Charity Auctions: A Field Experimental Investigation

Auctions are a popular way to raise money for charities, but relatively little is known, either theoretically or empirically, about the properties of charity auctions. The small theoretical literature suggests that the all-pay auction should garner more money than winner-pay auctions. We conduct field experiments to test which sealed bid format, first price, second price or all-pay raises the most money. Our experiment suggests that both the all-pay and second price formats are dominated by the first price auction. Our design also allows us to identify differential participation as the source of the difference between existing theory and the field. To conclude, we show that a model of charity auctions augmented by an endogenous participation decision predicts the revenue ordering that we see in the field.

Case Study: Australia's Computer Games Audience and Restrictive Ratings System

Computer and video games are big business in Australia, just as they are in many other developed economies. However, Australia is unique among developed states because there is no R18+ or "Adult" rating for computer game content in Australia. The present case study represents a snapshot of a larger national audience study of 1614 homes and 4852 individuals within those homes. The research presents demographic, behavioural and attitudinal data by which the largely functioning ratings system may be judged. The data show that the typical gamer is 30 years of age, often a parent and actively engaged in content selection and exposure. By presenting these data in the context of the unique regulatory regime in Australia, this report seeks to demonstrate that consumer power exceeds the control of the state and such control may function to enhance rather than stifle the health of the computer games industry.Computer Games, Ratings, Audience, Australia.

Endogenous Participation in Charity Auctions

Data from a recent ?eld experiment suggests that differences in participation rates are responsible for much of the variations in revenues across formats in charity auctions. We provide a theoretical framework for the analysis of this, and other related, results. The model illustrates the limits of previous "?xed" results and introduces some new considerations to the choice of auction mechanism. It also implies, however, that the data cannot be explained in terms of participation costs alone: there must exist mechanism-speci?c obstacles to participation.

New and Noteworthy Plants of Texas

Rhexia alifanus (Melastomataceae) and Rhynchospora inundatum (Cyperaceae), both previously reported in the state, are documented as part of the flora of the state. Ratibida pinnata (Asteraceae), Tradescantia fluminensis (Commelinaceae) and Saccharum ravennae (Poaceae) are reported as new to Texas. Phytologia 92(2): 249-255 (August 2, 2010).Waller Creek Working Grou

The contribution of rigid and wobbling masses of the leg to tibial response parameters following heel impact.

The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of the leg tissue masses (bone mineral content (BMC), fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and wobbling mass (WM)), and muscle activation levels to the response of the tibia following heel impacts similar to those experienced during running. A human pendulum was used to deliver controlled impacts to the dominant foot of 20 males and 20 females (mean age 23.8 +/- 2.6 years, body mass 71.8 +/- 16.9 kg, and height 1.7 +/- 0.1 m). Individual tissue masses were determined through use of anthropometric prediction equations. External impact forces, tibial accelerations, and tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius activation levels were measured simultaneously with a vertically erected force plate, uniaxial skin mounted accelerometer, and surface EMG electrodes, respectively. Simple linear regression was used to quantify the contribution to the tibial response parameters made by the magnitude of the individual leg tissue masses and muscle activation levels. The magnitudes of the leg tissue masses did not account for much variation in the tibial response to impact, and only partial support was found for the role of leg muscular activation levels. As a result, mechanical coupling between the rigid and soft tissue masses, and thickness of the heel fat pad are likely very important in explaining tibial response following heel impact, and future work addressing this seems warranted. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2003 .H65. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-03, page: 0955. Adviser: David Andrews. Thesis (M.H.K.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2003

Reverse Flow Logistics in Manufacturing Operations

The purpose of this research is to examine the suggestion that reverse flow can play a positive role in sustainable impacts and in reducing forward logistics cost structures. The coupling of both forward and reverse product and component flow can be a challenging task because, depending on the returned products’ disposition, the forward flow inventory management can be affected. The need for an integrated reverse supply chain that mirrors the forward supply chain is essential and failure in having forward visibility negates the reverse flow. If successful, it will result in reduced manufacturing costs and increased profits throughout the chain

Bars, Nightclubs, and Cancer Prevention: New Approaches to Reduce Young Adult Cigarette Smoking.

