bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cohesive fracture mechanics for a multi‐phase porous medium
Authors: Simoni Luciano , Secchi Stefano
Published: September 2003

This paper presents a mathematical model for the analysis of cohesive fracture propagation through a non‐homogeneous porous medium. Governing equations are stated within the frame of Biot's theory, accounting for the flow through the solid skeleton, along the fracture and across its sides toward the surrounding medium. The numerical solution is obtained in a 2D context, exploiting the capabilities of an efficient mesh generator, and requires continuous updating of the domain as the fractures enucleate and propagate. It results that fracture paths and their velocity of propagation, usually assumed as known, are supplied directly by the model without introducing any simplifying assumption.
New insight into optimization and variational problems in the 17th century
Authors: Stein Erwin , Wiechmann Karin
Published: September 2003

First, a synopsis of the major changes of natural science, mathematics and philosophy within the 17th century shall highlight the birth of the new age of science and technology. Based on Fermat's principle of the shortest light‐way and Galilei's first attempt of an approximative solution of the so‐called Brachistochrone problem using a quarter of the circle, Johann Bernoulli published a competition for this problem in 1696, and six solutions were submitted by the most famous scientists of the time and published in 1697, even though the variational calculus was only published in 1744 by Euler for the first time. Especially the analytical solution of Jakob Bernoulli contains already the main idea of Euler's variational calculus, i.e. to vary only one function value at a time using a finite difference method and proceeding to the infinitesimal limit. Also Leibniz' geometric solution is very remarkable, realizing a direct discrete variational method geometrically which was invented numerically much later in the 19th century by Ritz and Galerkin and generalized to the finite element method by introducing test and trial functions in finite subspaces. A new finite element solution of the non‐linear Brachistochrone problem concludes the paper. It is important to recognize that besides the roots of variational calculus also the first formulations of conservation laws in mechanics and their applications originated in the 17th century.
Interface‐capturing finite element technique for transient two‐phase flow
Authors: Hamid Sharif Nahidh , Wiberg Nils‐Erik
Published: September 2003

A numerical model is presented for the computation of unsteady two‐fluid interfaces in nonlinear porous media flow. The nonlinear Forchheimer equation is included in the Navier‐Stokes equations for porous media flow. The model is based on capturing the interface on a fixed mesh domain. The zero level set of a pseudo‐concentration function, which defines the interface between the two fluids, is governed by a time‐dependent advection equation. The time‐dependent Navier‐Stokes equations and the advection equation are spatially discretized by the finite element (FE) method. The fully coupled implicit time integration scheme and the explicit forward Eulerian scheme are implemented for the advancement in time. The trapezoidal rule is applied to the fully implicit scheme, while the operator‐splitting algorithm is used for the velocity‐pressure segregation in the explicit scheme. The spatial and time discretizations are stabilized using FE stabilization techniques. Numerical examples of unsteady flow of two‐fluid interfaces in an earth dam are investigated.
A computational model for generalized inelastic materials at finite strains combining elastic, viscoelastic and plastic material behaviour
Authors: Peric´ D. , Dettmer W.
Published: September 2003

This work is concerned with the computational modelling of non‐linear solid material behaviour in the finite strain regime. Based on the recent computational formulations for modelling of inelastic material behaviour, a generalized material model is presented for inelastic materials incorporating classical elastic, viscoelastic, plastic and viscoplastic material description, all operating in the finite strain regime. The underlying rheological model corresponds to the combined action of several rheological components, such as Hooke, Maxwell and Prandtl elements, arranged in parallel. This work summarizes the theoretical basis of the material model and presents the computational treatment in the framework of a finite element solution procedure. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the scope of the described computational strategy.
IT and competitive advantage: the case of Japanese manufacturing companies
Authors: Makido Takao , Kimura Shogo , Mourdoukoutas Panos
Published: September 2003

An empirical investigation of the relationship between IT and competitiveness of Japanese manufacturing companies, this paper finds an indirect correlation between the two variables. IT improves competitiveness through labor empowerment and strategic alliances rather than directly. The paper further argues that sustainability of IT‐based competitive advantages depends on the nature of IT systems. Competitive advantages based on stand‐alone IT systems that can be implemented with little internal and external cooperation are not sustainable, while competitive advantages based on cooperative IT systems that can be implemented with substantial internal and external cooperation are sustainable.
Supporting post‐Fordist work practices
Authors: Burstein Frada , Linger Henry
Published: September 2003

