The Effect of Climate Change on Land Use and Wetlands Conservation in Western Canada: An Application of Positive Mathematical Programming

This study examines the impact of climate change on land use in the Prairie Pothole Region of Western Canada, with particular emphasis on how climate change will impact wetlands. A multi-region Positive Mathematical Programming model calibrates land use in the area to observed acreage in 2006. Policy simulations for both climate effects as well as the effects of biofuel policies determine how climate change will affect land use and wetlands. Given that the model calibrates to observed acreage, the policies provide a realistic view of how land use might change from current levels, given the effects of climate change. Results indicate that climate change could decrease wetlands in this area by as much as 50 percent. The effect will be very different depending on whether or not the social benefits of wetlands are considered, and the effects of climate change on wetlands are heterogeneous across the Prairie Provinces.Positive mathematical programming; wetlands conservation; land use change; climate change; biofuels; Prairie pothole region

Climate Change Impacts on Waterfowl Habitat in Western Canada

climate change, wetlands

Bioeconomic modeling of wetlands and waterfowl in Western Canada: Accounting for amenity values

This study extends an original bioeconomic model of optimal duck harvest and wetland retention by bringing in amenity values related to the nonmarket (in situ) benefits of waterfowl plsi the ecosystem values of wetlands themselves. The model maximizes benefits to hunters as well as the amenity values of ducks and ecosystem benefits of wetlands, subject to the population dynamics. Results indicate that wetlands and duck harvests need to be increased relative to historical levels. Further, the socially optimal ratio of duck harvest to wetlands is larger than what has been observed historically. Including amenity values leads to a significant increase in the quantity of wetlands and duck harvests relative to models that focus only on hunting values.bioeconomic modelling, wetland protection, wildlife management, nonmarket values, Prairie pothole region, Environmental Economics and Policy, Q57, C61, Q25,

To establish if after-sales support is a determining factor in the purchase of fitness equipment, and examine, review, and provide recommendations on how Cybex Inc.���¢��������s approach to worldwide after-sales should be re-engineered to meet the ever increasing expectations of new and existing customers.

Cybex Inc. is a worldwide supplier of commercial fitness equipment, operating in a highly competitive market, where the products supplied by the 5 main producers worldwide (including Cybex Inc.) are homogenous offering limited points of differentiation to the end consumer. The competition operate large scale facilities, leveraging economies of scale to drive prices down. Cybex Inc. are unable to compete on price and require an alternative strategy to add value to the customer experience and provide a point of differentiation against the competition. This report investigates the merits of developing after-sales as a point of differentiation, focusing on the specific expectations of customers, and what changes are required within the organisation in order to meet and exceed these expectations. Finally the report provides a series of recommendations required in order for Cybex Inc. to leverage after-sales as a point of differentiatio

Bioeconomic modeling of wetlands and waterfowl in Western Canada: Accounting for amenity values

bioeconomic modelling; wetland protection; wildlife management; nonmarket values; Prairie pothole region

Mechanical clutch

The present invention is directed to a mechanical clutch which limits transmission of torque to a desired, predetermined maximum torque from a first clutch plate to a second clutch plate. More specifically, the mechanical clutch includes at least one stepper member, preferably three or more evenly spaced stepper members, which transmit the torque from a first clutch plate to a second clutch plate providing a desired maximum torque is not exceeded. However, if the desired maximum torque is exceeded, the stepper member will rotate and move between the clutch plates so that the torque to the second clutch plate does not exceed the desired maximum torque. The desired maximum torque is set by the axial force compressing the stepper member between the clutch plates and when the applied torque to the first clutch plate exceeds the desired torque, the stepper member will rotate between the clutch plates rather than transmit that torque to the second clutch plate

Local Contexts: Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Cultural Heritage

This talk was presented at the IPinCH Cultural Commodification, Indigenous Peoples & Self-Determination Public Symposium held on May 2, 2013 at the University of British Columbia

Pre-treatment tumour perfusion parameters and initial RECIST response do not predict long-term survival outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with induction chemotherapy

<p>Tumour plasma perfusion (F_p) in relation to overall survival (a), disease specific survival (b) and locoregional control (c). Nodal plasma perfusion in relation to survival (d) disease specific survival (e) and locoregional control (f).</p