On sequences of projections of the cubic lattice

In this paper we study sequences of lattices which are, up to similarity, projections of $\mathbb{Z}^{n+1}$ onto a hyperplane $\bm{v}^{\perp}$, with $\bm{v} \in \mathbb{Z}^{n+1}$ and converge to a target lattice $\Lambda$ which is equivalent to an integer lattice. We show a sufficient condition to construct sequences converging at rate $O(1/ |\bm{v}|^{2/n})$ and exhibit explicit constructions for some important families of lattices.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure

A stochastic spreadsheet model analysing investment options for the development of pasture on beef cattle farms : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Applied Science at Massey University

The decision to proceed with farm development to increase animal production is complex. Standalone personal computer software to study either the financial or physical aspects of farm development is available, but models which integrate these components and account for the risks associated with the investment are not. A stochastic spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel®) model was therefore developed to predict the profitability, feasibility and risk of pasture development for two case farms: one in southern Brazil and the other near Wanganui in New Zealand. Pasture was developed at different rates for each farm and the model was used to predict the associated physical and financial changes over-time and a probability distribution of the net present values (NPV) of the net operating profit after tax and before interest (NOPAT) relative to the status quo situation. The extra pasture was used solely for increasing beef cattle production. On the Brazilian case farm the development of 2,263 ha at two rates was studied. The continuation of the status quo had first degree stochastic dominance in terms of the NPV over both development rates; it was superior by about NZ$46.000 for the 200 ha/y option and ca. NZ$ 110.000 for the 500 ha/y option at a 16% discount rate. However, at a 6% discount rate the 500 ha/y development rate had first degree stochastic dominance in terms of the NPV over both the continuation of the status quo (by about NZ$960.000) and the 200 ha/y option (ca. NZ$ 120.000). This indicates that pasture development could proceed profitability if interest rates continue to fall in Brazil as predicted. For the New Zealand case farm the development of 247 ha at 50 ha/y had first degree stochastic dominance over the 25 ha/y (ca. NZ$24,000) and continuation of the status quo (ca. NZ$ 208.000) at a 6% discount rate. Pasture development should therefore continue. Stochastic analysis of the pasture development investment options gave a better insight into the likely outcomes for a project, and provides the farmer with more information for making a decision on whether, and how. to proceed with farm development. The model could easily be adapted for studying farm development with respect to other types of livestock enterprises Keywords: pastures, development, risk, feasibility, profitability, model

Organizational and national issues of an ERP implementation in a Portuguese company

This technical research report describes a case of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation in a Portuguese SME. We focused on the identification of organizational factors that affect the ERP implementation project. We also analyzed the ERP implementation project from a national cultural perspective using Geert Hofstede's dimensions. These dimensions were used to explain some of the attitudes and behaviours during the ERP implementation project. The findings suggest that some of the problems in ERP implementation projects are not of technological nature but may be attributed to organizational factors while some issues related to national culture.Postprint (published version

Uma criação falsa: nódoas no mundo lustroso de imitação de vida

In this article I try to show that the film Imitation of Life is more than a typical Hollywood family melodrama of the Fifties, a current reading of the film. For that purpose, I propose a reading that reveals, through the analysis of the films miseen- scène and characterization, the subversion of characteristics of the genre in which the film can be included and an acerbic criticism of the excluding and perverse American way of life.Neste artigo procuro mostrar que o filme Imitação da Vida é mais do que um típico melodrama familiar hollywoodiano dos anos cinqüenta, leitura mais corrente do filme. Com esse propósito, apresento uma proposta de leitura que revela, através da análise de elementos como mise-en-scène e caracterização, a subversão de valores do gênero em que o filme se inclui e uma crítica acerba ao excludente e perverso American way of life

WOMAN OF THE WEST – GENRE, GENDER, AND POLITICS IN JOHNNY GUITAR

Johnny Guitar’s plot challenges many of the conventions of the Western genre. My aim is to show that the film is also transgressive in its very construction. Its mise-en-scène – in which  sexual roles are discussed – metaphorizes the repressive forces at work at the time of its production.A trama de Johnny Guitar questiona muitas das convenções do gênero western. Meu propósito é mostrar que o filme é também transgressor em sua própria construção. Sua mise-en-scène – em que os papéis sexuais são discutidos – metaforiza as forças da repressão existentes na época em que o filme foi produzido.

Finite Sample Performance of Frequency and Time Domain Tests for Seasonal Fractional Integration

Testing the order of integration of economic and financial time series has become a conventional procedure prior to any modelling exercise. In this paper, we investigate and compare the finite sample properties of the frequency domain tests proposed by Robinson (1994) and the time domain procedure proposed by Hassler, Rodrigues and Rubia (2008) when applied to seasonal data.