This paper examines the role of knowledge management and knowledge management systems for supporting knowledge work. In a work environment, knowledge is always situated in a specific context, so an organization benefits from a knowledge management system when such a system is focused on a specific task. Providing support for knowledge work at the task level complements the work practices of actors performing the task. The paper suggests that knowledge management systems can be implemented as intelligent decision support that establishes a joint cognitive process between the system and the actor performing the task. The proposed approach has been derived from our application of a knowledge management framework to a number of field studies. These applications come from various domains and highlight different aspects of the proposed framework. The focus on task performance, as a driving force for knowledge management, unifies these field studies. The paper identifies the issues that emerge from these studies and describes their contribution to the development of the framework. The paper concludes that by privileging knowledge work, task‐based knowledge management can be an effective knowledge management strategy.
Ecotourism in the city? Toronto’s Green Tourism Association
Authors: Gibson Anna , Dodds Rachel , Joppe Marion , Jamieson Brian
Published: September 2003

Applying the practices of ecotourism to an urban environment is a relatively new concept but a concept that merits development in multiple cities. The concept of urban green tourism (urban ecotourism), as pioneered by Toronto’s Green Tourism Association, is a working example that demonstrates how a city can promote itself, individual businesses and attractions to provide a unique tourism experience and generate demand for sustainability. This paper seeks to outline how urban green tourism can be an effective approach to addressing the issues of tourism in cities – growth, waste, etc., and demonstrates how sustainable tourism options can capitalize on the existing features of a city. The association promotes local businesses, organizations, natural and cultural features through its green map, green guidebook and Website to educate travellers and industry toward greener practices.
Business simulations: a balanced approach to tourism education
Authors: Martin David , McEvoy Bernie
Published: September 2003

This study reviews and evaluates the use of a business simulation, specifically the hotel operational training simulation (HOTS) as it applies to tourism and hospitality education. An extensive self‐report survey was used to examine the participant’s experience. The questions were categorized into three dimensions: learning experience, alternative method of instruction; and critical and analytical thinking ability. In addition, there were questions relating to the participant’s overall satisfaction with the learning experience, and a further evaluation based on the participant’s level of involvement in the simulation. The simulation as an alternative form of instruction, the learning experience outcomes and critical and analytical thinking were found to be significant predictors of participant’s satisfaction. Further, the results suggested that there was a significant difference between the responses of those who felt they were highly involved and those who felt they were less involved in the simulation.
Brand asset equilibrium in hotel management
Authors: Forgacs Gabor
Published: September 2003

Branding is a topic of great interest in the global hotel industry. In the USA, over 70 percent of the hotels are branded; in Canada, brand penetration is around 40 percent, in Europe it is under 25 percent and growing. Branded hotels tend to outperform comparable independent properties. A fundamental understanding of the dynamic relationship between brand asset value and the management of marketing and operations can be the key to success of branded hotels. A model has been developed to demonstrate the relationship of these key factors. In order to achieve brand integrity and consistency, a balanced approach is suggested. The integrity of any brand will ride on doing well what they say and saying it right what they do every day at every point of guest contact. The article offers an insight both to owners and operators of branded hotels and for those who consider joining a brand in the future.
“NOF‐Digi”: putting UK culture online
Authors: Nicholson Dennis , Macgregor George
Published: September 2003

This article describes a major digitisation programme aimed at improving online access to UK cultural resources from the UK’s museums, libraries and galleries for lifelong learners and others. The programme is supported by lottery funding of £50 million and provides free access to important areas of the country’s diverse cultural, artistic, and community resources. The article describes the programme, highlights some of the projects, and looks at areas where improvements to programme coordination might have been made. At time of writing, most of the projects are still in progress.
Plant maintenance strategy: evidence from four British manufacturing firms
Authors: Lee Cooke Fang
Published: September 2003

The nature of maintenance work has changed as a result of a huge increase in the number and variety of physical assets to be maintained, increasing automation and complexity, new maintenance techniques and changing views on maintenance organisation and responsibilities. Maintenance philosophy has evolved from reactive to preventive and later to a proactive approach. However, maintenance function is still largely seen as a “necessary evil” by many companies. What is their maintenance strategy in an increasingly competitive world? This paper first reviews the development of the maintenance philosophy. It then reports the case study findings of the maintenance strategies adopted by four large and medium‐sized British manufacturing and processing companies. The paper concludes that production pressure has forced these companies to resort to reactive maintenance, a technique which is counterproductive for the long‐term performance of the plant.
Availability modeling and optimization of reconfigurable manufacturing systems
Authors: Nourelfath Mustapha , Ait‐kadi Daoud , Isaac Soro Wassy
Published: September 2003

