This paper considers alternative methods to estimate econometric models based on bilateral data when only aggregate information on the dependent variable is available. Such methods can be used to obtain an indication of the sign and magnitude of bilateral model parameters and, more importantly, to decompose aggregate into bilateral data, which can then be used as proxy variables in further empirical analysis. We perform a Monte Carlo study and carry out a simple real world application using intra-EU trade and capital flows, showing that the methods considered work reasonably well and are worthwhile being considered in the absence of bilateral data. (authors' abstract) / Series: Department of Economics Working Paper Series

This paper considers alternative methods to estimate econometric models based on bilateral data when only aggregate information on the dependent variable is available. Such methods can be used to obtain an indication of the sign and magnitude of bilateral model parameters and, more importantly, to decompose aggregate into bilateral data, which can then be used as proxy variables in further empirical analysis. We perform a Monte Carlo study and carry out a simple real world application using intra-EU trade and capital flows, showing that the methods considered work reasonably well and are worthwhile being considered in the absence of bilateral data. (authors' abstract)

The methodologies of Modernism and Industrialization and the rigorous application thereof, in isolation, led to a condition where space and place is fragmented, segregated and disconnected by lost, decayed and left over space. It separated the spatial and experiential whole from the human user who inhabits; depends on and experience the space, and failed to contribute to a meaningful livable public realm. The loss in character; uniqueness and indigenous meaningfulness have led to a condition where humans are alienated from their original invention for community: the city. The inter-relational connection between ecological-; anthropological- and technological systems are disconnected resulting in a condition where resource consumption and availability are no longer in relational proportion to one another and where revolutionary intervention is needed to ensure the continuation of the current living standard and requirements of humanity without degrading the quality for future generations. This dissertation focuses on the reintegration of anthropological; ecological and technological systems into a holistic, co-habitational intervention on urban; building and detail scale and the establishment of a human and nature centric spatially orientated framework. Attempting to reconsolidate lost; fragmented; left over; mechanistic&decayed space and structure along the ecological corridor of Hammanskraal Industrial zone. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

This dissertation focuses on the re-conceptualization of Pretoria Central Business District (CBD), grounding the hypothesis within Paul Kruger Street. The author aims to provide a newfound approach to this historical connection, transforming the interpretative experience of the urban environment as a stage from where the city operates as a place of fantasy, covet, and imagination. The project will demonstrate how the inception of a Virtual Landscape can renew perceptions of the city and pave the way towards a new paradigm. Grounding the Virtual Landscape within a real world scenario, the final phase of the dissertation aims to position this ideology of the imagined landscape within a real world context. The Virtual Landscape aims to inform the grounded design proposal, adding to the experience of place and time. The user’s understanding of place cannot be separated from time. The motivation behind the dissertation exists as a critique on the city of Pretoria, where the in situ experience of place is thin, and the experience is swiftly forgotten. The findings from the investigation of the Virtual Landscape constructed the hypothesis as a contributor to the thickening of the place that extends beyond the veneer. The research question originates from the theory of the Virtual Landscape, questioning whether this theory can be applied within contemporary landscape architecture design. The hypothesis is introduced on five sites in Pretoria on a framework level as representations of the Virtual Landscape. One site is selected and tested against the process of the Virtual Landscape from its influences, the Virtual Landscape, representations of the Virtual Landscape and the material landscape (design proposal). The final stage of the dissertation investigates the technical resolution of the design proposal. / Dissertaion ML(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Architecture / ML(Prof) / Unrestricted

The façade as boundary is studied in an attempt to create a public ground floor where boundaries start functioning as thresholds. It could be argued that the boundary [potential threshold] becomes the introduction to the interior space. The study will explore the effect of an interior application on its surrounding urban context and whether an interior intervention can add a positive contribution to the neighbourhood regeneration. The perceived limit of interior design will be extended to include the boundary as an integral part of the design. The project will address the lack of communication between the interior and the exterior context. The boundary will be considered the end of exterior space and the start of interior space. The theory is applied to a site located in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. / Dissertation MInt (Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Architecture / MInt(Prof) / Unrestricted

