bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International real interest rate equalization. A multivariate time‐series approach
Authors: Kugler P. , Neusser K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper investigates the dynamic behaviour of monthly ex post real interest rates from several countries over the period 1980 to 1991. It is found that real interest rates are stationary over this period and that deviations from real interest parity are significant in the short run but disappear in the long run. The latter evidence is established using the concept of co‐dependent time series proposed by Gourieroux and Peaucelle (1989) for the analysis of multivariate stationary time series.
Income and wealth inequality and the life cycle. A non‐parametric analysis for China
Authors: Pudney S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper uses the techniques of non‐parametric density and regression estimation to estimate the Chinese age/income and age/wealth distributions, using survey data relating to 1987. Although there is evidence of a clear life‐cycle profile of income earning and wealth accumulation, the results suggest that only a small part of observed inequality can be explained by life‐cycle factors. This finding contradicts the results of some other researchers.
Production cost structure of us hospital pharmacies: Time‐series, cross‐sectional bed size evidence
Authors: Okunade A. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThere are current concerns about potential factor substitutions and their implications for factor employments and cost containment in US hospital pharmacies. A translog production cost model is estimated for these pharmacies, using 1981–9 times‐series data consisting of seven cross‐sectional bed size classes per year. Zellner's joint GLS estimation of three‐factor cost share equations and the parent translog cost function reveals that pairwise factor substitutions are severely limited; production is non‐homothetic, occurring in the range of scale diseconomies; biased and pure technical change effects dominate the scale‐augmenting component. Implications of findings are rationalized in the context of the emerging biopharmaceutical technologies.
A count‐amount model with endogenous recording of observations
Authors: Van Praag B. M. S. , Vermeulen E. M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper discusses some of the problems which are encountered if an event Ỹ is only recorded if its value satisfies a recording criterion A. It follows that we get an incorrect idea of the frequency of the events and of its true distribution. In order to solve these problems, an econometric model has been constructed by means of which consistent estimation of the true parameters is possible. The model is estimated on consumer purchases, where the number of purchases is assumed to be NEGBIN‐distributed and the purchase amounts obey a lognormal distribution. Purchases are only recorded if their value exceeds Dfl. 10. It is shown that ignoring the recording condition will result in biased estimates and invalid predictions. Apart from this, the model is, among others, relevant for insurance problems, marketing surveys and criminological and epidemiological phenomena.
A simulation estimation analysis of the external debt crises of developing countries
Authors: Hajivassiliou V. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn this paper we develop models of the incidence and extent of external financing crises of developing countries, which lead to multiperiod multinomial discrete choice and discrete/continuous econometric specifications with flexible correlation structures in the unobservables. We show that estimation of these models based on simulation methods has attractive statistical properties and is computationally tractable. Three such simulation estimation methods are exposited, analysed theoretically, and used in practice: a method of smoothly simulated maximum likelihood (SSML) based on a smooth recursive conditioning simulator (SRC), a method of simulated scores (MSS) based on a Gibbs sampling simulator (GSS), and an MSS estimator based on the SRC simulator. The data set used in this study comprises 93 developing countries observed through the 1970–88 period and contains information on external financing responses that was not available to investigators in the past. Moreover, previous studies of external debt problems had to rely on restrictive correlation structures in the unobservables to overcome otherwise intractable computational difficulties. The findings show that being able for the first time to allow for flexible correlation patterns in the unobservables through estimation by simulation has a substantial impact on the parameter estimates obtained from such models. This suggests that past empirical results in this literature require a substantial re‐evaluation.
Estimates of the demand for medical care under different functional forms
Authors: Hunt‐McCool Janet , Kiker B. F. , Ng Ying Chu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe estimate price and income elasticities from a linear, log‐linear, and the almost ideal demand model (with and without an adjustment for selectivity bias) in an effort to show that special attention should be paid to the underlying assumptions of consumer behaviour when estimating a medical care demand model. The literature on medical care utilization is extended by incorporating two major components of spending as separate demands in a system of medical care spending. We find that estimates of elasticities vary depending on the functional form of the estimating equation, thus questioning the usefulness for policy purposes of single estimates of elasticities.
A structural model of aircraft engine maintenance
Authors: Kennet D. Mark 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe develop and estimate a simple regenerative optimal stopping model of aircraft engine maintenance that attempts to describe the behaviour of airline maintenance personnel. The model assumes that the decision to send an engine to the shop for overhaul is the solution to a stochastic dynamic programming problem that trades off the expected cost of continuing operation with the attendant risk of engine failure with the cost of performing the overhaul. We estimate the model using 42 engine histories from Pratt & Whitney, Inc. Estimation results indicate that such a model does not explain observed engine histories before deregulation, but does fit the data in the era since deregulation. The model also provides insight into the perceived relative costs of engine maintenance, in‐flight shutdown, and ordinary operation.
