Short Separating Geodesics for Multiply Connected Domains

We consider the following questions: given a hyperbolic plane domain and a separation of its complement into two disjoint closed sets each of which contains at least two points, what is the shortest closed hyperbolic geodesic which separates these sets and is it a simple closed curve? We show that a shortest curve always exists although in general it may not be simple. However, one can also always find a shortest simple curve and we call such a geodesic a \emph{meridian} of the domain. Meridians generalize to domains of higher connectivity the notion of the equator of an annulus as the shortest geodesic which separates the complement. We show that although they are not in general uniquely defined, if one of the sets of the separation of the complement is connected, then they are unique and are also the shortest possible closed curves which separate the complement in this fashion.Comment: 20 Pages, 3 Figure

Influences on bid prices in the Vegetation Incentives Program

In a conservation auction there are many possible influences on bid prices. This paper considers a range of factors that influenced the bids submitted to the Queensland Government's Vegetation Incentives Program (VIP). The relationships between total bid price and a variety of variables are examined. The VIP appears to be a unique example of a program that asks landholders to separate management and covenant costs in their tender. Forgoing payment on the covenant may be an indicator of low opportunity cost or altruism on the part of the landholder. Accordingly this paper also investigates the influences on covenant bids.auctions, market-based instruments, vegetation management, conservation covenants, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Preservation of External Rays in non-Autonomous Iteration

We consider the dynamics arising from the iteration of an arbitrary sequence of polynomials with uniformly bounded degrees and coefficients and show that, as parameters vary within a single hyperbolic component in parameter space, certain properties of the corresponding Julia sets are preserved. In particular, we show that if the sequence is hyperbolic and all the Julia sets are connected, then the whole basin at infinity moves holomorphically. This extends also to the landing points of external rays and the resultant holomorphic motion of the Julia sets coincides with that obtained earlier using grand orbits. In addition, if a finite set of external rays separate the Julia set for a particular parameter value, then the rays with the same external angles separate the Julia set for every parameter in the same hyperbolic component

Heterogeneous interpretation of “household expenditure” in survey reports: Evidence and implications of bias

This paper addresses respondents’ interpretation of the term “household expenditure” when answering survey questions. A sizeable minority of respondents do not attempt to include all transactions made by every household member, interpreting the question as eliciting individual consumption. This biases estimates of expenditure downward. Furthermore, this bias is predicted by respondent characteristics.Household Expenditure, Survey Methods, Measurement Error

Using Auctions for Conservation Contracts to Protect Queensland's Vegetation: Lessons from the Vegetation Incentives Program

Auctions for conservation contracts are experiencing great popularity in Australia due to their perceived cost effectiveness. However, there is still much to be learned about this economic instrument. Queensland's state government recently decided to use an auction mechanism to allocate a $12 million incentives program. This was called the Queensland Vegetation Incentives Package (VIP), and was aimed at encouraging better protection and management of high value non-remnant vegetation. The PhD work of the presenting author is using the VIP as a case study to explore the use of auctions for conservation contracts in Queensland. In particular, observing the VIP gives insight into participant behaviour and the impact of the policy formation process on an auction for conservation contracts. The VIP is particularly interesting as this is the first time a tender mechanism is being used in Australia to distribute funds on a state-wide level. A preliminary analysis of the first two rounds has been undertaken and key lessons have been identified.Land Economics/Use, Q50, Q57, Q58,