Hecke Operators on Drinfeld Cusp Forms

In this paper, we study the Drinfeld cusp forms for $\Gamma_1(T)$ and $\Gamma(T)$ using Teitelbaum's interpretation as harmonic cocycles. We obtain explicit eigenvalues of Hecke operators associated to degree one prime ideals acting on the cusp forms for $\Gamma_1(T)$ of small weights and conclude that these Hecke operators are simultaneously diagonalizable. We also show that the Hecke operators are not diagonalizable in general for $\Gamma_1(T)$ of large weights, and not for $\Gamma(T)$ even of small weights. The Hecke eigenvalues on cusp forms for $\Gamma(T)$ with small weights are determined and the eigenspaces characterized.Comment: 28 pages To appear in JN

Glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate composites

The purpose of this work was to develop a transparent glass fiber reinforced polymer composite material which is superior to the transparent unreinforced thermoplastic in mechanical properties but similar in optical clarity. Polycarbonate matrix composite specimens containing 0 to 40 wt% SK-12 glass fiber were studied, with mechanical and optical properties determined as a function of glass fiber content. The mechanical properties -- flexural strength and elastic modulus increased with increasing glass fiber content. The optical properties -- transmission and transparency decreased with increasing glass fiber content. The factors which influence the mechanical and optical properties were investigated --Abstract, page ii

Analysis of Country of Origin Labeling for Food Products in Taiwan using Auction Experiment

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the economic benefits of country of origin labeling (COOL) regulation by estimating the consumer's willingness to pay (WTP) for Taiwan products vs. other imported products if clearly labeled with their countries of origin. We employ the Vickrey second-price sealed bid auction and conducted auctions in three major cities in Taiwan in 2009. Charcoal-smoked plums from Taiwan and China and oolong teas from Taiwan, China, and Vietnam are auctioned products. One important feature of our experimental design is to investigate the impacts of product tasting on bidding behavior. We estimated Tobit bid models and the OLS premium functions. The regression results show that product tasting affected the participants' WTP positively or negatively depending on products. Specifically, tasting raised bids for Taiwan and China teas, but lowered bids for Vietnam tea. The econometric results show very high premiums for Taiwan products, ranging from 83% to 109% for tea and 55% to 66% for charcoal-smoked plum. These findings clearly show strong preference of Taiwanese consumers over food and agricultural products produced domestically. It is very important to have rigorous COOL regulation in Taiwan. If all foods and agricultural products are clearly labeled with their countries of origin, Taiwanese consumers and food producers stand to benefit greatly with COOL. The COOL would be one of the best instruments to reduce the negative impacts of agricultural trade liberalization under WTO or ECFA.

Impact of early exposure to fluoride on the executive functioning of Australian children

This item is only available electronically.Recent research has arisen which indicates that early exposure to fluoride could have cognitive impacts on the developing brain of children. Currently, there is no concrete high quality evidence within the current literature that establishes no association between fluoride exposure and cognitive development, leading to an increase in distrust regarding the use of fluoride in drinking water. The current study aimed to explore the relationships between early childhood exposure to water fluoridation and measures of executive functioning by applying a population- based cohort study design in a representative sample of children within Australia, taking into account confounders that have been overlooked within previous research. Participants were recruited from a previous national oral health study and invited to complete a questionnaire that included the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function. A series of regression analyses found no significant association between fluoride exposure and executive functioning in children. Further logistic regression testing found that fluoride exposure was not a significant predictor of elevated levels of executive dysfunction. The population-based evidence of the current study can inform and educate the general public and policy leaders on the understanding and safety of fluoride use in children and their psychological development.Thesis (B.PsychSc(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 201