bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acne vulgaris and acne rosacea as part of immune reconstitution disease in HIV-1 infected patients starting antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Scott Christopher , Staughton Richard C D , Bunker Christopher J , Asboe David
Published: June 2008

Summary

Immune reconstitution disease (IRD) has been widely reported following the commencement of antiretrovirals. We report a case series from a cohort of HIV-1-infected patients of whom four developed acne vulgaris and one developed acne rosacea after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Acne vulgaris, as part of IRD, has been reported only once in the literature, whereas acne rosacea has not, to our knowledge, previously been described. This serves as a reminder not to overlook dermatological manifestations of disease in patients with HIV infection after starting antiretrovirals.
Improving genitourinary medicine services in prison
Authors: Lau Richard
Published: June 2008

Summary

There are many challenges in providing genitourinary medicine services in prison. A review of current service arrangements is overdue. Developing a national standard for sexual health in prison must be a priority. Clinical governance arrangements underpinned by better health informatics and reliable measures of outcomes are key in developing this strategy.
UK National Audit of Chlamydial Infection Management in Sexual Health Clinics. Case notes audit: information-giving, partner notification and follow-up
Authors: McClean Hugo , Carne Chris , Bunting Paul , Bhaduri Sumit , Fernandes Arnold , Dhar Jyoti , Estreich Steve , Daniels David
Published: June 2008

Summary

Verbal information-giving is good, but only half of cases were reportedly given written information on chlamydia. Follow-up by ‘phoning or texting (43%) was as common as follow-up in clinics (39%). About one-fourth of cases did not have follow up, with no recall for around 60% of these cases. Advice about partner notification (PN) was provided by a health adviser or other suitably trained health professional to 91% of cases, and the method of PN was documented for 92% of these cases. PN outcome was not documented for about 25% of these cases. There was no information on the chlamydial status of sexual contacts of about half of cases, and no information about the treatment status of sexual contacts of about 40% of cases. The average number of contacts screened per index was 0.52 outside London and 0.29 for the London Regions, levels below those suggested in the National Guideline.
UK National Audit of Chlamydial Infection Management in Sexual Health Clinics. Clinic policies audit
Authors: Carne Chris , McClean Hugo , Bhaduri Sumit , Bunting Paul , Fernandes Arnold , Dhar Jyoti , Estreich Steve , Daniels David
Published: June 2008

Summary

There was a wide range of activity and chlamydial diagnoses between the 177 clinics that responded. Most (92%) clinics have nucleic acid tests for chlamydial diagnosis. Different practitioners largely share roles in providing advice to patients about partner notification, treatment adherence, safer sex advice and abstinence. Most (97%) clinics have information leaflets about chlamydia, although about 30% of clinics lack leaflets containing information about antibiotics and hormonal contraception. About two-third clinics follow the National Guideline recommended interval for providing a test of cure where this is indicated. Only 18% of clinics routinely ask patients to reattend, with 40% having a policy of no routine follow-up and 62% using telephone or text follow-up. These categories were not mutually exclusive. Most (86%) of the 146 English clinics had a local Chlamydia Screening Programme coordinator for their Primary Care Trust area, although cooperation varies, with cooperation over treatment of 70% and Programme policy of 62%.
A-to-I RNA editing alters less-conserved residues of highly conserved coding regions: Implications for dual functions in evolution
Authors: Yang Yun , Lv Jianning , Gui Bin , Yin Heng , Wu Xiaojie , Zhang Yaozhou , Jin Yongfeng
Published: June 2008

The molecular mechanism and physiological function of recoding by A-to-I RNA editing is well known, but its evolutionary significance remains a mystery. We analyzed the RNA editing of the Kv2 K+ channel from different insects spanning more than 300 million years of evolution: Drosophila melanogaster, Culex pipiens (Diptera), Pulex irritans (Siphonaptera), Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera), Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera), Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera), Pediculus humanus (Phthiraptera), and Myzus persicae (Homoptera). RNA editing was detected across all Kv2 orthologs, representing the most highly conserved RNA editing event yet reported in invertebrates. Surprisingly, five of these editing sites were conserved in squid (Mollusca) and were possibly of independent origin, suggesting phylogenetic conservation of editing between mollusks and insects. Based on this result, we predicted and experimentally verified two novel A-to-I editing sites in squid synaptotagmin I transcript. In addition, comparative analysis indicated that RNA editing usually occurred within highly conserved coding regions, but mostly altered less-conserved coding positions of these regions. Moreover, more than half of these edited amino acids are genomically encoded in the orthologs of other species; an example of a conversion model of the nonconservative edited site is addressed. Therefore, these data imply that RNA editing might play dual roles in evolution by extending protein diversity and maintaining phylogenetic conservation.
Looks Are (Almost) Everything: Where Drivers Look to Get Information
Authors: Shinar David
Published: June 2008

