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Showing papers by "University of Cyprus published in 1998"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Techniques by which MFS-type methods are extended to certain classes of non-trivial problems and adapted for the solution of inhomogeneous problems are outlined.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) and related methods over the last three decades. Several applications of MFS-type methods are presented. Techniques by which such methods are extended to certain classes of non-trivial problems and adapted for the solution of inhomogeneous problems are also outlined.

958 citations


Book ChapterDOI
TL;DR: This chapter defines and presents in sufficient detail the fundamental concepts of what constitutes a coordination model or language and describes the main existing coordination models and languages as either ``data-driven'' or ``control-driven'''' (also called ``process-'''' or ``task-oriented'').
Abstract: A new class of models, formalisms and mechanisms has recently evolved for describing concurrent and distributed computations based on the concept of ``coordination''''. The purpose of a coordination model and associated language is to provide a means of integrating a number of possibly heterogeneous components together, by interfacing with each component in such a way that the collective set forms a single application that can execute on and take advantage of parallel and distributed systems. In this chapter we initially define and present in sufficient detail the fundamental concepts of what constitutes a coordination model or language. We then go on to classify these models and languages as either ``data-driven'''' or ``control-driven'''' (also called ``process-'''' or ``task-oriented''''). Next, the main existing coordination models and languages are described in sufficient detail to let the reader appreciate their features and put them into perspective with respect to each other. The chapter ends with a discussion comparing the various models and some conclusions.

957 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors examined the relationship between board structure and firm performance in the UK by employing data from 250 publicly traded firms and found that the most significant determinants of corporate performance are the level of R&D spending and current operating performance.
Abstract: This study examines the relationship between board structure with firm performance in the UK by employing data from 250 publicly traded firms. Consistent with general findings from the USA, the tests as a whole do not discern a significant link between board structure (director affiliation and ownership, chairman affiliation, and committee composition) with firm performance. These results are robust to alternative measures of performance, outlier definitions, various model specifications, and statistical estimation techniques. The most significant determinants of corporate performance are the level of R&D spending and current operating performance. These results are consistent with governance needs varying across firms, and contrast the notion that uniform board structures should be mandated.

421 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review the conceptual, methodological, and empirical aspects of managerial characteristics as influences on the export behavior of the firm and highlight the role of manager characteristics in the company's export behavior.
Abstract: Research on exporting frequently stresses the role of managerial characteristics as influences on the export behavior of the firm. This article reviews the conceptual, methodological, and empirical...

419 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors found that the H is consistently aligned just after the onset of the first post-accentual vowel in pre-nuclear pre-nucleus accents, and that the alignment of the H was not affected by variations in the duration of the accented syllable.

333 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine multi-stage real options applications that have strategic import beyond that captured by standard DCF valuation approaches and show that options valuation can justify making such strategic investment decisions even if NPV suggests otherwise.

173 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of a project aimed at changing prospective teach- ers' attitudes towards mathematics are reported A mathematics preparatory program was designed and implemented over a period of three years The program consisted of two mathematics content courses, based on the history of mathematics, and a methods course.
Abstract: In this study the results of a project aimed at changing prospective teach- ers' attitudes towards mathematics are reported A mathematics preparatory program was designed and implemented over a period of three years The program consisted of two mathematics content courses, based on the history of mathematics, and a methods course A multidimensional questionnaire, supplemented at the final stage by interviews, was used to follow up the subjects' attitudes through the implementation period The results indic- ated significant improvement of attitudes, particularly about the satisfaction from and the usefulness of mathematics

167 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, new identities are presented relating arbitrary order partial derivatives of and for the general point transformation, which are used to study the nature of those point transformations which preserve the general form of a wide class of 1 + 1 partial differential equations.
Abstract: New identities are presented relating arbitrary order partial derivatives of and for the general point transformation , . These identities are used to study the nature of those point transformations which preserve the general form of a wide class of 1 + 1 partial differential equations. These results facilitate the search for point symmetries, both discrete and continuous (Lie), and assist the search for point transformations which reduce equations to canonical, but similar, form. A simple test for the existence of hodograph-type transformations between equations of similar form is given.

