bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic Generation of Multiresolution Boundary Representations
Authors: Andújar C. , Ayala D. , Brunet P. , Arinyo R. Joan , Solé J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe paper focuses on automatic simplification algorithms for the generation of a multiresolution family of solid models from an initial boundary representation of a polyhedral solid. An algorithm for general polyhedra based on an intermediate octree representation is proposed. Simplified elements of the multiresolution family approximate the initial solid within increasing tolerances. A discussion among different octree‐based simplification methods and the standard marching cubes algorithm is presented.
Special Effects with Half‐Toning
Authors: Buchanan John W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHalf‐toning is the process by which gray‐scale images are approximated with sets of black and white pixels. The process works because our eyes perceive a local average, thus half‐toning seeks to approximate the local average. Ideally this approximation should be accomplished without introducing ‘undesirable’ artifacts.In many situations the stylized display of images is desired. Often this stylized display is accomplished by the addition of semi‐structured artifacts. In current applications the designer processes the image using tools provided by some image processing package. The resulting image is then half‐toned and printed. Half‐toning these processed images can reduce the visual impact of the special effects that have been introduced in the image.In this paper we show that the processes of controlled artifact introduction and half‐toning can successfully be combined. By combining these two processes we ensure that the printed image is what the designer intended. We present a brief overview of the current error‐diffusion half‐toning techniques. We then propose several ways in which artifacts can be introduced to the image. This discussion is accompanied by a set of illustrative images.In particular, we discuss the introduction of false edges and the alteration of the scan pattern. We illustrate these techniques with a variety of images.We conclude the paper with a discussion on these new half‐toning methods for the generation of binary gray‐scale textures. In addition to showing how to generate these binary gray‐scale textures we also show how these gray‐scale textures can be used to half‐tone images.
Physically‐Based Deformations Constrained in Displacements and Volume
Authors: Promayon E. , Baconnier P. , Puech C. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:This paper presents a method of constraining physically‐based deformable objects. In this method, an object can be defined locally in terms of kinetic and dynamic (mass, position, speed), and physical parameters (compressibility, elasticity, motor functioning). Several problems are solved: constant volume deformation, displacement constraints (fixed or moving required positions), and real object modelling. An object is described by a set of mass points on its contour. The evolution algorithm runs in two phases dealing successively with forces and constraints (which are presented as reaction forces).The main contribution of the method is the control of object volumes during evolution. We define a function that explicitly gives the inside volume of an object in order to use it as a constraint. Thus, the volume can be kept exactly constant during deformation without using an iterative process, in opposition to lagrangian approaches. Some results are illustrated by examples at the end of the paper.
CCD‐Camera Based Optical Beacon Tracking for Virtual and Augmented Reality
Authors: Madritsch Franz , Gervautz Michael 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe introduce a scheme for optical beacon tracking using two CCD‐cameras and LED beacons. Due to the sub‐pixel accuracy of the beacon detection algorithm a very high precision can be achieved so that the tracking method is suitable for augmented reality applications. We describe the assembly of the equipment needed for the whole tracking system, the behavior of LED‐beacons, and how three beacons can be combined to form a 6‐DOF tracker. A report on our accuracy evaluation and its results are given. Furthermore we describe two application prototypes in which the tracker was incorporated and tested.
Reusable Radiosity Objects
Authors: Ouhyoung Ming , Chuang Yung‐Yu , Liang Rung‐Huei 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBecause of the view independence and photo realistic image generation in a diffuse environment, radiosity is suitable for an interactive walk through system. The drawback of radiosity is that it is time‐consuming in form factor estimation, and furthermore, inserting, deleting or moving an object makes the whole costly rendering process repeat itself. To solve this problem, we encapsulate necessary information for form factor calculation and visibility estimation in each object, which is called a reusable radiosity object. An object is defined as a cluster or clusters of triangles. Whenever a scene updates, the radiosity algorithm looks up the prestored information in each object, thus speeding itself up by two orders of magnitude. Besides, solution time based on cluster representatives is linear to the number of objects since each object is reusable, encapsulated with preprocessed data in every level of hierarchy. We also analyze the unregarded error on visibility estimation and propose a statistically optimal adaptive algorithm to maintain the same error for each link.
Interactive Rendering of CSG Models
Authors: Wiegand T. E 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe describe a CSG rendering algorithm that requires no evaluation of the CSG tree beyond normalization and pruning. It renders directly from the normalized CSG tree and primitives described (to the graphics system) by their facetted boundaries. It behaves correctly in the presence of user defined, “near” and “far” clipping planes. It has been implemented on standard graphics workstations using Iris GL1 and Open GL2 graphics libraries. Modestly sized models can be evaluated and rendered at interactive (less than a second per frame) speeds. We have combined the algorithm with an existing B‐rep based modeller to provide interactive rendering of incremental updates to large models.
Assessing Directors’ Core Competencies – the Case of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation, Hong Kong
Authors: Tricker R.I. (Bob) , Lee Kelly 
Published: March 2003

