Showing papers on "Apportionment published in 2013"

Proportional Representation: Apportionment Methods and Their Applications

Abstract: Exposing Methods: The 2009 European Parliament Elections.- Imposing Constitutionality: The 2009 Bundestag Election.- From Reals to Integers: Rounding Functions, Rounding Rules.- Divisor Methods of Apportionment: Divide and Round.- Quota Methods of Apportionment: Divide and Rank.- Targeting the House Size: Discrepancy Distribution.- Favoring Some at the Expense of Others: Seat Biases.- Preferring Stronger Parties to Weaker Parties: Majorization.- Securing System Consistency: Coherence and Paradoxes.- Appraising Electoral Equality: Goodness-of-Fit Criteria.- Tracing Peculiarities: Vote Thresholds and Majority Clauses.- Truncating Seat Ranges: Minimum-Maximum Restrictions.- Proportionality and Personalization: BWG 2013.- Representing Districts and Parties: Double Proportionality.

Organic aerosol components derived from 25 AMS datasets across Europe using a newly developed ME-2 based source apportionment strategy

Abstract: Introduction Conclusions References

Minimax Multi-District Apportionments

Abstract: The problem of seat apportionment in electoral systems turns out to be quite complex, since no apportionment method exists which succeeds in verifying all the principal fairness criteria. Gambarelli (1999) introduced an apportionment technique which is custom made for each case, respects Hare minimum, Hare maximum and Monotonicity and satisfies other criteria in order of preference. In this chapter a generalization of that method is proposed, in order to extend it to the multi-district election case, where criteria should be respected at a global as well as at a local level. An existence theorem and a generating algorithm are supplied.

Tariff-induced transfer pricing and the CCCTB

Abstract: The common consolidated corporate tax base has been suggested as a way to curb tax avoidance by allocating profits across borders via a formula. This paper demonstrates that when transfer pricing occurs both for tariff and tax minimization, that moving from separate accounting to formula apportionment can actually increase transfer pricing. This, combined with arm's length pricing regulations, can result in lower revenues for high-tax countries and lower overall revenues. This casts additional doubt over whether such a move would have its intended, revenue-enhancing effects.

Turnout and presidential coattails in congressional elections

Abstract: Estimating the impact of turnout on House election results is problematic because of endogeneity and omitted variable bias. The following study proposes an instrumental approach to correct for these problems by using a series of fixed effects two-stage least squares panel-data regression models covering three congressional apportionment cycles (1972–1980; 1982–1990; 1992–2000). The analysis tests whether voter participation decreases the House incumbent’s electoral support, regardless of the level of competition in the district. The study also aims to determine if an increase in participation benefits Democratic candidates and whether this effect is constant across apportionment cycles. The results show that the influence of turnout on incumbency vote share is conditional on the level of presidential support in the district. This finding is explained by the surge and decline thesis of Campbell (1960).

Apportionment Strategies for the European Parliament

Abstract: A solution is proposed to the problem of assigning seats to new countries applying for membership of the European Parliament. This solution is obtained by weighting the populations and Gross Domestic Products of all members. A strategy of optimization for each single country is also studied. The apportionment of seats to incoming members to the European parliament has always been a source of discussion, as no fixed rule has so far been established. The trend in the past has been to take into account the size of population, in an attempt to guarantee representation for the major political parties of each country (cf. Luxembourg) and avoid any reduction in the number of seats held by existing members. The innovation at the Nice European Council was the application of a large number of countries having weaker economies than those of existing members. This involves a considerable increase in the total number of Euro MBPs, many of whom could have influenced decisions of a specifically economic nature to the disadvantage of current members. A solution to this impasse could be to restructure the distribution of seats for all countries using a formula, which takes into account both populations and Gross Domestic Products (GDP). The most direct method consists of adequate weighting of this data. For instance, let populations and GDP percentages of the i-th country shown by Pi and Gi . Suppose that we decide to weight the population with 30% and GDP with 70%. In this case the seat percentages Si of the i-th country would be Si = 0.3Pi + 0.7Gi. Generally speaking, if a is the weighting we wish to assign to the population (0 . a . 1), the resulting seat percentages are Si = aPi + (1 . a)Gi. To transform the seat percentages into real ones, a suitable rounding method can be used (for instance Hondt�fs proportional system, or Hamilton�fs Great Divisors, or Gambarelli�fs minimax apportionment [1999] and so on). Once this method of apportionment has been accepted, it is a question of fixing the value of a to weight the populations and GDP. The value of a strongly characterizes the seat distribution. In fact if a = 0, the seats are assigned proportionally on the basis of the countries�f economic powers, without taking into account the size of population at all. Viceversa if a = 1. Then, a discussion on this can be expected between countries with strong economies and those with weak economies. From an initial examination, it would seem in the interests of countries with higher GDP percentages than their population percentages (Denmark, Finland etc.), to have lower values of a (possibly 0). Viceversa, for countries with lower GDP percentages (Poland, Romania etc.) it would seem in their interests to have high values of a (possibly 1). However, this rule does not always apply. In this presentation a paradox on the matter is illustrated. The work proceeds with an application of these ideas to the new Parliament size, examined in the Nice Council of 2000. The program quoted in [Bilbao, 2000] has been used for our computations. The seat distribution percentages and the related power indices are studied with parameter a varying from 0 to 1 in 10% steps. Other studies are presented in reference to different majority quotas, optimum weight intervals, overcrossing between countries and so on. Here, we limit ourselves to quote that the Netherlands and Ireland, although they have a GDP percentage higher than their population percentage, they do not have the maximum advantage if only the GDP is taken into account (i.e. if a = 0). For these countries the maximum advantage (in terms of Martin-Banzhaf-Coleman index) is achieved with a balanced division (a = 0.3).

