bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Graphic Symbol Functioning and the Question of Domain Specificity: A Longitudinal Training Study
Authors: Callaghan Tara C. , Rankin Mary P. 
Published: March 2003

The impact of social scaffolding on the emergence of graphic symbol functioning was explored in a longitudinal training study. Links among graphic, language, and play domains in symbolic development were also investigated. The symbolic functioning of 16 children, who were 28 months at the outset of the study, was assessed in comprehension and production tasks across the three domains at monthly intervals from 28 to 36 months, and again at 42 months. Training was delivered in between monthly assessments during weekly visits. Half of the children received training, which consisted of the experimenter drawing common objects and highlighting the relation between pictures and their referents, for 16 consecutive weeks early in the study (early training, ET). The remaining half received a placebo version of training for these 16 weeks, followed by actual training for 4 weeks in the fifth month (late training, LT). After the first 4 months of training the ET group was found to have accelerated comprehension and production of graphic symbols relative to the LT group. After the fifth month, the LT group reached the same level of graphic symbol performance as the ET group. There were strong positive correlations found among graphic symbol functioning and language and play, and between play and language. These findings support the view that graphic symbolic development can be influenced by cultural scaffolding, that more extensive training is needed early rather than later in development, and that interrelationships exist among symbolic domains.
Painting‐like Image Emphasis based on Human Vision Systems
Authors: Tanaka Toshimitsu , Ohnishi Noboru 
Published: March 2003

Regional image emphasis is often evident in paintings and illustrations. This technique increases local contrast while reducing global contrast by amplifying image intensity on shadowed surfaces, reducing intensity on illuminated surfaces, and then expanding contrast at intensity edges. The effects are assumed to result from the visual processing needed to interpolate the real world onto canvas. Therefore, we propose an intensity emphasis method based on human vision. This method simulates the adaptation of photoreceptor cells and the lateral inhibition of receptive fields. These attributes of a vision system are realized by computation of relative intensity and differential intensity in small areas.The proposed method can successfully generate painting‐like artifacts, which greatly improves the perception of visual elements displayed in an image. Since the method efficiently reduces the dynamic range of images, it can be used for displaying highlighted images on standard graphic monitors. Experiments on a computer‐generated image and a photograph confirm the advantages of our method.
An Advanced Color Representation for Lossy Compression of CMYK Prepress Images
Authors: De Neve P. , Denecker K. , Philips W. , Lemahieu I. 
Published: March 2003

CMYK color images are used extensively in prepress applications. When compressing those color images one has to deal with four different color channels. Usually compression algorithms only take into account the spatial redundancy that is present in the image data. This approach does not yield an optimal data reduction since there also exists a high correlation between the different colors in natural images.This paper shows that a significant gain in data reduction can be achieved by exploiting this color redundancy. Some popular transform coders, including DCT‐based JPEG and the SPIHT wavelet coder, were used for reducing the spatial redundancy. The performance of the algorithms was evaluated using a quality criterion based on human perception like the mean CIEL*a*b*ΔE error.
Animations to Represent Multivariate Data
Authors: Palamidese P. , Crise A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBuilding animations is a current practice to study problems in the computational and experimental sciences. There are several classes of applications which generate descriptions of complex phenomena, based on a large variety of variables. In this paper, we discuss the application of traditional animation techniques, such as interpolation and kinematics animation, and of visualization techniques, like mapping, to the production of animation of multivariate data. Some examples of animation are illustrated from simulated bio‐physical models of a sea basin.
Line Clipping Using Semi‐Homogeneous Coordinates
Authors: Nielsen Hans Peter 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe dual intersection test is described. It is a new method for deciding whether a line intersects a window. The concept of semi‐homogeneous coordinates is introduced. It allows us to define line segments in projective space, and to derive a generalized Cohen‐Sutherland end‐point test for such segments. When this is combined with the dual intersection test, we obtain new clipping algorithms for 2D and 3D projective space.
Optimised CSG Tree Evaluation for Space Subdivision
Authors: Zemcik Pavel , Chalmers Alan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRay tracing is a well known technique for producing realistic computer images. The computational requirements of this method are such that optimisation techniques, for example space subdivision, must be used if complex scenes are to be rendered in reasonable times. Constructive solid geometry (CSG) is a method for describing the geometry of complex scenes by applying set operations to primitive objects. The status tree approach has been used successfully within ray tracing to evaluate CSG structures. This paper proposes a combination of the status tree and space subdivision techniques as a means to improve further the efficiency of ray tracing.
Interactive Ray Tracing on a Virtual Shared‐Memory Parallel Computer
Authors: Keates M.J. , Hubbold R.J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis paper describes the results of experiments with accelerated ray tracing on a virtual shared‐memory parallel computer and attempts to determine whether this kind of architecture would be suitable for an interactive ray tracing system. The machine used, the Kendall Square Research KSR1, is described in sufficient detail for its novel features to be appreciated. The paper describes a new ray tracer written specifically to capitalise on the KSR1 's features. Models used in the experiments include well‐known test cases from the Haines database, permitting comparison with previously reported results. The results show that the program scales well up to 230 processors, and that with progressive rendering initial rendering times can be reduced to as little as 0.2 second on 32 processors.
Inverse Displacement Mapping in the General Case
Authors: Logie J. R. , Patterson J. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractInverse Displacement Mapping is a form of displacement mapping which allows the ray tracing of displacement mapped surfaces. The technique performs all calculations in the inverse (parametric) space of the surface thus avoiding the need to explicitly model the complex three dimensional geometry. This produces a compact and general algorithm, Only when the solution, in parametric space, has been determined is it transformed back to 3D space. The algorithm works by projecting the ray into the parametric space of the surface. This ray is then split into a series of segments, each of which can be efficiently handled to calculate the intersection points. The algorithm presented here has been used to ray trace displacement mapped objects from a variety of underlying surface types.
Synergies Between Organizational Learning and Creativity & Innovation
Authors: Huber George 
Published: March 2003