In 1993 the Executive Board of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) in Hong Kong approved the implementation of a corporate wide manpower and succession planning process. Succession at executive director level was identified as a priority. It was recognised that it would be necessary to identify and assess skills appropriate to company ‘direction’ as distinct from ‘management’ in order to proceed with succession planning at director level and to identify director training and development needs.Two crucial questions emerged: was it possible to identify the core competencies that are required by executive directors? If so, could those competencies be measured and assessed objectively? The experiences of the MTRC in identifying director competencies and in designing, validating and implementing the assessment process during 1994 and 1995 suggests that they can. Their experience forms the basis of this paper.The relatively sparse literature on the identification of director‐level competencies is discussed. The competencies identified by the MTRC are outlined. The development of assessment centres, which are widely used to assess core competencies in managerial and professional roles, is then explained. Finally, the experience of the MTRC in extending the use of assessment centres to appraise board‐level governance rather than managerial competencies is described and conclusions drawn.
Factors Associated with the Development of Board Sub–committees
Authors: Carson Elizabeth 
Published: March 2003

This study examines the factors associated with the presence of board sub–committees, specifically audit, remuneration and nomination committees. Factors which are hypothesised in this study to affect sub–committee presence are Big 6 auditors, non–executive directors, non–executive chairmen, number of intercorporate relationships of the board and shareholder type. Company size, number of board members and leverage are employed as control variables as suggested by earlier research.An analysis of board sub–committees in the Australian corporate environment is relevant to other jurisdictions as there are no mandatory requirements on either board composition or board sub–committees. There is, however, a mandatory requirement to disclose corporate governance practices which allows for a study of this type to be reliably conducted. A sample of 361 Australian companies drawn from the largest 500 public companies is employed.Audit committee presence is found to be positively associated with Big 6 auditors and the number of intercorporate relationships of the directors of the board. Remuneration committees are also found to be associated with Big 6 auditors and intercorporate relationships and also higher levels of institutional investment. The presence of nomination committees is not associated with auditors, directors or investors, but is associated with board size and leverage. The study concludes that audit committees are a highly developed and mature governance mechanism, and that remuneration committees can be classed as a developing and maturing structure whilst nomination committees are relatively immature.
Global Production and Global Consumption: Designing Organisations and Networks for the Next Century
Authors: Little Stephen 
Published: March 2003

Globalisation has increased the significance of intellectual capital leveraged by the information and communication technologies on which it depends. Ultimately global production, distribution and consumption forces a shift in focus towards the end of the production chain where product differentiation and customer support can be used to maintain demand for goods and services. However, development is not uniform, specific markets and specific technologies are at different points in the cycle of growth, maturity and decline, rapid growth at favoured locations also creates regional imbalances within regions and nation states. The organisations and alliances which comprise the global production system must deliver continuous innovation at the cutting edge while ensuring effective diffusion of more mature technologies. Often available infrastructure and skills cannot support full integration into the global economy. While such problems may be most marked within the rapidly development in countries such as China, they exist to some extent in all economies.The stresses inherent in this emerging global system of have been highlighted by the current difficulties of the East Asian economies. The tight coupling of the system propagates the diverse problems of these individual nation states across the globe. This paper argues that globalisation undermines the separation of manufacturing and service activities and the distinction between products and services and examines the emergence of strategies and alliances across regional and organisational boundaries with a model derived from design management.
Review article: Franks and Slavs c.700–1000: the problem of European expansion before the millennium
Authors: Innes Matthew 
Published: March 2003

Books received for review: Franks, Moravians and Magyars. The Struggle for the Middle Danube 788–907. By Charles R. Bowlus. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. 1995. xviii + 420 pp. £42.75. ISBN 0 8122 3276 3. Das ‘GrossmIhrische Reich’. RealitäIt oder Fiktion? Eine Neuinterpretation der Quellen zur Geschichte des mittleren Donauraumes im 9. Jahrhundert. Monographien zur Geschichte des Mittelalters 40. By Martin Eggers. Stuttgart: Anton Hiersemann. 1995. ix + 525 pp. DM 336.00. ISBN 3 7772 9502 7. An Elbe und Oder um das Jahr 1000. Skizzen zur Politik des Ottonenreiches und der slavischen Mächte in Mitteleuropa. By Herbert Ludat. Reprint of 1971 original, with an afterword by L. Dralle. Weimar, Cologne and Vienna: Böhlau Verlag. 1995. ix + 214 pp. DM 78.00. ISBN 3 412 11994 6. Salzburg, Bayern, österreich: die Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum und die Quellen ihrer Zeit. Mitteilungen des Instituts für österreichische Geschichtsforshung Ergänzungsband 31. By Herwig Wolfram. Vienna and Munich: Oldenbourg. 1995. 464 pp. DM 128.00. ISBN 3 486 64833 0 (Munich); 3 7029 0404 2 (Vienna).
Deterring nuclear weapons proliferation
Authors: Brito Dagobert L. , Intriligator Michael D. 
Published: March 2003