159 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the aspirations of 18 to 28-year-old university students in taking over the family business and the reasons for which they would join or not join the business.
Abstract: In this study, the authors have tested empirically a model that investigates intergenerational transitions in family firms. Through the model, the authors have explored the aspirations of 18 to 28-year-old university students in taking over the family business and the reasons for which they would join or not join the business.

151 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An algorithm for the variational inequality problem on convex sets with nonempty interior establishes full convergence to a solution with minimal conditions upon the monotone operatorF, weaker than strong monotonicity or Lipschitz continuity, for instance, and including cases where the solution needs not be unique.
Abstract: We present an algorithm for the variational inequality problem on convex sets with nonempty interior. The use of Bregman functions whose zone is the convex set allows for the generation of a sequence contained in the interior, without taking explicitly into account the constraints which define the convex set. We establish full convergence to a solution with minimal conditions upon the monotone operatorF, weaker than strong monotonicity or Lipschitz continuity, for instance, and including cases where the solution needs not be unique. We apply our algorithm to several relevant classes of convex sets, including orthants, boxes, polyhedra and balls, for which Bregman functions are presented which give rise to explicit iteration formulae, up to the determination of two scalar stepsizes, which can be found through finite search procedures. © 1998 The Mathematical Programming Society, Inc. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

137 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the appeal of "grand" historical narratives of nationalism by focusing on the ways in which history and identity are contested in the context of Greek Cypriot society and pay particular attention to diverse expressions of nationalism formulated by the state, political parties, and individual social actors.
Abstract: In this article I consider the appeal of "grand" historical narratives of nationalism by focusing on the ways in which history and identity are contested in the context of Greek Cypriot society. I pay particular attention to diverse expressions of nationalism formulated by the state, political parties, and individual social actors. By examining how nationalism is articulated on these different levels, I propose an understanding of the dialectical process between "above" and "below" that accounts for the appeal of specific constructions of nationalism. I investigate this process by looking at how individual social actors discuss the past in ways that blend elements of personal, local, and national political history. Such an approach provides an alternative to theories that hold that nationalism's appeal lies in proposing a new kind of community as the local community collapses under the dislocating impact of the forces of modernity. In contrast, theories of nationalism phrased in terms of broad cultural ontologies are problematic for explaining the presence of multiple models of nationalism within a community, and the ways in which nationalisms can be internally contested, [nationalism, history, identity, narrative, Cyprus]

