Independent Claims Research Articles

Reembedding Lean: The Japanese Cultural and Religious Context of a World Changing Management Concept

James Womack, Daniel Jones, and Daniel Roos rhetorically positioned the management concept “lean” for the business world in the early 1990s, claiming that lean would change the world for the better. In this article, I consider the management concept “lean,” its relation to Japanese history, culture, and religious ideas that were salient in Japanese reasoning about management at the time lean was developed. I discuss the embeddedness of lean and relate my findings to the problem of transfer of managerial practices using transfer models developed in a neoinstitutional framework. Contrary to claims by Womack, Jones, and Ross that lean can be studied and implemented without regard to the context, I show how practices and attitudes considered central to lean have a long-standing history in Japan. They can be traced back to the Tokugawa period (1600–1868) and were salient in the trading houses of early modern Japan, in turn heavily inspired by Japanese religious thinking. Research in management fashion suggests that early success case discourse leads to disappointment and abandonment of management concepts later in their life course. Hence, I suggest that the claims of context independence ultimately have led to a declining interest in lean in the business world.

Asymptotics for random-time ruin probability in a time-dependent renewal risk model with subexponential claims

This paper investigates the asymptotic behavior of the random-time ruin probability in a time-dependent renewal risk model with pairwise quasi-asymptotically independent and subexponential claims, where the time-dependence structure is constructed between a claim size and its inter-arrival time, and described by a conditional tail probability of the claim size given the inter-arrival time before the claim occurs. In particular, the results we obtained are also valid for the finite-time ruin probability.

The Independence Case in Comparative Perspective

AbstractScotland is not the only sub‐state unit in Europe where relevant political actors make claims for independence. To generate insights on these independence demands, we compare the drivers, arguments and popular support for secession in Scotland, the Basque Country, Catalonia and Flanders. We argue that national identity, party politics and the economy are behind the independence requests, and the exact articulation of these elements varies from case to case. Currently, the most salient of these demands are the ones from Catalonia; Basque demands for self‐determination are less prominent than in the past, whereas the demand for a vote on independence is much less articulated in Flanders. Although the Scottish independence referendum has set a precedent for solving independence disputes, we argue that the possibilities of exporting the Scottish referendum experience to other realities are limited.

Ruin probabilities for Bayesian exchangeable claims processes

Among the driving assumptions in classical collective risk models, the independence among claims is frequently violated by real applications. Therefore, there is an evident need of models that relax such a restriction. We undertake the exchangeable claims platform and obtain some results for the infinite time ruin probability. The main result is that the ruin probability under the exchangeable claims model can be represented as the expected value of the ruin probabilities corresponding to certain independent claims cases. This allows us to extend some classical results to this dependent claims scenario. The main tool is based on the de Finetti’s representation theorem for exchangeable random variables, and as a consequence a natural Bayesian modeling feature for risk processes becomes available. In particular, an interesting redefinition of the net profit condition is necessary.

A two-level parser for patent claim parsing

Patent claim parsing can contribute in many patent-related applications, such as patent search, information extraction, machine translation and summarization. However, patent claim parsing is difficult due to the special structure of patent claims. To overcome this difficulty, the challenges facing the patent claim parsing were first investigated and the peculiarities of claim syntax that obstruct dependency parsing were highlighted. To handle these peculiarities, this study proposes a new two-level parser, in which a conventional parser is imbedded. A patent claim is pre-processed in order to remove peculiarities before passed to the conventional parser. The process is based on a new dependency-based syntax called Independent Claim Segment Dependency Syntax (ICSDS). This two-lever parser has demonstrated promising improvement for patent claim parsing on both effectiveness and efficiency over the conventional parser.