In today’s fast changing business environment, where knowing more and knowing it faster than the competition is often the difference between surviving and not surviving, organizational learning is more and more being recognized as a crucial organizational function. Never mind that the term is over‐used, over‐hyped and made to mean whatever the writer really wants to talk about. See through the snow and recognize that organizational learning is an organizational function that is here to stay and that will grow in importance. Unending changes in technology and in markets and the removal of logistical and regulatory buffers from competition will make it so.As a consequence of these facts, organizational learning has become a subject of study by management researchers and a subject of considerable interest to corporate leaders – so much so that many large US business organizations are creating positions with the titles like Chief Learning Officer and Chief Knowledge Officer. Certainly organizational learning is a phrase in high fashion. But in what specific ways, if any, does it lead to creativity and innovation? Or, consider the reverse directionality – in what ways do creativity and innovation lead to organizational learning? In this article, I offer some partial answers to these questions, with the intention of giving readers an additional way to frame the processes of creativity and innovation in their organizations.
The distribution of income in the United Kingdom 1961‐96: an interim report
Authors: Wyeth Ros , Burwood Les 
Published: March 2003

It has become common wisdom that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer and this idea has been propagated in misleading ways by key reports and papers such as those published by the Rowntree Foundation (1995), the Commission on Social Justice (1994) and the Fabian Society's Income and Wealth in the 1980s ‐an update (1992).We show in this paper that inappropriate and inconsistent measures of income have been used.
Benchmarking competitiveness in transition economies
Authors: Zinnes Clifford , Eilat Yair , Sachs Jeffrey 
Published: March 2003

This paper constructs an indicator for the current level of international competitiveness of countries in transition. We find that Hungary is the most competitive country in the group while Turkmenistan is the least. Competitiveness measurement, in our view, is a way to use uniform criteria to gauge the extent to which a country makes use of various levers to promote sustained improvements in its well‐being. We construct our measure of competitiveness drawing upon both the popular literature on competitiveness as well as modern economic theory. The approach acknowledges the importance of synergies between firms, markets, and government and, above all, the crucial role of institutions. Our choice of variables stresses the special characteristics of transition countries. By bringing to bear all the existing data on these countries, together with new survey data collected for the purpose, we are able to go beyond the mere ranking of countries to decompose the sources of competitiveness into their constituent parts. This allows policy makers to identify areas where their countries are lagging behind relative to other countries in their region. Our indicator is also compatible with the Global Competitiveness Report series categories, thus allowing us to benchmark transition countries against the rest of the world.JEL classification: C82, O47, O57, P27, P52.
Optimum currency areas and the European experience
Authors: McKinnon Ronald 
Published: March 2003

Across nations or regions, the debate on optimum exchange rate cum monetary policies is not yet resolved on three levels. First is the optimum domain of fixed exchange rates versus keeping them flexible. Second is the subordinate debate on whether one needs full monetary union (as in continental Europe) to secure an optimum currency area's internal domain; or, whether virtually fixed exchange rates — where national currencies remain in circulation — can be sufficient. Third is whether a regional grouping of economies with close trade ties (as in East Asia) gain by collectively pegging to an outside currency such as the US dollar. Using an axiomatic approach, which limits the set of cross‐country financial claims to what is feasible, I analyse how best to both share and reduce macroeconomic risks on these three levels.JEL classification: F31, F36.
Documenting Discrimination: A Study of Recruitment Cases Brought to the Norwegian Gender Equality Ombud
Authors: Teigen Mari 
Published: March 2003