Reconfiguration mechanisms lead to the design of robust manufacturing systems which have the capability to allow the service continuity, in the presence of a failure, on the basis of a minimal degradation of performances. In this paper, a stochastic model is proposed to assess and to analyze the availability of reconfigurable systems whose equipments are subject to random failures. To distinguish between the normal behavior and the degraded one, the production rate is used as a performance measure. An availability model that takes into account the performance degradation is developed. Close form solutions of the steady‐state availability and the production rate of a reconfigurable system are calculated. Two optimization problems dealing with reconfigurable systems are also addressed. The paper considers a series system consisting of N stochastically independent components. Different technologies are assumed to be available for each component. The following design problems are studied: find the configuration, which allows maximizing the production rate of the system under resource constraints; and find the configuration that allows to reach some predetermined level of production rate at minimal cost. The design model of the first problem leads to mixed linear programming, while the design model of the second problem leads to integer linear programming. A numerical procedure is developed to solve both problems.
The impact of marketing initiatives on the supply chain
Authors: Lummus Rhonda R. , Duclos Leslie K. , Vokurka Robert J.
Published: September 2003

Effective supply chain management requires sharing information between nodes of the chain. In consumer chains, this demand communication often results in a bullwhip effect as demand information becomes distorted back through the chain. Building on the work of Towill et al. and Towill and McCullen, this study evaluates the impact of consumer promotions and wholesale trade deals on the performance of a supply chain. Marketing actions alone are shown to have a significant impact on supply chains.
Outsourcing: a public‐private sector comparison
Authors: Burnes Bernard , Anastasiadis Antisthenis
Published: September 2003

Outsourcing is one of the fastest‐growing and arguably most important areas of business activity. This article examines the differing motivations behind and approaches to outsourcing of public and private sector organisations in the UK, and what they can learn from each other. It compares the experiences of a police force with that of a financial services company and concludes that neither appears to have a monopoly on good practice, but that the private sector could benefit from the public sector’s more structured approach, while the latter could benefit from the more strategic orientation of the private sector.
Global sourcing: process and design for efficient management
Authors: Zeng Amy Z.
Published: September 2003

Although the literature on the strategic aspect of global sourcing is large, detailed studies on this procurement strategy from a process perspective are limited. This paper adopts the process viewpoint and examines the design and management issues associated with the global sourcing process based on a case study at a leading firm in the US aviation industry. The effectiveness of the company’s global sourcing process is evaluated, the design alternatives of the supply chain structure are compared, and the critical issues of efficient management of the process are summarized. Specifically, three logistics‐based criteria are developed to indicate the effectiveness of the transportation and distribution network. The paper also demonstrates that the process design can be assessed based on the dimensions of supply chain integration. Finally, a flow‐level matrix is developed to identify the critical issues of managing the global sourcing process.
Outsourcing: insights from the telecommunications industry
Authors: McIvor Ronan
Published: September 2003

The aim of this research is to identify the drivers and processes that can influence the outsourcing process in the telecommunications industry. The research focuses on a telecommunications equipment manufacturer that has outsourced a range of activities to suppliers including assembly operations, manufacturing, logistics and design. This strategy has resulted in the company becoming a “systems integrator” in which it manages and co‐ordinates a network of best production and service providers. The implications of this strategy are drawn from an analysis of this company and three suppliers by analysing three outsourcing programmes over an 18‐month period. There is considerable focus on evaluating the capability of activities in the value chain in relation to potential suppliers. The findings in this research challenge the value of using the core competence concept as a basis for outsourcing. In fact, the findings show that analysis and management of the supply chain can have a greater impact on the outsourcing process than attempting to unravel the complexities and intricacies of the core competence approach.
Beyond BSC: a process based approach to performance management
Authors: Krause Oliver
Published: September 2003

Empirical evidence suggests that the methodological toolset to implement performance management systems lacks operational qualities. This contribution outlines the limitations identified from an analysis of current approaches. The elements of a business process based method to design, build and operate performance management systems are described. Lessons learned from the validation by case based action research are presented and finally implications for further research are identified.
Internet use by university academics: a bipartite study of information and communication needs
Authors: Nasir Uddin Mohammad
Published: September 2003

