Resistive Evolution of a Force-Free Plasma to Equilibrium

Using the magnetohydrodynamic description, the evolution of a resistive plasma can be represented as a relaxation through a sequence of force-free equilibrium states. We consider laboratory based plasmas confined in closed vessels and numerically simulate this evolution process using the finite difference method. The work is motivated by the nuclear fusion project. We proceed by showing that the force-free problem can be reduced, in 2D, to solving a non-trivial ID diffusion equation subject to the force-free constraint. Next, the diffusion of magnetic field lines is considered in a stationary 'mathematical' solid in which the magnetic field lines evolve such that the ratio of the conductivity perpendicular to the field lines to that parallel is much smaller than unity. The two processes are shown to be equivalent. Solutions to the latter problem are much easier to obtain and will be considered in chapters which follow. We initially consider 2D and 3D cylindrical containment devices possessing rectangular cross-sections and develop algorithms to model numerically the evolution of a plasma until it reaches a relaxed state. The relaxed or equilibrium profile is the most suitable state for thermonuclear fusion to proceed. A 2D code for obtaining solutions over arbitrary cross-sections is also developed. This can be used to make comparisons with experimental results for devices which have circular, D-shape and the more elaborate multipinch cross-sections. The 2D and 3D rectangular cross-section cases are generalised to take account of toroidal effects. In the final chapter we present the results predicted by the suite of codes which total ~20,000 lines of source written in standard FORTRAN 77. We make comparisons with experimental data, Taylor's theory and any relevant simulations. Initially we consider a square cross-section and a variety of universal curves are found which are qualitatively similar to Taylor s theory and experiment. One of these is the well known Ftheta profile. The field reversal value theta is found to be a factor of two greater than that predicted by Taylor's theory but is in good agreement with a recent simulation. The universal curves predict that the final equilibrium state is completely defined once the axial flux and driving field are prescribed. These are just initial conditions and correspond to the axial flux and global helicity which are the only two quantities that need to be prescribed in Taylor's theory. Another universal curve predicts that at a critical axial flux there are states which are inaccessible by the plasma. About this critical value there are two modes at which the plasma can be driven, one at high current and the other at low current. This corresponds to the stable high and low current mode of operation arising in Tokamaks. We have also found the existence of degenerate relaxed states and equilibria which carry the same current but different axial flux. Choosing a particular energy or current profile to obtain an equilibrium state may not therefore give a unique solution. Changing the dimensions of the rectangular cross-section is found to have little effect on the universal Ftheta profiles. The boundary conditions, obtained using Ohm's Law, are found to play a critical role in defining relaxed states. If we allow tangential currents to flow at a boundary, we find that the results correspond to the force-free paramagnetic model. The model where currents are removed is able to yield equilibrium states in which the field is reversed at the boundary. These are the states which arise in reversed field pinches. Toroidal effects are found to have very little effect on Ftheta profiles. Other profiles do differ and from these we have found a critical aspect-ratio at which toroidal devices should be built. At this value, the maximum current can be generated for a fixed driving field. The 3D code gives rise to axisymmetric relaxed states and docs not predict current limitation for any theta. The curved boundary code is found to be numerically unstable for curved but non-circular cross-sections

Coporate Governance, Institutional Ownership, and the Decision to Pay the Amount of Dividends: Evidence from USA

The decision to pay dividends is influenced by many financial factors. The purpose of this study is to find the relationships between corporate governance, institutional ownership, and the decision to pay dividends in American service firms. A sample of 296 American firms listed on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for a period of 3 years (from 2009-2011) was selected. This study applied a co-relational and non-experimental research design. The findings of this study indicate that the decision to pay dividends is a positive function of board size, CEO duality, and internationalization of the firm, and a negative function of institutional ownership. The results show that when i) firm size is held constant, the decision to pay an amount of dividends is a positive function of CEO duality, board size, and internationalization, and a negative function of institutional ownership, ii) firm performance is held constant, the decision to pay dividends is a positive function of CEO duality, and a negative function of institutional ownership, iii) financial leverage is held constant, the decision to pay dividends is a positive function of CEO duality, board size, and internationalization, and a negative function of institutional ownership, and iv) firm growth is held constant, the decision to pay dividends is a negative function of institutional ownership.This study contributes to the literature on the factors that influence the decision to pay an amount of dividends. The findings may be useful for stock market investors, stakeholders, financial managers, and financial management consultants

The Impact of Corporate Governance and Financial Leverage on the Value of American Firms

This study examines the impact of corporate governance and financial leverage on the value of American firms. This study also seeks to extend the findings of Gill and Mathur (2011a). A sample of 333 firms listed on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for a period of 3 years from 2009-2011 was selected. The co-relational and non-experimental research design was used to conduct this study. Overall, findings show that larger board size negatively impacts the value of American firms, and CEO duality, audit committee, financial leverage, firm size, return on assets, and insider holdings positively impact the value of American firms. The impact of corporate governance and financial leverage differs between manufacturing and service industries. Results show that board size negatively impacts the value of American manufacturing firms, and CEO duality, audit committee, financial leverage, firm size, and insider holdings positively impact the value of American manufacturing firms. Findings also show that board size negatively impacts the value of American service firms, and financial leverage and return on assets positively impact the value of American service firms. This study contributes to the literature on the factors that affect firm value. The findings may be useful for financial managers, investors, and financial management consultants

Influence of Mediation on Estate Planning Decisions: Evidence from Indian Survey Data

