Quasi-homogeneous black hole thermodynamics

Although the fundamental equations of ordinary thermodynamic systems are known to correspond to first-degree homogeneous functions, in the case of non-ordinary systems like black holes the corresponding fundamental equations are not homogeneous. We present several arguments, indicating that black holes should be described by means of quasi-homogeneous functions of degree different from one. In particular, we show that imposing the first-degree condition leads to contradictory results in thermodynamics and geometrothermodynamics of black holes. As a consequence, we show that in generalized gravity theories the coupling constants like the cosmological constant, the Born-Infeld parameter or the Gauss-Bonnet constant must be considered as thermodynamic variables

An analysis on fintech apps for payments

The aim of this study consists oftwo main objectives: First,to investigatethe penetration and preferences of fintech solutions from the payments sector within the studied population, as well as the elaboration of a forecast for the upcoming years.Second, to examinethe main elements that influence the intention of young customers when deciding to adopt fintech-basedpayment solutions. Existing research has tested several factorsfrom which the variables of trust, transaction efficiency and ease of use are included onthis paper. Additionally,the value-added propositionfrom this studyis represented by the incorporation of sustainability-related purposes into thisanalysiswith the intention of reflecting the increasing presence of efforts to integrate this component within thefinancial industryin recent years.A research model is proposed and tested by including elements based on theTechnology Adoption Model (TAM). By exploring the results of primary data through asurvey with 463 responses from university studentsandexamining secondary sourcesof information, the findings of this study demonstratethat all four tested variables have a positive impact on the intention of using fintech-based payment solutions.Sustainability-related purposes do not play a major role in the decision of using these apps, however, even with a minimal influence, theeffect on intention is positiveand statistically significant. The findings of this study pose important implications for stakeholders within the fintech spectrum whose purposes are related to increasing the intention of young consumers towards using these productsandto provide enoughevidence of the importance of designing incentives that fuel sustainability stewardshipwithin the financial sector

Diseño de estrategias innovadoras para fomentar el hábito lector en estudiantes de educación primaria del colegio San Agustín - Chiclayo

En esta investigación se busca fortalecer el hábito lector en los estudiantes del nivel primario mediante estrategias innovadoras amenas y dinámicas que cubran sus necesidades e intereses y garanticen el placer por la lectura. Con esta finalidad se aplica el enfoque socio cognitivo que permitirá contextualizar sus aprendizajes en el medio en el que se desenvuelve. Para ello, se desarrolla el Proyecto titulado “Lectores Agustinos en marcha” que promueve la integración de la biblioteca escolar con las actividades del Plan lector Institucional y la familia, en el intento de que se potencien las capacidades en los diferentes lenguajes: plástico, sonoro, gestual, corporal, oral o escrito y se desarrollen oportunidades de descubrimiento autónomo y del establecimiento de relaciones interpersonales basadas en el respeto, la seguridad afectiva y física. El diseño que se tomó para esta investigación es experimental con una población de 400 alumnos de 2.º a 5.º grado de primaria de la Institución Educativa “San Agustín” Chiclayo, finalizando con una encuesta que nos permitió evaluar la eficacia de la propuesta y evidenciar los efectos de un hábito lector a través de la expresión oral, comprensión y producción de textos como lo muestran los resultados de las pruebas censales, por lo que esta experiencia a través de los años se ha convertido en una política lingüística institucional

Reviving demand pull perspectives: the effect of demand uncertainty and stagnancy on R&D strategy

This paper looks at the effects of demand uncertainty and stagnancy on firm's decisions to engage in R&D activities and the amount of financial effort devoted to such activities. In so doing, the paper makes a number of contributions to the innovation literature: first, it adds to the recently revived debate on demand-pull perspectives in innovation studies by examining demand-related (lack of) incentives to invest in innovation. Second, it complements the emerging literature on barriers to innovation by focusing on demand-related obstacles rather than on the more frequently explored financial barriers. Third, it analyses whether experiencing uncertainty or a lack of demand is a sector-specific feature. Firms active in high- or low-tech manufacturing or in knowledge intensive or low-tech services might be more or less dependent on demand conditions when deciding to perform R&D. We find that uncertain demand and lack of demand are perceived as two quite distinct barriers. While demand uncertainty does not seem to constrain R&D efforts, the perception of a lack of demand has a marked impact on not only the amount of investment in R&D but also the likelihood of firms engaging in R&D activities. We interpret this evidence in terms of the specific phase in the innovation cycle in which decisions to invest in R&D are taken. Sectoral affiliation does not seem to be a factor in demand conditions, supporting the conjecture that positive expectations regarding market demand are structural and necessary conditions that have to be satisfied for all firms prior to them investing in R&D