In Bangladesh, there are only 0.2 million Internet users out of a population of 140 million. Because there is a lack of academic research on Internet usage, the prime objective of this study is to report the level of Internet use by university academics for their information and communication needs. The study also sought to find out whether differences exist among the various levels of academics in terms of their use of the Internet. Six categories of information and communication needs were identified and a survey conducted among the lecturers of Rajshahi University where the Internet was introduced in 2001. Findings showed that Internet use by academics is useful for some common needs and that the academic rank of users is an important factor in determining the priority of needs. It also showed that there are some barriers to adequate use of Internet resources. Suggestions are made for increased use of the Internet, to benefit the nation as a whole.
Will self‐regulation work in protecting online privacy?
Authors: Lee Ya‐Ching
Published: September 2003

New and advanced technologies enable firms to collect, use, disseminate, disclose, and sell Internet users’ personal information. This has raised privacy concerns. Self‐regulation is preferred by governments and industry. Unfortunately, the Internet is not well suited for a successful self‐regulation regime. Legislation is necessary to ensure the industry’s consistent and persistent commitment to fair information practices and compliance with them. This paper attempts to assist policy making by evaluating policy proposals, analysing conflicts, and identifying the best ways to deal with online privacy controversies in the light of social conditions and Internet characteristics.
Projecting group liking and ethnocentrism on in‐group members: False consensus effect of attitude strength
Authors: Karasawa Minoru
Published: September 2003

The purpose of the present study was to examine the social projection effect concerning the strength of national attitudes. Japanese respondents sampled from the general population judged how patriotic and nationalistic opinions were distributed among Japanese (i.e. in‐group) and American (out‐group) citizens. The respondents’ own positions regarding these attitude dimensions were also measured. As predicted, the respondents inflated estimates of the endorsement for positions close to their own, particularly when the target was the in‐group. Estimates of opinion distributions in the out‐group converged around stereotypic positions. The apparent projection effect in patriotism (i.e. in‐group liking) was likely mediated by abstract trait evaluations of the home country, while the projection of nationalism (i.e. ethnocentrism) appeared to be a direct result of projection without such mediation. Different processes such as the motivation for cognitive consistency and the need to achieve social identity of the group were suggested to underlie projection effects in different domains. Implications of the results for the study of stereotyping and intergroup conflict are discussed.
Risk perception and risky choice: Situational, informational and dispositional effects
Authors: Xie Xiao‐Fei , Wang X. T. (XiaoTian)
Published: September 2003

We investigated how situational (gain–loss), informational (opportunity–threat framing) and dispositional (achievement motive and avoidance motive) variables affected opportunity–threat perception and risky choice in managerial decision‐making contexts. In Study 1, the risk preference of the participants showed a reflection effect due to situational differences (gain or loss) and a partial framing effect caused by presenting the same choice information in terms of either opportunities or threats. However, both effects were in the opposite direction of predictions from prospect theory. Gains and positive framing enhanced risk‐seeking preference whereas losses and negative framing augmented risk‐averse preference. Risk‐seeking choices were mediated by opportunity perception whereas risk‐averse choices were mediated by threat perception. In Study 2, the participants high in achievement motive perceived greater opportunities in a negative situation, and the participants high in avoidance motive perceived greater threats in a positive situation, suggesting that ambition (achievement motive) operates more significantly in the face of adversities whereas cautiousness (avoidance motive) functions more significantly in prosperity.
Bridging Scholarship in Management: Epistemological Reflections
Authors: Aram John D. , Salipante Paul F.
Published: September 2003

If the relevance gap in management research is to be narrowed, management scholars must identify and adopt processes of inquiry that simultaneously achieve high rigour and high relevance. Research approaches that strive for relevance emphasize the particular at the expense of the general and approaches that strive for rigour emphasize the general over the particular. Inquiry that attains both rigour and relevance can be found in approaches to knowledge that involve a reasoned relationship between the particular and the general. Prominent among these are the works of Ikujiro Nonaka and John Dewey. Their epistemological foundations indicate the potential for a philosophy of science and a process of inquiry that crosses epistemological lines by synthesizing the particular and the general and by utilizing experience and theory, the implicit and the explicit, and induction and deduction. These epistemologies point to characteristics of a bridging scholarship that is problem‐initiated and rests on expanded standards of validity. The present epistemological reflections are in search of new communities of knowing toward the production of relevant and rigorous management knowledge.
Towards a Methodology for Developing Evidence‐Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review
Authors: Tranfield David , Denyer David , Smart Palminder
Published: September 2003

