Searches for New Physics Using H1 and ZEUS Data

Recent searches for new physics in ep collisions performed by the H1 and ZEUS collaborations are presented. Limits on different contact interaction models, large extra dimensions, R-parity violating SUSY, excited fermions and anomalous flavour-changing top couplings are shown. In addition, searches for new physics in exclusive final states such as events with isolated leptons and large missing transverse momentum or multi-lepton final states are presented.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures Contributed to proceedings of Lake Louise Winter Institute 2010, Alberta, Canada, 15th-20th February 201

Do Organic Consumers Oppose Genetically Modified Food Stronger than Others? Results of a Consumer Research in Germany

The majority of consumers, in particular European consumers oppose genetic modifi-cation of food. Although consumers oppose strongly genetic modification of food, genetically modified food production increases world wide. The co-existence of both, genetically modified food production and food production free of genetic modification cannot be ensured. There is always a risk that non-genetically modified food gets contaminated despite safety regulations. Thus, even organic production, which is supposed to be free of genetic modification, is endangered and can maybe not ensure to produce food definitely free of genetic modification. Against that background, this consumer research focuses on organic consumers and their attitudes towards geneti-cally modified food. The findings indicate clearly that organic consumer oppose ge-netically modified food stronger than others

Interactive simulations for the learning and teaching of quantum mechanics concepts

Since 2009, we have been developing and evaluating interactive simulations with accompanying activities for the learning and teaching of quantum mechanics concepts at university level. The QuVis simulations build on education research and our lecturing experience, and aim to specifically target student areas of difficulty in quantum mechanics. Simulations are available on a wide range of topics from introductory to advanced level quantum mechanics. This article gives an overview of the three collections of QuVis simulations developed so far. These include simulations for physics students, simulations for physical chemistry students studying introductory quantum mechanics and simulations to support a new introductory quantum mechanics curriculum based on two-level systems. Evaluation with students plays a decisive role in optimizing the educational effectiveness of the simulations and activities. We describe methods used to refine and further develop the resources. We give examples of revisions based on outcomes of individual student observation sessions. 1.Postprin

Momentum

Momentum was an exhibition of work by 8 applied artists who incorporate digital technologies in the creation of their artworks. The exhibition included 7 original objects created by Illner, using a combination of traditional craft-based and digital technologies such as rapid prototyping and laser engraving, and in materials such as paper, glass and silver. The show took place at Craft in the Bay, which is a leading centre for showcasing new crafts in Wales, with an internationally recognised reputation. The show travelled to the University of Hertfordshire (UH Galleries), a national centre for the theory of practice-led research (2012/13). An accompanying symposium brought together the artists the issues and themes arising from the use of new technologies within contemporary crafts. Illner's pieces were also shown in Framework Gallery (UH) as part of a group show The Printed Image (2012). Illner's work for this show was "an enquiry and exploration with materials, processes and techniques." (Dr. Cathy Treadaway, Momentum catalogue) Illner is described as a maker with “a playful and creative approach to materials and forms – these contrasting qualities are fundamental to her way of thinking, making and inspiring others.” (Felicity Cooke, Momentum catalogue). This work continues Illner's ongoing research project exploring how the digital can be embedded within materials, to create new possibilities in form and technique. Includes collaboration with other craftspeople and technical specialists, in order to develop innovative technical solutions to material connections. Illner’s current research use laser engraving on layered glass to create virtual imagery through shadow and reflection, challenging viewers to reflect on their perception of materials and their visual characteristics. Illner's practice-led research has also been shown in UK and European galleries over the last 20 years. Her work features in the Crafts Council and other private collections

Too many to fail? Inter-enterprise arrears in transition economies

In advanced market economies, the use of trade credits is an important way of short-term financing and generally considered as being part of normal business practice. Some transition economies, however, have experienced a rapid accumulation of trade credits which have led to interlocking webs of arrears and collective bailouts by the government. In this paper, firm-level data is used to test whether trade credits are just part of normal business practice comparable to more advanced market-economies or whether trade credits represent a systematic phenomena supporting soft budget constraints of firms in transition. The results suggest that trade credits are not just normal business practice but that they can have negative spill-over effects on other firms by worsening their financial situation. We conclude that the problem of interlocking effects is more pronounced in countries with less developed institutions, low financial intermediation and, overall, no credible commitment to market economic reforms.inter-enterprise arrears, soft budget constraints, transition economies

