Some selected simulation experiments with the European Commission's QUEST model

This paper presents a set of simulation experiments using the European Commission's QUEST model to evaluate the effects of policy impulses and permanent supply side shocks in the four major EU economies. The simulation analysis illustrates the transmission mechanisms of specific monetary and fiscal policy shocks as well as two examples of permanent supply shocks.QUEST model, supply side shocks, monetary and fiscal policy, R�ger, in 't Veld,

The Dividend and Share Repurchase Policies of Canadian Firms

We empirically investigate dividend and share repurchase policies of Canadian firms. We have sent aquestionnaire to the 500 largest non-financial Canadian companies listed on the Toronto StockExchange, of which 191 usable responses were returned. These data are used to measure firmcharacteristics. We use several logit regression analyses to test the structure and determinants of thedividend and share repurchase choice. Our results are consistent with a structure in which thecompany first decides whether it wants to pay out cash to its shareholders or not. In the second stagethe firm decides on the form of the payout: dividends, share repurchases or both. Payout is determinedby free cash flow. The choice for dividends and repurchases depends on behavioral and taxpreferences. Furthermore, the payout is less likely to be dividends if the company has executive stockoption plans. Finally, we find evidence for the Brennan and Thakor (1990) model. According to thismodel the existence of asymmetric information amongst outsiders is associated with a preference fordividend payments over share repurchases.dividends;nested logit models;payout decisions;share repurchases;strategic financial decisions

The Dividend and Share Repurchase Policies of Canadian Firms: Empirical Evidence based on New Research Design

We empirically investigate dividend and share repurchase policies of Canadian firms. We use several logit regression analyses to test the structure and determinants of the dividend and share repurchase choice. We have sent a questionnaire to the 500 largest non-financial Canadian companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, of which 191 usable responses were returned. These data are used to measure firm characteristics. Our results are consistent with a structure in which the company first decides whether it wants to pay out cash to its shareholders or not. In the second stage the firm decides on the form of the payout: dividends, share repurchases or both. Payout is determined by free cash flow. The type of payout depends on behavioral and tax preferences. Furthermore, the payout is less likely to be dividends if the company has executive stock option plans. Finally, we find evidence for the Brennan and Thakor (1990) model. According to this model the existence of asymmetric information amongst outsiders is associated with a preference for dividend payments over share repurchases.dividend policy;shares

The Savegre: Completing the Case Study

Since case studies garner the interest of students necessary for engagement in general biology classes (Himschoot, 2012), the purpose of this project was to create a case study based on the history of San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica and Leo and Zana Finkenbinder’s involvement in its transition to sustainability. Travel to Costa Rica occurred in the summer of 2015. Authors Aggie Veld and Emilie Janes presented the story of the case study and progress to date during Honors Week 2016. Since then, the case study was submitted to SUNY Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science. Feedback included specific recommendations which have been completed to prepare for publication. The presentation will highlight the events leading to the creation of the case, and the preparation to publish the joint efforts of Veld and Janes

The Dividend and Share Repurchase Policies of Canadian Firms:Empirical Evidence based on New Research Design

We empirically investigate dividend and share repurchase policies of Canadian firms. We use several logit regression analyses to test the structure and determinants of the dividend and share repurchase choice. We have sent a questionnaire to the 500 largest non-financial Canadian companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, of which 191 usable responses were returned. These data are used to measure firm characteristics. Our results are consistent with a structure in which the company first decides whether it wants to pay out cash to its shareholders or not. In the second stage the firm decides on the form of the payout: dividends, share repurchases or both. Payout is determined by free cash flow. The type of payout depends on behavioral and tax preferences. Furthermore, the payout is less likely to be dividends if the company has executive stock option plans. Finally, we find evidence for the Brennan and Thakor (1990) model. According to this model the existence of asymmetric information amongst outsiders is associated with a preference for dividend payments over share repurchases.

Biosignal and context monitoring: Distributed multimedia applications of body area networks in healthcare

We are investigating the use of Body Area Networks (BANs), wearable sensors and wireless communications for measuring, processing, transmission, interpretation and display of biosignals. The goal is to provide telemonitoring and teletreatment services for patients. The remote health professional can view a multimedia display which includes graphical and numerical representation of patients’ biosignals. Addition of feedback-control enables teletreatment services; teletreatment can be delivered to the patient via multiple modalities including tactile, text, auditory and visual. We describe the health BAN and a generic mobile health service platform and two context aware applications. The epilepsy application illustrates processing and interpretation of multi-source, multimedia BAN data. The chronic pain application illustrates multi-modal feedback and treatment, with patients able to view their own biosignals on their handheld device

The Dividend and Share Repurchase Policies of Canadian Firms

We empirically investigate dividend and share repurchase policies of Canadian firms. We have sent a questionnaire to the 500 largest non-financial Canadian companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, of which 191 usable responses were returned. These data are used to measure firm characteristics. We use several logit regression analyses to test the structure and determinants of the dividend and share repurchase choice. Our results are consistent with a structure in which the company first decides whether it wants to pay out cash to its shareholders or not. In the second stage the firm decides on the form of the payout: dividends, share repurchases or both. Payout is determined by free cash flow. The choice for dividends and repurchases depends on behavioral and tax preferences. Furthermore, the payout is less likely to be dividends if the company has executive stock option plans. Finally, we find evidence for the Brennan and Thakor (1990) model. According to this model the existence of asymmetric information amongst outsiders is associated with a preference for dividend payments over share repurchases