We demonstrate that our model can endogenously generate the types of spurts and declines in organizational density that are observed in empirical studies.

A Computational Electoral Competition Model with Social Clustering and Endogenous Interest Groups as Information Brokers

We extend the basic model of spatial competition in two directions. First, political parties and voters do not have complete information but behave adaptively. Political parties use polls to search for policy platforms that maximize the probability of winning an election and the voting decision of voters is influenced by social interaction. Second, we allow for the emergence of interest groups. These interest groups transmit information about voter preferences to the political parties, and they coordinate voting behavior. We use simulation methods to investigate the convergence properties of this model. We find that the introduction of social dynamics and interest groups increases the separation between parties platforms, prohibits convergence to the center of the distribution of voter preferences, and increases the size of the winning set.

On the size of the winning set in the presence of interest groups

Interest groups are introduced in a spatial model of electoral competition between two political parties. We show that the presence of these interest groups increases the winning set, which is the set of policy platforms for the challenger that will defeat the incumbent. Therefore interest groups enhance the probability of the challenger winning the election.

Interest Group Size Dynamics and Policymaking (extensive revised version of WP 01-03)

We present a dynamic model of endogenous interest group sizes and policymaking. The model integrates `top-down' (policy) and `bottom-up' (individual and social-structural) influences on the development of interest groups. Comparative statics results show that the standard assumption of fixed-sized interest groups can be misleading. Furthermore, dynamic analysis of the model demonstrates that reliance on equilibrium results can also be misleading since equilibria may be unstable. Complicated dynamics may then emerge naturally, leading to erratic time patterns for policy and interest group sizes. Our model can endogenously generate the types of spurts and declines in organizational density reported in empirical studies.

Genetic analysis of feed quality and seed weight of sorghum inbred lines and hybrids using analytical methods and NIRS

Eight lines of grain sorghum and their F1 hybrids were evaluated for contents of crude protein (CP), fat (FAT), and starch (STA); protein digestibility (PD); and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD). The effect of seed weight (SW) on these traits and the potential use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict them also were investigated. The male lines included three normal-seeded lines (TX2737, TX435, and P954063) and two largeseeded lines (PL-1 and Eastin1). The female lines included commonU.S. seed parent lines (Wheatland, Redlan, and SA3042). The lines and their hybrids were grown under dryland conditions at Kansas State University experiment fields in Ashland and Belleville, Kansas, in 1999. The experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications at each location. The effect of genotype was significant for all measured traits. The male parent lines were highly variable and expressed high levels of genetic variation in combining ability for CP, PD, STA, and SW. The female parents were genetically more uniform; however, significant general combining ability effects were noted for PD and SW. Significant negative correlations were noted between CP and STA and between SW and STA. Significant positive correlations were found between CP and SW and between FAT and IVDMD. Crude protein content was predicted accurately by NIRS. Fat content and IVDMD could not be predicted by NIRS. The NIRS equations based on ground samples were more accurate than those based on whole-seed samples

Raman imaging and electronic properties of graphene

Graphite is a well-studied material with known electronic and optical properties. Graphene, on the other hand, which is just one layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, has been studied theoretically for quite some time but has only recently become accessible for experiments. Here we demonstrate how single- and multi-layer graphene can be unambiguously identified using Raman scattering. Furthermore, we use a scanning Raman set-up to image few-layer graphene flakes of various heights. In transport experiments we measure weak localization and conductance fluctuations in a graphene flake of about 7 monolayer thickness. We obtain a phase-coherence length of about 2 $\mu$m at a temperature of 2 K. Furthermore we investigate the conductivity through single-layer graphene flakes and the tuning of electron and hole densities via a back gate

Het gehalte aan bromide in gras

In dit verslag wordt een overzicht gegeven van de bromidebesmetting in gras. In totaal zijn 54 grasmonsters onderzocht op anorganisch bromide. De monsterplaatsen zijn representatief voor de weidegebieden van Nederland

Evaluation of the Single Kernel Characterization System (SKCS) for Measurement of Sorghum Grain Attributes

The single kernel characterization system (SKCS) has been widely used in the wheat industry, and SKCS parameters have been linked to end-use quality in wheat. The SKCS has promise as a tool for evaluating sorghum grain quality. However, the SKCS was designed to analyze wheat, which has a different kernel structure from sorghum. To gain a better understanding of the meaning of SKCS predictions for grain sorghum, individual sorghum grains were measured for length, width, thickness (diameter), and weight by laboratory methods and by the SKCS. SKCS predictions for kernel weight and thickness were highly correlated to laboratory measurements. However, SKCS predictions for kernel thickness were underestimated by ≈20%. The SKCS moisture prediction for sorghum was evaluated by tempering seven samples with varying hardness values to four moisture levels. The moisture contents predicted by SKCS were compared with a standard oven method and, while correlated, SKCS moisture predictions were less than moisture measured by air oven, especially at low moisture content. Finally, SKCS hardness values were compared with hardness measured by abrasive decortication. A moderate (r = 0.67, P \u3c 0.001) correlation was observed between the hardness measurements. The SKCS predictions of kernel weight and diameter were highly correlated with laboratory measurement. Moisture prediction, however, was substantially lower by the SKCS than as measured by an air oven method. The SKCS should be suitable for measuring sorghum grain attributes. Further research is needed to determine how SKCS hardness predictions are correlated to milling properties of sorghum grain

Het gehalte aan aflatoxine B1 in grondnotenschrootpellets, rund- en varkensvoeders in 1979

Het doel was een overzicht te geven van de besmetting met aflatoxine B1 in veevoeders en grondnotenschroot. Het betrof 159 rundveevoeder- en 9 varkensvoedermonsters voor zowel pesticiden- als aflatoxine B1-onderzoek voor de Algemene Inspectie Dienst. Daarnaast zijn 44 monsters grondnotenschroot geanalyseerd op aflatoxine B1