69,193 research outputs found
Risk aversion in economic transactions
Most people are risk-averse (risk-seeking) when they expect to gain (lose).
Based on a generalization of ``expected utility theory'' which takes this into
account, we introduce an automaton mimicking the dynamics of economic
operations. Each operator is characterized by a parameter q which gauges
people's attitude under risky choices; this index q is in fact the entropic one
which plays a central role in nonextensive statistical mechanics. Different
long term patterns of average asset redistribution are observed according to
the distribution of parameter q (chosen once for ever for each operator) and
the rules (e.g., the probabilities involved in the gamble and the indebtedness
restrictions) governing the values that are exchanged in the transactions.
Analytical and numerical results are discussed in terms of how the sensitivity
to risk affects the dynamics of economic transactions.Comment: 4 PS figures, to appear in Europhys. Let
The stellar content of the Local Group dwarf galaxy Phoenix
We present new deep ground-based photometry of the Local Group dwarf
galaxy Phoenix. Our results confirm that this galaxy is mainly dominated by red
stars, with some blue plume stars indicating recent (100 Myr old) star
formation in the central part of the galaxy. We have performed an analysis of
the structural parameters of Phoenix based on an ESO/SRC scanned plate, in
order to search for differentiated component. The results were then used to
obtain the color-magnitude diagrams for three different regions of Phoenix in
order to study the variation of the properties of its stellar population. The
young population located in the central component of Phoenix shows a clear
asymmetry in its distribution, that could indicate a propagation of star
formation across the central component. The HI cloud found at 6 arcmin
Southwest by Young & Lo (1997) could have been involved in this process.
We also find the presence of a substantial intermediate-age population in the
central region of Phoenix that would be less abundant or absent in its outer
regions. This result is also consistent with the gradient found in the number
of horizontal branch stars, whose frequency relative to red giant branch stars
increases towards the outer part of the galaxy. These results, together with
those of our morphological study, suggest the existence of an old, metal-poor
population with a spheroidal distribution surrounding the younger inner
component of Phoenix. This two-component structure may resemble the halo-disk
structure observed in spirals, although more data, in particular on kinematics,
are necessary to confirm this.Comment: 46 pages, 21 figures, 9 Tables, to be published in AJ, August 9
Inferring telescope polarization properties through spectral lines without linear polarization
We present a technique to determine the polarization properties of a
telescope through observations of spectral lines that have no intrinsic linear
polarization signals. For such spectral lines, any observed linear polarization
must be induced by the telescope optics. We apply the technique to observations
taken with the SPINOR at the DST and demonstrate that we can retrieve the
characteristic polarization properties of the DST at three wavelengths of 459,
526, and 615 nm. We determine the amount of crosstalk between the intensity
Stokes I and the linear and circular polarization states Stokes Q, U, and V,
and between Stokes V and Stokes Q and U. We fit a set of parameters that
describe the polarization properties of the DST to the observed crosstalk
values. The values for the ratio of reflectivities X and the retardance tau
match those derived with the telescope calibration unit within the error bars.
Residual crosstalk after applying a correction for the telescope polarization
stays at a level of 3-10%. We find that it is possible to derive the parameters
that describe the polarization properties of a telescope from observations of
spectral lines without intrinsic linear polarization signal. Such spectral
lines have a dense coverage (about 50 nm separation) in the visible part of the
spectrum (400-615 nm), but none were found at longer wavelengths. Using
spectral lines without intrinsic linear polarization is a promising tool for
the polarimetric calibration of current or future solar telescopes such as
DKIST.Comment: 22 pages, 24 figures, accepted for publication in A&
Orbit Transfer Rocket Engine Technology Program: Advanced engine study, task D.1/D.3
Concepts for space maintainability of OTV engines were examined. An engine design was developed which was driven by space maintenance requirements and by a failure mode and effects (FME) analysis. Modularity within the engine was shown to offer cost benefits and improved space maintenance capabilities. Space operable disconnects were conceptualized for both engine change-out and for module replacement. Through FME mitigation the modules were conceptualized to contain the least reliable and most often replaced engine components. A preliminary space maintenance plan was developed around a controls and condition monitoring system using advanced sensors, controls, and condition monitoring concepts. A complete engine layout was prepared satisfying current vehicle requirements and utilizing projected component advanced technologies. A technology plan for developing the required technology was assembled
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