Analysis of the Relationship between Frugal Innovation and Sustainable Development

The relation between Frugal Innovation and Sustainability is a widely discussed topic in current academic literature. To assess the correlation between these two concepts, a sample of the most frequently mentioned Frugal Innovations was selected. The criteria to evaluate the sustainability potential for each of these cases was built upon the UN Sustainable Development Goals, a global reference indicator. Frugal Innovations among the banking, transport, energy, ICT, water, appliances and healthcare sectors were evaluated. The results suggested a positive contribution and impact of Frugal Innovations towards economic, social and environmental development

The derivative notion revised: The fractional case

In this paper the historical origins of fractional calculus are explored with respect to non-conformable derivatives. Implications are made for the teaching and learning of calculus and for mathematics education

Denaturation Behavior and Kinetics of Single- and Multi-Component Protein Systems at Extrusion-Like Conditions

In this study, the influence of defined extrusion-like treatment conditions on the denaturation behavior and kinetics of single- and multi-component protein model systems at a protein concentration of 70% (w/w) was investigated. α-Lactalbumin (αLA) and β-Lactoglobulin (βLG), and whey protein isolate (WPI) were selected as single- and multi-component protein model systems, respectively. To apply defined extrusion-like conditions, treatment temperatures in the range of 60 and 100 °C, shear rates from 0.06 to 50 s$^{-1}$, and treatment times up to 90 s were chosen. While an aggregation onset temperature was determined at approximately 73 °C for WPI systems at a shear rate of 0.06 s$^{-1}$, two significantly different onset temperatures were determined when the shear rate was increased to 25 and 50 s$^{-1}$. These two different onset temperatures could be related to the main fractions present in whey protein (βLG and αLA), suggesting shear-induced phase separation. Application of additional mechanical treatment resulted in an increase in reaction rates for all the investigated systems. Denaturation was found to follow 2.262 and 1.865 order kinetics for αLA and WPI, respectively. The reaction order of WPI might have resulted from a combination of a lower reaction order in the unsheared system (i.e., fractional first order) and higher reaction order for sheared systems, probably due to phase separation, leading to isolated behavior of each fraction at the local level (i.e., fractional second order)

Cost assessment of clean generation incentives in Mexico for utility scale solar photovoltaic projects

Mexico recently opened the electric generation sector to competition. In addition, regulations to reach clean generation goals were implemented. These regulations include Clean Energy Certificates (CELs) obligations (similar to the Renewable Portfolio Standards in the United States), and the obligation of electricity suppliers to go into long term contracts with generators to guarantee the required electric energy and CELs supply. These contracts are procured through an auction mechanism. The purpose of this research is to i) estimate the cost of reaching the goals through the implemented policy, and ii) evaluate if the projects could be economically feasible by selling electricity in the short term market, without the incentives. This research looked at three different utility scale solar photovoltaic projects that will operate under long term contracts for the provision of electric energy and CELs. The revenues of the projects under the contract terms were modeled and contrasted with projected Locational Marginal Prices (LMPs). In addition, a discounted cash flow analysis was done for the three projects, both under long term contract conditions and short term market conditions. Two projects were found to be financially feasible under short term market conditions. For these projects, the LMP was between $1.34 and$4.03 USD/MWh higher than the long term contract price. One project was not feasible under short term market conditions. For this project to be feasible in the short term market, the LMPs needed to be over $1.49 USD/MWh higher than the projections, while the price paid in the contract for this project was approximately$1.29 USD/MWh higher than the projected LMPs. These results show that the policy implemented is efficient, provides benefits to customers, and in some cases to investors. In the cases where the projects were feasible without the incentive, they would have sold their energy for a higher price without the long term contract mechanism. In addition, the project that was not financially feasible under short term market conditions would have needed a higher premium over the LMP price, than the premium achieved through the long term contract.Energy and Earth Resource