A look back at the core of games in characteristic function form: some new axiomatization results

In this paper we provide three new results axiomatizing the core of games in characteristic function form (not necessarily having transferable utility) obeying an innocuous condition (that the set of individually rational pay-off vectors is bounded). One novelty of this exercise is that our domain is the {\em entire} class of such games: i.e., restrictions like "non-levelness" or "balancedness" are not required

Asymmetric networks, clientelism and their impacts: households' access to workfare employment in rural India

In this paper we explore two intertwined issues. First, using primary data we examine the impact of asymmetric networks, built on rich relational information on several spheres of living, on access to workfare employment in rural India. We find that unidirectional relations, as opposed to reciprocal relations, and the concentration of such unidirectional relations increase access to workfare jobs. Further in-depth exploration provides evidence that patron-client relations are responsible for this differential access to such employment for rural households. Complementary to our empirical exercises, we construct and analyse a game-theoretical model supporting our findings

Chemistry of 2-(phenylazo)pyridine complexes of osmium: synthesis, characterization and reactivities

Reaction of 2-(phenylazo)pyridine (pap) with [Os(PPh3)3Br2] afforded a mixed ligand complex of the type [Os(PPh3)2(pap)Br2]. The structure of this complex was determined by X-ray crystallography. The PPh3 ligands are trans and the bromides are in cis positions. The pap ligand is coordinated to osmium as a bidentate N,N-donor forming a five-membered chelate ring. The complex is diamagnetic (low-spin d6, S=0) and in dichloromethane solution shows intense MLCT transitions in the visible region. The two bromides were replaced from the coordination sphere of [Os(PPh3)2(pap)Br2] under mild conditions by a series of anionic ligands L (where L=quinolin-8-olate (q), picolinate (pic), oxalate (Hox), 1-nitroso-2-naphtholate (nn) and acetyl acetonate (acac)) to afford complexes of the type [Os(PPh3)2(pap)(L)]+, which were isolated and characterized as the perchlorate salt. The structure of the [Os(PPh3)2(pap)(acac)]ClO4 complex was determined by X-ray crystallography. The PPh3 ligands occupy trans positions and the acetylacetonate anion is coordinated to osmium as a bidentate O,O-donor forming a six-membered chelate ring. The [Os(PPh3)2(pap)(L)]+ complexes are diamagnetic and show multiple MLCT transitions in the visible region. [Os(PPh3)2(pap)Br2] shows an osmium(II)-osmium(III) oxidation at 0.49 V versus SCE. The same oxidation is displayed by the [Os(PPh3)2(pap)(L)]+ complexes within 0.69 to 0.96 V versus SCE. Two successive one-electron reductions of the coordinated pap ligand are also observed in all the complexes below -0.90 V versus SCE

Labour policy and multinational firms: the "race to the bottom" revisited

This paper revisits the "race to the bottom" phenomenon in a simple game theoretic framework. We consider two countries and one multinational firm, which requires two inputs that are imperfect substitutes. In the benchmark model the labour of each country specializes in a distinct input. Seeking to maximize their labour incomes, countries simultaneously announce wages following which the firm chooses its labour employment in each country. We show that "race to the bottom" (countries setting minimum possible wages) is never an equilibrium. Moreover there are equilibria with ``race to the top", that is, countries set maximum possible wages. This result is robust in an extended model where prior to competing in wages, each country can make input-specific investments to make its labour available for one or both inputs. Provided the production function of the firm is not asymmetrically intensive in either one of the two inputs, there are equilibria of the extended game with specialization (that is, countries invest in distinct inputs) as well as "race to the top"

Labour policy and multinational firms: the "race to the bottom" revisited

This paper revisits the "race to the bottom" phenomenon in a simple game theoretic framework. We consider two countries and one multinational firm, which requires two inputs that are imperfect substitutes. In the benchmark model the labour of each country specializes in a distinct input. Seeking to maximize their labour incomes, countries simultaneously announce wages following which the firm chooses its labour employment in each country. We show that "race to the bottom" (countries setting minimum possible wages) is never an equilibrium. Moreover there are equilibria with ``race to the top", that is, countries set maximum possible wages. This result is robust in an extended model where prior to competing in wages, each country can make input-specific investments to make its labour available for one or both inputs. Provided the production function of the firm is not asymmetrically intensive in either one of the two inputs, there are equilibria of the extended game with specialization (that is, countries invest in distinct inputs) as well as "race to the top"

DC electrical properties and non–adiabatic small polaron hopping in V2O5–CdO–ZnO glass nanocomposites

Semiconducting transition metal oxide (TMO) doped glass nanocomposites xV2O5–(1–x) (0.05CdO–0.95ZnO), x=0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 have been prepared by melt quenching method. DC electrical conductivity of as prepared glass nanocomposites is are investigated over a wide temperature range. Formation of small polarons has been confirmed from dc electrical conductivity experimental data, whereas conductivity is due to mainly polaron hopping from V+4 to V+5 valence state in these glassy systems. Temperature dependent conductivity data have been analyzed using the small polaron hopping (SPH) model. Low, high temperature activation energy, optical phonon frequency and Debye’s temperature have been determined. Conductivity data have been analyzed in view of Mott’s variable range hopping (VRH) models and Greaves VRH models; the density of states at the Fermi level has been evaluated. Various polaron hopping parameters such as polaron radius, polaron binding energy, polaron band width and polaron coupling constant (γP) have been estimated. It has been ascertained by these estimated quantities and different approaches that the nature of hopping conduction is non–adiabatic variable range hopping of small polarons. The evaluated values of hopping carrier mobility (μ) and hopping carrier concentration (NC) are found to depend on composition and temperature