Distance estimate and progenitor characteristics of SN 2005cs in M51

Distance to the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51, NGC 5194) is estimated using published photometry and spectroscopy of the Type II-P supernova SN 2005cs. Both the Expanding Photosphere Method (EPM) and the Standard Candle Method (SCM), suitable for SNe II-P, were applied. The average distance (7.1 \pm 1.2 Mpc) is in good agreement with earlier SBF- and PNLF-based distances, but slightly longer than the distance obtained by Baron et al. for SN 1994I via the Spectral Fitting Expanding Atmosphere Method (SEAM). Since SN 2005cs exhibited low expansion velocity during the plateau phase, similarly to SN 1999br, the constants of SCM were re-calibrated including the data of SN 2005cs as well. The new relation is better constrained in the low velocity regime (v_{ph}(50) ~ 1500 - 2000$ km/s), that may result in better distance estimates for such SNe. The physical parameters of SN 2005cs and its progenitor are re-evaluated based on the updated distance. All the available data support the low-mass (~ 9 M_\odot) progenitor scenario proposed previously by its direct detection with the Hubble Space Telescope.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, 4 tables, accepted in MNRA

Optimal incentive mix of performance pay and efficiency wage

Firms use a rich set of incentives including fixed wages, bonuses, threat of firing and promise of promotion. Yet, we do not have a theoretical understanding of how such a mix of incentives can arise. This paper aims to build a theoretical model which describes the incentive mix as the solution to an optimal contracting problem and provides broader testable implications. The basic model has a principal-agent relationship with unobservable effort. The integrative model includes the basic model and three building blocks: job-assignment, learning and human capital. The derived incentive mix is a consequence of the dual role of firing. It is both an incentive and a sorting decive. The model's predictions are tested on firm-level data from a large pharmaceutical company. The broader testable implications beyond the incentive mix are also confirmed by the data.

The Barred Owl, Strix varia in Alberta: Distribution and Status

Barred Owl distribution and status in Alberta were investigated using over 300 individual records (1912 through 1999) that were collected from literature, museum/zoo specimens, nest cards, bird surveys, volunteer raptor banders, and naturalists. Barred Owls were distributed throughout much of the boreal forest, aspen parkland, foothill, and mountain ecoregions of Alberta. Fifty-four breeding records (46 nests) were found. Barred Owls were associated with older forests and had a clumped distribution, predominantly along water where larger Balsam Poplar trees provide nesting sites. According to Alberta's "Status of Alberta Wildlife 2000" criteria, the Barred Owl should be assessed as Sensitive. There is no evidence that Barred Owls have expanded their range in Alberta in the last 100 years; rather, they have maintained their distribution