Multivariable q-Racah polynomials

The Koornwinder-Macdonald multivariable generalization of the Askey-Wilson polynomials is studied for parameters satisfying a truncation condition such that the orthogonality measure becomes discrete with support on a finite grid. For this parameter regime the polynomials may be seen as a multivariable counterpart of the (one-variable) $q$-Racah polynomials. We present the discrete orthogonality measure, expressions for the normalization constants converting the polynomials into an orthonormal system (in terms of the normalization constant for the unit polynomial), and we discuss the limit $q\to 1$ leading to multivariable Racah type polynomials. Of special interest is the situation that $q$ lies on the unit circle; in that case it is found that there exists a natural parameter domain for which the discrete orthogonality measure (which is complex in general) becomes real-valued and positive. We investigate the properties of a finite-dimensional discrete integral transform for functions over the grid, whose kernel is determined by the multivariable $q$-Racah polynomials with parameters in this positivity domain.Comment: AMS-LaTeX v1.2, 38 page

Broker Positions in Task-Specific Knowledge Networks

In this paper we empirically investigate various benefits and costs associated with broker characteristics of individuals who operate in the account management system of financial service providers. We narrow our focus to broker positions in two specific task-specific knowledge networks that facilitate account management. We study the effect of broker positions on the contribution of individuals to organizational performance. We measure such a contribution by measuring the perceptions of others concerning a particular individual. We also explore how certain personal costs are associated with these task-specific broker positions. More specifically, we explore how these positions affect role ambiguity and role conflict, as self-perceived by that particular individual. To test the hypothesized effects we collect data for a network consisting of 55 individuals. We conclude with stating that service specification broker positions benefit organizations, but service delivery broker positions are detrimental to an organization and that they also invoke personal costs.social networks;account management;role stress;task-specific broker positions

Broker Positions in Task-Specific Knowledge Networks

In this paper we empirically investigate various benefits and costs associated with broker characteristics of individuals who operate in the account management system of financial service providers. We narrow our focus to broker positions in two specific task-specific knowledge networks that facilitate account management. We study the effect of broker positions on the contribution of individuals to organizational performance. We measure such a contribution by measuring the perceptions of others concerning a particular individual. We also explore how certain personal costs are associated with these task-specific broker positions. More specifically, we explore how these positions affect role ambiguity and role conflict, as self-perceived by that particular individual. To test the hypothesized effects we collect data for a network consisting of 55 individuals. We conclude with stating that service specification broker positions benefit organizations, but service delivery broker positions are detrimental to an organization and that they also invoke personal costs

Publicerende Sociologen:De Top-50 In De Periode 1991-1993

Publishing sociologists: the top-50 in the period 1991-1993 Table 2 in this article contains the top-50 sociologists in terms of their publications in the period 1991-1993. Last year a similar ranking was presented by the authors. The method on which the publications are weighted is similar to last year, but the references, are gathered directly from the authors. This approach makes it possible to present a ranking without a considerable time lag. We also investigated the scientific quality of Dutch journals and national and interntional publishers, which enabled us to establish a more accurate ranking. In addition, we present a ranking of prominent Dutch sociologists.This ranking is based on the participants' view of prominent Dutch sociologists

Properties of generalized univariate hypergeometric functions

Based on Spiridonov's analysis of elliptic generalizations of the Gauss hypergeometric function, we develop a common framework for 7-parameter families of generalized elliptic, hyperbolic and trigonometric univariate hypergeometric functions. In each case we derive the symmetries of the generalized hypergeometric function under the Weyl group of type E_7 (elliptic, hyperbolic) and of type E_6 (trigonometric) using the appropriate versions of the Nassrallah-Rahman beta integral, and we derive contiguous relations using fundamental addition formulas for theta and sine functions. The top level degenerations of the hyperbolic and trigonometric hypergeometric functions are identified with Ruijsenaars' relativistic hypergeometric function and the Askey-Wilson function, respectively. We show that the degeneration process yields various new and known identities for hyperbolic and trigonometric special functions. We also describe an intimate connection between the hyperbolic and trigonometric theory, which yields an expression of the hyperbolic hypergeometric function as an explicit bilinear sum in trigonometric hypergeometric functions.Comment: 46 page

The pricing behaviour of firms in the euro area : new survey evidence

This study investigates the pricing behaviour of firms in the euro area on the basis of surveys conducted by nine Eurosystem national central banks. Overall, more than 11,000 firms participated in the survey. The results are very robust across countries. Firms operate in monopolistically competitive markets, where prices are mostly set following mark-up rules and where price discrimination is a common practice. Our evidence suggests that both time- and state-dependent pricing strategies are applied by firms in the euro area: around one-third of the companies follow mainly time-dependent pricing rules while two-thirds use pricing rules with some element of state-dependence. Although the majority of firms take into account a wide range of information, including past and expected economic developments, about one-third adopts a purely backward-looking behaviour. The pattern of results lends support to the recent wave of estimations of hybrid versions of the New Keynesian Phillips Curve. Price stickiness arises both at the stage when firms review their prices and again when they actually change prices. The most relevant factors underlying price rigidity are customer relationships - as expressed in the theories about explicit and implicit contracts - and thus, are mainly found at the price changing (second) stage of the price adjustment process. Finally, we provide evidence that firms adjust prices asymmetrically in response to shocks, depending on the direction of the adjustment and the source of the shock: while cost shocks have a greater impact when prices have to be raised than when they have to be reduced, reductions in demand are more likely to induce a price change than increases in demand.price setting, nominal rigidity, real rigidity, inflation persistence, survey data.