Objective: To describe the impact of Rockwell's early eye movements research. Background: The advent of a new technology enabling measurements of eye movements in natural environments launched the seminal research of a Human Factors pioneer, Tom Rockwell, into how drivers process visual information. Method: In two seminal Human Factors articles —“Mapping Eye-Movement Pattern to the Visual Scene in Driving: An Exploratory Study” (Mourant & Rockwell, 1970) and “Strategies of Visual Search by Novice and Experienced Drivers” (Mourant & Rockwell, 1972) — Rockwell and his student, Ron Mourant, examined drivers' eye movements in naturalistic driving environments. Results: The analyses of the visual fixations revealed systematic relationships between the sources of information the drivers needed to drive safely and the spatial distributions of their visual fixations. In addition, they showed that as drivers gain skill and experience, their pattern of fixations changes in a systematic manner. Conclusions: The research demonstrated that fixations and saccadic eye movements provide important insights into drivers' visual search behavior, information needs, and information acquisition processes. Application: This research has been a cornerstone for a myriad of driving-related studies, by Rockwell and other researchers. Building on Rockwell's pioneering work, these studies used eye-tracking systems to describe cognitive aspects of skill acquisition, and the effects of fatigue and other impairments on the process of attention and information gathering. A novel and potentially revolutionary application of this research is to use eye movement recordings for vehicle control and activation of in-vehicle safety systems.
Personal Reflections From the Fifth Editor of Human Factors
Authors: Williges Robert C.
Published: June 2008

The fifth editor of Human Factors provides reflections on journal publication spanning four volumes printed from 1976 to 1980. During that period, most of the publication and management activities were handled by volunteer efforts of the editor, the editorial board, and the editor's organization. Electronic word processing was not readily available, and most publication tasks required laborious clerical support, resulting in long publication lags. The editor provides reflection on the steps taken by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society to separate editorial and production activities during that period to provide more support for the journal editorial duties. This resulted in the Society becoming its own publisher, building the beginning of a publication staff in the central office, and increasing the published page count. Rigorous editorial reviews were used to improve the scientific quality of the journal. The publication emphasis was on empirical research, but theoretical articles and research reviews were also considered for publication. Regular journal articles, short research notes, and special topics were published as ways to broaden the scientific coverage and shorten the publication lag.
Putting the Brain to Work: Neuroergonomics Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Parasuraman Raja , Wilson Glenn F.
Published: June 2008

Objective: The authors describe research and applications in prominent areas of neuroergonomics. Background: Because human factors/ergonomics examines behavior and mind at work, it should include the study of brain mechanisms underlying human performance. Methods: Neuroergonomic studies are reviewed in four areas: workload and vigilance, adaptive automation, neuroengineering, and molecular genetics and individual differences. Results: Neuroimaging studies have helped identify the components of mental workload, workload assessment in complex tasks, and resource depletion in vigilance. Furthermore, real-time neurocognitive assessment of workload can trigger adaptive automation. Neural measures can also drive brain-computer interfaces to provide disabled users new communication channels. Finally, variants of particular genes can be associated with individual differences in specific cognitive functions. Conclusions: Neuroergonomics shows that considering what makes work possible — the human brain — can enrich understanding of the use of technology by humans and can inform technological design. Application: Applications of neuroergonomics include the assessment of operator workload and vigilance, implementation of real-time adaptive automation, neuroengineering for people with disabilities, and design of selection and training methods.
Fifty Years of Driving Safety Research
Authors: Lee John D.
Published: June 2008

Objective: This brief review covers the 50 years of driving-related research published in Human Factors, its contribution to driving safety, and emerging challenges. Background: Many factors affect driving safety, making it difficult to assess the impact of specific factors such as driver age, cell phone distractions, or collision warnings. Method: The author considers the research themes associated with the approximately 270 articles on driving published in Human Factors in the past 50 years. Results: To a large extent, current and past research has explored similar themes and concepts. Many articles published in the first 25 years focused on issues such as driver impairment, individual differences, and perceptual limits. Articles published in the past 25 years address similar issues but also point toward vehicle technology that can exacerbate or mitigate the negative effect of these issues. Conceptual and computational models have played an important role in this research. Conclusion: Improved crashworthiness has contributed to substantial improvements in driving safety over the past 50 years, but future improvements will depend on enhancing driver performance and perhaps, more important, improving driver behavior. Developing models to guide this research will become more challenging as new technology enters the vehicle and shifts the focus from driver performance to driver behavior. Application: Over the past 50 years, Human Factors has accumulated a large base of driving-related research that remains relevant for many of today's design and policy concerns.
Naturalistic Decision Making
Authors: Klein Gary
Published: June 2008