Undertaking a review of the literature is an important part of any research project. The researcher both maps and assesses the relevant intellectual territory in order to specify a research question which will further develop the knowledge base. However, traditional ‘narrative’ reviews frequently lack thoroughness, and in many cases are not undertaken as genuine pieces of investigatory science. Consequently they can lack a means for making sense of what the collection of studies is saying. These reviews can be biased by the researcher and often lack rigour. Furthermore, the use of reviews of the available evidence to provide insights and guidance for intervention into operational needs of practitioners and policymakers has largely been of secondary importance. For practitioners, making sense of a mass of often‐contradictory evidence has become progressively harder. The quality of evidence underpinning decision‐making and action has been questioned, for inadequate or incomplete evidence seriously impedes policy formulation and implementation. In exploring ways in which evidence‐informed management reviews might be achieved, the authors evaluate the process of systematic review used in the medical sciences. Over the last fifteen years, medical science has attempted to improve the review process by synthesizing research in a systematic, transparent, and reproducible manner with the twin aims of enhancing the knowledge base and informing policymaking and practice. This paper evaluates the extent to which the process of systematic review can be applied to the management field in order to produce a reliable knowledge stock and enhanced practice by developing context‐sensitive research. The paper highlights the challenges in developing an appropriate methodology.
Comparative Advantage and the Location of Production
Authors: Forslid Rikard , Wooton Ian
Published: September 2003

The paper returns to a familiar topic in international trade, comparative advantage, introducing it into Krugman's classic, core–periphery model of economic geography. This extra force of dispersion radically changes the stability properties of the model. Instead of the familiar result that trade liberalization leads to increased industrial concentration, lowering trade costs leads initially to increased concentration and then to dispersion of production. When a pattern of comparative advantage exists, integration may lead to international specialization of production. This may be good news for peripheral countries, which may be able to retain industry despite the attraction of the core.
Intertemporal Substitution and Terms‐of‐Trade Shocks
Authors: Cashin Paul , McDermott C. John
Published: September 2003

The paper examines the relationship between transitory terms‐of‐trade shocks and private saving. Using a model allowing for nonseparability between the consumption of tradables and nontradables, the paper estimates the intertemporal elasticity of substitution while accounting for the intratemporal elasticity of substitution between the consumption of tradables and nontradables. Empirical analysis of data for five industrial countries indicates that in response to transitory terms‐of‐trade shocks, intertemporal substitution of consumption and intratemporal substitution of consumption between tradables and nontradables both have large effects on private saving.
Have Falling Tariffs and Transportation Costs Raised US Wage Inequality?
Authors: Haskel Jonathan E. , Slaughter Matthew J.
Published: September 2003

To gauge the effect of international trade on the rising US skill premium, the paper analyzes the sector bias of price changes induced by changes in US tariffs and transportation costs. It is found that, in both the 1970s and 1980s, cuts in tariffs and transportation cost levels were concentrated in unskilled‐intensive sectors. Despite this suggestive evidence, the authors estimate that price changes induced by tariffs or transportation costs mandated a rise in inequality that was mostly statistically insignificant. Thus, they do not find strong evidence that falling tariffs and transport costs, working through price changes, mandated rises in inequality.
Relation‐based versus Rule‐based Governance: an Explanation of the East Asian Miracle and Asian Crisis
Authors: Li John Shuhe
Published: September 2003

The paper aims to establish a theory of relation‐based governance to explain both the “East Asian miracle” and the Asian crisis. The author first defines “relation” and “relation‐based governance” in terms of information and enforcement, and then analyzes the nature and dynamics of relation‐based governance, comparing its benefits and costs with that of “rule‐based governance” in terms of observability/verifiability, commitment, and transaction costs. The theory is applied to examine a particular relation‐based governance system—the Japanese model—to explain both the East Asian miracle and the Asian crisis. The framework provides foundations for studies of East Asian catching‐up and economic development in general.
Mundell Revisited: a Simple Approach to the Costs and Benefits of a Single Currency Area
Authors: Ching Stephen , Devereux Michael B.
Published: September 2003

The paper evaluates the costs and benefits of a single currency area within a unified framework. Conventionally, it is argued that a single currency area carries a welfare loss owing to the sacrifice of exchange rate adjustment in the presence of country‐specific shocks. But in 1973 Mundell argued that a single currency area offers risk‐sharing benefits when capital markets are limited in their ability to facilitate consumption insurance. The authors construct a simple model and compare a system of independent national currencies to a single currency area. The presence of country‐specific shocks may either reduce or enhance the benefits of a single currency area, depending on the importance of exchange rate adjustment relative to risk‐sharing. In a simple quantitative analysis, we find that either regime may dominate, although the utility differences between the two regimes are very small.
Factor Market Oligopsony and the Production Possibility Frontier
Authors: Devadoss Stephen , Song Wongun
Published: September 2003

