Formal series and numerical integrators: some history and some new techniques

This paper provides a brief history of B-series and the associated Butcher group and presents the new theory of word series and extended word series. B-series (Hairer and Wanner 1976) are formal series of functions parameterized by rooted trees. They greatly simplify the study of Runge-Kutta schemes and other numerical integrators. We examine the problems that led to the introduction of B-series and survey a number of more recent developments, including applications outside numerical mathematics. Word series (series of functions parameterized by words from an alphabet) provide in some cases a very convenient alternative to B-series. Associated with word series is a group G of coefficients with a composition rule simpler than the corresponding rule in the Butcher group. From a more mathematical point of view, integrators, like Runge-Kutta schemes, that are affine equivariant are represented by elements of the Butcher group, integrators that are equivariant with respect to arbitrary changes of variables are represented by elements of the word group G.Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1502.0552

Mapping Varieties of Industrial Relations: Eurofound\u27s Analytical Framework Applied

Eurofound’s 2016 report Mapping key dimensions of industrial relations identified four key dimensions of industrial relations: industrial democracy, industrial competitiveness, social justice, and quality of work and employment. This report builds upon that earlier study, developing a dashboard of 45 indicators to assess how and to what extent the conceptual framework of these key dimensions can be applied at national level. The indicators were tested across the Member States by Eurofound’s Network of European Correspondents and show reasonable accuracy when used to map the predominant features and trends of the national industrial relations systems. The study confirms that a dashboard of indicators that can accurately measure and summarise the complex reality of industrial relations across the EU is a valuable tool for comparative research and a useful instrument for supporting policymakers, social partners and stakeholders. The report sets out a range of options for further developing this conceptual approach

Autopistes de la comunicació, canvis de rasant i derrapatges

Autopistes de la comunicació, canvis de rasant i derrapatge

The impact of the American Civil War on city growth

This paper analyzes the persistence of the shock caused by the American Civil War on the relative city size distribution of the United States. Our fi�ndings suggest that the effects of this shock were permanent, which sharply contrasts with previous results regarding World War II for Japanese and German cities. It should be taken into account that the conflict considered in this paper took place at an earlier stage of the industrialization and urbanization processes. Moreover, our results are determined by the fact that the battles were fought in the open �field, not in urban areas. Some related evidence regarding the presence of a safe harbour effect is reported.

Communication Highways, hilltops and skids

Communication Highways, hilltops and skid

Smoking Habits: Like Father, Like Son, Like Mother, Like Daughter

We use instrumental variable methods to investigate whether the impact of parental smoking habits on their children’s smoking decisions is a causal one. We find evidence of same-sex role models in two-parent households: mothers play a crucial role in determining their daughters’ smoking decisions, while fathers’ smoking habits are primarily imitated by their sons.youth smoking, intergenerational habit transmission, multivariate probit, instrumental variables

Capacity development in water operator partnerships: more than just the right methods

This paper explores the question of effectiveness of knowledge transfer processes in Water Operator Partnerships (WOP). Increasing funds are allocated to the promotion and implementation of WOP projects, conceived as a strong approach to strengthening the capacity of water operators in developing countries. They are considered particularly useful for the transfer of tacit knowledge, crucial to support locally owned change. Despite the great promotional efforts there is very little known on how they function. This work aims at shedding light on the knowledge transfer activities in WOPs by analysing two WOP projects through the lenses of tested knowledge management theories. The findings show how in both cases there is an alignment between methods used and type of knowledge to be transferred, as well as a predominance of methods allowing for the transfer of tacit knowledge. However, despite both projects applying the same methods, the degree of knowledge integration into the local operator's working routines greatly differs, which calls for attention to other relevant factors beyond KT methods if effective KT is to be realised

Consideraciones sistemáticas y paleoecológicas en torno a ejemplares de Hallirhoa lycoperdioides Lamx. procedentes de Maranchón (Guadalajara)

Por primera vez se describen esponjas en esta localidad. Todas ellas pertenecen a la misma especie (Hallirhoa lycoperdioides Lamx.). Las esponjas se analizan no sólo en su aspecto sistemático sino mas bien en el paleoecológico; lo que nos define el paleobiotopo costero de Maranchón durante la época de vida de los espongiarios