SO(2N) and SU(N) gauge theories

We present our preliminary results of SO(2N) gauge theories, approaching the large-N limit. SO(2N) theories may help us to understand QCD at finite chemical potential since there is an orbifold equivalence between SO(2N) and SU(N) gauge theories at large-N and SO(2N) theories do not have the sign problem present in QCD. We consider the string tensions, mass spectra, and deconfinement temperatures in the SO(2N) pure gauge theories in 2+1 dimensions, comparing them to their corresponding SU(N) theories.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures, presented at the 31st International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory (Lattice 2013), 29 July - 3 August 2013, Mainz, German

On the weak N-dependence of SO(N) and SU(N) gauge theories in 2+1 dimensions

We consider (continuum) mass ratios of the lightest `glueballs' as a function of N for SO(N) and SU(N) lattice gauge theories in D=2+1. We observe that the leading large N correction is usually sufficient to describe the N-dependence of SO(N.geq.3) and SU(N.geq.2), within the errors of the numerical calculation. Just as interesting is the fact that the coefficient of this correction almost invariably turns out to be anomalously small, for both SO(N) and SU(N). We point out that this can follow naturally from the strong constraints that one naively expects from the Lie algebra equivalence between certain SO(N) and SU(N') theories and the equivalence of SO(infinity) and SU(infinity). The same argument for a weak N-dependence can in principle apply to SU(N) and SO(N) gauge theories in D=3+1.Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures. Clearer discussion and extra, relevant reference

Understanding the Higher-Order Approach to Consciousness

Critics have often misunderstood the higher-order theory (HOT) of consciousness. Here we clarify its position on several issues, and distinguish it from other views such as the global The higher-order theory (HOT) of consciousness has often been misunderstood by critics. Here we clarify its position on several issues, and distinguish it from other views such as the global workspace theory (GWT) and early sensory models (e.g. first-order local recurrency theories). For example, HOT has been criticized for over-intellectualizing consciousness. We show that while higher-order states are cognitively assembled, the requirements are actually considerably less than often presumed. In this sense HOT may be viewed as an intermediate position between GWT and early sensory views. Also, we clarify that most proponents of HOT do not stipulate consciousness as equivalent to metacognition or confidence. Further, compared to other existing theories, HOT can arguably account better for complex everyday experiences, such as of emotions and episodic memories. This makes HOT particularly useful as a framework for conceptualizing pathological mental states

THE CHINESE ARE COMING – AN ANALYSIS OF THE PREFERENCES OF CHINESE HOLIDAY MAKERS AT HOME AND ABROAD

We analyse the destination choice of Chinese tourists in China and abroad. Abroad, Chinese tourists prefer to travel to large and rich countries, and are little deterred by distance. Climate, coast, culture and political stability are irrelevant. Chinese tourists travel disproportionally to “approved destinations”, but this is being eroded as more countries acquire this status. The model predicts that Southeast Asian countries are harmed most by the extension of the ADS system, while North America suffers most from being excluded. Domestically, Chinese tourists prefer rich and densely population areas, but dislike cities. They value easy access by road and rail, and are attracted by nature. Cultural attractions are less important, and may even reduce tourist numbers. Although potential tourist numbers are large, tourist operators should not assume that Chinese tourists behave like other tourists.International tourism, domestic tourism, China, destination choice

The Impact of Options Listing on the Information Content of Annual Earnings Announcement.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether options listing induces additional information acquisition and processing and hence causes a commensurate reduction in the information content of annual earnings announcements. The U-statistic is used to measure the information content of annual earnings announcements. The dissertation tests the options listing effects on four different designs: (i) all exchange (NYSE/AMEX) firms, (ii) large exchange firms versus small exchange firms, (iii) positive unexpected earnings firms versus negative unexpected earnings firms, and (iv) all over-the-counter firms. The research found that, after options listing, the U-statistic of the exchange firms decreases significantly during the annual earnings announcements day. The results also show significant increase in U-statistic during the pre-announcement period after option listing, indicating that the earnings information may have been impounded into the securities markets earlier. In testing the \u27size\u27 hypothesis, the results show that options listing has a moderately stronger impact on small firms than large firms. However, the results do not support the hypothesis that options listing has a stronger impact on firms with negative unexpected earnings than firms with positive unexpected earnings. Finally, the results show that options listing has a moderately significant impact on the information content of annual earnings announcements of the OTC firms

Material Well-being, Social Relationships and Children’s Overall Life Satisfaction in Hong Kong

There has been growing research interest into child poverty and child well-being in Asia. However the development of qualitative and quantitative data in the field predominately adopts ‘expert-led’ or adult-derived measures of child poverty. This article aims to explore variations in children’s overall life satisfaction by their socio-demographic characteristics and social relationships in Hong Kong. Data used in this article is drawn from the first wave of the Strategic Public Policy Research (SPPR) project – ‘Trends and Implications of Poverty and Social Disadvantages in Hong Kong: A Multi-disciplinary and Longitudinal Study’. This article reports, for the first time evidence based on a child-derived material deprivation index - thereby addressing the limitations in traditional adult-derived child poverty measures. The study found that child deprivation explained more of the variation in children’s overall life satisfaction than traditional adult-reported income poverty. Further analyses showed that children’s perceived positive relationships with family and teachers, perceived strong social support from family, and experience of being bullied were associated with their life satisfaction