Many unemployed construction workers, some with years of trade experience, often travel vast distances to the city and congregate daily at certain places in the city, hoping to earn a day’s wages and. Some have to sleep on the street and in parks, only to wait, hope and believe that the following day an employment opportunity will arise. The study adresses unemployment and the physical, metaphysical and socio-economic boundaries which exists around building supply stores. This dissertation aims at uplifting the unemployed who do not have formal qualifications and are willing to work with acquired trades on site. The prospective workers claim to be skilled in trades such as painting, brick laying, plumbing and plastering. The study investigates how architecture can diffuse the boundaries between the possible employees and the unskilled workers by advertising how skills are being taught and transferred to the workforce Using the Builders Warehouse franchise chain, three different training centre typologies are proposed in the parking areas of the stores based on size, number of unemployed gathering in the area and available parking bays. The programme focuses on providing proper training based on the training programme of the Atteridgeville Campus of the Tshwane Technical College where the workers can obtain a skill with an associated qualification as determined by CETA (Construction Education Training Authority). Training provided will also focus on new technologies and materials as well as energy efficient building materials. Ultimately the Training Centre should become a threshhold, to foster mutually beneficial relationships to be formed between the building supply store, clients and unskilled or unemployed workers gathering around the store. The investigation of the problem of unemployed construction workers initiated the development of a architectural typology, termed “trade architecture”. / Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

Spatial interaction models of the gravity type are widely used to model origindestination flows. They draw attention to three types of variables to explain variation in spatial interactions across geographic space: variables that characterise an origin region of a flow, variables that characterise a destination region of a flow, and finally variables that measure the separation between origin and destination regions. This paper outlines and compares two approaches, the spatial econometric and the eigenfunction-based spatial filtering approach, to deal with the issue of spatial autocorrelation among flow residuals. An example using patent citation data that capture knowledge flows across 112 European regions serves to illustrate the application and the comparison of the two approaches.(authors' abstract)

This paper deals with the question of neolithisation of Southern Scandinavia. The main goal is to give an overview of three theories regarding how agriculture and livestock breeding was introduced to the Southern Scandinavia. These are as follows: the immigration theory, the socio-economic theory and the historical explanation theory. Furthermore it is investigated which theory has the most probably support in material culture. There are obvious difficulties in interpreting the archaeological material. Some solutions which could resolve these problems are presented by the author. And finally suggestions are made where future resources in research should be aimed, to get the discussion regarding the neolithisation of Southern Scandinavia, to move forward.

We analyze by simulation the properties of two time domain and two frequency domain estimators for low order autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average Gaussian models, ARFIMA (p,d,q). The estimators considered are the exact maximum likelihood for demeaned data, EML, the associated modified profile likelihood, MPL, and the Whittle estimator with, WLT, and without tapered data, WL. Length of the series is 100. The estimators are compared in terms of pile-up effect, mean square error, bias, and empirical confidence level. The tapered version of the Whittle likelihood turns out to be a reliable estimator for ARMA and ARFIMA models. Its small losses in performance in case of ``well-behaved" models are compensated sufficiently in more ``difficult" models. The modified profile likelihood is an alternative to the WLT but is computationally more demanding. It is either equivalent to the EML or more favorable than the EML. For fractionally integrated models, particularly, it dominates clearly the EML. The WL has serious deficiencies for large ranges of parameters, and so cannot be recommended in general. The EML, on the other hand, should only be used with care for fractionally integrated models due to its potential large negative bias of the fractional integration parameter. In general, one should proceed with caution for ARMA(1,1) models with almost canceling roots, and, in particular, in case of the EML and the MPL for inference in the vicinity of a moving average root of +1. (author's abstract) / Series: Preprint Series / Department of Applied Statistics and Data Processing

Based on a database of 368 merger cases scrutinized by the European Commission (EC) between 1990 and 2007, we evaluate the economic impact of the change in European merger legislation in 2004. We propose a general framework to assess merger policy effectiveness, focusing on four different policy dimensions: 1) predictability, 2) decision errors, 3) reversion of anti-competitive rents, and 4) deterrence. We compare the results before and after the reform, finding that the "more economic approach" resulted in improved ex-ante predictability of decisions and a reduction of the frequency of type I errors. Merger policy enforcement deters anti-competitive mergers without over-deterring pro-competitive transactions. Yet, the policy shift away from prohibitions, which are effective as a policy tool and as a deterrence mechanism, does not seem to be well grounded. (authors' abstract)