Is Choice Modelling Really Necessary? Public versus expert values for marine reserves in Western Australia

One of the motivations for choice modelling is to provide values that can be used to inform decisionmakers about the non-market costs and benefits of proposed projects or policies. However, the question must be asked as to whether decision-makers consider choice modelling to be a policy relevant tool. There may be more cost-effective and convenient means of providing comparable policy guidance than commissioning a choice modelling study. For example, advice on decision options may be sought from experts, such as scientists. However, expert advice may not accurately reflect the value judgements of the public. The aim of this study is to investigate whether public and expert preferences diverge, using the choice modelling technique. Two case studies are utilised – the Ningaloo Marine Park and the proposed Ngari Capes Marine Park in Western Australia. Evidence of both divergence and convergence between public and expert values is found in different instances, with public awareness factors playing a role in this divide. Where preference divergence appears likely, decision-makers should consider choice modelling as a useful tool to inform policy.Choice modelling, valuation, experts, public, marine parks, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Absence of Colossal Magnetoresistance in the Oxypnictide PrMnAsO0.95F0.05

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This research is supported by the EPSRC (Research Grant EP/ L002493/1). We also acknowledge STFC-GB for provision of beamtime at ILL and ESRF.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Transparency, financial accounting information, and corporate governance

Audited financial statements along with supporting disclosures form the foundation of the firm-specific information set available to investors and regulators. In this article, the authors discuss economics-based research focused on the properties of accounting systems and the surrounding institutional environment important to effective governance of firms. They provide a framework for understanding the operation of accounting information in an economy, discuss a broad range of important research findings, present a conceptual framework for characterizing and measuring corporate transparency at the country level, and isolate a number of future research possibilities.Corporations - Accounting ; Stockholders ; Corporate governance

Building Strong Readers In Minnesota: PreK-3rd Grade Policies That Support Children's Literacy Development

From 2015 through 2016, the Early Education Initiative will be producing a series of reports from states and localities across the United States to provide an inside look at efforts to support children's learning from infancy and extending into the early grades.This paper explores how Minnesota's pre-K through third grade education policies are helping or hindering the ability of school districts, schools, and teachers to ensure that all children are on track to read on grade level by the end of third grade

Synthesis and characterisation of biologically compatible TiO2 nanoparticles

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Changes in 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose incorporation, hexokinase activity and lactate production by breast cancer cells responding to treatment with the anti-HER-2 antibody trastuzumab

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