4,771 research outputs found
Scattering in one dimension: The coupled Schroedinger equation, threshold behaviour and Levinson's theorem
We formulate scattering in one dimension due to the coupled Schr\"{o}dinger
equation in terms of the matrix, the unitarity of which leads to
constraints on the scattering amplitudes. Levinson's theorem is seen to have
the form , where is the phase of
the matrix at zero energy, the number of bound states with nonzero
binding energy, the number of half-bound states, and the number of
coupled equations. In view of the effects due to the half-bound states, the
threshold behaviour of the scattering amplitudes is investigated in general,
and is also illustrated by means of particular potential models.Comment: to appear in Journal of Mathematic Physics, RevTex, 16 pages, 3
figures (PostScript
Evidence on a DSGE Business Cycle model subject to Neutral and Investment-Specific Technology Shocks using Bayesian Model Averaging
The empirical support for a DSGE type of real business cycle model with two technology shocks is evaluated using a Bayesian model averaging procedure that makes use of a finite mixture of many models within the class of vector autoregressive (VAR) processes. The linear VAR model is extended to permit equilibrium restrictions and restrictions on long-run responses to technology shocks apart from having a range of lag structures and deterministic processes. These model features are weighted as posterior probabilites and computed using MCMC and analytical methods. Uncertainty exists as to the most appropriate model for our data, with five models receiving significant support. The model set used has substantial implications for the results obtained. We do find support for a number of features implied by the real business cycle model. Business cycle volatility seems more due to investment specific technology shocks than neutral technology shocks and this result is robust to model specification. These techonolgy schocks appear to account for all stochastic trends in our system after 1984. we provide evidence on the uncertainty bands associated with these results.
Model Uncertainty and Bayesian Model Averaging in Vector Autoregressive Processes
Economic forecasts and policy decisions are often informed by empirical analysis based on econometric models. However, inference based upon a single model, when several viable models exist, limits its usefulness. Taking account of model uncertainty, a Bayesian model averaging procedure is presented which allows for unconditional inference within the class of vector autoregressive (VAR) processes. Several features of VAR process are investigated. Measures on manifolds are employed in order to elicit uniform priors on subspaces defined by particular structural features of VARs. The features considered are the number and form of the equilibrium economic relations and deterministic processes. Posterior probabilities of these features are used in a model averaging approach for forecasting and impulse response analysis. The methods are applied to investigate stability of the "Great Ratios" in U.S. consumption, investment and income, and the presence and effects of permanent shocks in these series. The results obtained indicate the feasibility of the proposed method.Posterior probability; Grassman manifold; Orthogonal group; Cointegration; Model averaging; Stochastic trend; Impulse response; Vector autoregressive model.
Improper priors with well defined Bayes Factors
While some improper priors have attractive properties, it is generally claimed that Bartlettâs paradox implies that using improper priors for the parameters in alternative models results in Bayes factors that are not well defined, thus preventing model comparison in this case. In this paper we demonstrate, using well understood principles underlying what is already common practice, that this latter result is not generally true and so expand the class of priors that may be used for computing posterior odds to two classes of improper priors: the shrink age prior; and a prior based upon a nesting argument. Using a new representation of the issue of undefined Bayes factors, we develop classes of improper priors from which well defined Bayes factors result. However, as the use of such priors is not free of problems, we include discussion on the issues with using such priors for model comparison.Improper prior; Bayes factor; marginal likelihood; shrinkage prior; measure
Free initial wave packets and the long-time behavior of the survival and nonescape probabilities
The behavior of both the survival S(t) and nonescape P(t) probabilities at
long times for the one-dimensional free particle system is shown to be closely
connected to that of the initial wave packet at small momentum. We prove that
both S(t) and P(t) asymptotically exhibit the same power-law decrease at long
times, when the initial wave packet in momentum representation behaves as O(1)
or O(k) at small momentum. On the other hand, if the integer m becomes greater
than 1, S(t) and P(t) decrease in different power-laws at long times.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, Title and organization changed, however the
results not changed, To appear in Phys. Rev.
WKB approximation for multi-channel barrier penetrability
Using a method of local transmission matrix, we generalize the well-known WKB
formula for a barrier penetrability to multi-channel systems. We compare the
WKB penetrability with a solution of the coupled-channels equations, and show
that the WKB formula works well at energies well below the lowest adiabatic
barrier. We also discuss the eigen-channel approach to a multi-channel
tunneling, which may improve the performance of the WKB formula near and above
the barrier.Comment: 15 pages, 4 eps figure
Atomic quasi-Bragg diffraction in a magnetic field
We report on a new technique to split an atomic beam coherently with an
easily adjustable splitting angle. In our experiment metastable helium atoms in
the |{1s2s}^3S_1 M=1> state diffract from a polarization gradient light field
formed by counterpropagating \sigma^+ and \sigma^- polarized laser beams in the
presence of a homogeneous magnetic field. In the near-adiabatic regime, energy
conservation allows the resonant exchange between magnetic energy and kinetic
energy. As a consequence, symmetric diffraction of |M=0> or |M=-1> atoms in a
single order is achieved, where the order can be chosen freely by tuning the
magnetic field. We present experimental results up to 6th order diffraction (24
\hbar k momentum splitting, i.e., 2.21 m/s in transverse velocity) and present
a simple theoretical model that stresses the similarity with conventional Bragg
scattering. The resulting device constitutes a flexible, adjustable,
large-angle, three-way coherent atomic beam splitter with many potential
applications in atom optics and atom interferometry.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure
Anomalous Fisher-like zeros for the canonical partition function of noninteracting fermions
Noninteracting fermions, placed in a system with a continuous density of
states, may have zeros in the -fermion canonical partition function on the
positive real axis (or very close to it), even for a small number of
particles. This results in a singular free energy, and instability in other
thermal properties of the system. In the context of trapped fermions in a
harmonic oscillator, these zeros are shown to be unphysical. By contrast,
similar bosonic calculations with continuous density of states yield sensible
results.Noninteracting fermions, placed in a system with a continuous density
of states yield sensible results.Comment: 5 pages and 5 figure
For better or worse:Governing healthcare organisations in times of financial distress
Due to processes of financialisation, financial parties increasingly penetrate the healthcare domain and determine under which conditions care is delivered. Their influence becomes especially visible when healthcare organisations face financial distress. By zooming-in on two of such cases, we come to know more about the considerations, motives and actions of financial parties in healthcare. In this research, we were able to examine the social dynamics between healthcare executives, banks and health insurers involved in a Dutch hospital and mental healthcare organisation on the verge of bankruptcy. Informed by interviews, document analysis and translation theory, we reconstructed the motives and strategies of executives, banks and health insurers and show how they play a crucial role in decision-making processes surrounding the survival or downfall of healthcare organisations. While parties are bound by legislation and company procedures, the outcome of financial distress can still be influenced. Much depends on how executives are perceived by financial stakeholders and how they deal with threats of destabilisation of the network. We further draw attention to the consequences of financialisation processes on the practices of healthcare organisations in financial distress
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