In the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the problem of nuclear proliferation has become one of the primary issues of strategic concern The proliferation problem is an old one, but the problem today is very different from that of even a few years ago. calling for new approaches. By considering demand and supply factors, the old approaches that rely on limits on the technology or supply appear inadequate in the current situation Rather, the best approaches today are those that influence demand, making it less attractive for nations to develop nuclear weapons. The constraints on the United States that inhibit it from using its nuclear weapons to threaten new nuclear states make both nuclear deterrence and guarantees to countries not acquiring such weapons ineffectual in preventing further proliferation. The use of conventional forces to prevent proliferation or to protect threatened nations may also be politically difficult unless there are clear national interests at stake.A possible way out of this dilemma is to develop a system of conventional deterrence using precision guided munitions and other recent technological developments that have increased the accuracy of weapons delivery systems. Such a system of conventional deterrence could play an important role in making nuclear weapons of less perceived value to potentially proliferating nations and in protecting regions that these nations threaten.
Modelling the Transition from School and the Demand for Training in the United Kingdom
Authors: Andrews Martyn , Bradley Steve 
Published: March 2003

This paper analyses the choices made by school leavers and the demand for training in the youth labour market. Using a large cross‐section database on all school leavers in Lancashire in 1991, we model, using a multinomial logit, their first destination six months after the end of compulsory schooling. We model six choices/outcomes: non‐vocational continuing education, vocational continuing education, youth training, employment with on‐the‐job training, employment with general‐skills training, and unemployment.Our results show that the first destination from school is affected by a range of individual, school and local labour market variables. In addition to academic ability, we report three effects that are not well known: a young person is more likely to leave school the bigger the school, the lower its academic performance, and the lower his or her expected lifetime earn‐ings.
Disorganization in the process of transition
Authors: Konings Jozef , Walsh Patrick Paul 
Published: March 2003

Most post‐communist economies are characterized by an initial collapse in aggregate output. Blanchard and Kremer (1997) and Roland and Verdier (1997) have recently modelled supply‐side distortions – disorganization in the links of production – that can lead to a short‐term output contraction after market liberalization and a recovery thereafter. This paper is the first to illustrate and test the effects of disorganization in the transition process by using a unique dataset of 300 Ukrainian firms. Our results show that for firms that existed under central planning, disorganization constrains employment and productivity growth during the transition process to a market economy. We also show that the effects of disorganization are greater the more out‐dated the capital stock inheritance from the planning system. In contrast, disorganization plays no role in the determination of employment and productivity growth in newly established private firms.JEL classification: P0, O0, D0.
The effect of privatization on wealth distribution in Russia
Authors: Alexeev Michael 
Published: March 2003

The paper considers the Russian privatization process and examines how its deviation from the competitive sale standard was likely to affect wealth inequality. (Privatization here is defined narrowly as the transfer of existing assets from government ownership to private hands.) While empirical evaluation is all but impossible due to the dearth of reliable data, it is feasible to analyze the institutional features of Russian privatization in terms of their effect on redistribution of wealth. The paper argues that the most relevant and interesting issue is to evaluate privatization’s distributional consequences relative to the informal pre‐reform property rights. In light of this, privatization is modelled as a rent‐seeking contest with incumbency advantage of enterprise managers who initially held the greatest informal rights over assets. The rent‐seeking contest is shown to strongly magnify this pre‐reform wealth inequality reflected in the incumbency advantage.In addition, the paper analyzes the distributional consequences for various wealth groups of the differences in the composition of their pre‐reform informal wealth, most importantly a relatively large share of housing assets in the wealth of the poor. The effect of wealth redistribution on economic growth in Russia is also discussed.
Investigating the Balassa‐Samuelson hypothesis in the transition: Do we understand what we see? A panel study
Authors: Égert Balázs 
Published: March 2003

