R&D in clean technology: A project choice model with learning

In this study, we investigate the qualitative and quantitative effects of an R&D subsidy for a clean technology and a Pigouvian tax on a dirty technology on environmental R&D when it is uncertain how long the research takes to complete. The model is formulated as an optimal stopping problem, in which the number of successes required to complete the R&D project is finite and learning about the probability of success is incorporated. We show that the optimal R&D subsidy with the consideration of learning is higher than that without it. We also find that an R&D subsidy performs better than a Pigouvian tax unless suppliers have sufficient incentives to continue cost-reduction efforts after the new technology success-fully replaces the old one. Moreover, by using a two-project model, we show that a uniform subsidy is better than a selective subsidy.

On gravitational fields of stars in f(R) gravity theories

Einstein's general relativity is a classical theory of gravitation: it is a postulate on the coupling between the four-dimensional, continuos spacetime and the matter fields in the universe, and it yields their dynamical evolution. It is believed that general relativity must be replaced by a quantum theory of gravity at least at extremely high energies of the early universe and at regions of strong curvature of spacetime, cf. black holes. Various attempts to quantize gravity, including conceptually new models such as string theory, have suggested that modification to general relativity might show up even at lower energy scales. On the other hand, also the late time acceleration of the expansion of the universe, known as the dark energy problem, might originate from new gravitational physics. Thus, although there has been no direct experimental evidence contradicting general relativity so far - on the contrary, it has passed a variety of observational tests - it is a question worth asking, why should the effective theory of gravity be of the exact form of general relativity? If general relativity is modified, how do the predictions of the theory change? Furthermore, how far can we go with the changes before we are face with contradictions with the experiments? Along with the changes, could there be new phenomena, which we could measure to find hints of the form of the quantum theory of gravity? This thesis is on a class of modified gravity theories called f(R) models, and in particular on the effects of changing the theory of gravity on stellar solutions. It is discussed how experimental constraints from the measurements in the Solar System restrict the form of f(R) theories. Moreover, it is shown that models, which do not differ from general relativity at the weak field scale of the Solar System, can produce very different predictions for dense stars like neutron stars. Due to the nature of f(R) models, the role of independent connection of the spacetime is emphasized throughout the thesis.

R3Mn1.5CuV0.5O9 (R = Y, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu) and Lu3Mn3-3xCu2xVxO9: New noncentro symmetric oxides related to YMnO3

We report formation of new noncentrosymmetric oxides of the formula, R3Mn1.5CuV0.5O9 for R = Y, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu, possessing the hexagonal RMnO3 (space group P6(3)cm) structure. These oxides could be regarded as the x = 0.5 members of a general series R3Mn3-3xCu2xVxO9. Investigation of the Lu-Mn-Cu-V-O system reveals the existence of isostructural solid solution series, Lu3Mn3-3xCu2xVxO9 for 0 < x <= 0.75. Magnetic and dielectric properties of the oxides are consistent with a random distribution of Mn3+, Cu2+ and V5+ atoms that preserve the noncentrosymmetric RMnO3 structure. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Existence of multiple positive solutions for N-laplacian in a bounded domain in R-N

Let Ohm be a bounded domain in IRN, N greater than or equal to 2, lambda > 0, q is an element of (0, N - 1) and alpha is an element of (1, N/N-1 In this article we show the existence of at least two positive solutions for the following quasilinear elliptic problem with an exponential type nonlinearity:

Creep behaviour of nimonic and R.R. 59 alloys

The Ramberg-Osgood relation which adequately describes the stress-strain curve of a strain-hardening material is extended to formulate the constitutive laws for creep. The constitutive laws which describe primary creep adequately are extended to secondary creep. The results are verified for the case of R.R. 59 at 200°C, Nimonic 80A and Nimonic 90 alloys at 750°C.

Search for R-Parity Violating Decays of Sneutrinos to eμ, μτ, and eτ Pairs in pp̅ Collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present a search for tau sneutrino production using the Tevatron ppbar collision data collected with the CDF II detector and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1 fb^-1. We focus on the scenarios predicted by the R-parity violating (RPV) supersymmetric models in which tau sneutrinos decay to two charged leptons of different flavor. With the data consistent with the standard model expectations, we set the upper limits on sigma(ppbar -> tau sneutrino)*BR(tau sneutrino ->emu,mutau,etau) and use these results to constrain the RPV couplings as a function of tau sneutrino mass.

Ironi som forskningsobjekt. Är det möjligt att forska i det som finns mellan raderna?

