Simple characterizations of the Nash and Kalai/Smorodinsky solutions

In this study we introduce two new properties, the Midpoint Outcome on a Linear Frontier (MOLF) and Balanced Focal Point (BFP) properties, to replace the Weak Pareto Optimality (WPO), Symmetry (SYM) and Independence of Equivalent Utility Representations (IEUR) properties in the axiomatic characterizations of the two most prominent solution concepts, namely the Nash and Kalai/Smorodinsky solutions, respectively.

Far from equilibrium

Examines Terry Gilliam's cinema via his interest in systems: mechanical, philosophical, aesthetic, mythological and scientific. Argues for Gilliam as in interpreter of the late twentieth century experience, his films interweaving contemporary theory with archaic lore in dramatisation of the ongoing quest to apprehend the world's processes.

Trade and industrial policy in developing countries : what scope for interfaces between agent-based models and computable-general equilibrium models

How best to assess trade and industrial policy in developing countries is a controversial question that unlocks a host of modelling complexities. Large computable general-equilibrium (CGE) models dominate many economic policy debates, but recent developments in the field have demonstrated that it is by no means clear that they give reliable results to questions of how trade reforms affect the poor. Over the last decade or so, a new approach to modelling complex systems has emerged using agent-based models (ABMs). This paper explores the question of whether ABMs are useful for economic policy-makers seeking to quantitatively model the effects of trade and industrial policies and whether constructive interfaces could be developed between CGE models and ABMs. The paper argues that in developing economic policy, ABMs can and should be used in conjunction with CGE models and that there is much to be gained from a greater understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different modelling approaches, and what domains are most appropriate for their use. It concludes with some reflections on the reasons for the success of CGE approaches and ways in which ABMs could be made more widely understood and used among economists.

Weakest collective rationality and the Nash bargaining solution

We propose a new axiom, weakest collective rationality (WCR) which is weaker than both weak Pareto optimality (WPO) in Nash’s (Econometrica 18:155–162, 1950) original characterization and strong individual rationality (SIR) in Roth’s (Math Oper Res 2:64–65, 1977) characterization of the Nash bargaining solution. We then characterize the Nash solution by symmetry (SYM), scale invariance (SI), independence of irrelevant alternatives (IIA) and our weakest collective rationality (WCR) axiom.

Distributive justice and the Nash bargaining solution

Suppes-Sen dominance or SS-proofness (SSP) is a commonly accepted criterion of impartiality in distributive justice. Mariotti (Review of Economic Studies, 66, 733–741, 1999) characterized the Nash bargaining solution using Nash’s (Econometrica, 18, 155–162, 1950) scale invariance (SI) axiom and SSP. In this article, we introduce equity dominance (E-dominance). Using the intersection of SS-dominance and E-dominance requirements, we obtain a weaker version of SSP (WSSP). In addition, we consider α − SSP, where α measures the degree of minimum acceptable inequity aversion; α − SSP is weaker than weak Pareto optimality (WPO) when α = 1. We then show that it is still possible to characterize the Nash solution using WSSP and SI only or using α -SSP, SI, and individual rationality (IR) only for any a Î [0,1)[01). Using the union of SS-dominance and E-dominance requirements, we obtain a stronger version of SSP (SSSP). It turns out that there is no bargaining solution that satisfies SSSP and SI, but the Egalitarian solution turns out to be the unique solution satisfying SSSP.

Possible electrical double-layer contribution to the equilibrium thickness of intergranular Glass films in polycrystalline ceramics

The plausibility of the entropic repulsion of electrical double layers acting to stabilize an equilibrium thickness of intergranular glass films in polycrystalline ceramics is explored. Estimates of the screening length, surface potential, and surface charge required to provide a repulsive force sufficiently large to balance the attractive van der Waals and capillary forces for observable thicknesses of intergranular film are calculated and do not appear to be beyond possibility. However, it has yet to be established whether crystalline particles in a liquid-phase sintering medium possess an electrical double layer at high temperatures. If they do, such a surface charge layer may well have important consequences not only for liquid-phase sintering but also for high-frequency electrical properties and microwave sintering of ceramics containing a liquid phase.

The effect of cocoa supplementation on hepatic steatosis, reactive oxygen species and LFABP in a rat model of NASH

Background: Non alcoholic steatohepatitis is hypothesised to develop via a mechanism involving fat accumulation and oxidative stress. The current study aimed to investigate if an increase in oxidative stress was associated with changes in the expression of liver fatty acid binding protein in a rat model of non alcoholic steatohepatitis and whether cocoa supplementation attenuated those changes.

Methods: Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed a high fat control diet, a high fat methionine choline deficient diet, or one of four 12.5% cocoa supplementation regimes in combination with the high fat methionine choline deficient diet.

Results: Liver fatty acid binding protein mRNA and protein levels were reduced in the liver of animals with fatty liver disease when compared to controls. Increased hepatic fat content was accompanied by higher levels of oxidative stress in animals with fatty liver disease when compared to controls. An inverse association was found between the levels of hepatic liver fatty acid binding protein and the level of hepatic oxidative stress in fatty liver disease. Elevated NADPH oxidase protein levels were detected in the liver of animals with increased severity in inflammation and fibrosis. Cocoa supplementation was associated with partial attenuation of these pathological changes, although the severity of liver disease induced by the methionine choline deficient diet prevented complete reversal of any disease associated changes. Red blood cell glutathione was increased by cocoa supplementation, whereas liver glutathione was reduced by cocoa compared to methionine choline deficient diet fed animals.

Conclusion: These findings suggest a potential role for liver fatty acid binding protein and NADPH oxidase in the development of non alcoholic steatohepatitis. Furthermore, cocoa supplementation may have be of therapeutic benefit in less sever forms of NASH.

Evaluation of cassava peel waste as lowcost biosorbent for Ni-sorption : equilibrium, kinetics, thermodynamics and mechanism

The feasibility of cassava peel waste for Ni-sorption is evaluated in this work. The biosorbents are characterized by Boehm titration, Fourier transform-infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Nitrogen sorption, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis (e.g. elemental mapping) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Adsorption experiments are performed in batch mode at 30 °C (303.15 K), 45 °C (318.15 K) and 60 °C (333.15 K). The performance of several temperature dependence forms of isotherm models e.g. Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips and Toth to represent the adsorption equilibrium data is evaluated and contrasted. Sips model demonstrates the best fitting with the maximum uptake capacity for Ni(II) ions of 57 mg/g (0.971 mmol/g) at pH 4.5. For kinetic data correlation, pseudo-second order model shows the best representation. The chemisorption mechanism and thermodynamics aspect are also discussed.