Survey of Period Variations of Superhumps in SU UMa-Type Dwarf Novae

We systematically surveyed period variations of superhumps in SU UMa-type dwarf novae based on newly obtained data and past publications. In many systems, the evolution of superhump period are found to be composed of three distinct stages: early evolutionary stage with a longer superhump period, middle stage with systematically varying periods, final stage with a shorter, stable superhump period. During the middle stage, many systems with superhump periods less than 0.08 d show positive period derivatives. Contrary to the earlier claim, we found no clear evidence for variation of period derivatives between superoutburst of the same object. We present an interpretation that the lengthening of the superhump period is a result of outward propagation of the eccentricity wave and is limited by the radius near the tidal truncation. We interpret that late stage superhumps are rejuvenized excitation of 3:1 resonance when the superhumps in the outer disk is effectively quenched. Many of WZ Sge-type dwarf novae showed long-enduring superhumps during the post-superoutburst stage having periods longer than those during the main superoutburst. The period derivatives in WZ Sge-type dwarf novae are found to be strongly correlated with the fractional superhump excess, or consequently, mass ratio. WZ Sge-type dwarf novae with a long-lasting rebrightening or with multiple rebrightenings tend to have smaller period derivatives and are excellent candidate for the systems around or after the period minimum of evolution of cataclysmic variables (abridged).Comment: 239 pages, 225 figures, PASJ accepte

The Possible Impacts of Financial Nudging in the Food Infant Industries: Beyond Meat Case Study

The second decade of the XXI century has experienced the development of meat substitutes. The origin of this niche is said to emerge from environmental concerns. One of the market leaders in this infant industry is Beyond Meat company. The study aims to identify the impact of the capital markets and media coverage for an infant industry, such as meat alternatives, on the example of Beyond Meat. A sizeable portion of the investment in this new branch of the food sector came from the capital markets, which expect a return on their investment. The Beyond Meat case suggests that these substantial investments did not bring expected returns, which several factors, such as the post-COVID bear market and lack of demand for meat substitute products, could have caused. Thus, despite awareness campaigns, so far, the company has experienced losses. The development of this market niche acted contrary to what was expected. The market failings correlate with the loss of interest of the retail investors, which was attempted to be measured by this research. As a proxy for the retail investor interest, Google Trends Index was used and compared to the stock prices (a method often described as a Buzz Indicator)

ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE BIOLOGICAL AGENT USE IN ECOLOGICAL POTATO PRODUCTION – SYSTEM DYNAMICS SIMULATION

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the economic viability by calculating the potential profits and expenses for farmers, and to simulate the impact of the application of a microbiological agent on the potato plant in a field trial. The field experiment aimed to identify the role of the biological agent while substituting the synthetic plant fertilization and protection. Methodology: The system dynamics method was applied to the data provided from one planting season of field experiments conducted in the framework of the PotatoMETABiome project. From eleven tested varieties on six different scenario plots, the most economically viable variety – Pasja Pomorska – was tested. The comparative approach was applied to show the results of inoculating potato plants with biological agents and using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Results: The results show that the application of biocontrol agents increases the quality and quantity of the potato yield compared to a variant in which no synthetic agents are used. These are, however, higher while applying the latter. It can therefore be argued that the microbiological agent could support ecological potato production, yet it does not reach the economic break-even point yet. Conclusions: Bearing in mind the limitations resulting from the experimental nature of field research, the level of economic profitability of innovative biological preparations and the importance of their use in agriculture have been demonstrated