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PubMed1994

Socially responsible investing. Is it successful?

Socially responsible investing (SRI) has been defined as "the integration of social or ethical criteria into the investment decision-making process." Based on the values they hold, investors distinguish socially responsible investments from those which are not by implementing social screens: nonfinancial criteria applied in the decision-making process. Socially responsible investors typically follow one of three approaches to ethical investing: avoidance of businesses whose activities they do not support, a positive approach where they seek investments that will enhance the quality of life, and an activist approach where they attempt to influence the company's activities. In addition to individuals, many institutional investors are heavily involved with SRI. Activist investors can judge their investments' performance by the success of their shareholder activities. Investors might also look at the societal effects of their investments. If investors are seeking to change the corporation or society, SRI has proven to be successful. Empirical studies have shown mixed results with respect to the financial performance of SRI, but the findings tend to show that SRI has minimal impact, either positively or negatively, on investment returns. Nevertheless, many factors indicate that SRI may be here to stay.

Catholicism↗

PubMed1997

Designing a successful investment program.

Healthcare organizations have various asset pool funds that can be invested to increase nonoperating revenues. In order to maximize the long-term success of investment efforts, healthcare organizations need to develop comprehensive investment management programs. Such programs identify the assets that can be invested, establish the level of risk each asset type can be exposed to, and match long-term and short-term investment opportunities to the appropriate asset pool. Programs can be managed internally or outsourced to investment management firms with objectives and procedures that are compatible with those of the healthcare organizations' investment policies and guidelines. These policies and guidelines must address asset allocation. Oversight committees must be established to monitor investment performance and reallocate assets, as needed, to take advantage of market movements.

Depreciation↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of five investing techniques on air bubble entrapment and casting nodules.

Five different investing techniques were used to invest lost-wax casting patterns. The use of an investing technique that subjects the invested casting ring to air pressure (40 lb per square inch) during setting was found to produce less air bubble/cast nodule incidence than did the other four techniques investigated. Not all cast nodules can be seen by the unaided eye; magnification is needed. More cast nodules than air bubbles were seen at the interface of pattern and investment, showing that there may be many air bubbles below the investment surface that are entered by the incoming alloy during casting. The effect of a surface-tension reducing (STR) agent on the air bubble incidence between pattern and investment depends on the investing technique used, although all techniques used showed a reduction in cast nodule incidence when an STR agent was used. Sprue direction was also found to influence the incidence of casting nodules.

Air↗

PubMed1990

[Effect of investment on adaptation of the PFM coping].

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of two investing methods, one time investment and two-time investment, to the adaptability of the PFM coping, using CW-PA base alloy and its phosphate investment. The result shows that the expansion of the investment is influenced by the investing methods (P less than 0.05). One-time investment has a larger expansion than two-time one for the cause of that it is without limit of the gypsum investment. It can compensate the Ni-Cr-Nb base alloy's contraction more fully, therefore a better fit of the PFM coping can be got.

Dental Alloys↗

PubMed1989

[The influence of mixing and heating on the compressive strength of investment materials].

In the present study, the compressive strength of four representative dental investment materials was compared. The whole investigation was divided in three experiments. In the first one the effect of different ways of mixing on the compressive strength of the investments was examined. In the second the compressive strength of investments mixed mechanically under vacuum was compared: a) two hours after mixing, b) at the highest heating temperature and c) at room temperature after the heating procedure. In the third experiment, a comparison was made between the compressive strength of investments at the highest heating temperature. The investments were mixed mechanically under vacuum but half of the specimens were placed in a pressure device during setting. From the results obtained the following conclusions were made: a) Mixing mechanically under vacuum increases the compressive strength of the investments, b) the compressive strength of phosphate-bonded investments increases at the highest temperature of the heating procedure and c) the use of a pressure device during the setting of the investments results also in an increased compressive strength.

Calcium Sulfate↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Air-bubble entrapment as affected by investment technique, pattern angle, and use of a surface tension-reduction agent.

The effect of five dental investing techniques, three angles formed between adjoining internal pattern surfaces, and the use of a surface tension-reducing agent on air-bubble entrapment during investing were assessed. One investing technique, which mechanically mixed the investment under vacuum, invested the pattern without vacuum, then subjected the setting investment to .275 mPa of air pressure, was found to produce significantly fewer air bubbles than the other four techniques (P = 0.0096, Student's t test). The volume of the air bubbles was not found to be significantly affected by the different investing techniques, but the angle between adjoining internal pattern surfaces indicated that the more acute the angle, the larger the volume of the trapped air bubbles. When a surface tension reducer was used on the surface of patterns, pattern angles of 90 degrees had fewer trapped air bubbles than those produced with more acute tooth preparation angles, but the surface tension reducer agent had no significant effect on bubble volume. The use of a surface tension-reducing agent on the pattern surface prior to investing significantly reduced air bubble numbers (P = .054).