Abstract (Irony as object of research: Is it possible to explore what is between the lines?): The main concern of this article is the interpretation of irony: how is it brought about and how can it be investigated? The method applied is based on authentic texts and their elicited interpretations − a method referred to in this article response analysis. Interpretation of irony in the approach taken is seen as being crucially dependent on the notion of coherence. A text is perceived as being coherent if it (a) makes sense and if it(b) hangs together. Incoherent texts can result in an ironic interpretation; however, the incoherence must also be perceived as being intentional, and intentionality in turn is a sign of the edge of the ironist. Ironic interpretation is defined as a combination of five factors: (1) an ironic edge that (2) reflects the intention of the ironist, and (3) has a target and (4) a victim too. Essential to irony is its fifth factor, the fact that one or more of these four factors must be inferred from co(n)text. This definition of irony is crucial in distinguishing irony from non-irony, and it also helps to discern the differences as well as the similarities between irony and related phenomena.

Hydrogen bonding in thiolbenzoic acid. Infra-red, ultra-violet, n.m.r. and cryoscopic studies

Dimerization of thiolbenzoic acid has been studied by infra-red, ultra-violet and n.m.r. spectroscopy and cryoscopy. The results indicate that the tendency to form S - H. O hydrogen bonds is not appreciable.

An optimum criterion for eccentrically loaded R. C. columns

An analysis of eccentrically loaded short reinforced concrete columns using a variable failure strain criterion is presented. The method dispenses with the usual procedure of assuming a fixed value for the ultimate strain in concrete. The analysis is based on the use of a simple, single equation for the complete stress-strain curve of concrete and the adoption of a process of maximisation of moment with respect to extreme fibre concrete compressive strain. Columns of rectangular section and loaded eccentrically along one axis only are considered in this paper. A good agreement is observed between the theoretical and experimental values of some test results.

Confined concrete—Its application in R.C. beams and frames

Stress-strain characteristics of concrete confined in steel binders have been determined. A new factor “confinement index” has been introduced for a quantitative measure of the confinement and using these results a “stress-block” has been developed. Tests have been made on simply supported reinforced concrete beams with spiral binder confinement and analysed on the basis of the proposed stress-block. Tests have also been made oon reinforced concrete portal frames and continuous beams with spiral binder confinement at sections of possible plastic hinge formation. An analysis of these tests indicates that a full redistribution of moments has taken place at ultimate.

Limit analysis of rectangular R.C. slabs on ground

A method is presented for obtaining lower bound on the carrying capacity of reinforced concrete foundation slab-structures subject to non-uniform contact pressure distributions. Functional approach suggested by Vallance for simply supported square slabs subject to uniform pressure distribution has been extended to simply supported rectangular slabs subject to symmetrical non-uniform pressure distributions. Radial solutions, ideally suited for rotationally symmetric problems, are shown to be adoptable for regular polygonal slabs subject to contact pressure paraboloids with constant edge pressures. The functional approach has been shown to be well suited even when the pressure is varying along the edges.

Certain novel features of the R.F. response of the YBa2Cu3O7−x superconductors

The r.f. absorption experiment performed on YBa2Cu3O7-x ceramic pellets using a CW NMR spectrometer shows some novel observed in the microwave range.

Colours as Non-Verbal Signs on Packages

Colour is an essential aspect of our daily life, and still, it is a neglected issue within marketing research. The main reason for studying colours is to understand the impact of colours on consumer behaviour, and thus, colours should be studied when it comes to branding, advertising, packages, interiors, and the clothes of the employees, for example. This was an exploratory study about the impact of colours on packages. The focus was on low-involvement purchasing, where the consumer puts limited effort into the decision-making. The basis was a scenario in which the consumer faces an unpredictable problem needing immediate action. The consumer may be in hurry, which indicate time pressure. The consumer may lack brand preferences, or the preferred brand may be out of stock. The issue is that the choice is to be made at the point of purchase. Further, the purchasing involves product classes where the core products behind the brands are indistinguishable from each other. Three research questions were posed. Two questions were answered by conjoint analysis, i.e. if colours have an impact on decision-making and if a possible impact is related to the product class. 16 hypothetical packages were designed in two product classes within the healthcare, i.e. painkillers and medicine against sore throats. The last research question aimed at detecting how an analysis could be carried out in order to understand the impact of colours. This question was answered by conducting interviews that were analysed by applying laddering method and a semiotics approach. The study found that colours do indeed have an impact on consumer behaviour, this being related to the context, such as product class. The role of colours on packages was found to be threefold: attention, aesthetics, and communication. The study focused on colours as a means of communication, and it proposes that colours convey product, brand, and product class meanings, these meanings having an impact on consumers’ decision-making at the point of purchase. In addition, the study demonstrates how design elements such as colours can be understood by regarding them as non-verbal signs. The study also presents an empirical design, involving quantitative and qualitative techniques that can be used to gain in depth understanding of the impact of design elements on consumer behaviour. Hannele Kauppinen is associated with CERS, the Centre for Relationship Marketing and Service Management of the Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration