Collective Dynamics of Random Polyampholytes

We consider the Langevin dynamics of a semi-dilute system of chains which are random polyampholytes of average monomer charge $q$ and with a fluctuations in this charge of the size $Q^{-1}$ and with freely floating counter-ions in the surrounding. We cast the dynamics into the functional integral formalism and average over the quenched charge distribution in order to compute the dynamic structure factor and the effective collective potential matrix. The results are given for small charge fluctuations. In the limit of finite $q$ we then find that the scattering approaches the limit of polyelectrolyte solutions.Comment: 13 pages including 6 figures, submitted J. Chem. Phy

Casimir Dispersion Forces and Orientational Pairwise Additivity

A path integral formulation is used to study the fluctuation-induced interactions between manifolds of arbitrary shape at large separations. It is shown that the form of the interactions crucially depends on the choice of the boundary condition. In particular, whether or not the Casimir interaction is pairwise additive is shown to depend on whether the ``metallic'' boundary condition corresponds to a ``grounded'' or an ``isolated'' manifold.Comment: 6 pages, RevTe

Stiff polymer in monomer ensemble

We make use of the previously developed formalism for a monomer ensemble and include angular dependence of the segments of the polymer chains thus described. In particular we show how to deal with stiffness when the polymer chain is confined to certain regions. We investigate the stiffness from the perspectives of a differential equation, integral equations, or recursive relations for both continuum and lattice models. Exact analytical solutions are presented for two cases, whereas numerical results are shown for a third case.Comment: 10 pages, including 6 figure

Investigating the Fair Treatment of Suppliers and its Trust Fostering Role and Performance Benefits

An increasing number of companies have begun to make efforts to treat their suppliers fairly as a part of wider corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Few studies, however, have investigated the performance implications of such efforts for buying firms. This paper uses both organisational climate theory and social exchange theory to investigate (1) if buying firms' efforts in the form of a code of conduct for its procurement practitioners pay off, and (2) its mechanisms from the perspectives of procurement practitioners. We use a multi-method approach, combining analysis of survey data complemented by results from a behavioural experiment. First, survey data were gathered from 327 Korean manufacturing companies and analysed using structural equation modelling. Second, the findings were complemented by a behavioural experiment involving 120 subjects. The results support the positive performance implications of fair supplier treatment in the form of codes of conduct for procurement practitioners. The paper also offers insights into how such efforts benefit buying firms, which is due to the trust in the buyer-supplier relationship fostered by the resulting ethical behaviours of procurement practitioners

Rodrigues Formula for the Nonsymmetric Multivariable Laguerre Polynomial

Extending a method developed by Takamura and Takano, we present the Rodrigues formula for the nonsymmetric multivariable Laguerre polynomials which form the orthogonal basis for the $B_{N}$-type Calogero model with distinguishable particles. Our construction makes it possible for the first time to algebraically generate all the nonsymmetric multivariable Laguerre polynomials with different parities for each variable.Comment: 6 pages, LaTe

Electron Addition Spectrum in the Supersymmetric t-J Model with Inverse-Square Interaction

The electron addition spectrum A^+(k,omega) is obtained analytically for the one-dimensional (1D) supersymmetric t-J model with 1/r^2 interaction. The result is obtained first for a small-sized system and its validity is checked against the numerical calculation. Then the general expression is found which is valid for arbitrary size of the system. The thermodynamic limit of A^+(k,omega) has a simple analytic form with contributions from one spinon, one holon and one antiholon all of which obey fractional statistics. The upper edge of A^+(k,omega) in the (k,omega) plane includes a delta-function peak which reduces to that of the single-electron band in the low-density limit.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Let

The Hypothesis of Locality and its Limitations

The hypothesis of locality, its origin and consequences are discussed. This supposition is necessary for establishing the local spacetime frame of accelerated observers; in this connection, the measurement of length in a rotating system is considered in detail. Various limitations of the hypothesis of locality are examined.Comment: LaTeX file, no figures, 14 pages, to appear in: "Relativity in Rotating Frames", edited by G. Rizzi and M.L. Ruggiero (Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, 2003