Bjarne Madsen

Theoretical and operational issues in sub-regional economic modelling, illustrated through the development and application of the LINE model

Abstract Regional economic models have traditionally focussed on the market for goods and services and have usually been input–output based, utilising large regional units. Sub-regional or local economic modelling has, on the other hand, traditionally been concerned with specific, isolated (and often urban) economic phenomena, such as labour markets, commuting, tourism and shopping. Theory and models linking the regional economy and activities at sub-regional level are weakly developed, even though the links between these two levels are fundamental in understanding basic mechanisms in the spatial economy at the sub-regional level and, therefore, ultimately also at the regional level. This article examines theoretically the nature of these links through the perspective of a recently developed disaggregated sub-regional general equilibrium economic model, LINE, and discusses related operational problems and strategies. A concrete application of the model to analyse the effects of changing transport costs and bridge tolls in Denmark on economic activity at sub-regional level is presented, illustrating the issues raised.

Spatial accounting methods and the construction of spatial social accounting matrices

Abstract The paper examines modifications to Regional Accounts used to construct regional and interregional Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs). It is argued that as the size of the basic areal unit used in studies declines, more traditional accounting approaches are no longer satisfactory. A three-dimensional spatial approach (termed two-by-two-by-two) to the identification of fundamental dimensions (commodity and factor market; geographical; and social accounts) has been developed in contrast to the more traditional non-spatial approach (termed two-by-two). This involves a novel approach using the geographical concepts of place of production for production activities, place of residence for institutions, marketplace for commodities and marketplace for factors. The use of these concepts permits accounting balances to be calculated at the spatial level. The theoretical basis of the spatial regional accounting model is presented and an example of the construction of a Danish Interregional SAM (SAM-K) is examined. Particular attention is given to data requirements, showing that these are much more modest than generally assumed.

TOWARDS A NEW FRAMEWORK FOR ACCOUNTING AND MODELLING THE REGIONAL AND LOCAL IMPACTS OF TOURISM

We identify four different approaches to estimate the regional and local impacts of tourism based on national accounts and economic modelling: The supply approach, the simple demand or commodity approach, the simple satellite account approach involving tourism satellite accounts based on social accounting, and the extended satellite account approach. Based upon a general interregional quantity model for tourism, empirical evidence on the impacts of tourism on 98 Danish municipalities is presented. We conclude that the four approaches give very different results, both in absolute and in relative terms.

Decomposition analysis: an extended theoretical foundation and its application to the study of regional income growth in Denmark

The paper presents an extended interregional social accounting matrix (SAM) framework, derived from a Danish interregional computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, as the basis for a decomposition of regional income growth in Denmark in the period 1980–98. The decomposition analysis indicates that there is some evidence for a reversal in the trend of location of economic activity in Denmark in the 1990s and provides evidence on the causes of this trend reversal.

A Systems Approach to Modelling the Regional Economic Effects of Road Pricing

In Denmark, there has been a substantial debate in recent years concerning the consequences of introducing road pricing. This chapter examines some of the regional economic consequences of the full implementation of a GIS-based road pricing system for all roads in Denmark. A Danish model system (MERGE) consisting of an Interregional General Equilibrium model, LINE, a national transport model (LTM model) and an environmental sub-model (TIC-MAP) are presented. LINE is used to make an initial analysis of the primary regional economic effects. In the first step, price changes as a result of road pricing are calculated. In the second step, changes in regional competitiveness affecting demand are calculated. In the final step, revenue from road pricing is re-entered in order to ensure institutional balance and the effects on production, income and employment are calculated.

Regional Economic Modeling in Denmark: Construction of an Interregional SAM with Data at High Levels of Disaggregation, Subject to National Constraints

Philip Israilevich made significant contributions to regional economics and regional science in a number of fields. He is particularly well known for his work on structural change in regional economies (Hewings, et al., 1998, Israilevich, et al., 1997) and for his work on regional economic performance in a decision-making context (Schindler, et al., 1997). He had scientific interests in a related set of issues concerning estimation of regional input-output coefficients, embedded in an accounting framework (Israilevich, et al., 1996), and in the broader context of CGE models (Israilevich 2001). Issues related to the use of survey data and non-survey methods in the determination of input-output coefficients were important themes in his work (Jackson, et al., 1992) and in a 1991 paper (Israilevich and Hewings, 1991) he combines individual establishment-level data with non-survey based regional purchase coefficients to examine the assumption of identity between national and regional technologies underlying use of non-survey methods.

Neck and shoulder muscle strength in patients with tension-type headache: A case-control study:

Introduction Tension-type headache (TTH) is highly prevalent in the general population, and it is characterized by increased muscle tenderness with increasing headache frequency and intensity. Aim The aim of this case-control study was to compare muscle strength in neck and shoulder muscles in TTH patients and healthy controls by examining maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) during shoulder abduction, neck flexion and extension as well as the extension/flexion strength ratio of the neck. Methods Sixty TTH patients and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included. Patients were included if they had TTH ≥8 days per month. The MVC neck extensor and flexor muscles were tested with the participant seated upright. MVC shoulder abduction was tested with the individual lying supine. Results Compared to controls TTH patients had significantly weaker muscle strength in neck extension (p = 0.02), resulting in a significantly lower extension/flexion moment ratio (p = 0.03). TTH patients also showed a tendency toward significantly lower muscle strength in shoulder abduction (p = 0.05). Among the 60 TTH patients, 25 had frequent episodic TTH (FETTH), and 35 had chronic TTH (CTTH). Conclusion Patients with TTH exhibited decreased muscle strength in the neck extensor muscles, inducing a reduced cervical extension/flexion ratio compared to healthy people.

Modelling the Regional Economic Consequences of Environmental Policy Instruments Applied to the Transport Sector

There is a rapidly growing body of literature on the economics of environmental protection (see Turner et al. , 1994, for an overview) and considerable interest in the effects of economic instruments upon both the environment and economic activity is developing in both national and international organisations (OECD, 1991). In advanced countries the transport sector is one of the main contributors to environmental degradation, particularly atmospheric pollution. Pollution problems arising from transport are both global (C02 emissions) and regional and local, usually being concentrated in urban areas, and involving localised effects of such pollutants as ozone or S02.

Specific strength training compared with interdisciplinary counseling for girls with tension-type headache : A randomized controlled trial

Background Childhood tension-type headache (TTH) is a prevalent and debilitating condition for the child and family. Low-cost nonpharmacological treatments are usually the first choice of professionals and parents. This study examined the outcomes of specific strength training for girls with TTH. Methods Forty-nine girls aged 9–18 years with TTH were randomized to patient education programs with 10 weeks of strength training and compared with those who were counseled by a nurse and physical therapist. Primary outcomes were headache frequency, intensity, and duration; secondary outcomes were neck–shoulder muscle strength, aerobic power, and pericranial tenderness, measured at baseline, after 10 weeks intervention, and at 12 weeks follow-up. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires were assessed at baseline and after 24 months. Results For both groups, headache frequency decreased significantly, P=0.001, as did duration, P=0.022, with no significant between-group differences. The odds of having headache on a random day decreased over the 22 weeks by 0.65 (0.50–0.84) (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]). For both groups, neck extension strength decreased significantly with a decrease in cervicothoracic extension/flexion ratio to 1.7, indicating a positive change in muscle balance. In the training group, shoulder strength increased

Efficacy of strength training on tension-type headache : A randomised controlled study

10% in 5/20 girls and predicted VO2max increased