Double-trace deformations, holography and the c-conjecture

A double-trace deformation is the simplest perturbation of a conformal field theory that has a gravity dual. In this paper we review the existing results for the case in which the deformation is composed from a scalar operator, and extend them to the case of a spinor operator. In particular we check the validity of the c-conjecture along the RG flow induced by the deformation, using both Cardy's c-function and the recent proposal by Myers and Sinha of a c-function from entanglement entropy

The shift to outcomes based frameworks. Key problems from a critical perspective

This paper takes a step back from the discussions and debates about qualifications frameworks per se, to think more broadly about the role of "qualifications" in educational reform. The aims of the paper are to locate the reform of qualifications in its broader social and institutional context, to propose a way of conceptualizing the change from qualification systems as they have emerged historically to qualifications frameworks and outcomes-based qualifications and to explore the tensions involved in the different goals that the introduction of a (National) Qualfications Framework - (N)QF will achieve. We argue that what is at stake in current reforms is the role of educational institutions in the education and training of the next generation, the balance between institution-based education and informal (in some cases work-based) learning, and the ways in which trust in qualifications is established and maintained. Our two-model analysis explores the balance between an emphasis on institutions and outcomes. This paper was written to provoke debate, and help all involved in researching qualifications frameworks to think more clearly about the issues. (DIPF/Orig.)Dieser Beitrag versucht, einen Schritt hinter die Diskussionen und Debatten über Qualifikationsrahmen zu treten und in einem breiteren Zusammenhang über die Rolle von „Qualifikationen“ in der Bildungsreform nachzudenken. Der Beitrag hat folgende Punkte zum Ziel: die Qualifikationsreform in ihrem breiteren sozialen und institutionellen Kontext einzugrenzen, einen Weg zur Konzeptionalisierung des Wandels von historisch gewachsenen Qualifikationssystemen hin zu Qualifikationsrahmen und ergebnisorientierten Qualifikationen vorzuschlagen und die Spannungsfelder auszuloten, die die unterschiedlichen Zielsetzungen bei Einführung eines (Nationalen) Qualifikationsrahmens mit sich bringen würden. Die AutorInnen behaupten, dass in den aktuellen Reformen Folgendes auf dem Spiel steht: die Rolle der Bildungsinstitutionen in der Bildung und Ausbildung der nächsten Generation, die Balance zwischen institutionsbasierter Bildung und informellem (in einigen Fällen arbeitsbasiertem) Lernen sowie die Art und Weise, wie Vertrauen in Qualifikationen aufgebaut und erhalten wird. Ihre Zwei-Modell-Analyse untersucht die Balance zwischen Schwerpunktsetzungen auf Institutionen und Ergebnisse. Der vorliegende Beitrag wurde verfasst, um eine Diskussion in Gang zu setzen, die allen an der Forschung über Qualifikationsrahmen Beteiligten helfen soll, die Problemstellung mit mehr Klarheit zu reflektieren. (DIPF/Orig.

Incomplete Unemployment Insurance under Aggregate Fluctuations

This paper reconsiders the welfare benefit of unemployment insurance when individuals might self-insure through private savings but face aggregate fluctuations. We conclude that previous studies have under-estimated by half the average welfare gain from unemployment benefit by ignoring aggregate price and employment uncertainty. But paradoxically enough, the poorest are less in favour of unemployment benefit when business cycles are taken into account. This result is due to favorable price effects which dominate the unemployment uncertainty.

Incomplete Unemployment Insurance under Aggregate Fluctuations.

This paper reconsiders the welfare benefit of unemployment insurance when individuals might self−insure through private savings but face aggregate fluctuations. We conclude that previous studies have under−estimated by half the average welfare gain from unemployment benefit by ignoring aggregate price and employment uncertainty. But paradoxically enough, the poorest are less in favour of unemployment benefit when business cycles are taken into account. This result is due to favorable price effects which dominate the unemployment uncertainty.