Physics and economics are two disciplines that share the common challenge of linking microscopic and macroscopic behaviors. However, while physics is based on collective dynamics, economics is based on individual choices. This conceptual difference is one of the main obstacles one has to overcome in order to characterize analytically economic models. In this paper, we build both on statistical ...

in this paper, the effect of trade openness on growth is examined across the members of organization of the islamic conference (oic) by using convergence-growth equation and gmm-system dynamic panel data estimator over the period 1980-2009. the results show that the overall trade, the trade with non-oic countries, and the investment in physical and human capital stimulate economic growth. in co...

the problem of navigation among movable obstacles (namo) is to find a collision free path for a robot while the robot is able to manipulate and transfer some objects (if possible or needed) to clear its path toward the goal. namo is a np-complete problem and is in a class of motion planning problems that have dynamic environments. in this domain, an optimal plan for the robot can be defined wit...

The principles described in this white paper apply to many provider-payor business and professional relationships. The development of this document is necessitated by business practices by some payors, radiology benefits management companies (RBMs), and providers that are arguably creating excessively restrictive and burdensome obstacles to the delivery of patient care. The purpose of this pape...

This article presents some of the most salient qualitative results from a larger program evaluation of pregnant and parenting adolescents who participated in a community-based doula program. Using grounded theory analysis, seven problem-solving strategies emerged that doulas apply in helping pregnant and parenting adolescents navigate multiple social and health settings that often serve as barr...

This paper examines the role played by socioeconomic and spatial planning in the development of China’s first special economic zone (SEZ), Shenzhen. More specifically, it analyzes the impacts of socioeconomic fiveand ten-year plans and Master Layout Plans in Shenzhen’s metamorphosis from an industry-based SEZ relying on domestic investment (early 1980s) to a modern metropolis sustained by an ex...

Tax reform has been an integral part of the economic reforms of most countries that have undertaken structural adjustment programmes. Even in the developed countries, tax reforms have been a prominent feature during the 1980s. One of the important reasons impelling governments of the developing countries embarking on economic reform programmes to undertake tax reform has been the need to cut th...

Although a millennium ago the Middle East was not an economic laggard, by the 18 century it exhibited clear signs of economic backwardness. The reason for this transformation is that certain components of the region’s legal infrastructure stagnated as their Western counterparts gave way to the modern economy. Among the institutions that generated evolutionary bottlenecks are the Islamic law of ...