Q-Exact Actions for BF Theories

The actions for all classical (and consequently quantum) $BF$ theories on $n$-manifolds is proven to be given by anti-commutators of hermitian, nilpotent, scalar fermionic charges with Grassmann-odd functionals. In order to show this, the space of fields in the theory must be enlarged to include ``mass terms'' for new, non-dynamical, Grassmann-odd fields. The implications of this result on observables are examined.Comment: 12 pgs., LaTeX, MIT-CTP-227

Charitable giving to humanitarian organizations in Spain

This paper studies influences on private donations in Spain. After surveying economic theory and past empirical findings on charitable behavior, I introduce Spanish microdata from 1992 on giving to humanitarian organizations. Using binary and multinomial logit models, I probe the likelihood of giving to these organizations, as well as that of stating different reasons for not giving. I find that the variable that most strongly predicts giving is income, and that, while most respondents that do not give cite financial reasons, lack of knowledge of the charities better explains low giving among most specific demographic groups. I discuss the implications of these results for public policy and nonprofit management. Classification-JEL : L3.. Nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, Spanish economy.

The Arts Economy in 20 Cities: Where Does Atlanta Stand?

The tremendous growth that Atlanta has experienced over the past decade has catapulted the city into a major metropolitan hub. Along with this growth, many issues have gained significance with regards to plans for the city's future direction of growth. One sector in particular that demands greater attention is the area of non-profit arts and art policy. The arts and culture have many perceived benefits for a community. The arts are commonly thought to improve a community's cultural life, revitalize urban areas, and while they also provide a base of support for artists and art organizations, may also ultimately stimulate economic growth. These benefits are thought to yield other desirable outcomes such as a safe and agreeable downtown, and an attractive site for business relocation.Unfortunately, non-profit regional arts in Atlanta have faced challenges in the areas of funding and audience development and there is anecdotal evidence that arts support is being provided by a relatively small segment of society. The Atlanta Arts Think Tank perceived that one appropriate way to validate the importance of these problems was to analyze data on Atlanta's regional performance, relative to other metropolitan peers.The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the factors that might explain the condition of arts organizations in the region. The study compares Atlanta to nineteen of its peers in an attempt to determine where and if Atlanta is falling short, and what can be learned from other communities

Tungsten-rhenium alloy thermocouples effective for high-temperature measurement

Tungsten-rhenium alloy thermocouples, specifically, insulated, sheathed W/W plus 26Re and W plus 5 Re/W plus 26 Re thermocouples, are effective for temperature measurement in excess of 2920 degrees C. These thermocouples have a high thermoelectric output and excellent relationship to temperatures up to 2760 degrees C

Adapting structuration theory to understand the role of reflexivity: Problematization, clinical audit and information systems

This paper is an exploratory account of the further development and application of a hybrid framework, StructurANTion, that is based on Structuration Theory and Actor Network Theory (ANT). The use of social theories in general and their use in information systems (IS) research in particular is explored leading to the use of the framework to examine the concept of what are termed humanchine networks in the context of clinical audit, within a healthcare Primary Care Trust (PCT). A particular focus is on the manner in which information systems-based reflexivity contributes to both entrenching a networks’ structurated order as well as contributing to its emancipatory change. The case study compares clinic-centric and patientcentric audit and seeks to further extend the understanding of the role of information and information systems within structurated humanchine activity systems. Conclusions indicate that the use of more socially informed IS methods and approaches can incorporate more emancipatory ideals and lead to greater adoption and usage of more relevant and useful clinical information systems and practices

The Impact of News on Measures of Undiversifiable Risk: Evidence from the UK Stock Market.

The usual measure of the undiversifiable risk of a portfolio is its beta. Recent research has allowed beta estimates to vary over time, often based on symmetric multivariate GARCH models. There is, however, widespread evidence in the literature that the volatilities of asset returns, in particular those from stock markets, show evidence of an asymmetric response to good and bad news. Using UK equity index data, this paper considers the impact of news on time varying measures of beta. The results suggest that beta depends on two sources of news-news about the market and news about the sector. The asymmetric effect in beta is consistent across all sectors considered. Recent research provides conflicting evidence as to whether abnormalities in equity returns are a result of changes in expected returns in an efficient market or an over-reaction to new information. The evidence in this paper suggests that such abnormalities may occur as a result of changes in expected return caused by time-variation and asymmetry in beta.STOCK MARKET ; RISK