This article investigates appointment cases brought to the Gender Equality Ombud over a ten‐year period (1985–94). The study presented here aims to explore gender discrimination in recruitment and why it is so hard to document. An advantage of studying appointment cases brought to the Ombud is that the three parties — the plaintiff, the hiring authority and the Ombud — are all engaged in presenting arguments directly concerning gender discrimination. The two key questions are: how do hiring authorities argue to counter assertions of discrimination? And on what grounds are arguments accepted/not accepted by the Ombud? The cases investigated are divided into three categories: cases from male‐dominated organizations, woman‐dominated organizations and gender‐balanced organizations. How the gender of the candidates has influenced the hiring process can only be read indirectly from most cases; hiring authorities usually argue that it is the concern for personal suitability that has been the decisive factor. In the analysis of the cases three main types of justifications of hiring preferences are identified: ‘continuity’, ‘renewal’ and ‘the woman is unfit’.The decision situation of the Ombud is uncertain in most cases. In many cases the juridical expertise of hiring authorities seems to be decisive. The demarcation line is unclear concerning which arguments should be accepted as impartial and which should be rejected because of vagueness or subjectivity.
Market Size, Technology Choice, and Market Structure
Authors: Elberfeld Walter , Götz Georg 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
We introduce technology choice into a model of monopolistic competition and analyze the structural effects of changes in market size. A larger market leads to the adoption of a large-scale technology. If a technology switch occurs, the number of firms decreases, and a rationalizing effect arises: individual and aggregate output increases; prices fall. This need not benefit consumers since a technology switch is associated with a decrease in product variety.
Social Security and Growth in an Altruistic Economy
Authors: Wigger Berthold U. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
This paper studies the macroeconomic impact of private and public intergenerational transfers in the presence of endogenous growth. It focuses on two-sided altruism implying that individuals have both a motive to make gifts to their parents and a motive to leave bequests to their children. The growth effects of social security depend on whether children are making gifts to their parents or parents are leaving bequests to their children. Which of the transfers is operative, in turn, depends on the size of social security benefits. Social security is legislated endogenously. The introduction of a social security program which definitely reduces per capita income growth and harms future generations is contemplated by altruistic individuals even if non-altruistic individuals disapprove it.
Labor Taxation in Search Equilibrium with Home Production
Authors: Holmlund Bertil 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Conventional models of equilibrium unemployment typically imply that proportional taxes on labor earnings are neutral with respect to unemployment as long as the tax does not affect the replacement rate provided by unemployment insurance, i.e. unemployment benefits relative to after-tax earnings. When home production is an option, the conventional results may no longer hold. This paper uses a search equilibrium model with home production to examine the employment and welfare implications of labor taxes. The employment effect of a rise in a proportional tax is found to be negative for sufficiently low replacement rates, whereas it is ambiguous for moderate and high replacement rates. Numerical calibrations of the model indicate that employment generally falls when labor taxes are raised.
Bid Functions in Auctions and Fair Division Games: Experimental Evidence
Authors: Güth Werner , Königstein Manfred , Ivanova-Stenzel Radosveta , Strobel Martin 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
In auctions a seller offers a commodity for sale and collects the revenue. In fair division games the object is collectively owned by the group of bidders who equally share the revenue. We run an experiment in which the participants face four types of allocation games (auctions and fair division game under two price rules, first- versus second-price rule). We collect entire bid functions rather than bids for single values and investigate price and efficiency of the different trading institutions. We find that the first-price auction is more efficient than the second-price auction, whereas economic rationality assuming heterogeneous bidders suggests the opposite. Furthermore, we study the structure of individual bid functions.
Environmental Regulation and International Sourcing Policies of Multinational Firms
Authors: And GEOFFREY DOBILAS , MACPHERSON ALAN 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the role of environmental factors in the contract‐allocation decisions of European and North American multinational corporations (MNCs). Particular attention is given to the motivations and experiences of selected MNCs that have recently adopted environmental policies to guide specific aspects of their international purchasing procedures. The results of a pilot survey of 12 MNCs suggest that environmental issues are beginning to enter into the strategic decision‐making fields of corporate planners, notably with regard to supplier selection and evaluation. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of possible directions for future empirical research.
Corporate Response to Environmental Issues: Packaging
Authors: LABATT SONIA 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTAmong the environmental issues that have come to dominate social concerns, the amount of packaging sent for disposal in landfills has gained increased prominence in Canada, with the issuance in 1990 of the National Protocol on Packaging (NAPP). Recognizing the increased demands for improved environmental performance on the part of corporations, this study seeks to understand why some companies respond more quickly than others to concerns about packaging‐waste reduction. The paper links concepts found in the Corporate Social Responsibility and Innovation Theory literatures, in order to explore corporate response patterns to pressures for change and to develop a measure of corporate performance with regards to packaging‐waste reduction efforts. Bivariate and linear logit analyses of data were undertaken, and confirm that variations in a company's response pattern can be explained in terms of factors such as company size, product orientation, and existence of an environmental affairs function, as well as external policies, such as NAPP.
Moral Choice and Economic Change: Britain in the Twentieth Century1
Authors: Supple Barry 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Moral choice is involved, even if implicitly, in many aspects of economic policy‐making, since positive intervention or even the absence of intervention have important consequences for the distribution of resources. Changes in that distribution tend to be unequal as between groups of people at any one period or over time. On the other hand, policies (such as those relating to interest rates) tend to accept that some groups bear the costs of change so that others, or the generality of people, may benefit. This article considers this theme in terms of the social costs of three policy issues which have characterized British economic history in the twentieth century: financial and fiscal orthodoxy; the reactions to changes in industrial structure; and the use of the fruits of growth for the collective provision of welfare services. It is argued that in many respects the costs of change are inevitable, but that their distribution has been unfair, or their realistic amelioration neglected by ideological prejudice, vested interests or apprehension about political backlash. The last is based on subjective views about the ‘affordable’ limits of government expenditure and taxes. Heroic solutions to the consequent problems are unlikely.
Assessing Population Health Care Need Using a Claims‐based ACG Morbidity Measure: A Validation Analysis in the Province of Manitoba
Authors: Reid Robert J , Roos Noralou P , MacWilliam Leonard , Frohlich Norman , Black Charlyn 
Published: March 2003

