The application of financial ratios in analysing nonprofit organisations

Historically ratios have been used to assess the financial standing of profit organisations. It would be expected the role which such ratios play in analysing nonprofit organisations would be considerably different due to the lack of profit motive. Many traditional ratios are based on profitability as a benchmark. The nonprofit sector plays an important role in society yet to date there has been no research carried out on financial statement analysis for nonprofit organisations in Australia. This paper examines ratios of a group of nonprofit organisations and assesses the applicability of the traditional profit-based ratios to nonprofit organisations. Financial statements of a sample of charities registered in Queensland are analysed. The traditional profitability, liquidity and financial stability ratios are analysed and calculated wherever practicable and compared to the typical benchmarks used in profit analysis.

Effect of outdoor site location on calculated I/O ratios

Motor vehicle emissions have been identified as one of the major contributors of fine and ultrafine particles (UFP) in urban areas. Schools located near major roads could potentially be exposed to high levels of UPFs and school classroom is an important microenvironment where significant exposure to UFPs is likely to occur. Most of the research conducted to date has investigated the relationship between indoor and outdoor particle number concentration (PNC) in schools based on one outdoor location, which may introduce a level of error when calculating the variation of total UPFs, and can result in the underestimation or overestimation of indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratio values.

Influence of filtration on I/O particle concentration ratios at urban office buildings

Epidemiological research has consistently shown an association between fine and ultrafine particle concentrations, and increases in both respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. These particles, often found in vehicle emissions outside buildings, can penetrate inside via their envelopes and mechanically ventilated systems. Indoor activities such as printing, cooking and cleaning, as well as the movement of building occupants are also an additional source of these particles. In this context, the filtration systems of mechanically ventilated buildings can reduce indoor particle concentrations. Several studies have quantified the efficiency of dry-media and electrostatic filters, but they mainly focused on the particle size range > 300 nm. Some others studied ultrafine particles but their investigations were conducted in laboratories. At this point, there is still only limited information on in situ filter efficiency and an incomplete understanding of filtration influence on I/O ratios of particle concentrations. To help address these gaps in knowledge and provide new information for the selection of appropriate filter types in office building HVAC systems, we aimed to: (1) measure particle concentrations at up and down stream flows of filter devices, as well as outdoor and indoor office buildings; (2) quantify efficiency of different filter types at different buildings; and (3) assess the impact of these filters on I/O ratios at different indoor and outdoor source operation scenarios.

Using staffing ratios for workforce planning : evidence on nine allied health professions - a narrative review

Background: Modern healthcare managers are faced with pressure to deliver effective, efficient services within the context of fixed budget constraints. This requires decisions regarding the skill mix of the workforce particularly when staffing new services. One measure used to identify numbers and mix of staff in healthcare settings is workforce ratio. The aim of this study was to identify workforce ratios in nine allied health professions and to identify whether these measures are useful for planning allied health workforce requirements. Method: A systematic literature search using relevant MeSH headings of business, medical and allied health databases and relevant grey literature for the period 2000-2008 was undertaken. Results: Twelve articles were identified which described the use of workforce ratios in allied health services. Only one of these was a staffing ratio linked to clinical outcomes. The most comprehensive measures were identified in rehabilitation medicine. Conclusions: The evidence for use of staffing ratios for allied health practitioners is scarce and lags behind the fields of nursing and medicine.

Dense plasmas in magnetic traps : generation of focused ion beams with controlled ion-to-neutral flux ratios

Customized magnetic traps were developed to produce a domain of dense plasmas with a narrow ion beam directed to a particular area of the processed substrate. A planar magnetron coupled with an arc discharge source created the magnetic traps to confine the plasma electrons and generate the ion beam with the controlled ratio of ion-to-neutral fluxes. Images of the plasma jet patterns and numerical vizualizations help explaining the observed phenomena.

The path to stoichiometric composition of III–V binary quantum dots through plasma/ion-assisted self-assembly

Semiconductor III-V quantum dots (QDs) are particularly enticing components for the integration of optically promising III-V materials with the silicon technology prevalent in the microelectronics industry. However, defects due to deviations from a stoichiometric composition [group III: group V = 1] may lead to impaired device performance. This paper investigates the initial stages of formation of InSb and GaAs QDs on Si(1 0 0) through hybrid numerical simulations. Three situations are considered: a neutral gas environment (NG), and two ionized gas environments, namely a localized ion source (LIS) and a background plasma (BP) case. It is shown that when the growth is conducted in an ionized gas environment, a stoichiometric composition may be obtained earlier in the QD as compared to a NG. Moreover, the stoichiometrization time, tst, is shorter for the BP case compared to the LIS scenario. A discussion of the effect of ion/plasma-based tools as well as a range of process conditions on the final island size distribution is also included. Our results suggest a way to obtain a deterministic level of control over nanostructure properties (in particular, elemental composition and size) during the initial stages of growth which is a crucial step towards achieving highly tailored QDs suitable for implementation in advanced technological devices.