The authors consider a model with two final goods, one intermediate good, and two primary factors. One final good and the intermediate good are produced using primary factors, labor and capital. The other final good is produced using labor and the intermediate input. Producers of the second final good exert oligopsonistic market power on the intermediate input, which captures real world phenomena prevalent in the food processing and other manufacturing industries. If the capital/labor ratio in one final‐good sector is in between those of the intermediate‐input sector and the combined intermediate‐input and the other final‐product sectors, and if the oligopsony power is sufficiently large, the model generates results that are not adherent to the standard two‐sector Heckscher–Ohlin model. Results that deviate from the H–O model include the relationships between factor prices and commodity prices, the price–output effect, tangency between the price line and the PPF, and the curvature of the PPF.
Calculating Power for the Comparison of Dependentκ-Coefficients
Authors: Lin Hung-Mo , Williamson John M. , Lipsitz Stuart R.
Published: September 2003

In the psychosocial and medical sciences, some studies are designed to assess the agreement between different raters and/or different instruments. Often the same sample will be used to compare the agreement between two or more assessment methods for simplicity and to take advantage of the positive correlation of the ratings. Although sample size calculations have become an important element in the design of research projects, such methods for agreement studies are scarce. We adapt the generalized estimating equations approach for modelling dependent κ-statistics to estimate the sample size that is required for dependent agreement studies. We calculate the power based on a Wald test for the equality of two dependent κ-statistics. The Wald test statistic has a non-central χ2-distribution with non-centrality parameter that can be estimated with minimal assumptions. The method proposed is useful for agreement studies with two raters and two instruments, and is easily extendable to multiple raters and multiple instruments. Furthermore, the method proposed allows for rater bias. Power calculations for binary ratings under various scenarios are presented. Analyses of two biomedical studies are used for illustration.
A Class of Models for Aggregated Traffic Volume Time Series
Authors: Brockwell A. E. , Chan N. H. , Lee P. K.
Published: September 2003

The development of time series models for traffic volume data constitutes an important step in constructing automated tools for the management of computing infrastructure resources. We analyse two traffic volume time series: one is the volume of hard disc activity, aggregated into half-hour periods, measured on a workstation, and the other is the volume of Internet requests made to a workstation. Both of these time series exhibit features that are typical of network traffic data, namely strong seasonal components and highly non-Gaussian distributions. For these time series, a particular class of non-linear state space models is proposed, and practical techniques for model fitting and forecasting are demonstrated.
A Novel Bootstrap Procedure for Assessing the Relationship between Class Size and Achievement
Authors: Carpenter James R. , Goldstein Harvey , Rasbash Jon
Published: September 2003

There is on-going concern about the relationship between class size and achievement for children in their first years of schooling. The Institute of Education’s class size project was set up to address this issue and began recruiting in the autumn of 1996. However, because of the non-normality of achievement measures, especially in mathematics, the results have hitherto been presented by using transformed achievement measures. This makes the interpretation difficult for non-statisticians. Ideally, the data would be modelled on the original scale and a bootstrap procedure used to ensure that inferences are robust to non-normality. However, the data are multilevel. In the paper we therefore propose a nonparametric residual bootstrap procedure that is suitable for multilevel models, show that it is consistent and present a simulation study which demonstrates its potential to yield substantial reductions in the difference between nominal and actual confidence interval coverage, compared with a parametric bootstrap, when the underlying distribution of the data is non-normal. We then apply our approach to estimate the relationship between class size and achievement for children in their reception year, after adjusting for other possible determinants.
Tracing Studies and Analysis of the Effect of Loss to Follow-Up on Mortality Estimation from Patient Registry Data
Authors: Farewell Vernon T. , Lawless Jerald F. , Gladman Dafna D. , Urowitz Murray B.
Published: September 2003

