3,433 research outputs found
A two-coil mutual inductance technique to study matching effect in disordered NbN thin films
Although matching effects in superconducting anti-dot arrays have been
studied extensively through magneto-resistance oscillations, these
investigations have been restricted to a very narrow temperature window close
to the superconducting transition. Here we report a "two coil" mutual
inductance technique, which allows the study of this phenomenon deep in the
superconducting state, through a direct measurement of the magnetic field
variation of the shielding response. We demonstrate how this technique can be
used to resolve outstanding issues on the origin of matching effects in
superconducting thin films with periodic array of holes grown on anodized
alumina membranes
Does Comparative Theology have an Advantage over Religious Studies?
In this essay, I assess the prospects for Comparative Theology as some
scholars proffered towards building a general theory of religion. I first
acknowledge the relationship between the two disciplines; second, I examine
the relationship between faith and religion which I believe is crucial to enter
the discussion on Comparative Theology and Religious Studies; third I come
to the crux of the matter by assessing the influence of theology on the study
of religion; fourth, having problematized the method of Comparative
Theology, I underscore the limits of theological method for comparative
analysis in the study of religion. This above outline is consciously intended
to take the general reader as well as specialists toward my conclusion, which
is to suggest that Comparative Theology can only serve an internal
theological purpose of one religious tradition but not for the purpose of a
general theory of religion
Demand Projections for Foodgrains in India
Demand for foodgrains has been estimated for India for the years 2011-12, 2016-17 and 2021-22, by accounting for the factors like urbanization, regional variations in consumption pattern, shifts in dietary pattern and income distribution, limit on energy requirement and changes in tastes and preferences of consumers for food varieties. Indirect demand including ‘home away demand’ has also been considered in working out these food demand projections. Policy scenario has been presented and yield targets for the years 2011-12, 2016-17 and 2021-22 have been projected to meet the demand of foodgrams in these years.Agricultural and Food Policy,
SUSTAINING PRIVATIZATION
This dissertation examines the factors associated with sustainable privatization of infrastructure projects. Privatization offers a way for governments to make infrastructure delivery more effective and efficient than exclusively public provision, but often the promise is fraught with peril. The three essays that constitute this dissertation seek to use empirical data and analysis to answer three selected questions regarding sustainable privatization:
,,h
What causes the private sector to exit from infrastructure projects?
,,h
Do Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) provide value for money to governments?
,,h
Does privatization lead to benign outcomes?
The first essay of this dissertation takes the broadest view, looking at cross-country, cross-sector regression analysis to unearth patterns in infrastructure privatization failures - with a view to understand as well the factors that lead to success. The second essay takes a further step from the broad overview of the first essay by looking in detail at
individual projects and examining what factors could lead to better value for money to governments. Finally, the third essay looks at the choice between asset sales and share issue privatization as two specific methods for privatization and their subsequent impact on the performance of the privatized company. The three essays thus represent a progression from survival to good health and finally to growth.
My major conclusions are:
,,h
Project cancellation rates, though rising, are still low. Although ownership may change hands, for the most part, the private sector is staying in private infrastructure projects.
,,h
Although trends in cancellation may not be an issue for private infrastructure projects as a whole, it is a concern in the water and sewerage sector. The high probability of cancellation and relatively low level of fresh investment in the sector suggests a declining role for the private sector in making available this essential service.
,,h
There is value for money to governments from entering into Public-Private Partnerships in infrastructure.
,,h
Divestment leads to significant improvement in profitability, efficiency, and real output of firms, besides providing some fiscal boost to the government. However, the impact on employment is negative
Branding in children: a barbaric practice still exists in India
Branding is an inhuman traditional practice most commonly employed to treat various disorders in neonates and children in certain community in India. Though stringent law exists to prevent such harmful practices, cases of branding is not uncommon in current era.Pan African Medical Journal 2016; 2
- …