Unemployment dynamics and labour market tightness: An empirical evaluation of matching function models
Authors: Storer P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe implications of matching function models for the relationship between labour market tightness and the transition probability into employment are summarized. These implications are then tested using monthly data for three Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Testing methods use flexible regression techniques so as to reduce the effect of any extraneous restrictions. The results show rough concordance between theoretical assumptions and empirical facts. Evidence of non‐linearity in the estimated relationships favours a search‐theoretic model of labour markets over one based on queues and some quantitative results offer guidance to those using ‘calibrated’ search models in theoretical analysis.
Labour‐use efficiency in Swedish social insurance offices
Authors: Kumbhakar Subal C. , Hjalmarsson Lennart 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper considers the estimation of frontier production functions in panel data models. It proposes a multi‐stage method to obtain estimates of (1) the parameters of a flexible input requirement function and (2) technical inefficiency decomposed into time‐invariant (firm‐specific), time‐varying, and the residual components. The proposed method is used to analyse labour‐use efficiency of Swedish local social insurance offices on the basis of a large panel of observations during the time period 1974–84. Empirical results show: (1) substantial variations in labour‐use efficiency among these offices, with the mean efficiencies declining over time; (2) presence of economies of scale, thereby meaning that most of the offices were of suboptimal size.
Convergence in international output
Authors: Bernard Andrew B. , Durlauf Steven N. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper proposes and tests new definitions of convergence and common trends for per capita output. We define convergence for a group of countries to mean that each country has identical long‐run trends, either stochastic or deterministic, while common trends allow for proportionality of the stochastic elements. These definitions lead naturally to the use of cointegration techniques in testing. Using century‐long time series for 15 OECD economies, we reject convergence but find substantial evidence for common trends. Smaller samples of European countries also reject convergence but are driven by a lower number of common stochastic trends.
A nonlinear approach to US GNP
Authors: Potter Simon M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA univariate nonlinear model is estimated for US GNP that on many criteria outperforms standard linear models. The estimated model is of the threshold autoregressive type and contains evidence of asymmetric effects of shocks over the business cycle. In particular the nonlinear model suggests that the post‐1945 US economy is significantly more stable than the pre‐1945 US economy.
Testing for homogeneity in demand systems when the regressors are nonstationary
Authors: Ng Serena 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn implication of optimizing theory is that demand functions are homogeneous of degree zero in prices and nominal income. Evidence based on estimations of demand systems has repeatedly found this restriction to be rejected by the data. However, the hypothesis is often formulated in terms of regressors that are non‐stationary. This paper re‐examines the evidence for homogeneity in light of recent developments in time‐series econometrics with special emphasis on the treatment of trends. We find the demand system to be stochastically but not deterministically cointegrated. Using techniques developed for estimating cointegrating vectors in the presence of deterministic trends, we re‐estimate the demand system and find that homogeneity holds in many cases.
Maximum likelihood estimation of a GARCH‐stable model
Authors: Liu Shi‐Miin , Brorsen B. Wade 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMaximum likelihood is used to estimate a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (GARCH) process where the residuals have a conditional stable distribution (GARCH‐stable). The scale parameter is modelled such that a GARCH process with normally distributed residuals is a special case. The usual methods of estimating the parameters of the stable distribution assume constant scale and will underestimate the characteristic exponent when the scale parameter follows a GARCH process. The parameters of the GARCH‐stable model are estimated with daily foreign currency returns. Estimates of characteristic exponents are higher with the GARCH‐stable than when independence is assumed. Monte Carlo hypothesis testing procedures, however, reject our GARCH‐stable model at the 1% significance level in four out of five cases.
Heterogeneity biases, distributional effects, and aggregate consumption: An empirical analysis using stratified microdata
Authors: Fortin Nicole M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUsing stratified microdata from the Canadian FAMEX (78–86) surveys, this paper investigates whether observed heterogeneity in marginal propensities to consume across strata actually hinders the aggregation process. Despite significant heterogeneity in marginal responses, the divergences between aggregate predicted consumption and the predictions from a model that uses average strata responses are found to be small, whenever the strata demands are approximatively linear at the mean and the commodity group considered is not a luxury good. On the other hand, some cross‐sectional estimates obtained by pooling the strata are shown to be contaminated by unwanted cross‐moments. Further, the analysis reconciles the fact that while there exists significant heterogeneity in consumer demands, the related distributional effects in the aggregate equation have not been found to be important.