Before patient registries are used for studies of the long-term mortality that is associated with chronic medical conditions, the potential bias resulting from patients who become lost to follow-up must be investigated. A study design, used for a systemic lupus erythematosus patient registry, is described. The design involves tracing patients who are defined as ‘lost to follow-up’ according to specific criteria. This provides supplementary information on the mortality experience of patients who are lost to (regular) follow-up. Some methods of analysis are described, based on comparing the mortality experience of patients when under regular follow-up with the experience of patients after they are deemed to be lost to follow-up. The effect of loss to follow-up, death reporting and visits to the clinic on estimation procedures is illustrated and recommendations are made for patient registries which are to be used in mortality studies.
Modelling Forces of Infection by Using Monotone Local Polynomials
Authors: Shkedy Ziv , Aerts Marc , Molenberghs Geert , Beutels Philippe , Van Damme Pierre
Published: September 2003

On the basis of serological data from prevalence studies of rubella, mumps and hepatitis A, the paper describes a flexible local maximum likelihood method for the estimation of the rate at which susceptible individuals acquire infection at different ages. In contrast with parametric models that have been used before in the literature, the local polynomial likelihood method allows this age-dependent force of infection to be modelled without making any assumptions about the parametric structure. Moreover, this method allows for simultaneous nonparametric estimation of age-specific incidence and prevalence. Unconstrained models may lead to negative estimates for the force of infection at certain ages. To overcome this problem and to guarantee maximal flexibility, the local smoother can be constrained to be monotone. It turns out that different parametric and nonparametric estimates of the force of infection can exhibit considerably different qualitative features like location and the number of maxima, emphasizing the importance of a well-chosen flexible statistical model.
Modelling Heterogeneous Space–Time Occurrences of Earthquakes and its Residual Analysis
Authors: Ogata Yosihiko , Katsura Koichi , Tanemura Masaharu
Published: September 2003

Earthquake intensities are modelled as a function of previous activity whose specific form is based on established empirical laws in seismology, but whose parameter values can vary from place to place. This model is used for characterizing regional features of seismic activities in and around Japan, and also for exploring regions where the actual seismicity rate systematically deviates from that of the modelled rate.
The Interest Rate Risk Exposure of Financial Intermediaries: A Review of the Theory and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Staikouras Sotiris K.
Published: September 2003

The paper surveys current and previous research on financial institutions’ interest rate risk exposure. The implications of such exposure are discussed and motivating insights are emphasized. Various theoretical frameworks and models are presented. For each one an overview of the studies and any relationship to each other is provided. In a cross‐industry analysis, other idiosyncratic risk factors are considered and their importance is delineated. A number of empirical relations are established. More specifically, there is an inverse relationship between interest rate changes and common stock returns of financial institutions. The intermediaries’ apparent yield sensitivity is mainly attributed to the duration gap inherent in their balance sheet structure. Furthermore, the aforesaid equity sensitivity due to other possible dynamics such as dividend yield, unanticipated inflation and regulatory lags is also considered. Changes in economic regimes have altered volatility in market yields with a subsequent effect, positive or negative, on financial intermediaries’ equity returns. The issue of the risk‐return compensation is further analyzed, and findings suggest that the interest rate risk is priced by capital markets. Finally, a few other issues are identified as avenues for future research.
Barriers or Opportunities? The Causes of Contingent and Part‐Time Work Among People with Disabilities
Authors: Schur Lisa A.
Published: September 2003

Why are workers with disabilities about twice as likely as nondisabled workers to be in contingent and part‐time jobs? This study finds that disability income program earnings limits and employer discrimination play relatively minor roles, whereas the primary explanation is health problems that make traditional full‐time jobs difficult or impossible for many people with disabilities. Despite the lower pay and other drawbacks of many nonstandard jobs, they enable many people with disabilities to work who otherwise would not be employed. Policy implications are discussed.
Unpacking Union Density: Membership and Coverage in the Transformation of the Israeli IR System
Authors: Cohen Yinon , Haberfeld Yitchak , Mundlak Guy , Saporta Ishak
Published: September 2003

To understand the transformation of the industrial relations (IR) system in Israel, we propose a four‐group typology according to workers’ membership in unions and coverage of collective agreements. Using this typology, and relying on various data sources, we estimate that in 2000 membership was 40 to 45 percent, and coverage was about 56 percent, down from 80 to 85 percent for both measures in 1981. The data also reveal the emerging differences among the four groups, including income differentials. Moreover, comparing workers’ actual membership and coverage with their preferences suggests that the system has not yet reached equilibrium. The study demonstrates that only a four‐group typology succeeds in surfacing the complex nature of union decline.
The Dual Transformation of Workplace Dispute Resolution
Authors: Colvin Alexander J. S.
Published: September 2003

