Benchmarking Terms Links

The other approach to the electronic wave function and its links with the molecular parameters is the ab initio calculation we often use this term or mode of description elsewhere in this book. An ab initio calculation is one which uses only the fundamental laws of physics and the values of the fundamental constants. It is easy to define, but efforts to achieve success for molecules with many electrons, even diatomic molecules, have occupied the attention of many for the past seventy years. The electronic wave function produced by an ab initio calculation is often too complicated algebraically to provide something which can reasonably be described as a physical picture. In this situation the value of a molecular parameter, determined by experiment, is best regarded as a benchmark which can be used to test the accuracy of an ah initio calculation. 

The backbone of the climate forecast, of course, is the operational model that links the short-term El Nino scale to the longer term. The observing system is the key challenge for testing the veracity of calculations. Carbon sources and sinks have been discussed. I believe that upper ocean observations, climate data records at the surface, and benchmark observation that establish the long-term evolution of the climate in an absolute sense constitute the centerpiece of what must be done. 

For Example, Wal-Mart pioneered supplier visibility with its Retail Link. It continues to be the benchmark for supplier visibility and the power it provides for superior decision making by all participants in the supply chain. It provides visibility to suppliers on what has happened—POS (Point Of Sale), Inventory—and all ofthe factors the company needs to make smarter decisions about what to expect in the future in terms of demographics by store clusters, sales forecasts. 

MOFs by their nature are difficult to define and classify the link between MOFs and their impact on safety can be subtle and long-term data is hard to obtain because of the difficulty to establish appropriate taxonomies. The lack of an established set of MOFs and corresponding definitions hinders comparisons and benchmarking analyses across different studies. The reader can refer to (Mohaghegh et al. 2009), (Mohaghegh Mosleh, 2009) for a comprehensive discussion on the issue. 

Floating rate notes (FRNs) are bonds that have variable rates of interest the coupon rate is linked to a specified index and changes periodically as the index changes. An FRN is usually issued with a coupon that pays a fixed spread over a reference index for example, the coupon may be 50 basis points over the six-month interbank rate. Since the value for the reference benchmark index is not known, it is not possible to calculate the redemption yield for an FRN. The FRN market in countries such as the United States and United Kingdom is large and well-developed floating-rate bonds are particularly popular with short-term investors and financial institutions such as banks. 

---