Objective: This article describes the origins and contributions of the naturalistic decision making (NDM) research approach. Background: NDM research emerged in the 1980s to study how people make decisions in real-world settings. Method: The findings and methods used by NDM researchers are presented along with their implications. Results: The NDM framework emphasizes the role of experience in enabling people to rapidly categorize situations to make effective decisions. Conclusion: The NDM focus on field settings and its interest in complex conditions provide insights for human factors practitioners about ways to improve performance. Application: The NDM approach has been used to improve performance through revisions of military doctrine, training that is focused on decision requirements, and the development of information technologies to support decision making and related cognitive functions.
At the Turn of the 21st Century: Reflections on Our Science
Authors: Salas Eduardo
Published: June 2008

As the new century began, I took over as editor of the journal. By all accounts I inherited a robust journal — thanks to my predecessor. I made little adjustments on process and expanded the Editorial Board to reflect important emerging topics in human factors. The journal I “inherited” was in good shape, and I hope I left it a little better. In this paper, I reflect on the state of our science after making over 500 decisions over eight years (four as editor and four as associate editor). My reflections include issues concerning our theories, methodologies, and practice. These are offered as food for thought and in the hope that as we all reflect on the state of our science, we strive to make it better, more robust, and more relevant and that it has a greater influence on the world we live in. Time will tell.
Better Design of Menu Selection Systems Through Cognitive Psychology and Human Factors
Authors: Norman Kent L.
Published: June 2008

Objective: In this study, I seek to emphasize the contributions of cognitive psychology and human factors research in the design of menu selection systems. Background: Menu selection systems are used in computer interfaces to allow users to enter choices, set parameters, and navigate to items, functions, and locations. Designers of these systems have many choices concerning the organizational structure and layout of the menu interface. Method: I review several of these concerning hierarchies of menus, organization and clustering of items, and item distinctiveness. Special attention is given to cases in which designer's intuition differed from theory and experimental results. Result: Cognitive psychology and human factors have contributed both theory and empirical research that have helped to resolve differences of opinion and establish general principles for design. Conclusion: It is argued that cognitive psychology has contributed substantially to the design of better menu selection systems. Application: It is imperative that designers continue to apply these findings to interfaces that they develop and that researchers continue to study the characteristics and efficacy of innovative menu designs as they appear.
The Good, the Bad, and the Future: On the Archaeology of Ergonomics
Authors: Moray Neville
Published: June 2008

Objective: This article places the 50th anniversary edition of the Human Factors journal in a historical context. Background: It is appropriate to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Human Factors and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, but in so doing, we celebrate only the recent history of ergonomics. Method: By digging into the history of ergonomics, we can better understand the evolution of method, practice, and concepts in the human factors discipline. Results: One develops a greater admiration for early practitioners of human factors and ergonomics, as well as the importance of history. Conclusion: Some satisfaction about the rise, evolution, and fall of ergonomic ideas is justified. “If I have seen further... ” Application: We can better define the starting point for the next 50 years.
On Teams, Teamwork, and Team Performance: Discoveries and Developments
Authors: Salas Eduardo , Cooke Nancy J. , Rosen Michael A.
Published: June 2008

Objective: We highlight some of the key discoveries and developments in the area of team performance over the past 50 years, especially as reflected in the pages of Human Factors.Background: Teams increasingly have become a way of life in many organizations, and research has kept up with the pace. Method: We have characterized progress in the field in terms of eight discoveries and five challenges. Results: Discoveries pertain to the importance of shared cognition, the measurement of shared cognition, advances in team training, the use of synthetic task environments for research, factors influencing team effectiveness, models of team effectiveness, a multidisciplinary perspective, and training and technological interventions designed to improve team effectiveness. Challenges that are faced in the coming decades include an increased emphasis on team cognition; reconfigurable, adaptive teams; multicultural influences; and the need for naturalistic study and better measurement. Conclusion: Work in human factors has contributed significantly to the science and practice of teams, teamwork, and team performance. Future work must keep pace with the increasing use of teams in organizations. Application: The science of teams contributes to team effectiveness in the same way that the science of individual performance contributes to individual effectiveness.
A Flight by Periscope and Where It Landed
Authors: Roscoe Stanley N. , Acosta Hector M.
Published: June 2008

Objective: This study defines display design factors linking visual accommodation and the perceived size of distant objects. Background: In 1947, in anticipation of augmented contact and sensor-relayed contact displays, a periscope was installed in an airplane to serve as a sensor-based contact display simulator. To achieve normal landing performance, however, the unity image had to be magnified. This successful intervention, first published in 1966 in Human Factors, implicated oculomotor mechanisms and higher perceptual functions and became the observational basis for a series of investigative hypotheses. Method: Observers registered the perceived size of the collimated image of a “moon” by adjusting a disk of light while alternatively providing optometric measurements of accommodative distance. Results: Various investigators found high correlations between focal distances and perceived moon sizes. Conclusion: The simulated moon provided a superior vehicle for revealing the relationship between focal distance and perceived size and the factors affecting both. The operational display design implications and the possibility of a partial explanation for the moon illusion provided the motivation for an important doctoral research project involving eight factors that affect both focal distance and perceived size. Application: The investigation reaffirmed that virtual images, as found in head-up and head-mounted displays (HUDs and HMDs, respectively), do not consistently draw focus to optical infinity and that a variety of factors necessarily manipulated by display designers and present in many operational systems can affect visual performance partially through the mediation of accommodation.
More Than 50 Years of History and Accomplishments in Human Performance Model Development
Authors: Pew Richard W.
Published: June 2008

Objective: I provide a summary that introduces three significant threads in the development of human performance models (HPMs) — manual control models derived from engineering control theory, network models founded on the definition of human reliability, and models derived from cognitive architectures. Background: HPMs are important because they allow the quantification of human performance capacities and limitations to be included in the analysis and simulation of engineering systems. Method: For each thread, founding articles and contemporary developments are cited that illustrate the range of innovation that has taken place. Results: Many contemporary concepts are rooted in this modeling history. Conclusion: The most successful models represent circumstances for which the situational and temporal environment in which the human performance takes place is most heavily constrained. Application: Applied illustrations are drawn from vehicle handling qualities, unmanned aerial systems, and mission training, for example.
A Critical Review of a Pivotal Scientific Contribution: Liles and Associates 24 Years Later
Authors: Marras William S.
Published: June 2008

Objective: This review evaluates (in retrospect) the contribution of Liles and associates (1984) to the causality debate of the work relatedness of low back pain. Background: Often it takes years to appreciate the role of a paper with respect to the body of literature as a whole. Method: Although many papers appear remarkable when they are first published, the real value of a contribution often can be appreciated by considering how the paper “fills in the pieces of the puzzle” over time. This paper examines how the Liles paper influenced low back pain causality efforts after its introduction. Results: This analysis indicates that Liles and associates contributed to the science of low back disorder causality by (a) advancing the idea of quantitative measures used for field studies, (b) identifying a dose-response relationship for low back pain, and (c) recognizing the influence of a system of work and nonwork influences related to low back pain development. Conclusion: The Liles contribution to Human Factors has proven to play a pivotal role in our understanding of how low back pain is influenced by work exposure. Application: The concepts introduced here can help future efforts associated with understanding musculoskeletal disorder causality and work.
On the Symbiotic Relationship Between Warnings Research and Forensics
Authors: Laughery Kenneth R. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: June 2008

Objective: We describe a major factor in research in warnings — namely, forensics. Background: During the past three decades, much of the empirical warnings research has been published in human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) literature. A major impetus to that research has been concurrent activity by HF/E professionals participating as expert witnesses in product liability and personal injury cases in which there is a claim of failure to adequately warn about associated hazards. Method: We review how the issues in forensics can identify researchable questions. This effort has prompted important questions to be addressed that have resulted in publications. Two examples are provided: vehicle seat recline and explicitness. Results: The research has contributed to theory and model building of the processing involved. The research prompted by practical forensic issues can contribute to knowledge that is not limited in scope to particular instances, as is sometimes ascribed to applied research; it can also offer confirmatory support for theory or its modification. Conclusion: A practice-driven approach to the initiation of research can benefit not only application and practice but also theory. Application: Results in the warnings research domain can enhance safety and aid decisions in forensic contexts.
The Role of Expertise Research and Human Factors in Capturing, Explaining, and Producing Superior Performance
Authors: Charness Neil , Tuffiash Michael
Published: June 2008

Objectives: The goal of this article is to identify some of the major trends and findings in expertise research and their connections to human factors. Background: Progress in the study of superior human performance has come from improved methods of measuring expertise and the development of better tools for revealing the mechanisms that support expert performance, such as protocol analysis and eye tracking. Methods: We review some of the challenges of capturing superior human performance in the laboratory and the means by which the expert performance approach may overcome such challenges. We then discuss applications of the expert performance approach to a handful of domains that have long been of interest to human factors researchers. Results: Experts depend heavily on domain-specific knowledge for superior performance, and such knowledge enables the expert to anticipate and prepare for future actions more efficiently. Training programs designed to focus learners' attention on task-related knowledge and skills critical to expert performance have shown promise in facilitating skill acquisition among nonexperts and in reducing errors by experts on representative tasks. Conclusions: Although significant challenges remain, there is encouraging progress in domains such as sports, aviation, and medicine in understanding some of the mechanisms underlying human expertise and in structuring training and tools to improve skilled performance. Applications: Knowledge engineering techniques can capture expert knowledge and preserve it for organizations and for the development of expert systems. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie expert performance may provide insights into the structuring of better training programs for improving skill and in designing systems to support professional expertise.
Erratum: Variations in the uncoupling protein-3 gene are associated with specific obesity phenotypes.
Authors: van Abeelen Annet F M , de Krom Mariken , Hendriks Judith , Grobbee Diederick E , Adan Roger A H , van der Schouw Yvonne T
Published: June 2008

