Financial Reform after the Crisis: An Early Assessment

This working paper aims to take stock of global efforts towards financial reform since the start of the financial crisis in 2007–08 and to provide a synthetic (if simplified) picture of their status as of January 2012. Underlying dynamics are described and analyzed both at the global level (particularly G-20, International Monetary Fund, and the Financial Stability Board) and in individual jurisdictions, as well as the impact the crisis has had on these regions. The possible next steps of financial reform are then reviewed, including: the ongoing crisis management in Europe, the new emphasis on macroprudential approaches, the challenges posed by globally integrated financial firms, the implementation of harmonized global standards, and the links between financial systems and growth.banks, financial regulation, global financial crisis, global governance, international standards

Refining new-physics searches in B -> D tau nu decay with lattice QCD

The semileptonic decay channel B -> D tau nu is sensitive to the presence of a scalar current, such as that mediated by a charged-Higgs boson. Recently the BaBar experiment reported the first observation of the exclusive semileptonic decay B -> D tau nu, finding an approximately 2-sigma disagreement with the Standard-Model prediction for the ratio R(D)=BR(B->D tau nu)/BR(B->D l nu), where l=e,mu. We compute this ratio of branching fractions using hadronic form factors computed in unquenched lattice QCD and obtain R(D) = 0.316(12)(7), where the errors are statistical and total systematic, respectively. This result is the first Standard-Model calculation of R(D) from ab initio full QCD. Its error is smaller than that of previous estimates, primarily due to the reduced uncertainty in the scalar form factor f_0(q^2). Our determination of R(D) is approximately 1-sigma higher than previous estimates and, thus, reduces the tension with experiment. We also compute R(D) in models with electrically charged scalar exchange, such as the type II two-Higgs doublet model. Once again, our result is consistent with, but approximately 1-sigma higher than, previous estimates for phenomenologically relevant values of the scalar coupling in the type II model. As a byproduct of our calculation, we also present the Standard-Model prediction for the longitudinal polarization ratio P_L (D)= 0.325(4)(3).Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, 1 table. References and text added. Fig. 3 R(D) in 2HDM II corrected and conclusions modified. Standard-Model R(D) unchange

Density Dependence of Transport Coefficients from Holographic Hydrodynamics

We study the transport coefficients of Quark-Gluon-Plasma in finite temperature and finite baryon density. We use AdS/QCD of charged AdS black hole background with bulk-filling branes identifying the U(1) charge as the baryon number. We calculate the diffusion constant, the shear viscosity and the thermal conductivity to plot their density and temperature dependences. Hydrodynamic relations between those are shown to hold exactly. The diffusion constant and the shear viscosity are decreasing as a function of density for fixed total energy. For fixed temperature, the fluid becomes less diffusible and more viscous for larger baryon density.Comment: LaTeX, 1+33 pages, 6 figures, references adde

CD4+ T cells from MHC II-dependent thymocyte–thymocyte interaction provide efficient help for B cells

Recently, a novel CD4+ T-cell developmental pathway was reported that generates thymocyte–thymocyte (T–T) CD4+ T cells. We established a mouse system (CIITAtgCIITApIV−/−) where thymic positive selection occurred only by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+ thymocytes. T–T CD4+ T cells selected via MHC class II-dependent T–T interaction are comprised of PLZF-negative and innate PLZF-positive populations. Until recently, the functional role of the PLZF-negative population was unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that naïve T–T CD4+ T cells provide B-cell help to a level comparable with that of naïve conventional CD4+ T cells. Considering the absence of PLZF expression in naïve T–T CD4+ T cells, these results suggest that PLZF-negative naïve T–T CD4+ T cells are functionally equivalent to conventional naïve CD4+ T cells in terms of B-cell help

Integration of Cost andWork Breakdown Structures in the Management of Construction Projects

Scope management allows project managers to react when a project underperforms regarding schedule, budget, and/or quality at the execution stage. Scope management can also minimize project changes and budget omissions, as well as improve the accuracy of project cost estimates and risk responses. For scope management to be effective, though, it needs to rely on a robust work breakdown structure (WBS). A robust WBS hierarchically and faithfully reflects all project tasks and work packages so that projects are easier to manage. If done properly, the WBS also allows meeting the project objectives while delivering the project on time, on budget, and with the required quality. This paper analyzes whether the integration of a cost breakdown structure (CBS) can lead to the generation of more robust WBSs in construction projects. Over the last years, some international organizations have standardized and harmonized different cost classification systems (e.g., ISO 12006-2, ISO 81346-12, OmniClass, CoClass, UniClass). These cost databases have also been introduced into building information modeling (BIM) frameworks. We hypothesize that in BIM environments, if these CBSs are used to generate the project WBS, several advantages are gained such as sharper project definition. This enhanced project definition reduces project contradictions at both planning and execution stages, anticipates potential schedule and budget deviations, improves resource allocation, and overall it allows a better response to potential project risks. The hypothesis that the use of CBSs can generate more robust WBSs is tested by the response analysis of a questionnaire survey distributed among construction practitioners and project managers. By means of structural equation modeling (SEM), the correlation (agreement) and perception differences between two 250-respondent subsamples (technical project staff vs. project management staff) are also discussed. Results of this research support the use of CBSs by construction professionals as a basis to generate WBSs for enhanced project management (PM)

Irregular conformal block, spectral curve and flow equations

Irregular conformal block is motivated by the Argyres-Douglas type of N=2 super conformal gauge theory. We investigate the classical/NS limit of the irregular conformal block using spectral curve on a Riemann surface with irregular punctures, which is equivalent to the loop equation of irregular matrix model. The spectral curve is reduced to the second order (Virasoro symmetry, $SU(2)$ for the gauge theory) and third order ($W_3$ symmetry, $SU(3)$) differential equations of a polynomial with finite degree. The Virasoro and W symmetry generate flow equations in the spectral curve and determine the irregular conformal block, hence the partition function of the Argyres-Douglas theory ala AGT conjecture.Comment: 35 pages; v2: 38 pages, section 4 and references added, minor change

Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) Dan Pengaruhnya Terhadap Keinginan Keluar Dan Kepuasan Kerja Karyawan

This study will investigate how relation among OCB within turnover intention and job satisfaction is and also how is the influence of OCB toward two of those attitudes. The samples of the research are 102 Police members in state “X” in West Java, by purposive sampling. The examination utilizes with simple regression analysis. The result showed that there is no negative significant relation and influence between OCB and turnover intention, but positive significant relation and influence between OCB and job satisfaction