Relating urban airborne particle concentrations to shipping using carbon based elemental emission ratios

This study demonstrates a novel method for testing the hypothesis that variations in primary and secondary particle number concentration (PNC) in urban air are related to residual fuel oil combustion at a coastal port lying 30 km upwind, by examining the correlation between PNC and airborne particle composition signatures chosen for their sensitivity to the elemental contaminants present in residual fuel oil. Residual fuel oil combustion indicators were chosen by comparing the sensitivity of a range of concentration ratios to airborne emissions originating from the port. The most responsive were combinations of vanadium and sulfur concentration ([S], [V]) expressed as ratios with respect to black carbon concentration ([BC]). These correlated significantly with ship activity at the port and with the fraction of time during which the wind blew from the port. The average [V] when the wind was predominantly from the port was 0.52 ng.m-3 (87%) higher than the average for all wind directions and 0.83 ng.m-3 (280%) higher than that for the lowest vanadium yielding wind direction considered to approximate the natural background. Shipping was found to be the main source of V impacting urban air quality in Brisbane. However, contrary to the stated hypothesis, increases in PNC related measures did not correlate with ship emission indicators or ship traffic. Hence at this site ship emissions were not found to be a major contributor to PNC compared to other fossil fuel combustion sources such as road traffic, airport and refinery emissions.

Influence of hydrogen dilution on the growth of nanocrystalline silicon carbide films by low-frequency inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition

Nanocrystalline silicon carbide (nc-SiC) films are prepared by low-frequency inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition from feedstock gases silane and methane diluted with hydrogen at a substrate temperature of 500 °C. The effect of different hydrogen dilution ratios X [hydrogen flow (sccm) / silane + methane flow (sccm)] on the growth of nc-SiC films is investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). At a low hydrogen dilution ratio X, cubic silicon carbide is the main crystal phase; whereas at a high hydrogen dilution ratio X, hexagonal silicon carbide is the main crystal phase. The SiC crystal phase transformation may be explained by the different surface mobility of reactive Si-based and C-based radicals deposited at different hydrogen dilution ratios X. The FTIR and XPS analyses show that the Si-C bonds are the main bonds in the films and elemental composition of SiC is nearly stoichiometric with almost equal share of silicon and carbon atoms.

Rescaling clustering trees using impact ratios for robust hierarchical speaker clustering

We present a novel method for improving hierarchical speaker clustering in the tasks of speaker diarization and speaker linking. In hierarchical clustering, a tree can be formed that demonstrates various levels of clustering. We propose a ratio that expresses the impact of each cluster on the formation of this tree and use this to rescale cluster scores. This provides score normalisation based on the impact of each cluster. We use a state-of-the-art speaker diarization and linking system across the SAIVT-BNEWS corpus to show that our proposed impact ratio can provide a relative improvement of 16% in diarization error rate (DER).

Cone Ratios in Myopia and Emmetropia: A Pilot Study

Purpose There is a suggestion that the long wavelength-sensitive (LWS)-to-middle wavelength-sensitive (MWS) cone ratio in the retina is associated with myopia. The aim was to measure the LWS/MWS amplitude modulation ratio, an estimate of the LWS/MWS cone ratio, in young adult emmetropes and myopes. Methods Multifocal visual evoked potentials were measured when the LWS and MWS cone systems were excited separately using the method of silent substitution. The 30 young adult participants (22 to 33 years) included 10 emmetropes (mean [±SD] refraction, +0.3 [±0.4] diopters [D]) and 20 myopes (mean [±SD] refraction, -3.4 [±1.7] D). Results The LWS/MWS amplitude modulation ratios ranged from 0.56 to 1.80 in the central 3- to 13-degree diameter ring and from 0.94 to 1.91 in the peripheral 13- to 30-degree diameter ring. Within the central ring, the mean (±SD) ratios were 1.20 (±0.26) and 1.20 (±0.33) for the emmetropic and the myopic groups, respectively. For the peripheral ring, the mean (±SD) ratios were 1.48 (±0.27) and 1.30 (±0.27), respectively. There were no significant differences in the ratios between the emmetropic and myopic groups for either the central (p = 0.99) or peripheral (p = 0.08) rings. For the latter, more myopic refractive error was associated with lower LWS/MWS amplitude modulation ratio; the refraction explained 16% (p = 0.02) of variation in ratio. Conclusions The relationship between the LWS/MWS amplitude modulation ratios and refraction at 13 to 30 degrees indicates that a large longitudinal study of changes in refraction in persons with known cone ratio is required to determine if a low LWS/MWS cone ratio is associated with myopia development.

Development of a pilot-scale bacterial fermentation for plasmid-based biopharmaceutical production using a stoichiometric medium

The recognition of the potential efficacy of plasmid DNA (pDNA) molecules as vectors in the treatment and prevention of emerging diseases has birthed the confidence to combat global pandemics. This is due to the close-to-zero safety concern associated with pDNA vectors compared to viral vectors in cell transfection and targeting. Considerable attention has been paid to the potential of pDNA vectors but comparatively less thought has been given to the practical challenges in producing large quantities to meet current rising demands. A pilot-scale fermentation scheme was developed by employing a stoichiometrically-designed growth medium whose exceptional plasmid yield performance was attested in a shake flask environment for pUC19 and pEGFP-N1 transformed into E. coliDH5α and E. coliJM109, respectively. Batch fermentation of E. coliDH5α-pUC19 employing the stoichiometric medium displayed a maximum plasmid volumetric and specific yield of 62.6 mg/L and 17.1 mg/g (mg plasmid/g dry cell weight), respectively. Fed-batch fermentation of E. coliDH5α-pUC19 on a glycerol substrate demonstrated one of the highest ever reported pilot-scale plasmid specific yield of 48.98 mg/g and a volumetric yield of 0.53 g/L. The attainment of high plasmid specific yields constitutes a decrease in plasmid manufacturing cost and enhances the effectiveness of downstream processes by reducing the proportion of intracellular impurities. The effect of step-rise temperature induction was also considered to maximize ColE1-origin plasmid replication.

Lactose surface modification by decantation: Are drug-fine lactose ratios the key to better dispersion of salmeterol xinafoate from lactose-interactive mixtures?

Purpose The role of fine lactose in the dispersion of salmeterol xinafoate (SX) from lactose mixtures was studied by modifying the fine lactose concentration on the surface of the lactose carriers using wet decantation. Methods Fine lactose was removed from lactose carriers by wet decantation using ethanol saturated with lactose. Particle sizing was achieved by laser diffraction. Fine particle fractions (FPFs) were determined by Twin Stage Impinger using a 2.5% SX mixture, and SX was analyzed by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. Adhesion forces between probes of SX and silica and the lactose surfaces were determined by atomic force microscopy. Results FPFs of SX were related to fine lactose concentration in the mixture for inhalation grade lactose samples. Reductions in FPF (2-4-fold) of Aeroflo 95 and 65 were observed after removing fine lactose by wet decantation; FPFs reverted to original values after addition of micronized lactose to decanted mixtures. FPFs of SX of sieved and decanted fractions of Aeroflo carriers were significantly different (p < 0.001). The relationship between FPF and fine lactose concentration was linear. Decanted lactose demonstrated surface modification through increased SX-lactose adhesion forces; however, any surface modification other than removal of fine lactose only slightly influenced FPF. Conclusions Fine lactose played a key and dominating role in controlling FPF. SX to fine lactose ratios influenced dispersion of SX with maximum dispersion occurring as the ratio approached unity.

Settling behaviours of low alumina/caustic ratios during seawater neutralisation of Bayer liquor

Factors that affect the settleability of seawater neutralised bauxite refinery residues are poorly understood, in particular, the settleability of precipitates in the absence of red mud and those formed with different alumina/caustic (AC) ratios. The influence of temperature, AC ratio, caustic concentration and the volumetric ratio of seawater on the settleability of seawater neutralisation precipitates and their respective compositions and stabilities have been determined. An array of techniques have been used to determine the composition and stability of precipitates and include pH, conductivity, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Temperature has been shown to have a significant influence on the settleability and calcium carbonate phase distributions in precipitates, as well as the overall stability of the precipitates. More complex phase compositions have also been found for Bayer liquors with lower AC ratios. The caustic concentration and temperature of the reaction have the greatest influence on the settling efficiency of the precipitates. Assessments on the chemical stability of the precipitates, precipitate settleability and discharge water quality have been made. In addition, productivity and environmental impacts caused by changes in precipitate settleability have also been considered.

Influence of non-stoichiometric defects on nonlinear absorption and refraction in Nd:Zn co-doped lithium niobate

Nonlinear absorption and refraction phenomena in stoichiometric lithium niobate (SLN) pure and co-doped with Zn and Nd, and congruent lithium niobate (CLN) were investigated using Z-scan technique. Femtosecond laser pulses from Ti:Sapphire laser (800 nm, 110 fs pulse width and 1 kHz repetition rate) were utilized for the experiment. The process responsible for nonlinear behavior of the samples was identified to be three photon absorption (3PA). This is in agreement with the band gap energies of the samples obtained from the linear absorption cut off and the slope of the plot of Ln(1 − TOA) vs. Ln(I0) using Sutherland’s theory (s = 2.1, for 3PA). The nonlinear refractive index (n2) of Zn doped samples was found to be lower than that of pure samples. Our experiments show that there exists a correlation between the nonlinear properties and the stoichiometry of the samples. The values of n2 fall into the same range as those obtained for the materials of similar band gap.