The authors and the journal apologize for an error in the above paper which appeared in 158 (5) 669–676. In this paper, on page 671, the fifth sentence should appear as follows ‘Each mixture consisted of 1 μl (8 ng) genomic DNA, 0.125 μl 40* assay mix (Applied Biosystems), and 2.5 μl TaqMan Universal Master Mix (Applied Biosystems)’.
Pedestrian-induced vibrations of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, UK
Authors: Macdonald J. H. G.
Published: June 2008

Detailed vibration measurements were taken on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, England to define its basic dynamic characteristics in normal conditions and then to assess its dynamic response to crowd loading; 27 vibration modes were identified with natural frequencies below 3 Hz. When subject to crowd loading, quite large lateral vibrations occurred in two modes, with sudden onset. This phenomenon, often termed ‘synchronous lateral excitation’ or ‘pedestrian lock-in', is similar to the behaviour observed on the London Millennium Bridge and a number of other bridges. Data analysis showed the behaviour to be consistent with the pedestrian negative damping model proposed by Arup in developing a solution for the Millennium Bridge. This model does not, however, explain the underlying mechanism causing the excitation, and a number of observations of the behaviour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge suggest that significant synchronisation of pedestrians did not actually occur. Although synchronisation may occur for large-amplitude vibrations on some bridges, the observations challenge the commonly held view that this mechanism is responsible for the initial rapid onset of lateral vibrations due to crowd loading.
Design and construction of Bukit Panjang LRT, Singapore
Authors: Leung Y. W. , Button J. S. , Yap A. Y. Y. , Ng K. N.
Published: June 2008

The Bukit Panjang light rapid transit (LRT) system, a groundbreaking project for the Land Transport Authority of Singapore, was designed to serve as a feeder to the existing mass rapid transit network and the Bukit Panjang bus interchange. The main civil engineering elements consist of 7·8 km of twin-track elevated guideway, 14 stations and a maintenance depot with an operation control centre. The system was completed and opened to the public in November 1999. This paper discusses the design and construction of the LRT guideway, which consists mainly of precast prestressed concrete segmental box girder bridges with epoxy glued joints and internally prestressed tendons. The bridge decks are predominantly simply supported spans ranging from 15 to 34 m; however, a few special decks are made continuous due to stability requirements. Two overhead launching girders were employed for erecting the guideway. Due to specific site constraints and system requirements, the alignment was characterised by numerous tight curves with a minimum horizontal radius of 60 m. The geometry control method and construction equipment, such as the casting cells and the launching girders, were tailor-made in order to tackle the unconventional situation. Some operation and maintenance aspects of the system are also covered in this paper.
Development and application of less‐mercury flat fluorescent lamps for backlights and general lighting
Authors: Koo Horng‐Show , Chang Chih‐Hung James , Cho Nam‐Kwon , Lee Jae‐Hong
Published: June 2008

Abstract— A novel flat discharge fluorescent lamp used as the light source of backlight modules for LCDs and general lighting systems has been researched and developed. This new type of lamp is a less‐mercury flat fluorescent lamp with two‐dimensional emission and superior to conventional one‐dimensional cold‐cathode fluorescent lamps in terms of optics, energy‐savings, production efficiency, reliability, and chromatic performances. Physical characterization of the optics, temperature, mechanical design, thermal shocking, reliability, and corresponding environments have verified that flat fluorescent lamps will be the next‐generation light sources for backlight modules and general lighting systems.
Interconnecting drivers to flexible displays
Authors: Govaerts Jonathan , Vandecasteele Bjorn , Vanfleteren Jan
Published: June 2008

Abstract— Several options to interconnect driver chips to a flexible display are discussed and investigated. In the first option, bare test dies are flip‐chip (FC) assembled onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) display substrates. The second option involves test flexible polyimide (PI) substrates, imitating tape‐carrier‐packaged drivers (TCP), bonded onto the same PET substrates, whereas the third option uses actual TCPs on stainless‐steel display substrates. Each option makes use of bonding technology with anisotropically conductive adhesive, supplied as film (ACF). The reason for using ACF is that drivers typically have high output counts, and therefore very fine pad features, 200‐μm pitch and below. The technology has been adapted for each option, considering the requirements of the substrate. Every option includes an explanation of the bond test setup, the bonding process itself, and a discussion of the test results. The conclusion summarizes the achievements made in the research reported in this article.
AMOLED panel driven by time‐multiplexed clamped inverter circuit to reduce complex control signals
Authors: Chen Chun‐Ho , Chen Ke‐Horng , Chen Che‐Chin , Chen Yi‐Fu , Shieh Han‐Ping D.
Published: June 2008

