Supporting SPARQL Update Queries in RDF-XML Integration

The Web of Data encourages organizations and companies to publish their data according to the Linked Data practices and offer SPARQL endpoints. On the other hand, the dominant standard for information exchange is XML. The SPARQL2XQuery Framework focuses on the automatic translation of SPARQL queries in XQuery expressions in order to access XML data across the Web. In this paper, we outline our ongoing work on supporting update queries in the RDF-XML integration scenario.Comment: 13th International Semantic Web Conference (ISWC '14

Querying XML Data with SPARQL

Abstract. SPARQL is today the standard access language for Semantic Web data. In the recent years XML databases have also acquired industrial impor-tance due to the widespread applicability of XML in the Web. In this paper we present a framework that bridges the heterogeneity gap and creates an interop-erable environment where SPARQL queries are used to access XML databases. Our approach assumes that fairly generic mappings between ontology con-structs and XML Schema constructs have been automatically derived or manu-ally specified. The mappings are used to automatically translate SPARQL que-ries to semantically equivalent XQuery queries which are used to access the XML databases. We present the algorithms and the implementation of SPARQL2XQuery framework, which is used for answering SPARQL queries over XML databases

Ten years of EMU: convergence, divergence and new policy priorities

Has the single currency promoted or hindered convergence among the countries of the Eurozone? On the one hand, asymmetric shocks have subsided after the creation of the single currency and FDI has been substantially promoted both inside and outside the EMU as a result of reduced exchange rate volatility, more integration and better institutional functioning. On the other hand, an examination of the catching-up process between the less and more affluent countries of the Eurozone suggests that convergence has been fading since the EMU was initiated in 1999. Another worrying development in the Eurozone is the emergence of unprecedented CA deficits in the southern Eurozone countries, while the northern Eurozone group enjoys substantial surpluses. Although both groups of countries have attracted increased FDI flows after EMU, there seems to be a sharp differentiation regarding size and composition. In the southern countries, the housing sector has attracted relatively more investment than the production sector, while the reverse seems to be the case in the northern group. Thus, investment in the northern (southern) Eurozone countries has increased traded (non-traded) output and caused an improvement (deterioration) in the trade balance. To face such imbalances, new policy priorities are required in the Eurozone that put more emphasis on convergence and competitiveness

Ten Years of EMU: convergence, divergence and new policy priorities

As the tenth anniversary of EMU is approaching, a debate is underway as to whether the single currency has promoted or hindered convergence among the countries of the Eurozone. On the one hand, there is wide agreement on the fact that asymmetric shocks have subsided after the creation of the single currency and that FDI has been substantially promoted both in and outside of EMU as a result of reduced exchange rate volatility, more integration and better institutional functioning. But if one moves to examine the catching-up process between the less and more-affluent countries of the Eurozone, the evidence in support for convergence is fading away after the EMU was initiated in 1999. A process of divergence in per capita GDP is underway, in contrast with the substantial progress that has taken place during the nineties. Regional convergence is also found to wane, though the evidence is not as conclusive. Moreover, post-EMU divergence in per capita GDP appears to be far more pronounced than that of per capita GNI, due to the risk-sharing strategies implemented after the EMU to face asymmetric shocks and the resulted relocation of capital. Another worrying development in the Eurozone is the emergence of unprecedented CA deficits in the Southern Eurozone countries, while the Northern Eurozone group enjoys substantial surpluses. Although both groups of countries have attracted increased FDI flows after EMU, there seems to be a sharp differentiation regarding size and composition. In the Southern countries, the housing sector has attracted relatively more investment than the production sector, while the reverse seems to be the case in the Northern group. Thus, investment in the Northern (Southern) Eurozone countries increased the traded (non-traded) output and caused an improvement (deterioration) in the trade balance. To face such imbalances, new policy priorities are required in the Eurozone that put more emphasis on convergence and competitiveness.Eurozone; economic integration; convergence; business cycles.