On the expected discounted penalty function for a risk model with two classes of claims and random incomes

In this paper, we consider a risk model with two independent classes of insurance risks and random incomes. We assume that the two independent claim counting processes are, respectively, the Poisson and the Erlang(2) process. When the individual premium sizes are exponentially distributed, the explicit expressions for the Laplace transforms of the expected discounted penalty functions are derived. We prove that the expected discounted penalty functions satisfy some defective renewal equations. By employing an associated compound geometric distribution, the analytic expressions for the solutions of the defective renewal equations are obtained. Assuming that the distributions of premium sizes have rational Laplace transforms, we also give the explicit representations for the Laplace transforms of the expected discounted penalty functions.

Asymptotic behavior of the finite-time ruin probability with pairwise quasi-asymptotically independent claims and constant interest force

This paper will obtain an asymptotic formula of the finite-time ruin probability in a generalized risk model with constant interest force, in which the claim sizes are pairwise quasi-asymptotically independent and their arrival process is an arbitrary counting process. In particular, when the claim inter-arrival times follow a certain dependence structure, the result obtained can also include an asymptotic formula for the infinite-time ruin probability.

Is there an Al-Jazeera–Qatari nexus? A study of Al-Jazeera’s online reporting throughout the Qatari–Saudi conflict

This article evaluates the high-profile accusations published on Wikileaks that Al-Jazeera was used as a diplomatic tool by Qatar, with the 2002–2007 Qatari–Saudi conflict serving as a case study. The analysis is aimed at revealing whether the conflict affected Al-Jazeera’s coverage of Saudi affairs, specifically whether Al-Jazeera Arabic ( N = 285) and Al-Jazeera English ( N = 220) websites increased the volume of articles casting Saudi Arabia in a negative light and decreased the volume of articles casting Saudi Arabia in a positive light throughout the conflict, relative to the pre- and post-conflict periods. The analysis of Al-Jazeera Arabic reveals a very strong relationship between the tone towards Saudi affairs and timing relative to the Saudi–Qatari conflict ( χ2(14) = 101.57, Cramer’s V = 0.42, p < .001), with a dramatic rise in articles criticizing Saudi Arabia for human rights violations and support of terrorism during the conflict. By contrast, the authors found no significant differences between the conflict and post-conflict coverage of Saudi affairs by Al-Jazeera English. The study indicates that the Al-Jazeera Arabic output was highly coordinated with Qatari interests, casting doubt on its claim of independence from Qatari interests.

ASYMPTOTIC RUIN PROBABILITIES IN A GENERALIZED JUMP-DIFFUSION RISK MODEL WITH CONSTANT FORCE OF INTEREST

This paper studies the asymptotic behavior of the finite-time ruin probability in a jump-diffusion risk model with constant force of interest, upper tail asymptotically independent claims and a general counting arrival process. Particularly, if the claim inter-arrival times follow a certain dependence structure, the obtained result also covers the case of the infinite-time ruin probability.

Asymptotic ruin probabilities in a generalized bidimensional risk model perturbed by diffusion with constant force of interest

In the paper, we study three types of finite-time ruin probabilities in a diffusion-perturbed bidimensional risk model with constant force of interest, pairwise strongly quasi-asymptotically independent claims and two general claim arrival processes, and obtain uniformly asymptotic formulas for times in a finite interval when the claims are both long-tailed and dominatedly-varying-tailed. In particular, with a certain dependence structure among the inter-arrival times, these formulas hold uniformly for all times when the claims are pairwise quasi-asymptotically independent and consistently-varying-tailed.

Ruin probabilities for an insurance company based on some stochastic risk models

The paper is concerned with a stochastic risk model with independent random claims and premiums. Recurrence formulas for the ruin probabilities of an insurance company at times of claim payments are obtained. Both the random premiums and the insurance damages are assumed to be independent and identically distributed. The number of claims and premiums are independent Poisson processes, both of which are independent of the size of premiums and claims. We consider the case when the random premiums and insurance damages are exponentially distributed and the more general case when they are gamma distributed with integer parameters. Based on the probabilities obtained in this paper, it is possible to calculate the ruin probabilities on infinite and finite time intervals. Examples are given.