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the association of the atmosphere governing buyer-seller relationships in international markets with the company's involvement in export business and found that the more a firm is involved in exporting, the more likely its relationships with overseas customers are to be characterized by greater resource and personnel commitment, more communication sufficiency, higher levels of cooperation, substantial partnership dependence, excessive levels of trust, and stronger feelings of satisfaction with both financial and behavioural performance.
Abstract: This article reports the findings of a study investigating the association of the atmosphere governing buyer‐seller relationships in international markets with the company’s involvement in export business. Based on a sample of 100 export manufacturers from Cyprus, the study first classifies firms in three homogeneous groups using 15 clustering criteria of export involvement. It then identifies the underlying dimensions of ten behavioural factors describing the working relationship between exporters and their import customers. Finally, it traces differences in the relationship atmosphere according to the company’s involvement in export markets. Overall, the study revealed that the more a firm is involved in exporting, the more likely its relationships with overseas customers are to be characterized by greater resource and personnel commitment, more communication sufficiency, higher levels of cooperation, substantial partnership dependence, excessive levels of trust, and stronger feelings of satisfaction with both financial and behavioural performance. Certain theoretical and practical implications are derived from the study findings, as well as directions for further research.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: WebExpress is presented, a client/intercept based system for optimizing Web browsing, that reduces data volume and latency of wireless communications by intercepting the HTTP data stream and performing various optimizations including: file caching, forms differencing, protocol reduction, and the elimination of redundant HTTP header transmission.
Abstract: This paper describes an application model and software technology that makes it possible to run World Wide Web applications in wide area wireless networks. Web technology in conjunction with today's mobile devices (e.g., laptops, notebooks, personal digital assistants) and the emerging wireless technologies (e.g., digital cellular, packet radio, CDPD) offer the potential for unprecedented access to data and applications by mobile workers. Yet, the limited bandwidth, high latency, high cost, and poor reliability of today's wireless wide-area networks greatly inhibits (to the point of infeasibility) supporting such applications over wireless networks. This paper presents the Client/Intercept computational model that makes it possible to run such distributed applications efficiently in wide area wireless networks. Furthermore, it presents WebExpress, a client/intercept based system for optimizing Web browsing, that reduces data volume and latency of wireless communications by intercepting the HTTP data stream and performing various optimizations including: file caching, forms differencing, protocol reduction, and the elimination of redundant HTTP header transmission. This paper describes these optimizations and presents some experimental results.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors employ the Kellogg/Chase measures as the basis for a conceptual model linking the CC dimensions of communication time and intimacy with service quality, and report results from an empirical study undertaken in a hotel environment which support the existence of desirable contact levels.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the use of the Method of Fundamental Solutions (MFS) for solving elliptic partial differential equations is investigated, and the performance of various least squares routines used for the solution of the resulting minimization problem is studied.
Abstract: In this work, the use of the Method of Fundamental Solutions (MFS) for solving elliptic partial differential equations is investigated, and the performance of various least squares routines used for the solution of the resulting minimization problem is studied. Two modified versions of the MFS for harmonic and biharmonic problems with boundary singularities, which are based on the direct subtraction of the leading terms of the singular local solution from the original mathematical problem, are also examined. Both modified methods give more accurate results than the standard MFS and also yield the values of the leading singular coefficients. Moreover, one of them predicts the form of the leading singular term.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed multi-period dynamic models for fixed-income portfolio management under uncertainty, using multi-stage stochastic programming with recourse, and evaluated their performance vis-a-vis single-period models.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
04 May 1998
TL;DR: An application of evolutionary-fuzzy prediction in inter-domain routing of broadband network connections with quality of services requirements in the case of an integrated ATM and SDH networking architecture is presented.
Abstract: We present an application of evolutionary-fuzzy prediction in inter-domain routing of broadband network connections with quality of services requirements in the case of an integrated ATM and SDH networking architecture. The higher-layer nature of inter-domain routing requires us to review the whole routing process in order to maximize performance at low decision making cost, a clear case for fuzzy-set logic based algorithms. In order to probabilistically avoid shortage of resources, besides effectively computing the feasible paths for an incoming connection request, under uncertainty, these paths should be compared in terms of the negative impact in resource supply which may be caused by other connections. To do this, besides enriching the protocol with vectors of per-class shadow cost metrics, quantized using fuzzy-set theory, we used a subset-interactive autoregressive time-series predictor which is based on fuzzy measures to evaluate path costs under supply metrics that change over time. Moreover, as the connections we are dealing with are semi-permanent, we must take into account the connections lifetime. The complete system is part of the MISA (Management of Integrated SDH and ATM) network architecture and will be implemented and evaluated in the global broadband connection service of the pan-European test-bed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a conceptual model is presented that explains the decision process through which the most suitable level of involvement for the next generation in the firm may be assessed, which involves four factors: family, business, personal, and market.
Abstract: The involvement of and the reasons for the involvement of offspring in their parents' firms can significantly affect the firm's future. In this paper, a conceptual model is presented that explains the decision process through which the most suitable level of involvement for the next generation in the firm may be assessed. The decision process involves four factors: family, business, personal, and market. These factors set the context for managing intergenerational transitions in family firms.