Too many to fail? Inter-enterprise arrears in transition economies

In advanced market economies, the use of trade credits is an important way of short-term financing and generally considered as being part of normal business practice. Some transition economies, however, have experienced a rapid accumulation of trade credits which have led to interlocking webs of arrears and collective bailouts by the government. In this paper, firm-level data is used to test whether trade credits are just part of normal business practice comparable to more advanced market-economies or whether trade credits represent a systematic phenomena supporting soft budget constraints of firms in transition. The results suggest that trade credits are not just normal business practice but that they can have negative spill-over effects on other firms by worsening their financial situation. We conclude that the problem of interlocking effects is more pronounced in countries with less developed institutions, low financial intermediation and, overall, no credible commitment to market economic reforms.inter-enterprise arrears; soft budget constraints; transition economies

Much Ado about Nothing?- The Influence of Functional Food on Profitability of German Food Industry.

Product innovation is a competitive strategy in food industry. Successful product development management is a key determinant of a firm?s performance. In recent years functional foods, which are innovative food products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, have become increasingly important in Germany. Using the structure-conductperformance approach it can be argued that product innovation raises barriers to entry and thus improve profitability. This study examines the effect of functional food innovative activity (compared to overall innovative activity) on the profitability of 23 German food industry sectors from 1995 to 1999. Panel data analysis also includes concentration, firm size, market size and growth, advertising expenditure and capital intensity. While a positive relationship between product introduction and profitability was hypothesized, it is not supported by data. --product innovation,functional food,market structure,profitability,structureconduct-performance approach,food industry,panel data analysis

Means of interorganisational co-ordination of production: The role of transport and telecommunication

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the respective role of travel and telecommunication in interactions between the economic actors involved in particular production systems. Transportation and telecommunication systems are crucial to the efficient co-ordination and organisation of production systems, and the recent technological and organisational developments in both areas (new technologies of information and communication NTIC, high speed rail etc.) have important impacts on the way that firms organise the circulation of information and people. Most analyses of their respective roles refer to the antagonist theses of substitution versus complementarity of travelling and telecommunications. Schematically speaking, two very different forms of "immaterial" (i.e. not concerning goods transport) interactions in production systems can be opposed: exchange of codified, standardised information, which is possible over long distances through telecommunication devices, and co-ordination necessitating specific knowledge and collective learning processes. We will base our theoretical discussion on the well-known distinction between information and knowledge, derived from the theory of information. According to this definition, information, as long as it is codified and explicit, can travel through various channels, independently from people. Knowledge, in the sense of tacit, non codified information, is embedded in people and cannot travel in space independently. This distinction thus determines the choice between travelling (in order to establish face-to-face interactions) and telecommunication. The distinction is also important for understanding the need for proximity (permanent or temporary) in networks of producers: interactions involving a high content in idiosyncratic of tacit knowledge usually imply proximity between the participants. We will compare empirical data on the utilisation of travel and telecommunication in intra- and inter-firm co-ordination from several industrial and service sectors, collected in a qualitative survey of production plants in the North of France. These data allow us to analyse the characteristics of interactions between plants and headquarters and between firms and their suppliers, subcontractors and customers (frequency, duration, nature of information etc.) as well as the means chosen to support these interactions (e.g. meetings, EDI, telephone etc.). The comparison of behaviour in various industries gives interesting insights in sectoral patterns of interactions. It also shows that the determinants of choice go beyond the nature of information and include also history and social aspects such as conventions (sectoral or local).

Estimating the Term Structure of Yield Spreads from Callable Corporate Bond Price Data

I extract credit pricing information from the prices of callable corporate debt, by disentangling the components of callable corporate bond prices associated with discounting at market interest rates, discounting for default risk, and optionality. The results include the first empirical analysis, in the setting of standard arbitrage-free term-structure models, of the time-series behavior of callable corporate bond yield spreads, explicitly incorporating the valuation of the American call options. As an application, I consider medium-quality callable issues of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, using a three-factor model for the term structures of benchmark LIBOR-dollar swap rates and for Occidental yield spreads.

Responsibility and the Big Society

This paper focuses on the interplay between Conservative thought as evinced by the current Conservative Party leadership and the idea of responsibility, which is a central concern in the Big Society programme. I show that responsibility holds different meanings based on attitudes to work and the welfare state and that the differentiation in meaning map onto a working class/middle class distinction. I then argue that the 'good society' as it emerges from the Big Society idea would be a more stratified one that accepts large degrees of inequality. Leaving the conceptual plane, I then provide support for my argument with findings from qualitative research into the lifeworld of young Conservatives.Big Society, Responsibility, Conservative Party, Values, Sociology of Morality, Young Conservatives