The development of agroexperts institution

In the article it is discusses the current state of for independent expertise institutition claims in crop insurance. It describes the problems faced by the expert community in the development of this direction. Based on the practical experience obtained by the expert activity and work with the specific insurance cases, the proposed solutions to the problems.

The “Tibet question”: Tibetan, Chinese and Western perspectives

The historical conflict between Tibet and China goes back almost a thousand years. Both sides use history to argue their point about the core issues in this dispute – Tibet's claim of independence and autonomy, and China's of suzerainty. This article looks at the historical roots of this conflict, particularly since 1949, when China began its gradual takeover of Tibet. Chinese policies toward Tibet, which have been driven by a desire to communize and sinicize Tibet, has been met by stiff resistance from the Tibetans, who see Han Chinese dominance as a force that will, over time, destroy Tibet's unique religion, language, culture, and history. This resistance has drawn the attention of the West, who see Chinese policies in Tibet as a symbol of the failings of Beijing's rulers to embrace a strong commitment to human rights at the same time that China is becoming a global economic power. The 14th Dalai Lama, a key figure in this conflict, and his government-in-exile have served as bridges to Western efforts to try to force Beijing to embrace more open, humane policies toward Tibetans throughout China. His retirement as political head of the exile government in 2011, coupled with China's growing economic and strategic power globally, raises serious questions about the willingness of the USA, and other democratic powers to risk their relationships with Beijing to continue to promote true human rights and autonomy throughout the Tibetan Plateau.

ISO auditing and the construction of trust in auditor independence

Purpose – This paper aims to examine, through a qualitative study, how auditor independence is socially constructed within the network of individuals involved in the realization of ISO 14001 audit engagements – ISO auditors, consultants, and managers of certified companies. The paper analysis focuses on the sense-making strategies used by actors within the network to develop and sustain trust (or doubt) in professional independence. Design/methodology/approach – This study is predicated on a theoretical perspective centered on sense-making processes and the construction of inter-subjective meanings around claims to expertise. Interviews were conducted with 36 Canadian practitioners – including ISO auditors, managers of certification bodies, accreditation inspectors, consultants, and corporate environmental managers – to better understand how confidence into auditor independence is constituted in the flow of daily life within the small group of people involved in the surroundings of ISO 14001 audit engagements. Findings – Practitioners use a range of sense-making strategies to construct and maintain the belief that IS0 14001 audits meet the professional requirements of auditor independence. As such, the constitution of confidence involves stereotyping, distancing, storytelling and procedural mechanisms that are collectively mobilized in the production of a culture of comfort surrounding the concept of auditor independence. Originality/value – Through interviews with a range of actors involved in the achievement of ISO 14001 audits, the study provides insight into the production of meaning related to one of the chief claims surrounding auditing expertise, that of professional independence. This paper also points to a lack of self-criticism in the ISO auditing community since practitioners seem disinclined to adopt a reflective attitude of professional skepticism towards the claim of auditor independence.

Survival probabilities in bivariate risk models, with application to reinsurance

This paper deals with an insurance portfolio that covers two interdependent risks. The central model is a discrete-time bivariate risk process with independent claim increments. A continuous-time version of compound Poisson type is also examined. Our main purpose is to develop a numerical method for determining non-ruin probabilities over a finite-time horizon. The approach relies on, and exploits, the existence of a special algebraic structure of Appell type. Some applications in reinsurance to the joint risks of the cedent and the reinsurer are presented and discussed, under a stop-loss or excess of loss contract.

