Model integration and the role of data

a b s t r a c t Model integration is becoming increasingly important as our impacts on the environment become more severe and the systems we analyze become more complex. There are numerous attempts to make different models work in concert. However model integration usually treats models as software components only, ignoring the evolving nature of models and their constant modification and re-calibration to better represent reality. As a result, the changes that used to impact only contained models of subsystems, now propagate throughout the integrated system, across multiple model components. This makes it harder to keep the overall complexity under control and, in a way, defeats the purpose of modularity, where efficiency is supposed to be gained from independent development of modules. We argue that data that are available for module calibration can serve as an intermediate linkage tool, sitting between modules and providing a module-independent baseline, which is then adjusted when scenarios are to be run. In this case, it is not the model output that is directed into the next model. Rather, model output is presented as a variation around the baseline trajectory, and it is this variation that is then fed into the next module down the chain. The Chesapeake Bay Program suite of models is used to illustrate these problems and the possible remedy. Published by Elsevier Ltd

A Conceptual Framework for Integration Development of GSFLOW Model: Concerns and Issues Identified and Addressed for Model Development Efficiency

In Coupled Groundwater and Surface-Water Flow (GSFLOW) model, the three-dimensional finite-difference groundwater model (MODFLOW) plays a critical role of groundwater flow simulation, together with which the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) simulates the surface hydrologic processes. While the model development of each individual PRMS and MODFLOW model requires tremendous time and efforts, further integration development of these two models exerts additional concerns and issues due to different simulation realm, data communication, and computation algorithms. To address these concerns and issues in GSFLOW, the present paper proposes a conceptual framework from perspectives of: Model Conceptualization, Data Linkages and Transference, Model Calibration, and Sensitivity Analysis. As a demonstration, a MODFLOW groundwater flow system was developed and coupled with the PRMS model in the Lehman Creek watershed, eastern Nevada, resulting in a smooth and efficient integration as the hydrogeologic features were well captured and represented. The proposed conceptual integration framework with techniques and concerns identified substantially improves GSFLOW model development efficiency and help better model result interpretations. This may also find applications in other integrated hydrologic modelings

Distribution of the Object Oriented Databases. A Viewpoint of the MVDB Model's Methodology and Architecture

In databases, much work has been done towards extending models with advanced tools such as view technology, schema evolution support, multiple classification, role modeling and viewpoints. Over the past years, most of the research dealing with the object multiple representation and evolution has proposed to enrich the monolithic vision of the classical object approach in which an object belongs to one hierarchy class. In particular, the integration of the viewpoint mechanism to the conventional object-oriented data model gives it flexibility and allows one to improve the modeling power of objects. The viewpoint paradigm refers to the multiple descriptions, the distribution, and the evolution of object. Also, it can be an undeniable contribution for a distributed design of complex databases. The motivation of this paper is to define an object data model integrating viewpoints in databases and to present a federated database architecture integrating multiple viewpoint sources following a local-as-extended-view data integration approach.object-oriented data model, OQL language, LAEV data integration approach, MVDB model, federated databases, Local-As-View Strategy.

U.S. Greenfield Investments and M&A location: impact of American continental integration and Insider vs. Outsider position

This study examines the effects of economic integration on Greenfield Investments and cross-border Acquisitions locations. We use panel data on U.S. FDI in NAFTA and MERCOSUR members from 1989 to 1998. Economic integration is captured through tariff barriers and dummy variables. We pool data to distinguish between both agreements. We control for traditional macroeconomic determinants. It is found that economic integration certainly played a major role on U.S. firmsÕ location patterns. The U.S. position regarding the two agreements Ð insider vs. outsider- seemed to matter. Moreover, both our empirical study and our theoretical model underline the relevance of separating entry modes.FDI, integration, location, mode of entry

Trade performances and technology in the enlarged European Union

We analyse the role of the enlargement process of the European Union as a factor fostering international competitiveness of EU Member States. We argue that the economic integration process has partially reduced the technological gap between old and new EU Member States, and this pattern of technological innovation can partially explain the strong impulse on the export dynamics of European countries. We have built an augmented gravity model by including the role of technological innovation, proxied by the stock of knowledge at the sector level. By using a dynamic panel data estimator we find three main empirical evidences. First, the enlargement process has produced an overall larger positive impact on export flows for new members than for old ones, and more importantly that sectors with the higher technological content have received the strongest impulse. Second, the augmented gravity model allows shaping the crucial role of technological innovation in fostering export competitiveness. Third, this impact seems to be stronger for old EU member states than for new ones. The policy implication we derive is that the more the new EU members catch up technologically as a result of the integration process, the more they will benefit in terms of economic development.EU enlargement, gravity model, international trade, economic integration, technological innovation

Lung Circulation Modeling: Status and Prospect

Mathematical modeling has been used to interpret anatomical and physiological data obtained from metabolic and hemodynamic studies aimed at investigating structure-function relationships in the vasculature of the lung, and how these relationships are affected by lung injury and disease. The indicator dilution method was used to study the activity of redox processes within the lung. A steady-state model of the data was constructed and used to show that pulmonary endothelial cells may play an important role in reducing redox active compounds and that those reduction rates can be altered with oxidative stress induced by exposure to high oxygen environments. In addition, a morphometric model of the pulmonary vasculature was described and used to detect, describe,and predict changes in vascular morphology that occur in response to chronic exposure to low-oxygen environments, a common model of pulmonary hypertension. Finally, the model was used to construct simulated circulatory networks designed to aid in evaluation of competing hypotheses regarding the relative contribution of various morphological and biomechanical changes observed with hypoxia. These examples illustrate the role of mathematical modeling in the integration of the emerging metabolic, hemodynamic, and morphometric databases

