An obstruction for q-deformation of the convolution product

We consider two independent q-Gaussian random variables X and Y and a function f chosen in such a way that f(X) and X have the same distribution. For 0 < q < 1 we find that at least the fourth moments of X + Y and f(X) + Y are different. We conclude that no q-deformed convolution product can exist for functions of independent q-Gaussian random variables.Comment: The proof of proposition 2 is corrected on 11 january 199

Accurate Fundamental Stellar Parameters

We combine results from interferometry, asteroseismology and spectroscopic analyses to determine accurate fundamental parameters (mass, radius and effective temperature) of 10 bright solar-type stars covering the H-R diagram from spectral type F5 to K1. Using ``direct'' techniques that are only weakly model-dependent we determine the mass, radius and effective temperature. We demonstrate that model-dependent or ``indirect'' methods can be reliably used even for relatively faint single stars for which direct methods are not applicable. This is important for the characterization of the targets of the CoRoT and Kepler space missions.Comment: 2 pages. To appear in the proceedings of IAU Symp. 265: Chemical Abundances in the Universe: Connecting First Stars to Planet

Changes in Poverty and Income Inequality in Pakistan during the 1970s

According to Paul Streeten [101, the relationship between poverty eradication and reducing income inequalities is still an unsettled question. He mentions empirical studies of eleven countries. In ten of these countries, poverty and inequality move in the same direction, both increasing (Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia) or both declining (Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Yugoslavia, China and Israel). The only exception is perhaps Kuwait, where poverty (of Kuwaiti citizens, but not of the large group of immigrant workers) has been reduced, while inequality has increased (explanation: oil wealth)

The distinction of 'Psychosomatogenic family types' Based on parents' self reported questionnaire information: a cluster analysis

The theory of 'psychosomatogenic family types' is often used in treatment of somatizing adolescents. This study investigated the validity of distinguishing 'psychosomatogenic family types' based on parents' self-reported family features. The study included a Flemish general population sample of 12-year olds (n = 1428). We performed cluster analysis on 3 variables concerning parents' self-reported problems in family functioning. The distinguished clusters were examined for differences in marital problems, parental emotional problems, professional help for family members, demographics, and adolescents' somatization. Results showed the existence of 5 family types: 'chaotic family functioning,' 'average amount of family functioning problems,' 'few family functioning problems,' 'high amount of support and communication problems,' and ' high amount of sense of security problems' clusters. Membership of the 'chaotic family functioning' and 'average amount of family functioning problems' cluster was significantly associated with higher levels of somatization, compared with 'few family functioning problems' cluster membership. Among additional variables, only marital and parental emotional problems distinguished somatization relevant from non relevant clusters: parents in 'average amount of family functioning problems' and 'chaotic family functioning' clusters reported higher problems. The data showed that 'apparently perfect' or 'enmeshed' patterns of family functioning may not be assessed by means of parent report as adopted in this study. In addition, not only adolescents from 'extreme' types of family functioning may suffer from somatization. Further, professionals should be careful assuming that families in which parents report average to high amounts of family functioning problems also show different demographic characteristics

Balans: buigen of barsten

Tijdens de voorbereiding op deze lezing kwam ik tot de conclusie dat er een duidelijke rode draad is, die loopt van mijn middelbare school, studiekeuze en keuzes binnen de studie naar mijn huidige werkzaamheden en leeropdracht. Centraal hierin staan de regelmechanismen die een organisme optimaal laten functioneren in zijn/haar omgeving en het organisme in balans doet zijn. Het organisme kan buigen; dat wil zeggen goed of voldoende reageren op veranderingen en het kan zich dan aanpassen aan veranderende omstandigheden. Het kan echter ook barsten bij foutief functioneren in geval van ziekte. Bij de handhaving van de balans zijn niet alleen interne (in het organisme) regelmechanismen betrokken, ook speelt de communicatie tussen het externe en interne milieu; de gen-omgevingsinteracties, een grote rol. In deze lezing zal ik de rode draad uiteenzetten en hoe deze verband houdt met mijn leeropdracht Calcium- en Botstofwisseling. rede In verkorte vorm uitgesproken ter gelegenheid van het aanvaarden van het ambt van bijzonder hoogleraar met als leeropdracht Calcium- en Botstofwisseling aan het Erasmus MC, faculteit van de Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam op 1 juni 2007