Validation of claims‐based algorithms for identification of high‐grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer

High-grade cervical dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse has been widely used as a surrogate endpoint in cervical cancer screening or prevention trials. To identify high-grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer, we developed claims-based algorithms that incorporated a combination of diagnosis and procedure codes using the billing data in an electronic medical records database and assessed the validity of the algorithms in an independent administrative claims database. We calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) of each algorithm, using new cytologic or pathologic diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3, carcinoma in situ, or cervical cancer as the gold standard. Having ≥1 diagnosis code for high-grade cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer had a PPV of 57.1% (95%CI, 54.7-59.5%). By requiring ≥2 diagnoses for high-grade cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer, separated by 7-30 days, the PPV increased to 60.2% (95%CI, 53.9-66.1%). At least two diagnoses and a procedure code within a month from the first diagnosis date yielded a PPV of 80.7% (95%CI, 73.6-86.2%). The algorithms had greater PPVs in identifying prevalent high-grade cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer. Overall, the PPVs of these algorithms were similar or slightly lower in the external claims data than in the sample used to derive the algorithms. Use of ≥2 diagnosis codes in combination with a procedure code appears to be a valid tool for studying high-grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer in both electronic medical record and administrative claims databases.

Differences in rates of hypoglycemia and health care costs in patients treated with insulin aspart in pens versus vials

Objectives:To study whether initiation of insulin aspart therapy with a pen vs. a vial/syringe has an impact on the risk of subsequent hypoglycemic episodes and health care costs.Methods:This was a longitudinal, retrospective analysis of the MarketScan and IMS LifeLink health plan claims databases for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who initiated insulin aspart with a pen or a vial/syringe. Included were adults (≥18 years) who had received no short-acting insulin for the 6 months prior to their index date (date of first claim for either treatment) and who initiated treatment with insulin aspart with a pen or with a conventional vial/syringe during the period from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2007, based on outpatient pharmacy claims data. Patients were excluded if they did not have at least two claims for the index treatment during the 12 month post-index period. Hypoglycemic episodes were identified by any claim containing a diagnosis code for hypoglycemia.Results:Analyses include 6065 patients in the pen group and 5523 patients in the vial/syringe group in the MarketScan database and 4512 patients in the pen group and 3782 patients in the vial/syringe group in the LifeLink database. Vial/syringe use was associated with 35% greater odds of at least one hypoglycemic episode than pen use in the MarketScan database (P < 0.001) and 44% greater odds in the LifeLink database (P < 0.001). Use of vials/syringes was associated with 89% and 62.7% greater health care costs for hypoglycemic events than use of pens, respectively (P < 0.001 for both databases). Patient groups were subject to selection bias as they did not have random assignment to treatment groups.Conclusions:In two independent claims databases, initiation of insulin aspart treatment with pen was associated with fewer hypoglycemic events and lower diabetes-related health care costs than initiation with vial/syringe.

Transfer effects in the vocal imitation of speech and song.