This paper studies the Balassa‐Samuelson (B‐S) effect in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. We use time series and panel cointegration techniques and show that the B‐S effect works reasonably well in the transition economies under study during the period from 1991:Q1 to 2001:Q2. However, we find, that productivity growth does not fully translate into price increases because of the construction of the CPI indexes. We therefore argue that productivity growth will not hinder meeting the Maastricht criterion on inflation in the medium term. In addition, the observed appreciation of the CPI‐deflated real exchange rate is found to be systematically higher compared with the real appreciation the B‐S effect could justify, especially in the cases of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This can be partly explained by the trend appreciation of the tradable price‐based real exchange rate, increases in non‐tradable prices due to price liberalization and demand‐side pressures and the evolution of the nominal exchange rate determined by the nature of the exchange rate regime and the magnitude of capital inflows.JEL classification: E31, F31, O11, P17,
‘It’s a man’s world’: Recent Studies of Male Representation of the Female in the Middle Ages
Authors: Nip Renée 
Published: March 2003

Blamires, Alcuin (ed.) Woman Defamed and Woman Defended. An Anthology of Medieval TextsBaldwin, John W. The Language of Sex: Five Voices from Northern France around 1200Kay, Sarah and Rubin, Miri (eds) Framing Medieval BodiesLomperis, Linda and Stanbury, Sarah (eds) Feminist Approaches to the Body in Medieval LiteratureBurns, E. Jane Bodytalk: When Women Speak in Old French LiteratureKrueger, Roberta L. Women Readers and the Ideology of Gender in Old French Verse RomanceCazelles, Brigitte The Lady as Saint: A Collection of French Hagiographic Romances of the Thirteenth CenturyMeale, Carol M. (ed.) Women and Literature in Britain, 1150–1500Cherewatuk, Karen and Wiethaus, Ulrike (eds) Dear Sister: Medieval Women and the Epistology Genre
Masculinities, Race and Nationhood – Critical Connections
Authors: Whitehead Stephen 
Published: March 2003

Books reviewed in this article:Hazel V. Carby, Race MenGillian Creese, Contracting Masculinity: Gender, Class, and Race in aWhite‐Collar Union, 1944‐1994Dana D. Nelson, National Manhood: Capitalist Citizenship and theImagined Fraternity of White Men
Restructuring Pay Equity for A Restructured Work Force: Canadian Perspectives
Authors: Armstrong Pat , Cornish Mary 
Published: March 2003

The province of Ontario, Canada, has developed innovative pay and employment equity legislation. The legal challenges over the pay equity legislation have established some important precedents, especially in the area of gender bias and job evaluation schemes. The Employment Equity legislation established important new principles but was repealed only a year after it was passed by a new Conservative government. The government and economic restructuring, however, are rapidly altering both the legislation and the context in which it operates. This paper considers not only the impact of such legislation in the long and short run, but also the possibilities for future legislative intervention in the new political and economic climate.One of the authors has been centrally involved in developing the legislation, in mapping alternatives and in bringing legal challenges under the legislation. The other author has been researching and writing about women’s work for more than twenty years and has served as an expert witness in numerous cases related to the issues of concern here.
Employment Breaks, Pay, and Career Development among Australian Women
Authors: Rimmer Russell , Rimmer Sheila 
Published: March 2003

Career breaks may be associated with women’s relatively poorer pay and promotion prospects. To test this and other hypotheses, a sample of Australian women was asked to review their lives as paid and unpaid workers. About half of the women reported that they were currently working at the same skill level as in their first job, a quarter had improved, while about 20% were currently in lower‐skilled work than in their first job. Tertiary education and further education after first entering the labour force is associated with continuing to work at the same skill level after a break. Breaks from working were found to last typically for up to one year and were thus unlikely to account for a sustained skill loss. Women’s responsibilities for household tasks rose during breaks, and persisted at a higher level after the return to work.Different models are appropriate for the analysis of earnings of continuous workers and those with breaks. There appear to be no relative pay penalties for broken work experience for the highly educated or those in highly skilled jobs. Continuous workers in ‘women’s’ occupations receive a higher return than others to their human capital.
Trends in Women's Career Patterns and in Gender Occupational Mobility in Britain
Authors: Jacobs Sheila 
Published: March 2003

This paper uses retrospective data from the SCELI surveys to make a detailed investigation of changing career patterns and gender differences in occupational status over the period 1946–86. A summary variable is developed and used to examine the relationships between changing employment trends and respondents' occupational status. Occupational status, as the Hope‐Goldthorpe scale value, is measured throughout the life‐course and changes over time are examined.The main findings of the study are that despite the increase in women's qualifications and the proportion of women in the workforce, their human capital has not greatly increased although their careers have become increasingly variable. Men and childless women experience occupational status increasing over life‐course and time but part‐time employed women do not. Class of origin is more important to status for men than for women, while qualifications are important for both. Women's careers are increasingly affected by discontinuity and part‐time employment.