Abstract— A time‐multiplexing technique employing a pulse‐width‐modulation (PWM) charge‐pump scheme for driving active‐matrix organic light‐emitting‐diodes (AMOLEDs) is described. This scheme greatly reduces the number of control lines. The two‐ or four‐phase PWM driving technique not only reduces costs through the simplification of manufacture but also improves the uniformity and lifetime of OLED panels. Experimental results show that the proposed circuit effectively and precisely controls the timing of OLED data‐writing and light emission.
Allocation of Capital Between Assets and Liabilities
Authors: Zhang Yingjie
Published: June 2008

We propose a capital allocation method for insurance companies. The amount of capital is directly related to the default risk. The expected value of default can be distributed among the liabilities based on the rule of asset payoff at the time of default. We derive a capital allocation scheme from this allocation of the expected default. Assets, liabilities, and other risky items on the balance sheet are treated in a uniform framework. The insurer’s capital is allocated among all these risk contributors. The allocated capitals are given in closed-form formulas, which have straightforward interpretations and are easy to compute. Connections with other allocation methods are also discussed.
Tax-Deductible Pre-Event Catastrophe Loss Reserves: The Case of Florida
Authors: Milidonis Andreas , Grace Martin F.
Published: June 2008

After Hurricane Andrew the U.S. Congress entertained proposals to allow insurers to employ tax-deferred loss reserves. Interest was strong at first, but as the events receded interest waned. However, after the most recent severe hurricane seasons the proposals are again being discussed. In this paper we examine the institution of catastrophe loss reserves in a stylized model of insurance provisions. First, we find that the benefits of the tax-deferred loss reserves depend on the actuarial assumptions regarding the expected loss distribution. Second, we make the first attempt at estimating the change in consumer behavior and the social welfare implications for permitting tax deferred loss reserves. In sum, we find under specific circumstances there are large welfare gains for allowing the tax deferral of reserves.
General Pareto Optimal Allocations and Applications to Multi-Period Risks
Authors: Barrieu Pauline , Scandolo Giacomo
Published: June 2008

In this paper, we consider the problem of Pareto optimal allocation in a general framework, involving preference functionals defined on a general real vector space. The optimization problem is equivalent to a modified sup-convolution of the different agents’ preference functionals. The results are then applied to a multi-period setting and some further characterization of Pareto optimality for an allocation is obtained for expected utility for processes.
Multivariate Latent Risk: A Credibility Approach
Authors: Englund Martin , Guillén Montserrat , Gustafsson Jim , Nielsen Lars Hougaard , Nielsen Jens Perch
Published: June 2008

We investigate a concept of multivariate pricing, which includes claim history for more than one line of business and is a generalization of the Bühlmann-Straub model. The multivariate credibility model is extended to allow for the age of claims to influence the estimation of future claims. The model is applied to data from a portfolio of commercial lines of business.
Asymptotic Tail Probabilities for Large Claims Reinsurance of a Portfolio of Dependent Risks
Authors: Asimit Alexandru V. , Jones Bruce L.
Published: June 2008

We consider a dependent portfolio of insurance contracts. Asymptotic tail probabilities of the ECOMOR and LCR reinsurance amounts are obtained under certain assumptions about the dependence structure.
On the Applicability of the Wang Transform for Pricing Financial Risks
Authors: Pelsser Antoon
Published: June 2008

In an arbitrage-free economy, it is well-known that financial risks can be priced using equivalent martingale measures. We establish in this paper that, for general stochastic processes, the Wang Transform does not lead to a price which is consistent with the arbitrage-free price. Based on these results we must conclude that the Wang Transform cannot be a universal framework for pricing financial and insurance risks.
On Risk Model with Dividends Payments Perturbed by a Brownian Motion – An Algorithmic Approach
Authors: Frostig Esther
Published: June 2008

Assume that an insurance company pays dividends to its shareholders whenever the surplus process is above a given threshold. In this paper we study the expected amount of dividends paid, and the expected time to ruin in the compound Poisson risk process perturbed by a Brownian motion. Two models are considered: In the first one the insurance company pays whatever amount exceeds a given level b as dividends to its shareholders. In the second model, the company starts to pay dividends at a given rate, smaller than the premium rate, whenever the surplus up-crosses the level b. The dividends are paid until the surplus down-crosses the level a, a < b . We assume that the claim sizes are phase-type distributed. In the analysis we apply the multidimensional Wald martingale, and the multidimensional Asmussesn and Kella martingale.
Optimal Consumption and Insurance: A Continuous-time Markov Chain Approach
Authors: Kraft Holger , Steffensen Mogens
Published: June 2008