Journal ArticleDOI
M. Acciarri1, O. Adriani, M. Aguilar-Benitez, S. P. Ahlen2  +441 moreInstitutions (42)
TL;DR: In this article, the formation of the η′ in the reaction e+e−→e+e −η−η′→e−π+π−γ has been measured by the L3 detector at a centre-of-mass energy of 91 GeV.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an experimental solar steam generator, consisting of a parabolic trough collector, a high-pressure steam circuit, and a suitable flash vessel has been constructed and tested in order to establish the thermodynamic performance during heat-up.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors re-evaluate and extend prior studies by examining the incremental ability of cash flows to explain dividend changes, given earnings, and argue that a positive relationship between cash flows and dividend changes should exist due to liquidity and accruals management considerations.
Abstract: The Association between earnings and dividend changes has been established since Lintner’s (1956) pioneering work. Subsequent research attempted to establish an association between operating cash flows and dividend changes, given earnings, without success (Simons, 1994). Recently, there has been increased attention in cash flow reporting. Regulatory bodies worldwide have stressed the significance of cash flow information in capital markets. Research on the association between cash flows and dividends has been limited, yielding inconclusive results. The purpose of this study is to re-evaluate and extend prior studies by examining the incremental ability of cash flows to explain dividend changes, given earnings. We argue that a positive relationship between cash flows and dividend changes should exist due to liquidity and accruals management considerations. The empirical evidence of this study supports that the dividend changes-cash flow relationship is significantly positive (a) when operating cash flows are low compared to earnings, and (b) when firm growth is moderate.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assessed changes in the structure of compensation committees that followed this rule, as well as the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) pay and firm performance and found that, following the new rule, compensation committees include significantly fewer insiders, meet more frequently, and converge to a moderate size.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the time-dependent axisymmetric incompressible Poiseuille and extrudate-swell flows of an Oldroyd-B fluid and demonstrate that viscoelasticity combined with nonlinear slip acts as a storage of elastic energy generating oscillations of the pressure drop similar to those observed experimentally in extrusion instabilities.
Abstract: We demonstrate that viscoelasticity combined with nonlinear slip acts as a storage of elastic energy generating oscillations of the pressure drop similar to those observed experimentally in extrusion instabilities. We consider the time-dependent axisymmetric incompressible Poiseuille and extrudate-swell flows of an Oldroyd-B fluid. We assume that slip occurs along the wall of the die following a slip equation which relates the shear stress to the velocity at the wall and exhibits a maximum and a minimum. We first study the stability of the one-dimensional axisymmetric Poiseuille flow by means of a one-dimensional linear stability analysis and time-dependent calculations. The numerically predicted instability regimes agree well with the linear stability ones. The calculations reveal that periodic solutions are obtained when an unstable steady-state is perturbed and that the amplitude and the period of the oscillations are increasing functions of the Weissenberg number. We then continue to numerically solve the time-dependent two-dimensional axisymmetric Poiseuille and extrudate-swell flows using the elastic-viscous split stress method for the integration of the constitutive equation. Again, oscillations are observed in the unstable regime; consequently, the surface of the extrudate is wavy. However, the amplitude and the period of the pressure drop oscillations are considerably smaller than in the one-dimensional flow. The most important phenomenon revealed by our two-dimensional calculations is that the flow in the die is periodic in the axial direction. (C) 1998 The Society of Rheology.