Fair Apportionment in the View of the Venice Commission's Recommendation

Abstract: In this paper we analyze the consequences of the fairness recommendation of the Venice Commission in allocating voting districts among larger administrative regions. This recommendation requires the size of any constituency not to differ from the average constituency size by more than a fixed limit. We show that this minimum difference constraint, while attractive per definition, is not compatible with monotonicity and Hare-quota properties, two standard requirements of apportionment rules. We present an algorithm that efficiently finds an allotment such that the differences from the average district size are lexicographically minimized. This apportionment rule is a well-defined allocation mechanism compatible with and derived from the recommendation of the Venice Commission. Finally, we compare this apportionment rule with mainstream mechanisms using real data from Hungary and the United States.

System and method for optimizing resource utilization in a clustered or cloud environment

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes calculating ideal resource apportionments from a current set of consumable resources for each of a plurality of reservations. Each reservation corresponds to one of a plurality of customers. The method further includes running an apportionment process relative to the plurality of reservations. The running includes attempting to apportion to each reservation its ideal resource apportionment. The running yields an actual resource apportionment for each reservation. Each customer's actual resource apportionment comprises a sum of the actual resource apportionments for the customer's reservations. In addition, the method includes, responsive to an indication of unapportioned resources following the running, performing a first optimization to increase resource utilization by at least one needy customer.

On the Apportionment of Administrative Governance Functions within Multi-Campus Universities and University Systems. Research & Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.16.13.

Abstract: Research & Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.16.13 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY http://cshe.berkeley.edu/ ON THE APPORTIONMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE GOVERNANCE FUNCTIONS WITHIN MULTI-CAMPUS UNIVERSITIES AND UNIVERSITY SYSTEMS December 2013 C. Judson King University of California Berkeley ABSTRACT Copyright C. JUDSON KING, all rights reserved Most public universities in the United States are formed into systems, containing more than one university or campus. There are clear rationales for these systems, including overall planning and coordination, budgeting efficiency, and effectiveness of dealings with the state government. The distribution of internal governance functions between the system level and the individual-campus level has, however, been a source of continual tension for understandable reasons. Although there can be no hard and fast rules for the division of administrative functions between the system-wide level and the component campuses, a number of governance principles can be laid out. What is done in a particular instance should recognize commonalities and differences in mission among and within systems, the histories and the maturities of the campuses composing the system, state government constraints, governing board structures, and changing conditions, among other circumstances and needs. Keywords: University Governance, University Systems, Subsidiarity, Decision Processes INTRODUCTION Most public universities in the United States are formed into university systems of one sort or another (Lane & Johnstone, 2013; NASH, 2013; Lee & Bowen, 1971). The origins and natures of these systems vary widely, and their histories often have substantial political components (McGuinness, 2013a). The functional purposes of university systems are typically to provide planning and coordination across the system, to provide a single interface with the state government, and to propose, receive and administer a single state budget for the system. The single state interface and budget should largely preclude political contention among the individual components of the university system at the state-government level. In these important respects, the formation of public universities into systems has been generally very successful. However, this success has not come without tension and struggles within the university systems themselves. It is inherent in the nature and environment of public university systems that there will be pressures and contention with regard to the relative statuses of the component universities and campuses 1 and over the respective roles of system-level and campus-level governance. The system-wide administration works directly with the state government and is thereby more directly influenced by, and subject to, the political process of the state. Many of the interactions between the system leadership and the state government play out in the public sector and the media. These roles of the system-wide administration should shield the individual campuses within the system from direct political influence, which is a considerable benefit. However, those on the campuses tend not to recognize this sheltering, but instead place the “blame” for results of government and political actions on the system-wide administration itself. This often, and perhaps even always, leads to a situation with a degree of misunderstanding and mistrust between the campuses and the system-level administration. That mistrust is intensified on the campuses by seeming remoteness of the system-wide administration and Board of Regents or Trustees. Mistrust can occur in the other direction as well. 1 Some systems are composed of multiple universities and/or colleges, while others are single, multi-campus universities. For convenience I will denote components of systems as “campuses”, including both individual universities or colleges and also campuses that are parts of multi- campus, single-university systems.

House Apportionment 2012: States Gaining, Losing, and on the Margin

Abstract: This report provides figures regarding the population of the 50 states in 2000, which is 281,424,177, a figure 13.4% greater than in 1990.