This study examines the impact on grievance rates of variation in the structure of nonunion dispute resolution procedures and in systems of work organization. Nonunion dispute resolution procedures that feature nonmanagerial decision makers had higher grievance rates than nonunion procedures with managerial decision makers. Grievance rates also were lower in workplaces that had adopted self‐managed teams.
Final‐Offer Arbitration: A New Zealand Variation
Authors: Mcandrew Ian
Published: September 2003

This journal was the first to publicize the concept of final‐offer arbitration (FOA), so it is appropriate that it also publish a brief description of a unique form of FOA used to settle police compensation disputes in New Zealand. As with many forms of FOA, this approach requires mediation before arbitration. What makes it unique is that the arbitrator is present during the mediation and can provide feedback to the parties on “trial balloon” final offers. Another unique feature is that the dispute‐settlement system was designed by the parties themselves, within an enabling legislative framework, and has been molded by them over the past decade.

This article describes this different form of FOA and the parties’ experiences with it through several rounds of salary negotiations during the 1990s. Being based on reports by the participants, it is subject to the normal biases of parties asked to evaluate their own handiwork.
Surveillance, electronic communications technologies and regulation
Authors: Findlay Patricia , McKinlay Alan
Published: September 2003

The literature on workplace electronic surveillance is dominated by abstract theoretical discussions, while the limited empirical study of surveillance has been confined to manufacturing. This paper offers a corrective firstly by locating surveillance in its legal context, and secondly by considering surveillant practices in complex, professional and high‐value organisational settings.
New communication systems and trade union politics: a case study of Spanish trade unions and the role of the internet
Authors: Martínez Lucio Miguel
Published: September 2003

This article shows how engagement with the internet and aspects of the new economy/society require an appreciation of union difference and politics. It shows how union responses vary due to four factors: communication strategies, union identity, forms of internal democracy and a range of organisational and social contingencies. The article will study the phenomena of the internet in the context of one national case study, Spain. It is a country that allows us to view the political dimensions of the internet, and the way they link to communication strategies, due to the manner in which the labour movement has transformed and modernised itself. It is also of interest because methods of communication have been at the heart of the way in which unions have developed and differentiated themselves. This article will argue that a greater sensitivity is required in terms of union history, politics and identity if the impact and use of new forms of communication are to be fully appreciated. It also points to the need to appreciate tensions between different forms of communication.
Synergism between inositol phosphates and diacylglycerol on native TRPC6‐like channels in rabbit portal vein myocytes
Authors: Albert A. P. , Large W. A.
Published: September 2003

In rabbit portal vein myocytes noradrenaline activates a non‐selective cation current (Icat) which involves a transient receptor potential protein (TRPC6). Previously we have shown that the diaylglycerol (DAG) analogue 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol (OAG) stimulates Icat via a protein kinase C (PKC)‐independent mechanism, and in the present study we have investigated the interaction between inositol phosphates (InsPs) and OAG on Icat. With whole‐cell recording of Icat from freshly isolated rabbit portal vein myocytes the amplitude and rate of activation of noradrenaline‐evoked Icat were much greater than those of OAG‐induced Icat. Inclusion of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) in the pipette solution did not evoke Icat but greatly potentiated the amplitude and rate of activation of OAG‐induced Icat. With isolated outside‐out patches Ins(1,4,5)P3 markedly increased the rate of activation and the open probability of OAG‐evoked channel activity, with no change in unitary conductance, channel mean open times or burst durations. The effects of Ins(1,4,5)P3 were mimicked by Ins(2,4,5)P3, 3‐F‐Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,4)P2 but not by Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and the potentiating effects of InsPs were not inhibited by heparin. Therefore it is concluded that both DAG and InsPs are necessary for full activation of Icat by noradrenaline and the effect of InsPs is via a heparin‐insensitive mechanism and represents a novel action of InsPs.
Global Warming Trend of Mean Tropospheric Temperature Observed by Satellites
Authors: Vinnikov Konstantin Y. , Grody Norman C.
Published: September 2003

We have analyzed the global tropospheric temperature for 1978 to 2002 with the use of passive microwave sounding data from the NOAA series of polar orbiters and the Earth Observing System Aqua satellite. To accurately retrieve the climatic trend, we combined the satellite data with an analytic model of temperature that contains three different time scales: a linear trend and functions that define the seasonal and diurnal cycles. Our analysis shows a trend of +0.22° to 0.26°C per 10 years, consistent with the global warming trend derived from surface meteorological stations.