Nonlinear dynamics in discretionary accruals: An analysis of bank loan-loss provisions

Several studies have analyzed discretionary accruals to address earnings-smoothing behaviors in the banking industry. We argue that the characteristic link between accruals and earnings may be nonlinear, since both the incentives to manipulate income and the practical way to do so depend partially on the relative size of earnings. Given a sample of 15,268 US banks over the period 1996–2011, the main results in this paper suggest that, depending on the size of earnings, bank managers tend to engage in earnings-decreasing strategies when earnings are negative (“big-bath”), use earnings-increasing strategies when earnings are positive, and use provisions as a smoothing device when earnings are positive and substantial (“cookie-jar” accounting). This evidence, which cannot be explained by the earnings-smoothing hypothesis, is consistent with the compensation theory. Neglecting nonlinear patterns in the econometric modeling of these accruals may lead to misleading conclusions regarding the characteristic strategies used in earnings management.

Logical Modeling and Dynamical Analysis of Cellular Networks

The logical (or logic) formalism is increasingly used to model regulatory and signaling networks. Complementing these applications, several groups contributed various methods and tools to support the definition and analysis of logical models. After an introduction to the logical modeling framework and to several of its variants, we review here a number of recent methodological advances to ease the analysis of large and intricate networks. In particular, we survey approaches to determine model attractors and their reachability properties, to assess the dynamical impact of variations of external signals, and to consistently reduce large models. To illustrate these developments, we further consider several published logical models for two important biological processes, namely the differentiation of T helper cells and the control of mammalian cell cycle.

Predicting the demand for high occupancy vehicle lanes. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Traffic Management and IVHS, Washington, D.C.

A computer program (VEHSIM) for vehicle fuel economy and performance simulation (automobiles and light trucks). Volume I: description and analysis. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

A computer program (VEHSIM) for vehicle fuel economy and performance simulation (automobiles and light trucks). Volume II: users guide. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

A computer program (VEHSIM) for vehicle fuel economy and performance simulation (automobiles and light trucks). Volume IV: enhancements. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington D.C.

A computer program (HEVSIM) for heavy duty vehicle fuel economy and performance simulation. Volume II: users' manual. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

A computer program (HEVSIM) for heavy duty vehicle fuel economy and performance simulation. Volume III: appendices A through F. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

A computer program (HEVSIM) for heavy duty vehicle fuel economy and performance simulation. Volume I: description and analysis. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

Statistical analyses of commercial vehicle accident factors. Volume II - summary report. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Vehicle fog lighting: an analytical evaluation. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

The energy and environmental consequences of increased vehicle size and weight - volume I - final report.

Transportation Department, Research and Special Programs Administration, Washington, D.C.

Finite element modeling of motor vehicles. Protocol for developing INGRID data input desks for DYNA3D computer code. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Safety and Traffic Operations Research Development, McLean, Va.

Consumer behavior towards fuel efficient vehicles. Volume IV: operating instructions and programs documentation for the CS Vehicle Choice Simulation Model. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Technology Assessment Division, Washington, D.C.

Vehicles-in-use sub-limit maneuvers. Volume II: multi-vehicle test validation. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Vehicle Engineering Research Division, Washington, D.C.