423 research outputs found
Real Asset Ownership and the Risk and Return to Stockholders
Many corporations own a significant amount of real assets and this includes real estate. However, the effect of real asset ownership on the risk and return for a firmās stockholders is unknown. This study attempts to ascertain the effect, if any, of corporate real asset ownership on the risk and return to stockholders. Using data from 1985 through 1994, the results indicate a lack of diversification benefits associated with holding real assets.
Adaptive stepsize and instabilities in complex Langevin dynamics
Stochastic quantization offers the opportunity to simulate field theories
with a complex action. In some theories unstable trajectories are prevalent
when a constant stepsize is employed. We construct algorithms for generating an
adaptive stepsize in complex Langevin simulations and find that unstable
trajectories are completely eliminated. To illustrate the generality of the
approach, we apply it to the three-dimensional XY model at nonzero chemical
potential and the heavy dense limit of QCD.Comment: 12 pages, several eps figures; clarification and minor corrections
added, to appear in PL
Assessment of Real Estate Brokerage Service Quality with a Practicing Professional's Instrument
This study explores factors that affect service quality for a large residential real estate brokerage in a diverse midwestern city. It examines the extent to which overall service quality influences homebuyers to recommend the brokerage firm and to use the firm for future transactions. A Linear Structural Relations model is fit to data using the firm's service quality instrument. Results indicate statistically significant relationships between both agent characteristics and the tangible aspects of the firm, and three measures of overall service quality. Implications for the real estate industry are discussed and suggestions for improvement and future research are provided.
Ares First Stage "Systemology" - Combining Advanced Systems Engineering and Planning Tools to Assure Mission Success
Ares is an integral part of NASA s Constellation architecture that will provide crew and cargo access to the International Space Station as well as low earth orbit support for lunar missions. Ares replaces the Space Shuttle in the post 2010 time frame. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket topped by the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle, its service module, and a launch abort system. The Ares I first stage is a single, five-segment reusable solid rocket booster derived from the Space Shuttle Program's reusable solid rocket motor. The Ares second or upper stage is propelled by a J-2X main engine fueled with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. This paper describes the advanced systems engineering and planning tools being utilized for the design, test, and qualification of the Ares I first stage element. Included are descriptions of the current first stage design, the milestone schedule requirements, and the marriage of systems engineering, detailed planning efforts, and roadmapping employed to achieve these goals
Complex Langevin dynamics: criteria for correctness
The complex Langevin method is a leading candidate for solving the sign
problem occurring in various physical situations, notably QCD at finite
chemical potential. Its most vexing problem is `convergence to the wrong
limit', where the simulation gives a well defined, but incorrect, result. Here,
we first outline a formal justification of the method and identify points at
which it might fail. From these we derive a condition that must be satisfied in
order for correct results to be obtained. We then apply these ideas to the
three-imensional SU(3) spin model at finite chemical potential and show strong
indications that complex Langevin dynamics yields correct results in this
theory.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures. Contribution to the XXIX International Symposium
on Lattice Field Theory, July 10 - 16 2011, Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe,
California. Several figure
Somatic Mutational Landscape of Splicing Factor Genes and Their Functional Consequences across 33 Cancer Types
Hotspot mutations in splicing factor genes have been recently reported at high frequency in hematological malignancies, suggesting the importance of RNA splicing in cancer. We analyzed whole-exome sequencing data across 33 tumor types in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and we identified 119 splicing factor genes with significant non-silent mutation patterns, including mutation over-representation, recurrent loss of function (tumor suppressor-like), or hotspot mutation profile (oncogene-like). Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis revealed altered splicing events associated with selected splicing factor mutations. In addition, we were able to identify common gene pathway profiles associated with the presence of these mutations. Our analysis suggests that somatic alteration of genes involved in the RNA-splicing process is common inĀ cancer and may represent an underappreciated hallmark of tumorigenesis
Tree-ring stable isotopes and radiocarbon reveal pre- and post-eruption effects of volcanic processes on trees on Mt. Etna (Sicily, Italy)
Early detection of volcanic eruptions is of major importance for protecting
human life. Ground deformation and changes in seismicity, geochemistry,
petrology, and gravimetry are used to assess volcanic activity before
eruptions. Studies on Mt. Etna (Italy) have demonstrated that vegetation can be
affected by pre-eruptive activity before the onset of eruptions. During two
consecutive years before Mt. Etna's 2002/2003 flank eruption, enhanced
vegetation index (NDVI) values were detected along a distinct line which later
developed into an eruptive fissure. However, the mechanisms by which volcanic
activity can lead to changes in pre-eruption tree growth processes are still
not well understood. We analysed C, O and
C in the rings of the survived trees growing near to the line where the
pre-eruptive increase in NDVI was observed in order to evaluate whether the
uptake of water vapour or fossil volcanic CO2 could have contributed to the
enhanced NDVI. We found a dramatic decrease in O in tree rings
formed before 2002/2003 in trees close to the eruption fissure, suggesting
uptake of volcanic water by trees during pre-eruptive magma degassing. Moist
conditions caused by outgassing of ascending magma may also have led to an
observed reduction in tree-ring C following the eruption.
Furthermore, only ambiguous evidence for tree uptake of degassed CO2 was found.
Our results suggest that additional soil water condensed from degassed water
vapour may have promoted photosynthesis, explaining local increases in NDVI
before the 2002/2003 Mt. Etna flank eruption. Tree-ring oxygen stable isotopes
might be used as indicators of past volcanic eruptions
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