Air↗

PubMed2002

The stability of cooperation involving variable investment.

In this paper, we attempt to reconcile the results of several studies which have investigated the evolution of cooperation between non-relatives in systems where investment in partners can vary. In contrast to previous proposals, we show for the first time that variable-investment cooperation can be readily maintained in inter-species mutualistic relationships even in the absence of spatial structure, but that the stability of this interaction is dependent on the particular investment-response rule that is employed. By allowing the evolution of investment-response parameters in both inter- and intra-specific versions of the continuous variable-investment Prisoners' Dilemma we show that, in the absence of further factors, the raise-the stakes (RTS) strategy is likely to evolve into a simpler, variable investment form of Give-as-Good-as-you-Get that initially offers a high fixed amount and subsequently matches its partner's investment. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that genuine RTS-like strategies will still be selected if two intuitively reasonable conditions hold: if individuals are limited in terms of the total they can invest in cooperative actions over their lifetimes, and if there are always some individuals in a population that cannot cooperate.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Trade-off in investment between dispersal and ingestion capability in phytophagous insects and its ecological implications.

In population ecology, dispersal plays a fundamental role, but is potentially costly. Traditionally, studies of phenotypic trade-offs involving dispersal focus on resource allocation differences between flight and reproduction. However, investments in dispersal may also result in reduced allocation to other "third-party traits" (e.g. compensatory feeding) that are not directly associated with reproduction. Such traits remain largely uninvestigated for any phytophagous insect despite their importance for performance and survival. Using two wing-dimorphic, phloem-feeding planthoppers, Prokelisia dolus and Prokelisia marginata that differ dramatically in dispersal abilities, we sought evidence for a trade-off between investments in dispersal (flight apparatus) and ingestion capability (allocation to the esophageal musculature governing ingestion). Dispersal allows species to meet nutrient demands by moving to higher-quality resources. In contrast, enhanced investment in esophageal musculature increases ingestion capacity and allows phloem feeders to compensate for deteriorating plant nutrition on site. Our objectives were to compare differences in flight and feeding investment between P. dolus and P. marginata and between the wing forms of both species, and to compare ingestion capacity between the two species and wing forms. Morphometric and gravimetric measures of investment in flight versus feeding indicate that the sedentary P. dolus allocates more muscle mass to feeding whereas P. marginata invests more heavily in flight. Likewise, brachypters invest more in feeding and less in flight than macropters. The greater esophageal investment in P. dolus is associated with enhanced ingestion capacity compared to P. marginata. As a consequence, P. dolus is better equipped to meet on-site nutrient demands when faced with deteriorating plant quality than P. marginata, which must migrate elsewhere to do so. Notably, such third-party trade-offs place constraints on how insect herbivores cope with changing resources and set the stage for fundamental differences in population dynamics.

Animals↗

PubMed1981

Type III gold alloy complete crowns cast in a phosphate-bonded investment.

A phosphate-bonded investment and a calcium sulphate-bonded investment were evaluated for the surface smoothness and marginal fit they impart to type III gold castings. The phosphate-bonded investment was used with burnout temperatures of 900 degrees F and 1,300 degrees F. The results of this study lead to the following conclusions: 1. The marginal fit with the phosphate-bonded investment method was superior to that obtained with the calcium sulphate-bonded investment. 2. Surface roughness was greater for the castings made with the phosphate-bonded investment when measured with SEM photographs and visual observation. 3. The phosphate bonded-investment increased the incidence of nodules on the surface of the castings. 4. No correlation was demonstrated between marginal fit and surface roughness or the incidence of nodules on the castings.