Personal financial decision making plays an important role in modern finance. Decision problems about consumption and insurance are in this article modelled in a continuous-time multi-state Markovian framework. The optimal solution is derived and studied. The model, the problem, and its solution are exemplified by two special cases: In one model the individual takes optimal positions against the risk of dying; in another model the individual takes optimal positions against the risk of losing income as a consequence of disability or unemployment.
Some Explicit Solutions for the Joint Density of the Time of Ruin and the Deficit at Ruin
Authors: Dickson David C.M.
Published: June 2008

Using probabilistic arguments we obtain an integral expression for the joint density of the time of ruin and the deficit at ruin. For the classical risk model, we obtain the bivariate Laplace transform of this joint density and invert it in the cases of individual claims distributed as Erlang(2) and as a mixture of two exponential distributions. As a consequence, we obtain explicit solutions for the density of the time of ruin.
Posterior Regret Γ-Minimax Estimation of Insurance Premium in Collective Risk Model
Authors: Boratyńska Agata
Published: June 2008

The collective risk model for the insurance claims is considered. The objective is to estimate a premium which is defined as a functional H specified up to an unknown parameter θ (the expected number of claims). Four principles of calculating a premium are applied. The Bayesian methodology, which combines the prior knowledge about a parameter θ with the knowledge in the form of a random sample is adopted. Two loss functions (the square-error loss function and the asymmetric loss function LINEX) are considered. Some uncertainty about a prior is assumed by introducing classes of priors. Considering one of the concepts of robust procedures the posterior regret Γ-minimax premiums are calculated, as an optimal robust premiums. A numerical example is presented.
Enterprise Risk Management, Insurer Value Maximisation, and Market Frictions
Authors: Yow Shaun , Sherris Michael
Published: June 2008

Enterprise risk management has become a major focus for insurers and reinsurers. Capitalization and pricing decisions are recognized as critical to firm value maximization. Market imperfections including frictional costs of capital such as taxes, agency costs, and financial distress costs are an important motivation for enterprise risk management. Risk management reduces the volatility of financial performance and can have a significant impact on firm value maximization by reducing the impact of frictional costs. Insurers operate in imperfect markets where demand elasticity of policyholders and preferences for financial quality of insurers are important determinants of capitalization and pricing strategies. In this paper, we analyze the optimization of enterprise or firm value in a model with market imperfections. A realistic model of an insurer is developed and calibrated.

Frictional costs, imperfectly competitive demand elasticity, and preferences for financial quality are explicitly modelled and implications for enterprise risk management are quantified.
The Impact of Capital Structure on Economic Capital and Risk Adjusted Performance
Authors: Porteous Bruce T. , Tapadar Pradip
Published: June 2008

The impact that capital structure and capital asset allocation have on financial services firm economic capital and risk adjusted performance is considered. A stochastic modelling approach is used in conjunction with banking and insurance examples. It is demonstrated that gearing up Tier 1 capital with Tier 2 capital can be in the interests of bank Tier 1 capital providers, but may not always be so for insurance Tier 1 capital providers. It is also shown that, by allocating a bank or insurance firm’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to higher yielding, more risky assets, risk adjusted performance can be enhanced. These results are particularly pertinent with the advent of the new Basel 2 and Solvency 2 risk based capital initiatives, for banks and insurers respectively.
The State, the Labor Process, and the Diffusion of Managerial Models
Authors: Kalev Alexandra , Shenhav Yehouda , De Vries David
Published: June 2008

This study examines the autonomous goals of state actors and their administrative and cultural capacities to pursue them. Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from Palestine/Israel during the years 1940–1960, we study the diffusion of joint productivity councils that use scientific management principles (scientific JPCs). We assess explanations for the diffusion of managerial models offered by theories of state autonomy, efficiency, labor control, and professionalization. We demonstrate that the actions of state leaders interested in stabilizing the economy and financing nation-building projects were a necessary condition for the diffusion of scientific JPCs, which were initially rejected by labor, capital, and industrial engineers. State actors used public policy to foster national and plant-level agreements between labor and capital and launched a moral discourse that framed productivity as a precondition for national survival. This case study brings insights from political sociology and the framing literature to organizational research and offers a new set of factors for understanding the nexus between the state, the labor process, and the diffusion of managerial models.
Selective Sampling of Empirical Settings in Organizational Studies
Authors: Denrell Jerker , Kovács Balázs
Published: June 2008

Most studies in organization theory are retrospective and rely on historical data. Because more data are available about widely diffused practices or about large populations, studies typically focus on these. Using simulation, we demonstrate that such selective sampling of empirical settings has important implications for two major research programs in organization theory. Diffusion researchers typically study practices that have diffused widely. We show that this implies that they will underestimate contagion effects. Researchers in organizational ecology often study populations that have become large. We show that such selective sampling of populations can generate spurious non-monotonic density dependence. We discuss the implications of such selective sampling of empirical settings and suggest ways to correct for the bias.
The Structure of Consensus: Network Ties, Legitimation, and Exit Rates of U.S. Feature Film Producer Organizations
Authors: Cattani Gino , Ferriani Simone , Negro Giacomo , Perretti Fabrizio
Published: June 2008

