title: Inferential tests and modelling of functional trait convergence along environmental gradients

authors: Joshi, Chaitanya

subjects: Bayes factors

abstract: The motivation for this paper comes from a recent study which indicated that the influence of environmental filtering should increase with decreasing soil fertility, based on the premise that individuals will employ a resource-retentive strategy in a less productive ecosystem. Mean annual temperature (MAT) is one indicator of the productivity of the ecosystem. We aim to build a more accurate model of environmental filter and want to statistically test whether the environmental filter is stronger when the MAT is lower compared to when it is higher. Our findings throw an interesting insight into how the trait variability changes as a function of MAT and how it could be better modelled.

text: Inferential tests and modelling of functional trait convergence along environmental gradients The motivation for this paper comes from a recent study which indicated that the influence of environmental filtering should increase with decreasing soil fertility, based on the premise that individuals will employ a resource-retentive strategy in a less productive ecosystem. Mean annual temperature (MAT) is one indicator of the productivity of the ecosystem. We aim to build a more accurate model of environmental filter and want to statistically test whether the environmental filter is stronger when the MAT is lower compared to when it is higher. Our findings throw an interesting insight into how the trait variability changes as a function of MAT and how it could be better modelled.

year: 2013

title: Entrepreneurship and Debt: Growth Aversion, Debt Aversion, Overconfidence, and the Effects on Small Business Credit Decisions

authors: Bell, Kendon

subjects: Entrepreneurship

abstract: Widespread empirical consistency with the pecking order theory of capital structure (Myers & Majluf, 1984) has led researchers to conclude that small and medium sized enterprises conform to this theory’s predictions. In chapter 2, a formal model is presented that allows for plausible and empirically supported psychological owner/manager objectives in addition to the profit motive. This chapter provides an alternative explanation of preferences for low leverage that does not rely on informational asymmetry, as well as predicting limits on firm sizes, and the existence of collateral.

In chapter 3, a formal model of the entrepreneurship decision with credit is presented for firms with managers who overestimate their probability of success. Explanations for credit rationing, predatory lending, and the existence of collateral are produced and the welfare implications of overconfidence are investigated in an equilibrium model. It is found that overconfidence can increase overall welfare but harms entrepreneurs who are able to engage in poor projects.

text: Entrepreneurship and Debt: Growth Aversion, Debt Aversion, Overconfidence, and the Effects on Small Business Credit Decisions Widespread empirical consistency with the pecking order theory of capital structure (Myers & Majluf, 1984) has led researchers to conclude that small and medium sized enterprises conform to this theory’s predictions. In chapter 2, a formal model is presented that allows for plausible and empirically supported psychological owner/manager objectives in addition to the profit motive. This chapter provides an alternative explanation of preferences for low leverage that does not rely on informational asymmetry, as well as predicting limits on firm sizes, and the existence of collateral.

In chapter 3, a formal model of the entrepreneurship decision with credit is presented for firms with managers who overestimate their probability of success. Explanations for credit rationing, predatory lending, and the existence of collateral are produced and the welfare implications of overconfidence are investigated in an equilibrium model. It is found that overconfidence can increase overall welfare but harms entrepreneurs who are able to engage in poor projects.

year: 2012

title: Kaumātua mana motuhake: Kaumātua managing life-transitions through tuakana-teina/peer-education

authors: Hokowhitu, Brendan

abstract: People face signifi cant transition points as they age, such as loss of independent living, loss of a spouse and changing health conditions. Successfully navigating these transitions depends on being able to manage emotional and socio-economic factors, as well as service systems, while often being reliant on family or whānau. Historically however, kaumātua have faced a dominant society that has failed to realise their full potential as they age. Yet, for Māori, kaumātua are “carriers of culture, anchors for families, models for lifestyle, bridges to the future, guardians of heritage and role models for younger generations.” Kaumātua mana motuhake is invested in upholding kaumātua tino rangatiratanga (independence and autonomy) via high-quality Māori research that will lead to better life outcomes for kaumātua and their whā nau.

text: Kaumātua mana motuhake: Kaumātua managing life-transitions through tuakana-teina/peer-education People face signifi cant transition points as they age, such as loss of independent living, loss of a spouse and changing health conditions. Successfully navigating these transitions depends on being able to manage emotional and socio-economic factors, as well as service systems, while often being reliant on family or whānau. Historically however, kaumātua have faced a dominant society that has failed to realise their full potential as they age. Yet, for Māori, kaumātua are “carriers of culture, anchors for families, models for lifestyle, bridges to the future, guardians of heritage and role models for younger generations.” Kaumātua mana motuhake is invested in upholding kaumātua tino rangatiratanga (independence and autonomy) via high-quality Māori research that will lead to better life outcomes for kaumātua and their whā nau.

year: 2017