The rapid determination of tar and bitumen in road materials
Authors: Green E. H. , Cox E. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA method is described for the determination of the binder content of bituminous mixtures, rapid enough for plant control and sufficiently accurate for routine analysis. The soluble binder is extracted from the mixture with methylene chloride; from an aliquot portion of the solution the solvent is removed by distillation under reduced pressure, and the binder weighed. The time required for the estimation of binder content varies from 30 to 90 minutes, according to the type of mix. Analysis of over one hundred representative bituminous road materials has shown excellent agreement with figures obtained by British standard methods. A brief review of standard methods is given with the times required for analysis.
The photogelation of rubber sols in the absence of accelerators
Authors: Buckingham R. , Planer G. V. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOn irradiation of rubber sols with ultra‐violet light in the absence of oxygen, gelation takes place under certain conditions. The nature of thin reaction was studied by following its progress by means of viscosity measurements. Reaction curved determined for rubber sols in carbon tetrachloride, in the absence of accelerators, were found to be fundamentally, of the same type as those obtained in their presence. They differed, however, in showing a slight initial decrease in viscosity owing 10 degradation, probably due to traces of oxygen. The mechanism of the reaction and the possible structures of the reaction feature are discussed.
Colorimetric determination of less than 0·001% S as thiophen in pure benzoles
Authors: French K. H. V. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe use of pure benzole as a raw material for the manafacture of plastics has demanded the production of a grade containing very low quantities of sulphur as thiophen. Recent experience has shown that, in order to estimate this thiophen, which may be present in quantities of the order of 0·001% wt. sulphur as thiophen, reliance has been placed almost entirely on the well‐known isatin test, although many variations of the test are being used and comparable results are not being obtained. The present work was undertaken to enable a reliable test to be suggested that is capable of standardisation in the manner of other tests commonly used for testing tar and its products.
A study of the action of borax in retarding the setting of plaster of Paris
Authors: Buchanan A. S. , Worner K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIt is a matter of common knowledge that borax (Na2B4O7) is a very efficient agent for retarding the set of plaster of Paris. Its effect on the setting time is shown by the typical curve given in Fig. 1 (after Gibson and John‐on1). One of the explanations offered2 for this retardation phenomenon is that borax is physically adsorbed on the surface of the crystal, thus reducing the rates of solution of the hemihydrate and the formation of gypsum nuclei. Thin short investigation was initialed to test and the validity of this postulation.
A rapid method for the determination of the specific surface and mean particle size of black powders
Authors: Frith F. , Mott R. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe tinting strength test has been standardised so as to obtain complete dispersion of carbon blacks down to a size of 50 mμ (= 0·000030 mm.) or less. Standardisation of the test has been possible with carbon blacks whoso size (within the range 300 to 30 mμ) has been determined by the electron microscope. A discussion of the relationship between surface area and mean particle size for particles which are spherical, cubical, or oven slightly prismatic, shows that the method can be used to assess moan specific surface or mean particle size for black powders below 50mμ (0·050 ram. or 240 B.S. mesh), that is for sub‐sieve sizes. The range of sizes which can be assessed extends to lower limits of size than can be examined by sedimentation tests or microscopical counts. The method has been applied particularly in a study of the fine grinding of coke and coal, and could be applied to other black powders. Its application to white powders should be possible if suitable standards can be chosen from measurements by the electron microscope. The method is simple, requires little equipment and is rapid to carry out when the art has been acquired.
A simple photo‐electric absorptiometer
Authors: Clayson H. R. , Scott B. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper describes the construction and operation of a straightforward photo‐electric absorptiometer of original design. The instrument may be readily constructed in the laboratory workshop from standard parts, and is suitable for most routine colorimetric determinations at present carried out with more complicated and expensive apparatus. Tests in these laboratories have shown that the instrument is sufficiently robust and stable to withstand continued use under routine conditions and that the accuracy of reading and stability of calibration are both well up to the standard set by more expensive instruments. The preliminary design was drawn up on the following broad principles, which were considered to be the characteristics of an ideal ubsorptiometer : (1) Robust and simple construction. (2) Freedom from personal errors. (3) Good reproducibility of readings. (4) Permanency of calibration, (5) Rapid reading. (6) Liquid cell easy to, fill and drain, preferably without removal from the instrument.