Recent research emphasizes that legitimacy depends on consensus among agents (audiences) about the features and activities of organizations (candidates) that become taken-for-granted elements in a social domain. This study examines how consensus is affected by the structure of interaction in the network connecting social audiences to candidate organizations. It analyzes how audience members reach, reinforce, and preserve consensus about candidates' features and behavior, affecting a crucial organizational outcome, survival. The findings show that survival is enhanced by the degree of connectivity and the repeated interactions between audience members and candidate organizations and is reduced by the degree of turnover of audience members. We situate our analysis in the U.S. motion picture industry, where we trace the interorganizational network between feature film producer organizations (candidates) and distributor organizations (the audience) and its influence on producer organizations' exit rates over the period 1912–1970. We find strong support for the claim that the legitimation process has a relational foundation that involves ties between organizational entities and the external others with whom they interact. The results contribute to the dialogue between ecological and network theories of organizations and support the claim that legitimation has a relational foundation involving ties between organizations and audiences.
Can you have your Cake and Eat it too? Structural Holes' Influence on Status Accumulation and Market Performance in Collaborative Networks
Authors: Shipilov Andrew V. , Li Stan Xiao
Published: June 2008

Analyses of investment banks acting as advisers for merger and acquisition transactions in the United Kingdom during 1992–2001 are used to examine the relationship between structural holes in a firm's network and its performance. We argue that the firms need two types of information—about new business opportunities and partners' cooperativeness—to pursue, respectively, two types of performance goals: status accumulation and market performance. Open networks facilitate access to information about new business opportunities, but at the same time, open ego networks limit access to information about partners' cooperativeness. We find that there is a positive and reciprocal relationship between status accumulation and market performance. We also find that structural holes increase firms' status accumulation but also dampen their market performance.
A smaller Macadamia from a more vagile tribe: inference of phylogenetic relationships, divergence times, and diaspore evolution in Macadamia and relatives (tribe Macadamieae; Proteaceae)
Authors: Mast Austin R. , Willis Crystal L. , Jones Eric H. , Downs Katherine M. , Weston Peter H.
Published: June 2008

Tribe Macadamieae (91 spp., 16 genera; Proteaceae) is widespread across the southern hemisphere on all major fragments of Gondwana except New Zealand and India. Macadamia is cultivated outside its natural range as a “nut” crop (notably in Hawaii, where it is the principal orchard crop). We sampled seven DNA regions and 53 morphological characters from the tribe to infer its phylogeny and address the common assumption that the distribution of the extant diversity of the tribe arose by the rafting of ancestors on Gondwanan fragments. Macadamia proves to be paraphyletic with respect to the African genus Brabejum, the South American genus Panopsis, and the Australian species Orites megacarpus. We erect two new generic names, Nothorites and Lasjia, to produce monophyly at that rank. The earliest disjunctions in the tribe are inferred to be the result of long‐distance dispersal out of Australia (with one possible exception), rather than vicariance. Evolution of tardy fruit dehiscence is correlated with these dispersals, and the onset of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) precedes them. We suggest that the ancestors of extant diversity arrived on their respective continents via the ACC, and we recognize that this is a mechanism precluded, rather than facilitated, by Gondwana's terrestrial continuity.
Major cytogenetic landmarks and karyotype analysis inDaucus carota and other Apiaceae
Authors: Iovene Marina , Grzebelus Ewa , Carputo Domenico , Jiang Jiming , Simon Philipp W.
Published: June 2008

Karyotype analysis provides insights into genome organization at the chromosome level and into chromosome evolution. Chromosomes were marked for comparative karyotype analysis using FISH localization of rDNA genes for the first time in Apioideae species including taxa of economic importance and several wild Daucus relatives. Interestingly, Daucus species did not vary in number of rDNA loci despite variation in chromosome number (2n = 18, 20, 22, and 44) and previous publications suggesting multiple loci. All had single loci for both 5S and 18S‐25S (nucleolar organizing region) rDNA, located on two different chromosome pairs. The 5S rDNA was on the short arm of a metacentric chromosome pair in D. crinitus (2n = 22) and D. glochidiatus (2n = 44) and on the long arm of a metacentric pair in other Daucus species, suggesting possible rearrangement of this chromosome. For other Apiaceae, from two (Apium graveolens), to three (Orlaya grandiflora), to four (Cuminum cyminum) chromosomes had 18S‐25S rDNA sites. Variability for number and position of the 5S rDNA was also observed. FISH signals enabled us to identify 20–40% of the chromosome complement among species examined. Comparative karyotype analysis provides insights into the fundamental aspects of chromosome evolution in Daucus.