In this study, we investigated how practice imitations of speech impacted imitations of songs and vice versa. Participants were first asked to practice imitating sung or spoken sequences, and then to imitate a new sequence, which could differ with respect to domain (speaking or singing), global pitch contour (question vs. statement pattern), and/or words. Pitch accuracy during transfer was affected by changes to domain and contour, but not text. Somewhat surprisingly, best transfer was found either when both domain and contour remained the same or both changed. Transfer performance suffered when only one feature changed and the other remained consistent. Analyses of individual differences showed that poor-pitch imitators had a harder time adopting the pitch structure of new sequences, regardless of whether the sequence was speech or song. Results were not consistent with claims for either independence or complete integration of music and language, but instead argue for differences in domain possibly based on the salience of pitch structures in the signal.Keywords: vocal imitation, imitation learning, poor-pitch singers, generalization(ProQuest: ... denotes formula omitted.)Debate concerning the systems underlying music and language has centered around the processing of pitch. The influential modular model of Peretz and Coltheart (2003) focuses on processing of pitch as a critical difference between the domains. Specifically, this model predicts that pitch information within a musical context (e.g., in song) is processed by a tonal encoding module independent of spoken pitch. Other accounts, here termed integrationist, propose that pitch is processed similarly in both speech and musical contexts (e.g., Koelsch, 2011; Koelsch & Seibel, 2005). For instance, Koelsch and Siebel (2005; see also Koelsch, 2011) propose that the extraction of meaning from pitch and timbre occurs in similar modules for speech and music. Similarly, several auditory scene analysis models (e.g., Bregman, 1990; Patterson, Allerhand, & Giguere, 1995; Yost, 2007) propose that the perception of speech and music is formed by the same set of computations.The validity of independence versus integrationist accounts for pitch perception in music and language continues to be a source of debate. However, our perspective has to do with the ability to produce pitch patterns by imitation. Two points motivate this focus. First, research in both music and language cognition is dominated by perception as opposed to production, leaving open to question whether similar effects found in perception research also hold for production. Second, research has suggested that some individuals exhibit a production-specific musical pitch deficit, here termed poor-pitch singing (Pfordresher & Brown, 2007; Roberts & Davies, 1975; Welch, 1979), that may exist in the absence of any perceptual deficit such as congenital amusia (Peretz et al., 2002). Both points led us to explore whether the imitative production of speech incorporates a pitch processing system that is distinct from the imitative production of song.Independent Versus Integrationist Views of Music and LanguageModels of music and language processing can be said to fall along a continuum bracketed by the extreme views of full independence and complete integration. A fully independent view, following Fodor's description of modularity (Fodor, 1983, 2000), conceptualizes speech processing as comprising a distinct (domain specific) set of processing modules that are not shared with music processing, and furthermore are not influenced by information processing that occurs within the music system (information encapsulation). A similar set of constraints should exist for music processing. One view that approximates this approach, though focusing on domain specificity rather than encapsulation, is the aforementioned model of Peretz and Coltheart (2003). With respect to pitch processing-whether in perception or production-a fully independent view would predict that constraints or benefits associated with pitch processing in one domain (e. …

The Speed of the Snail: The Zapatistass Autonomy De Facto and the Mexican State

The recent re-emergence of autonomy as a central demand in many social movements across the world (which involve claims for self-determination, organisational self-management and independence vis-a-vis the state and capital) has opened a theoretical space to re-think its meanings in novel ways. Particularly interesting are in this regard autonomous practices, which have been presented by movements as offering an alternative to social relations of capitalism. In this paper I offer an illustrative case study of new political and juridical bodies (the ‘Snails’ and Good Government Council) operated by the Zapatista movement in the Chiapas region, Mexico. I use this case to illustrate the Zapatista’s struggle for autonomy with, against and beyond the Mexican State, and the role of the law and policy making in disciplining the rebel communities of Chiapas. By exploring the Zapatistas’ critique of civil society and development, I engage with Bloch’s ‘principle of hope’ in order to theorise autonomy as a form of ‘organising hope’. I suggest that autonomy delineates spaces where a utopian impulse is articulated, made concrete, realised, experienced, and also disappointed. The data presented comes from the author’s research project on social movements and collective autonomy in Latin America (RES-155-25-0007) funded by the ‘Non-Governmental Public Action’ programme of the Economic and Social Research Council, United Kingdom.

Finite- and Infinite-Time Ruin Probabilities with General Stochastic Investment Return Processes and Bivariate Upper Tail Independent and Heavy-Tailed Claims

In this paper we investigate the asymptotic behaviors of the finite- and infinite-time ruin probabilities for a Poisson risk model with stochastic investment returns which constitute a general adapted càdlàg process and heavy-tailed claim sizes which are bivariate upper tail independent. The results of this paper show that the asymptotic ruin probabilities are dominated by the extreme of insurance risk but not by that of investment risk. As applications of the results, we discuss four special cases when the investment returns are determined by a fractional Brownian motion, an integrated Vasicek model, an integrated Cox–Ingersoll–Ross model, and the Heston model.