Economic Developments in the Balkan Countries and the Role of Greece: From Bilateral Relations to the Challenge of Integration

Throughout the post-war period Greece has faced a unique, and unfavourable, situation consisting of: (i) a perimetric location away from major European markets; and (ii) distorted economic relations as its northern borders were designed to be real barriers to communication and trade with neighbouring countries. This type of border conditions have adversely affected the structure and performance of the economy and its prospects for convergence. This paper examines the post-1989 developments in the Balkan region from a Greek perspective. Growth rates, development levels, economic structures, trade relations, factor movements and the spatial structure of the region are examined on a comparative basis, in order to detect major trends and developments that are taking place, as a result of an unprecedented integration-transition process. On the basis of the analysis, it is concluded that Greece can overcome isolation and effectively deal with the pressures and difficulties of European integration, by pursuing a strategy that will gradually recompose the economic space in its vicinity, with the creation of a large and accessible regional Balkan market. The appropriate policy mix should include, among other things, steady and energetic encouragement to all Balkan countries, to join in the future the European Union and the promotion of a EU-strategic development plan for the Balkan region, with the active participation of Greece and special emphasis on issues of intra-regional cooperation and integration.Economic Development; Economic Integration; Migration; Regional Development Policy

Privatization, Public Deficit Finance, and Investment in Infrastructure

The paper presents a theoretical analysis of the relationship between privatization and public deficit finance. We examine the optimal magnitude of public asset sales and the extent to which privatization can be used to reduce taxes, or, to retire public debt, for two cases. In the first, standard case, privatization proceeds are used directly to finance the public deficit, while in the second they are used in cost-reducing public investment in infrastructure. In the latter case the government gains through smaller deficits of remaining public firms, higher proceeds from profit taxation and a smaller net employment loss. We find that the second case will often be associated with lower taxes for any given number of privatizations and a greater optimal number of privatizations than the first.Infrastructure; Privatization; Public Finance; Public Investment

Fiscal Deficits, Seigniorage and External Debt: The Case of Greece

This paper investigates the relation between the rise in external debt and fiscal developments in Greece. We use an intertemporal model of optimal private-sector savings to argue that stabilization of the public debt/GDP ratio will be sufficient to stabilize the external debt/GDP ratio as well. Our results suggest that stabilization of the public debt/ GDP ratio at a given level through higher taxation will result in a higher external debt/GDP ratio than stabilization at the same level through a reduction in (non-interest) government expenditure. They also suggest that in the case of Greece there is no further scope for a steady-state increase in seigniorage revenue. In fact, the inflation rate slightly exceeds the seigniorage-maximizing rate. We calculate that if the public sector debt were to be stabilized at its current level of approximately 100% of GDP, the primary deficit (i.e., the deficit excluding interest payments) would have to fall to 0.3% of GDP from its projected ratio of 6.5% in 1990 and 5.1% in 1991.Greece; Inflation; Public and External Deficits and Debts; Seigniorage; Stabilization

Financial Openness and the Effectiveness of Capital Controls in Greece

The paper discusses the process of financial liberalization in Greece and the impact it is likely to have on the conduct of monetary policy. To examine the effectiveness of exchange rate controls in Greece during periods of intense downward pressure on the drachma, we study the behaviour of onshore/offshore interest rates in 1989. The experience of this period supports the hypothesis that capital controls insulate domestic interest rates from the full impact of expectations of a drachma devaluation. Another aspect of financial liberalization relates to the responsiveness of domestic authorities to monetary developments worldwide. To assess this, we examine the degree to which Greek authorities, in determining domestic interest rates, responded to the behaviour of interest rates abroad. We find that Granger-causality tests support the hypothesis that the domestic three-month Treasury bill rate is influenced by three-month foreign euromarket interest rates.Capital Controls; Financial Liberalization; Greece; Monetary Instruments; Onshore/Offshore Rates