Journal ArticleDOI
M. Acciarri, O. Adriani, M. Aguilar-Benitez, S. P. Ahlen1  +428 moreInstitutions (41)
TL;DR: In this paper, the anomalous magnetic and electric dipole moments of the tau were determined to be a τ = 0.004±0.023; d τ =(0.0±1.5±1)×10 −16 e· cm.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that long-run non-causality is a necessary and sufficient condition for the autoregressive coefficients in AR representations to be equal to the corresponding coefficients in the VAR.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered the case where the steady-state shear stress:shear rate curve is not monotonic and showed that there is an uncountable infinity of steady state solutions in which the velocity is piecewise linear, the stress is constant and the other stress components are characterized by jump discontinuities.
Abstract: We solve the time-dependent simple shear flow of a Johnson‐Segalman fluid with added Newtonian viscosity. We focus on the case where the steady-state shear stress:shear rate curve is not monotonic. We show that, in addition to the standard smooth linear solution for the velocity, there exists, in a certain range of the velocity of the moving plate, an uncountable infinity of steady-state solutions in which the velocity is piecewise linear, the shear stress is constant and the other stress components are characterized by jump discontinuities. The stability of the steady-state solutions is investigated numerically. In agreement with linear stability analysis, it is shown that steady-state solutions are unstable only if the slope of a linear velocity segment is in the negative-slope regime of the shear stress:shear rate curve. The time-dependent solutions are always bounded and converge to a stable steady state. The number of the discontinuity points and the final value of the shear stress depend on the initial perturbation. No regimes of self-sustained oscillations have been found. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the third coefficient of the lattice beta function associated with the Wilson formulation for both gauge fields and fermions was calculated and the relation between the Lambda-parameter and the bare coupling was analyzed.
Abstract: We calculate the third coefficient of the lattice beta function associated with the Wilson formulation for both gauge fields and fermions. This allows us to evaluate the three-loop correction (linear in $g_0^2$) to the relation between the lattice Lambda-parameter and the bare coupling $g_0$, which is important in order to verify asymptotic scaling predictions. Our calculation also leads to the two-loop relation between the coupling renormalized in the MSbar scheme and $g_0$. The original version of this paper contained a numerical error in one of the diagrams, which has now been corrected. The calculations, as well as the layout of the paper have remained identical, but there are some important changes in the numerical results.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors utilized the methodology of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess the efficiency of secondary schools in Cyprus and provided recommendations for improvement to inefficient schools and discussed managerial implications.
Abstract: This study utilizes the methodology of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to assess the efficiency of secondary schools in Cyprus. Apart from evaluating the relative efficiency of schools, the study provides recommendations for improvement to inefficient schools and discusses managerial implications. Furthermore, empirical findings based on an approach to estimate efficiency environmental effects suggest that no efficiency differences exist between schools operating in rural areas compared to those operating in urban areas.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the characteristics and behaviours of effective primary school principals in Cyprus were identified by a panel of inspectors from the Education Ministry as excellent in their jobs, and the researcher spent between 10 and 15 hours with each of these principals.
Abstract: This article reports on a study which sought to identify the characteristics and behaviours of effective primary school principals in Cyprus. Forty-nine principals were identified by a panel of inspectors from the Ministry as excellent in their jobs. The researcher spent between 10 and 15 hours with each of these principals. Preliminary findings from the interview data he collected indicate that effective principals in Cyprus: (1) have a great love and ambition for their profession; (2) have pride in the national heritage and traditions of their country; (3) are deep thinkers and constant learners; (4) are good administrators; (5) will often take risks by opposing the will of the Ministry; and, (6) are good managers of time.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The paper sketches the history of research that led to the development of current intelligent data analysis techniques, discusses the need for Intelligent data analysis in medicine, and proposes a classification of intelligent dataAnalysis methods.
Abstract: Extensive amounts of knowledge and data stored in medical databases request the development of specialized tools for storing and accessing of data, data analysis, and effective use of stored knowledge and data. This paper focuses on methods and tools for intelligent data analysis, aimed at narrowing the increasing gap between data gathering and data comprehension. The paper sketches the history of research that led to the development of current intelligent data analysis techniques, discusses the need for intelligent data analysis in medicine, and proposes a classification of intelligent data analysis methods. The main scope of the paper are machine learning and temporal abstraction methods and their application in medical diagnosis. A selection of methods and diagnostic domains is presented, and the performance and usefulness of approaches discussed. The paper concludes with the evaluation of selected intelligent data analysis methods and their applicability in medical diagnosis.