The complexity of linear-time temporal logic over the class of ordinals

We consider the temporal logic with since and until modalities. This temporal logic is expressively equivalent over the class of ordinals to first-order logic by Kamp's theorem. We show that it has a PSPACE-complete satisfiability problem over the class of ordinals. Among the consequences of our proof, we show that given the code of some countable ordinal alpha and a formula, we can decide in PSPACE whether the formula has a model over alpha. In order to show these results, we introduce a class of simple ordinal automata, as expressive as B\"uchi ordinal automata. The PSPACE upper bound for the satisfiability problem of the temporal logic is obtained through a reduction to the nonemptiness problem for the simple ordinal automata.Comment: Accepted for publication in LMC

One way forward: non-traditional accounting disclosures in the 21st century

Recent empirical studies (Deegan and Rankin, 1999; Deegan et al., 2000) have indicated that although many corporations have begun to respond to perceived demand for environmental disclosures in published accounts, their perspective of organisational legitimacy is a narrow view, in which information is targeted towards specific stakeholders and not to the general public. This paper considers a range of models (variously called guidelines, standards and charters) which have been put forward by different organisations to aid the development of social and environmental disclosures. In all cases verification and attestation are part of the proposed regimen. The question which the papers attempts to answer is whether any one of the models would be capable of rapid adoption as part of an expanded GAAP, should the professional accounting bodies think that this is desirable. The outcome of our deliberations is cautious support for the use of EMAS and ISO 14000 as the basis for a modified GAAP plus the further development of the GRI 2000 guidelines into a set of standards covering both social and environmental reporting

Green River Ordinances : Where Does the Burden Belong?

Over the years, many communities have attempted to restrict door-to-door salespersons. Green River Ordinance is a term derived from an ordinance adopted in Green River, Wyoming, in November, 1931. The measure declared the practice of going in or upon private residences for the purpose of peddling, or soliciting orders for the sale of goods without prior consent of the owners or occupants of the residence a nuisance and subjected such activities to criminal penalties. The popularity of, and controversy over, these ordinances continue to this day

Green River Ordinances : Where Does the Burden Belong?

Over the years, many communities have attempted to restrict door-to-door salespersons. Green River Ordinance is a term derived from an ordinance adopted in Green River, Wyoming, in November, 1931. The measure declared the practice of going in or upon private residences for the purpose of peddling, or soliciting orders for the sale of goods without prior consent of the owners or occupants of the residence a nuisance and subjected such activities to criminal penalties. The popularity of, and controversy over, these ordinances continue to this day

Anticipated versus Realized Benefits: Can Event Studies Be Used To Predict the Impact of New Regulations?

Economists often use event study methodology to evaluate the impact of new regulations on firms before there is enough data to empirically estimate the effects. This research investigates the degree to which event study methodology can provide useful information in this regard by studying how accurately markets predict the actual benefits associated with a new law. Utilizing a unique change in U.S. trade law, I compare the benefits predicted by event study methodology with the actual benefits accruing to individual firms. The results indicate that estimates from event study methodology are poor predictors of the true effect of new policies.event studies, Byrd Amendment, antidumping

Overcoming Free Riding: A Cross Country Analysis of Firm Participation in Antidumping Petitions

This research is one of the first attempts to investigate the proliferation of antidumping protection from the firm-level and, in particular, to study the reasons why the free-riding problem may be more or less severe in particular countries or industries. Using a panel of data on the number of firms filing antidumping petitions in 10 countries between 1995 and 2005, I study the determinants of the industry's ability to overcome the free-riding problem. I find clear evidence that more firms will participate in antidumping petitions the lower the cost of filing; these filing costs significantly decrease in such variables as the number of countries targeted at one time and the level of development of the country. There is little evidence, however, that firms perceive that the expected benefits of the petition will be higher if they choose to participate, thus alleviating the free-rider problem. A separate statistical evaluation of actual case outcomes suggests that this perception may be valid.antidumping, free riding