Calcium Sulfate↗

PubMed2002

Influence of residual surface investment material on crystallization shrinkage of a mica-based glass-ceramic.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that residual surface investment material induced precipitation of a second phase in the surface of a mica-based castable glass-ceramic. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of this precipitate on the crystallization shrinkage of the glass-ceramic. METHODS: In experiment 1, six glass bars were cast. The whole surface of three of the six bars was ground to remove residual surface investment material. Then, the six bars were treated thermally to induce crystallization. Dimensional change in the bars during the treatment was recorded. In experiment 2, 14 glass specimens were assigned to two groups. Seven specimens in the one group would form the second phase. The length of each specimen was measured pre- and post-crystallization, and the crystallization shrinkage value calculated. RESULTS: In experiment 1, all specimens showed shrinkage during thermal processing. The majority of crystallization shrinkage began around 620 degrees C and finished at 750 degrees C. Specimens with the residual investment showed less net shrinkage than those without the investment. In experiment 2, mean shrinkage values and standard deviations were 1.11 (0.05)% for the group without the investment and 0.93 (0.11)% for the group with the investment. There was a significant difference between the groups (P<0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: The residual surface investment material decreases the crystallization shrinkage, and must affect the strength of the mica-based glass-ceramic and the fit of this ceramic restorative to the prepared cavity.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed1998

Stress-strain and thermal expansion characteristics of a phosphate-bonded investment mould material for dental super plastic forming.

OBJECTIVES: The stress-strain and thermal expansion characteristics of a phosphate-bonded investment material were measured to determine its suitability as a die material for superplastic forming of dental appliances. Titanium alloy denture bases and implant superstructures have been fabricated successfully using this investment material, but a greater understanding of its properties was sought to optimize the forming technique before exploitation could proceed. The effect of a boron nitride powder on the properties of phosphate-bonded investment was also investigated. METHODS: Three-point bend test specimens were cast in the phosphate-bonded investment material. Four groups of test samples were produced at specified water-to-powder ratios (w/p ratios). For one group 5 wt.% boron nitride powder was added to the investment powder before mixing with water. For stress-strain measurements specimens were heated to 920 degrees C and held for 30 min prior to the application of load. For thermal expansion measurements specimen length was measured for the entire heating and cooling cycle. RESULTS: Curves of stress versus strain and thermal expansion were recorded for all four test groups. For increasing initial w/p ratio failure stress decreased with lowest failure stresses for specimens containing boron nitride. Strain to failure also decreased with increasing initial w/p ratio, except for the group containing boron nitride which showed relatively large elongations to fracture. Specimen surfaces with higher initial w/p ratios were observed to have larger surface porosity. Thermal expansion curves for three groups were very similar, but differed considerably from the group containing boron nitride. CONCLUSIONS: The lowest initial w/p ratio should be used for highest hot strength. Hot deformation of phosphate-bonded investment dies for superplastic forming is an issue that requires further investigation because of potential die deformation and the resulting loss of fit between the superplastic superstructure and implant components. Boron nitride could be used in phosphate-bonded investment to decrease thermal expansion, but the consequences of reduced hot strength and increased strain to failure may make the modified material unsuitable as a die for superplastic forming.

Alloys↗

PubMed1996

The use of casting investments for soldering gold implant bars: a pilot study.

The use of gypsum- and phosphate-bonded casting investments for soldering gold implant bars was investigated. Eighteen gold implant bars were sectioned and divided into two groups of nine specimens each. One group of bars was invested with gypsum-bonded investment and the other group invested with phosphate-bonded investment. The accuracy of fit of each group was measured at the gold cylinder-abutment interface in microns using a stereomicroscope. The use of gypsum-bonded investment resulted in a more accurate fit as compared with phosphate-bonded investment.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1994

The effect of investment type on the fit of cast titanium crowns.

In order to determine the best laboratory procedure for titanium crown casting, a set of thermal expansion measurements and casting experiments were carried out using a casting machine (argon arc, pressure difference type) and three different investments, two conventional SiO2 based investments and a new Al2O3/MgO based investment. The thermal expansion measurements involved a cycle of heating and cooling. The relatively low mould temperatures recommended (200 degrees C) or chosen (350 degrees C) for the conventional investments provided zero or negative mould expansion for the compensation of metal shrinkage. Crowns made from these investments exhibited heavy reaction with the mould, and the common cleaning method of sand blasting appeared to be essential. This cleaning process, however, was not adequate for the assessment of casting accuracy as the short sand blasting time (15 s) rapidly altered the fit of the crowns. The metal reacted little with the new investment and the best compensation (0.15 mm discrepancy) for the metal shrinkage, as assessed 'as cast', was achieved when the investment was heated to 950 degrees C and then cooled to the recommended mould temperature (600 degrees C).

Chemical Phenomena↗

PubMed2001

Relations among age, income, and knowledge of investments.