Moa and the multi-model architecture: a new perspective on XNF2

Advanced non-traditional application domains such as geographic information systems and digital library systems demand advanced data management support. In an effort to cope with this demand, we present the concept of a novel multi-model DBMS architecture which provides evaluation of queries on complexly structured data without sacrificing efficiency. A vital role in this architecture is played by the Moa language featuring a nested relational data model based on XNF2, in which we placed renewed interest. Furthermore, extensibility in Moa avoids optimization obstacles due to black-box treatment of ADTs. The combination of a mapping of queries on complexly structured data to an efficient physical algebra expression via a nested relational algebra, extensibility open to optimization, and the consequently better integration of domain-specific algorithms, makes that the Moa system can efficiently and effectively handle complex queries from non-traditional application domains

On currency crises and contagion

This paper analyzes the role of contagion in the currency crises in emerging markets during the 1990s. It employs a non-linear Markov-switching model to conduct a systematic comparison and evaluation of three distinct causes of currency crises: contagion, weak economic fundamentals, and sunspots, i.e. unobservable shifts in agents' beliefs. Testing this model empirically through Markov-switching and panel data models reveals that contagion, i.e. a high degree of real integration and financial interdependence among countries, is a core explanation for recent emerging market crises. The model has a remarkably good predictive power for the 1997-98 Asian crisis. The findings suggest that in particular the degree of financial interdependence and also real integration among emerging markets are crucial not only in explaining past crises but also in predicting the transmission of future financial crises. JEL Classification: F30, E60, E65, E44

The Linkage Between Public and Private Investment: A Co-integration Analysis of a Panel of Developing Countries

This study uses panel data from 19 developing countries from 1980 to 1997 to examine the impact of public investment on private investment. A model is developed to identify both the short run and long-run effects of public investment on private investment, builds in the role of uncertainty on investment, and uses co-integration tests on panel data to check the time series properties of the data. The empirical results show that public investment is complementary to private investment in developing economies, and that credit constraints restrict the amount of private investment.

The role of interpersonal relationships in supply chain integration : a thesis by publications presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Chapter 2 was published as: Wang, B., Childerhouse, P., Kang, Y., Huo, B., & Mathrani, S. (2016). Enablers of supply chain integration: Interpersonal and interorganizational relationship perspectives, Industrial Management & Data Systems, 116(4), 838-855. https://doi-org.ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/10.1108/IMDS-09-2015-0403 Chapter 3 was published as: Wang, B., Kang, Y., Childerhouse, P., & Huo, B. (2018). Service supply chain integration: the role of interpersonal relationships, Industrial Management & Data Systems, 118(4), 828-849. https://doi-org.ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/10.1108/IMDS-02-2017-0062 Chapter 4 was published as: Wang, B., Kang, Y., Childerhouse, P., & Huo, B. (2018). Interpersonal and inter-organizational relationship drivers of supply chain integration, Industrial Management & Data Systems, 118(6), 1170-1191. https://doi-org.ezproxy.massey.ac.nz/10.1108/IMDS-05-2017-0216Purpose –This research aims to explore the role of inter-personal relationships within a supply chain integration context. Firstly, it proposes a conceptual model addressing the interrelationships between interpersonal relationships, inter-organizational relationships, and supply chain integration. Secondly, it investigates the influence of interpersonal relationships on supply chain integration. Lastly, it examines how interpersonal relationships influence interorganizational relationships to enable supply chain integration. Methodology/approach – Based on a comprehensive literature review, the study first proposes a series of propositions and establishes a conceptual framework to illustrate the relationship between interpersonal relationships, inter-organizational relationships, and supply chain integration. Then, the study applies an exploratory/investigational approach of multiple case studies and empirically examines how interpersonal relationships affect inter-organizational relationships and supply chain integration. Findings – The study proposes that interpersonal relationships can indirectly and positively influence supply chain integration, mediated by inter-organizational relationships. Personal affection acts as a relationship initiator, and personal credibility serves as a gatekeeper while personal communication works as a facilitator and plays more important roles than personal affection and credibility. Also, interpersonal relationships can initiate and enhance interorganizational relationships to enable supply chain integration. In the formative stage of supply chain integration, personal affection and credibility play key roles, whereas personal communication becomes more significant during the operational stage. Originality/value – The study advances supply chain integration literature by extending the focus from that of firm level to the level of individuals, and introduces interpersonal relationship dimensions to explore inner mechanisms of supply chain integration. It demonstrates that interpersonal relationships are able to initiate and motivate firm level integration, which modifies the presumption that firm level relationships are predominantly established first in Western cultural contexts. It also sheds light on applying theoretical lenses in supply chain integration. It extends social exchange theory from relationships between parties that are on the same level to different levels of interpersonal and inter-organizational relationships. Meanwhile, it applies resource dependency theory by addressing how interpersonal relationships influence dependence levels on supply chain partners to form firm level relationships. Furthermore, it extends resource orchestration theory by suggesting that inter-organizational relationships and interpersonal relationships can be orchestrated to achieve supply chain integration capabilities. Implications –The study provides insights for practitioners who have limited “hard” firm level resources. Managers should be aware of the significance and characteristics of interpersonal relationships, and decide when and how to deploy both interpersonal and interorganizational relationships as resources during the integration process. In the formative stage, managers should utilise boundary spanners with good personal credibility. More physical contact with counter-partners should be encouraged to foster personal affection, thus initiating the formation of inter-organizational relationships. In the operational stage, personal communication should be strengthened to facilitate the supply chain integration process. On the other hand, managers should mitigate the conflict between primary business interests and subordinate interpersonal friendships