Objectives.To assess the ability of an Adjusted Clinical Group (ACG)‐based morbidity measure to assess the overall health service needs of populations.Data Sources/Study Setting.Three population‐based secondary data sources: registration and health service utilization data from fiscal year 1995–1996; mortality data from vital statistics reports from 1996–1999; and Canadian census data. The study included all continuously enrolled residents in the universal health care plan in Manitoba.Study Design.Using 60 small geographic areas as the units of analysis, we compared a population‐based “ACG morbidity index,” derived from individual ACG assignments in fiscal year 1995–1996, with the standardized mortality ratio (ages <75 years) for 1996–1999. Key variables included a population‐based socioeconomic status measure and age‐ and sex‐standardized physician utilization ratios.Data Extraction Methods.The ACGs were assigned based on the complement of diagnoses assigned to persons on physician claims and hospital separation abstracts. The ACG index was created by weighting the ACGs using average health care expenditures.Principal Findings.The ACG morbidity index had a strong positive linear relationship with the subsequent rate of premature death in the small areas of Manitoba. The ACG index was able to explain the majority of the relationships between mortality and both socioeconomic status and physician utilization.Conclusions.In Manitoba, ACGs are closely related to premature mortality, commonly accepted as the best single indicator for health service need in populations. Issues in applying ACGs in settings where needs adjustment is a primary objective are discussed.
Competition among Hospitals for HMO Business: Effect of Price and Nonprice Attributes
Authors: Young Gary J , Burgess James F , Valley Danielle 
Published: March 2003

Objective. To investigate patterns of competition among hospitals for the business of health maintenance organizations (HMOs). The study focused on the relative importance of hospital price and nonprice attributes in the competition for HMO business.Data Sources/Study Setting. The study capitalized on hospital cost reports from Florida that are unique in their inclusion of financial data regarding HMO business activity. The time frame was 1992 to 1997.Study Design. The study was designed as an observational investigation of acute care hospitals.Principal Findings. Results indicated that a hospital's share of HMO business was related to both its price and nonprice attributes. However, the importance of both price and nonprice attributes diminished as the number of HMOs in a market increased. Hospitals that were market share leaders in terms of HMO business (i.e., 30 percent or more market share) were superior, on average, to their competitors on both price and nonprice attributes.Conclusions. Study results indicate that competition among hospitals for HMO business involves a complex set of price and nonprice attributes. The HMOs do not appear to focus on price alone. Hospitals likely to be the most attractive to HMOs are those that can differentiate themselves on the basis of nonprice attributes while being competitive on price as well.