Background: Intestate death can lead to the distribution of assets against the personal wishes of the deceased and is a problem in India, as 80% of Indians die without making a last will. Following the concepts of decision theory (i.e., the theory of choice), stewardship theory, agency theory, and signaling theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of meditation on estate planning decisions. This study also seeks to extend previous findings on the influence of religious beliefs on the estate planning decisions of Canadians to that of Indians. Methods: Employed and self-employed individuals from India were surveyed regarding their perceptions of meditation and estate planning decisions. Results: The survey indicates that mediation positively influences the estate planning decisions while individuals who practice meditation have greater preferences for estate planning compared with those who do not. The findings suggest that individual assets, family size, and education positively influence the estate planning decisions of Indians. Conclusion: Reported meditation, individual assets, family size, location, education, and gender are positively correlated with the estate planning decisions of Indians

The Impact of Independent Directors on the Cash Conversion Cycle of American Manufacturing Firms

This study examined the impact of independent directors on the cash conversion cycle of American manufacturing firms. A sample of 189 American manufacturing firms listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for a period of five years (from 2009–2013) was used. The findings indicate that the presence of independent directors on the board of directors shortens the inventory period and cash conversion cycle of manufacturing firms. The study contributes to the literature on the factors that shorten the cash conversion cycle of the firm. The results may be used by financial managers and operations managers

Prevalence and antibiogram of nonfermenting gram negative bacilli isolates obtained from various clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital, Bathinda, Punjab, India

Background: Non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) have emerged as important healthcare associated pathogens in recent years. Infections caused by these bacteria are almost always secondary to some predisposing factors in patients such as burns, prolonged antimicrobial therapy, immunosuppression etc. The Objectives of the study was to be carried out with an objective to identify NFGNB upto genus and species level and study their antimicrobial sensitivity/ resistance pattern so that empiric therapy could be selected accordingly.Methods: A total of 2261 clinical samples were collected from patients admitted in ICU and different wards of the hospital. All samples were processed according to standard microbiological procedures. Identification of NFGNB upto genus and species level was done by various biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method results were interpreted in accordance with clinical laboratory standards institute guidelines.Results: In this study, 365 NFGNB were obtained accounting for their prevalence of 16.1%. P. aeruginosa was the commonest NFGNB isolated in this study accounting for 52.6%, A. baumannii was the second common NFGNB isolated (31.7%). Other NFGNB isolates were obtained with a lesser frequency. P. aeruginosa isolates were highly sensitive to polymyxin B and colistin followed by imipenem. Most of the A. baumannii isolates were multidrug resistant.Conclusions: This study gives an alarming sign towards high prevalence of multi drug resistant NFGNB in our hospital. Therefore, improved antibiotic stewardship and strict protocols for hand washing need to be implemented to prevent emergence and spread of multidrug resistant NFGNB in health care settings

Socially Responsible Investment, Internal Financing Sources And Access To Bank Financing: Evidence From Indian Survey Data

We investigated the association between socially responsible investment, internal fnancing sources, and access to bank fnancing in the production industry of India. Using a survey research design, owners of small production frms were asked about their perceptions regarding socially responsible investment, internal fnancing sources, and access to bank fnancing. We found that socially responsible investment and internal fnancing sources help owners of small production frms improve access to bank fnancing. This study contributes to the literature on the relationship between socially responsible investment, internal fnancing sources, and access to bank fnancing. The fndings may be useful for fnancial managers, production frm owners, investors, consultants, and other stakeholder

Factors Affecting Ethical Sources of External Debt Financing for Indian Agribusiness Firms

Majority of the Indian farmers are financially constrained and pay very high interest rate to private moneylenders which has a negative impact on the survivability and growth of agribusiness firms. Because of less strict debt financing requirements farmers become prey to predatory lenders from private lending institutions that are not controlled by the central bank and may not behave in an ethical way. The study investigates factors affecting ethical sources of external debt financing by taking a sample of Indian agribusiness firms. Owners of agribusiness firms were interviewed through personal visits and telephone calls regarding the factors affecting ethical sources of external debt financing. The findings show that several factors affect ethical sources of external debt financing for agribusiness firms in India. This study contributes to the literature on the factors that affect ethical sources of external debt financing. This study also provides recommendations to improve access to ethical sources of external debt financing. The findings may be useful for agribusiness owners (farmers), financial managers, investors, agribusiness management consultants, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders

Financial Institutions and the Taxi-Cab Industry: An Exploratory Study in Canada

A current challenge taxicab owner/operators face in Canada is the lack of financing for taxicabs. This article examines business opportunities and lending risk; it also provides risk management strategies for financial institutions to manage the risk of lending to the taxi-cab industry. Members of the boards of directors and shareholders from the Canadian taxicab industry, and lenders from financial institutions that do not provide financing to taxicab owner/operators, were interviewed. Board members and shareholders were asked about their perceptions regarding business opportunity, risk, and their willingness to provide collateral for taxicab loans. Lenders of financial institutions were asked about their reasons for not providing taxicab loans. The findings of this study show that there is a reasonably attractive opportunity for financial institutions to offer financing for taxicab owner/operators. However, the findings also show that there are both systematic and unsystematic risks in lending to the taxicab industry. This offers recommendations on risk management strategies for Canadian lenders to mitigate the risk in lending to the Canadian taxicab industry. Our findings may be useful for new and existing financial/lending institutions, lenders, investors, and taxicab owner/operators