Polymerisation of allyl esters
Authors: Simpson W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe benzoyl peroxide catalysed polymerisation of diallyl phthalate is shown to proceed by a zero order reaction in the early stages to give a linear or lightly branched unsaturated polymer (β‐polymer). At approximately 25% conversion, gel formation occurs duo to the formation of a three‐dimensional polymer (γ‐polymer). Thereafter the β‐polymer concentration falls rapidly as the γ‐polymer content increases.The polymerisation of mixtures of unsaturated polyesters, typified by diethylene maleste, and diallyl phthalate is shown to result mainly in a three‐dimensional copolymer.The effect of temperature variation on multi‐functional polymerisation reactions of the above type is discussed. It is suggested that, as the polymerisation temperature is increased, fewer cross‐links by primary valence bonds are formed, i.e., Houwink's “Lockerstellen” theory may be extended to include polymers of this type.
A note on the effect of tinplate and of lacquered surfaces on the oxidative deterioration of butterfat
Authors: Lea C. H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLittle difference was observed in the storage life of butterfat when packed in sealed tinplate and in lacquered containers. Dispersed as very thin films of the order of 0·02‐0·06 nun. in thickness, butterfat was considerably less stable on a tinplate surface than on lacquered blackplate, on “fruit” or “meat” lacquered tinplate or on glass. These observations are discussed in connection with parallel experiments on spray dried full cream milk powder, for which, on a number of occasions, better keeping properties have been observed in lacquered than in plain tinplate containers, particularly at high storage temperatures.
A procedure for the characterisation of the acetic acid bacteria. Part II
Authors: Tošić Jezdimir , Walker Thomas Kennedy 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA record is given of the experimental data which were obtained when ten authentic cultures of named species of Acctobacter (from the National Collection of Type Cultures, The Lister Institute, Elstree, Herts.) were examined by the standardised technique, described in Part I. The observations permit comparison under identical conditions of the respective types of growth of these organisms; they permit also direct comparison of other features which the organisms exhibit, and which prove useful for diagnostic purposes. Hitherto, such a systematic comparison of the Acelobacter species has not been published. The information thus obtained should be helpful in the task of differentiating between species and, considered in conjunction with further physiological and biochemical data which may be obtained by more detailed tests, it provides evidence sufficient for identification.
Transactions and communications the production of lubricating oils from the olefines produced in the fischer‐tropsch synthesis
Authors: Gall D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe preparation of lubricating oils by the AlCl2 polymerisation of the olefines present in the primary product obtained by atmospheric pressure synthesis from carbon monoxide and hydrogen (ratio 1 :2) over a cobalt catalyst has been carried out in 2‐gallon batches. The effect of varying temperature, catalyst and boiling range of starting material on the reaction and its products is described. The oils obtained possess properties which approximate to the requirements of the Air Ministry Specification D.T.D. 109 for aircraft lubricants in all respects except the increase in viscosity on oxidation. It was found possible to overcome this disability subjecting the oils to a carefully controlled hydrogenation in the presence of molybdenum disulphide.
The effect of cooking on the creatine‐creatinine, phosphorus, nitrogen and pH values of raw lean beef
Authors: Bendall J. R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis survey of the changes in the analytical values of meat during cooking was undertaken in order to contribute towards an explanation of the changes in nutritive value, flavour, texture and appearance. A knowledge of these accurately determinable quantities is an essential preliminary to a study, which is contemplated, of the subjective characters enumerated. Some, interesting points of fundamental importance emerge: the nature of the soluble phosphorus compounds in meat, reflecting the degradation of the more complex molecules present in living tissue: the case of hydrolysis of the proteins by acid in the cold, but their relative stability to boiling for 1 hour in aqueous solution; the partial breakdown of the proteins on pressure‐cooking to give amino.acids and peptides; the destruction of creatino or creatinine at 120°c.; and the interesting relation, ships between concentration of protein and change in pH due to coagulation by heat.
Analytical reactions with organic reagents
Authors: Steigmann A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractNew specific or very selective organic reagents are described: acid solutions of thionine for thiosulphates; acid solutions of α‐diketones for ureas, guanidines and nitrates, and mineral acid solutions of resorcinol for nitroso compounds. The resorcinol sugar reaction being interfered with by nitrates and nitrites, attention is drawn to hydrochloric acid solutions of urea and tryptophane for the detection of carbohydrates. New reactions of anionic and cationic wetting agents for earth alkalis and metal acids (e.g. of molybdenum and tungsten) respectively show again the analytical value of soaps and wetting agents. Instead of wetting agents special preparations of anionic and cationic “gelatines” may be of value. ϵ‐Bensylthiuronium chloride in hot ammoniacal solutions, i. e. benzyl mercaptan, was found to be a sensitive and very selective cobalt and nickel reagent.