APPORTIONMENT AND SEQUENTIAL ALLOCATION: Toward a Fair Division Method for the Spratly Islands Dispute

Abstract: In this paper I examine the collective action problem surrounding the Spratly Islands dispute, particularly the distributional conflict dimension. Given the relative gains issue that underlies the lack of cooperation among the claimants, I present apportionment and sequential allocation as an approach to the fair division of sovereignty that accounts for the claims and interests of all parties. I adapt the Webster methods to fit the context of the dispute. Collectively referred to here as the "modified Webster method," the resulting procedure involves two stages: a point allocation process that determines apportionment, and sequencing, which creates the order by which states select territory. The procedure is demonstrated through an example in which the goal of each state is to maximize its geographic security. The results suggest that the modified Webster method yields envy-free and efficient gains for players. I conclude that apportionment and sequential allocation are a constructive starting point for altering the noncooperative behavior among the claimants and reaching a fair political settlement on the Spratly Islands dispute.

Representation and Inequality in Late Nineteenth-Century America: The Politics of Apportionment

Abstract: Review of: "Representation and Inequality in Late Nineteenth-Century America: The Politics of Apportionment," by Peter H Argersinger

Source apportionment of submicron organic aerosol at an urban background and a road site in Barcelona, Spain

Abstract: Introduction Conclusions References

Source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in typical cities of Jilin province

Abstract: The thesis analyzed the atmospheric particulate samples collected in four cities(Jilin,Baicheng,Siping and Tonghua) in Jilin Province and 16 kinds of PAHs were detected in these samples.Principal component analysis and characteristic ratio method were used to qualitatively analyze the PAHs,and two major sources were identified—vehicle emissions and coal combustion.The contributions from the two major sources were measured in further quantitative calculation with absolutely principal component analysis.The results show that: the calculated value of the typical cities of Jilin province is 772.39 μg.g-1,most ratios between calculated and monitoring values are close to 1.The vehicle emissions contributed 2.6%~67.6% of various PAHs,coal combustion 24.1%~121.2%.In addition,the contributions of the two identified sources to different ring-PAHs were also estimated.The 2~3 ring-PAHs were estimated most from coal combustion,about 89%,only 11% from vehicle emissions;the 4 ring-PAHs contributed by the coal combustion were 58%,and vehicle emissions 42%;contributions of the 5-ring PAHs from coal combustion and vehicle emissions were 45% and 55%,respectively;the higher members were mainly contributed by the coal combustion(61%),and vehicle emissions 39%.

A Dynamic Method of the Representatives Apportionment

Abstract: All the federal unions, like the United States of America or the European Union face the issue of finding the right allocation of seats to their member states. There has been a lot of debates in the United States of America since two centuries in order to find the right mechanism to round off the number of representatives per state proportionally to their populations. This problem is now well documented. The existing methods of the representative apportionment actually are based on the max-utility rule, but they just satisfy one or two Fair Apportionment Axioms. To answer this question, we consider to present a dynamic apportionment method which satisfies the three axioms 1, 3 and 4. The calculable program is also presented.

Enterprise electric energy consumption apportioning method

Abstract: The invention discloses an enterprise electric energy consumption apportioning method which comprises the following steps of: firstly, establishing an overall electric energy network node apportioning structure diagram of an enterprise for later use; secondly, describing the electric energy network node apportioning structure diagram obtained in the first step by using a computer; further calculating energy consumption valves of each node engaging in the apportionment; and finally carrying out energy consumption apportionment. According to the method, the electric energy consumption apportionment is carried out automatically by using a computer technique, refining to specific machines, equipment or users, the apportionment process is carried out automatically, and the apportionment method is diverse and detailed.

Source apportionment of airborne particulate matter: An overview of Australian and New Zealand studies

Abstract: To identify the sources of particulate matter, examine the contributions of the sources to the air quality at specific areas and estimate the most likely locations of the sources, a growing number of source apportionment studies have been conducted. This paper provides an overview of the locations of the studies, salient features of the results obtained and offers some perspectives for the improvement of future receptor modelling of air quality in these countries.

Allowing Firms to Choose Between Formula Apportionment and Separate Accounting Taxation 1

Abstract: This paper analyzes the effect on firm behavior and national tax revenues of a policy of allowing multinational firms to choose whether to be taxed under separate accounting rules (transfer prices) or an apportionment formula. Either method can be preferred by low-cost firms and by high-cost firms, and the preferred method can vary non-monotonically with firm cost characteristics. Separate accounting always generates more profitable output and conditional labor demand distortions while either method can generate a more profitable income-shifting distortion. With asymmetric countries, country preferences are only partially aligned with firm preferences due to the fact that countries and firms value tax base distortions differently. With partial alignment of firm and country preferences, choice can increase tax revenues in both

A Study of Real Estate Apportionment and Automatic Calculation Model Based on Spatial Database

Abstract: This article discusses real estate apportionment and automatic calculation model, and achieves automatic calculation of apportionment area, which belongs to real estate thematic map based on Auto CAD secondary development. It also provides a useful approach to generate real estate thematic map automatically, shows a series of software operating procedures, and demonstrates an example of the combination of real estate mapping and spatial database.