Turing computability, probability, and prime numbers

We present an original theoretical approach to prove that $\pi (n)-Li(n)=o(M(n)\sqrt{Li(n)})$ almost certainly stands, where $\pi (n)$ is the number of primes not greater than $n$, $Li(n)$ is a logarithmic integral function, and $M(n)$ is an arbitrary function such that $M(n)\rightarrow\infty$.Comment: Revision of the contents over the whole range of the pape

Critical behavior of strongly coupled lattice QCD at finite temperature

We study the critical behavior of lattice Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) in the strong coupling approximation with Kogut-Susskind and Wilson fermions at finite temperature ($T$) and zero chemical potential. Using the Hamiltonian formulation we construct a mean field solution to the equation of motion at finite $T$ and use it to study the elementary thermal excitations and to extract some critical exponents characterizing the observed second order phase transition. We find similar critical behaviors for Kogut-Susskind and Wilson fermions at finite $T$Comment: To appear in Modern Physics Letters

Empirical evidence of externalities of IT capital in Japan

We tested for the presence of IT capital externalities, based on a translog cost function framework applied to 10 Japanese manufacturing industries for the years 1974 to 1993. This framework allows us to test whether investment in IT capital in other industries reduces costs in a given industry. Our findings strongly suggest that externalities are prevalent in these manufacturing industries.Externality

Are Banks Risk-Averse?

The paper investigates, and estimates, banks’ risk aversion that is factored into the spread between the interest rate on time deposits and the interest rate on non-time deposits. The estimation results indicate that the relative risk aversion coefficient estimates of individual banks fall between 0 and 1, but mostly around 0.2, thereby indicating that banks are risk-averse but close to being risk-neutral.Banks, Risk Aversion, Deposit Rate Rigidity

Evaluating Multifunctional Activities as Rural Institution in Japan

The relationship between multifunctionality and the roles of rural communities has not been discussed fully although the connection between the two is an essential issue in the rural policy arena. Pursuing this issue, this paper considers that multifunctional hamlet activities are generated as institutional joint products within the hamlet. Also evaluated is the connection between multifunctional activities and institutional hamlet conditions under the Japanese direct payment program for less favored areas. Results of conceptual considerations and empirical evaluations reveal that specific multifunctional hamlet activities depend on hamlet conditions; those on the least favorable level tend to perform land preservation activities while those under the most favorable conditions tend to undertake recreational activity. Hamlets participating in forming landscape fall in the middle. Thus, firstly, institutional jointness is not constant but variable depending on hamlet conditions. Consequently, programs to enhance multifunctionality should respect hamlet conditions that represent different levels of institutional jointness of multifunctional activity rather than treat multifunctionality as a single concept. Secondly, for diversification, it would be effective to organize hamlet activities based on an open and wider human network rather than the traditional closed one in rural communities.multifunctionality, rural community, institution, jointness, diversification, human resources, direct payment, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, Q19, R0, Z13, Q18,

Evaluating Household Leisure Behaviour of Rural Tourism in Japan

Understanding the demand profile of rural tourism is a necessary condition for the successful diversification of any rural economy. Although descriptive analyses have been conducted on this issue, a more generalised framework is required that allows us to explore economic analyses. This paper evaluates the leisure behaviour of households that have a preference for rural tourism in Japan. First, we give conceptual consideration to the notion that leisure behaviour should be regarded as a form of a home production and explain that households that undertake rural tourism have undergone an upward shift in the home production function to realise a higher utility level. We propose that a preference for rural recreation causes this shift by improving the efficiency of the home production of leisure. Second, as an actual behaviour of rural tourism, the characteristics of visitors to pick-your-own farms were statistically tested using data from a nationwide survey on tourism. Finally, the rural preference function was estimated. The results revealed that the profile of households showing a preference for rural tourism demonstrated both up-market and niche market characteristics, which mirrored findings in European countries emphasizing the importance of a higher academic background, stronger orientation towards outdoor recreation, and greater discrimination with respect to the quality of services and goods received. Preference for rural recreation can be enhanced through the provision of authentic, high quality service and goods and the preservation of the rural environment. Therefore, there will be an increased demand for a farm policy that integrates both agricultural and rural measures.rural tourism, home production, service goods, rural infrastructure, leisure behaviour, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,