This study examined consumers' interactions with financial advisors in terms of the age and income of the respondents. The respondents were 500 residents of Florida interviewed in a random telephone survey. The dependent variables for the analysis were (1) frequency of communication, (2) knowledge, and (3) confidence in investment. No significant differences were found for frequency of interaction, but differences were identified on both knowledge and confidence in investment. Older respondents had more knowledge about investment than did younger ones, and respondents of higher income had more knowledge and more confidence in their investments than did those of lower or middle income. The results are discussed in terms of immediacy theory. Investment issues would have more immediacy for higher income respondents since they would have more money available for investment. Similarly, immediacy would be higher for older respondents since they would have more time and interest to devote to investment issues.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2000

The next $120,000: a case study to illustrate analysis of alternative farm investments in fixed assets.

Dairy scientists specializing in the area of farm management are increasingly involved in analysis of farm investments in fixed assets. There have been instances where the wrong procedures were used to assess investments in fixed assets, leading to erroneous and possibly disastrous conclusions. A detailed case study of a dairy farm facing the decision of where best to invest an unexpected $120,000 windfall is used to illustrate the various facets of financial analysis. Indicators of profitability, liquidity, solvency, repayment capacity, and financial efficiency are explained and applied to the farm case to produce a detailed analysis of the current financial position of the firm. Long-range budgets of four alternate investment options and their impact on all financial indicators are presented. The four options are: 1) to pay down debt, 2) to purchase an additional 100 cows, 3) to install automatic milk yield recording in the parlor, and 4) to build new heifer facilities. All four investments are profitable. Therefore, an analysis limited to profitability indicators would conclude that any of the four options is a good investment. However, liquidity and financial efficiency issues showed that the option of purchasing 100 cows is far superior to the three others. We conclude that a complete and thorough financial analysis is required to evaluate the impact of long-run investments in fixed assets.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

An investment perspective for hospital materiel managers.

Materiel managers are making investments every time they authorize capital, supply, or personnel requisitions on behalf of their departments or organizations. While not as formal as external investments in securities or the like, internal investments are even more critical to the organization's success and carry the same fiduciary obligations. Generating an acceptable return is a necessity rather than an option as concerns internal investments; the same formal analysis that is applied to external investments should be extended to internal ones as well. Adopting an investment perspective is a critical first step in seeing internal initiatives as investments and obtaining an appropriate return.

Capital Expenditures↗

PubMed2003

[Effects of investment materials on cast shrinkage of base metal alloys].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of different investment materials, methods and crown height on the cast shrinkage of full crowns made of dental base metal alloy. METHODS: All of the 288 wax patterns were made and divided into three groups according to their crown height. In every group, wax patterns were invested in metal rings and paper rings with three types investment material and cast with base metal alloys. Then the inside diameters of castings were measured and analyzed by statistical package SPSS. RESULTS: Differences between groups invested with the three types of material were significant(P < 0.01). There were significant difference between the groups investing with metal rings and paper rings(P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The component of investment material and invested ring can affect the cast shrinkage of dental base metal alloy apparently.

Crowns↗

PubMed1989

Development in vitro of investment-free marsupial embryos during cleavage and early blastocyst formation.

Twenty embryos at the cleavage-arrested four-cell stage of the brown antechinus, Antechinus stuartii, were used to develop a method to obtain investment-free embryos by incubation at 35 degrees C in 2.5% pancreatin, 0.05% trypsin, and 0.05% pronase. Control intact embryos and the investment-free embryos were incubated in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium with high glucose and 10% foetal calf serum in 5% CO2 in air at 35 degrees C for 48 h. Release of embryos from the investments (shell, mucoid, and zona pellucida) took 4-4 1/2 h in pancreatin, 6 h in trypsin, and 55 min to 1 1/4 h in pronase. Embryonic survival in vitro was best following pronase digestion. Pronase concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% were used to free one- to 16-cell stage embryos of brown antechinus and the stripe-faced dunnart, Sminthopsis macroura, from their investments. Postincubation survival and development of embryos in vitro was best using between 0.05% and 0.25% pronase. Blastomeres in both intact and investment-free embryos shared similar characteristics during cleavage and blastocyst formation. The combined effect of these characteristics was that in intact embryos, no morula was formed, and the blastocyst developed, when cell numbers were high enough (about 32 cells), as a unilaminar structure flattened against the zona pellucida and without an inner cell mass. In investment-free embryos, the blastomeres dispersed over the base of the culture vessel. The investments were necessary to confine the blastomeres, to provide a surface for blastomere flattening, and to allow normal cellular associations to develop.

Animals↗