title: The value of statistical life and cost-benefit evaluations of landmine clearance in Cambodia

authors: Cameron, Michael Patrick

subjects: benefit-cost analysis

abstract: Development agencies spend approximately US$400 million per year on landmine clearance. Yet many cost-benefit evaluations suggest that landmine clearance is socially wasteful because costs appear to far outweigh social benefits. This paper presents new estimates of the benefits of clearing landmines based on a contingent valuation survey in two provinces in rural Cambodia where we asked respondents questions that elicit their tradeoffs between money and the risk of death from landmine accidents. The estimated Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) is US$0.4 million. In contrast, most previous studies of landmine clearance use foregone income or average GDP per capita, which has a lifetime value of only US$2,000 in Cambodia. Humanitarian landmine clearance emerges as a more attractive rural development policy when appropriate estimates of the VSL are used.

text: The value of statistical life and cost-benefit evaluations of landmine clearance in Cambodia Development agencies spend approximately US$400 million per year on landmine clearance. Yet many cost-benefit evaluations suggest that landmine clearance is socially wasteful because costs appear to far outweigh social benefits. This paper presents new estimates of the benefits of clearing landmines based on a contingent valuation survey in two provinces in rural Cambodia where we asked respondents questions that elicit their tradeoffs between money and the risk of death from landmine accidents. The estimated Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) is US$0.4 million. In contrast, most previous studies of landmine clearance use foregone income or average GDP per capita, which has a lifetime value of only US$2,000 in Cambodia. Humanitarian landmine clearance emerges as a more attractive rural development policy when appropriate estimates of the VSL are used.

year: 2008-03

title: Dynamic Nonlinear Resistance Model for a Power MOSFET in an Oscillatory RLC Circuit

authors: Raju, S

abstract: This paper presents the development of a new Matlab mosfet model specifically designed for RLC circuits. The key contribution is the formulation of a novel equation that accurately captures the device behavior across subthreshold, above-threshold regions and at threshold point, addressing limitations in existing models. The developed model treats the mosfet as a variable resistance element, with the resistance changing dynamically at each instant, enabling the solution of differential equations governing the RLC circuit. Curve fitting and refinement were conducted based on experimental results, leading to a close match between the simulations and experimental data. The model was tested with triangle, sinusoidal and quadrilateral gate voltages, and the simulation results show good match with the experimental data, demonstrating the model's accuracy. It provides a straightforward way to predict performance, making it easier to refine and optimize the design gate voltage before physical implementation. This work provides a solid foundation for mosfet modeling in oscillatory RLC circuits, which can be applied to a wide range of power electronics applications.

text: Dynamic Nonlinear Resistance Model for a Power MOSFET in an Oscillatory RLC Circuit This paper presents the development of a new Matlab mosfet model specifically designed for RLC circuits. The key contribution is the formulation of a novel equation that accurately captures the device behavior across subthreshold, above-threshold regions and at threshold point, addressing limitations in existing models. The developed model treats the mosfet as a variable resistance element, with the resistance changing dynamically at each instant, enabling the solution of differential equations governing the RLC circuit. Curve fitting and refinement were conducted based on experimental results, leading to a close match between the simulations and experimental data. The model was tested with triangle, sinusoidal and quadrilateral gate voltages, and the simulation results show good match with the experimental data, demonstrating the model's accuracy. It provides a straightforward way to predict performance, making it easier to refine and optimize the design gate voltage before physical implementation. This work provides a solid foundation for mosfet modeling in oscillatory RLC circuits, which can be applied to a wide range of power electronics applications.

year: 2025

title: Akoranga whakarei: Learning about inclusion from four kura rumaki

authors: Berryman, Mere

subjects: Special education

abstract: In 2004 the New Zealand Ministry of Education proposed two research projects to understand how learning, social and cultural outcomes were being promoted for tamariki and rangatahi Māori with special educational needs in both kura auraki (English-medium schools) and kura rumaki (Māori-medium schools). 1hey also wanted to understand how this played out for other whānau members. At the time, a description of the services being promoted for Māori with special education needs acknowledged the philosophy that "tamariki and rangatahi with special needs and their whānau learn effectively through the provision of culturally competent services, which will ensure mana and tikanga are upheld" (Ministry of Education, 2003, p. 56). 
This chapter will briefly describe how this research was undertaken in kura rumaki and then discuss the findings that emerged. Perhaps not surprisingly, it will show that the staff from the kura who participated in this study, as with all of their students and whānau, had a very holistic and inclusive view of educating all tamariki and rangatahi, especially those with identified special education needs. The conclusion will consider some of the implications of these findings for others and propose that these research outcomes maintain relevance in 2014, a decade later.

text: Akoranga whakarei: Learning about inclusion from four kura rumaki In 2004 the New Zealand Ministry of Education proposed two research projects to understand how learning, social and cultural outcomes were being promoted for tamariki and rangatahi Māori with special educational needs in both kura auraki (English-medium schools) and kura rumaki (Māori-medium schools). 1hey also wanted to understand how this played out for other whānau members. At the time, a description of the services being promoted for Māori with special education needs acknowledged the philosophy that "tamariki and rangatahi with special needs and their whānau learn effectively through the provision of culturally competent services, which will ensure mana and tikanga are upheld" (Ministry of Education, 2003, p. 56). 
This chapter will briefly describe how this research was undertaken in kura rumaki and then discuss the findings that emerged. Perhaps not surprisingly, it will show that the staff from the kura who participated in this study, as with all of their students and whānau, had a very holistic and inclusive view of educating all tamariki and rangatahi, especially those with identified special education needs. The conclusion will consider some of the implications of these findings for others and propose that these research outcomes maintain relevance in 2014, a decade later.

year: 2015