IntroductionTobacco contributes to multiple cancers, and it is largely preventable. As overall smoking prevalence in California declines, smoking has become concentrated among high-risk groups. Targeting social/cultural groups (i.e., "peer crowds") that share common values, aspirations, and activities in social venues like bars and nightclubs may reach high-risk young adult smokers. Lack of population data on young adult peer crowds limits the ability to assess the potential reach of such interventions.MethodsThis multimodal population-based household survey included young adults residing in San Francisco and Alameda counties. Data were collected in 2014 and analyzed in 2016. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed smoking by sociodemographic factors, attitudes, self-rated health, peer crowd affiliation, and bar/nightclub attendance.ResultsSmoking prevalence was 15.1% overall; 35.3% of respondents sometimes or frequently attended bars. In controlled analyses, bar attendance (AOR=2.13, 95% CI=1.00, 4.53) and binge drinking (AOR=3.17, 95% CI=1.59, 6.32) were associated with greater odds of smoking, as was affiliation with "Hip Hop" (AOR=4.32, 95% CI=1.48, 12.67) and "Country" (AOR=3.13, 95% CI=1.21, 8.09) peer crowds. Multivariable models controlling for demographics estimated a high probability of smoking among bar patrons affiliating with Hip Hop (47%) and Country (52%) peer crowds.ConclusionsBar attendance and affiliation with certain peer crowds confers significantly higher smoking risk. Interventions targeting Hip Hop and Country peer crowds could efficiently reach smokers, and peer crowd-tailored interventions have been associated with decreased smoking and binge drinking. Targeted interventions in bars and nightclubs may be an efficient way to address these cancer risks

Propagation of highly nonlinear signals in a two dimensional network of granular chains

We report the first experimental observation of highly nonlinear signals propagating in a two dimensional system composed of granular chains. In this system one of the chains contacts two others to allow splitting and redirecting the solitary-like signal formed in the first chain. The system consists of a double Y-shaped guide in which high- and low-modulus chains of spheres are arranged in various geometries. We observed fast splitting of the initial pulse, rapid chaotization of the signal and sharp bending of the propagating acoustic information. Pulse and energy trapping was also observed in composite systems assembled from hard- and soft-particles in the branches

Implications of Shock Wave Experiments with Precompressed Materials for Giant Planet Interiors

This work uses density functional molecular dynamics simulations of fluid helium at high pressure to examine how shock wave experiments with precompressed samples can help characterizing the interior of giant planets. In particular, we analyze how large of a precompression is needed to probe a certain depth in a planet's gas envelope. We find that precompressions of up to 0.1, 1.0, 10, or 100 GPa are needed to characterized 2.5, 5.9, 18, to 63% of Jupiter's envelope by mass.Comment: Submitted As Proceedings Article For The American Physical Society Meeting On Shock Compression Of Condensed Matter, Hawaii, June, 200

Dance as a Protective Measure Against the Cognitive and Physical Declines Associated with Aging: A Proposed Study

Background: Dance is considered a multimodal activity in that it requires both physical and cognitive engagement. Combining physical activity with music may have a synergistic effect, enabling dance to enhance physical and cognitive functions more than music and physical activity alone. The positive changes attributed to dance training such as improved visuospatial and motor ability, high coordination, greater balance, and increased cognitive ability may also benefit individuals as they age. Methods: This proposed study will examine whether dance training has the potential to protect against age-related cognitive and physical decline by assessing the cognitive and physical domains that show decline with age, including executive functioning, processing speed, memory, attention, visuospatial abilities, strength, balance, gait, and fine motor movement. These will be assessed and compared in healthy participant groups below and above the age of 50, who have training in and are currently participating in either dance, music, or rhythmic physical exercise (e.g. cycling, rowing). These groups will also be compared to controls with no training in these activities. These comparisons will allow for the specific cognitive and physical benefits of dance training to be identified. Discussion: By assessing both the cognitive and physical levels of functioning in younger and older dancers, the proposed research could indicate the benefits of prior dance training on cognitive and physical functioning in aging. Furthermore, the research may encourage participation in dance training in early adulthood to strengthen and preserve functioning in domains of potential decline