Coincidence Problem in Cyclic Phantom Models of the Universe

We examine cyclic phantom models for the universe, in which the universe is dominated sequentially by radiation, matter, and a phantom dark energy field, followed by a standard inflationary phase. Since this cycle repeats endlessly, the Universe spends a substantial portion of its lifetime in a state for which the matter and dark energy densities have comparable magnitudes, thus ameliorating the coincidence problem. We calculate the fraction of time that the universe spends in such a coincidental state and find that it is nearly the same as in the case of a phantom model with a future big rip. In the limit where the dark energy equation of state parameter, w, is close to -1, we show that the fraction of time, f, for which the ratio of the dark energy density to the matter density lies between r_1 and r_2, is f = -(1+w) ln [(\sqrt{r_2} + \sqrt{1+r_2})/(\sqrt{r_1} + \sqrt{1+r_1})].Comment: 4 pages, no figures, discussion and references adde

Can cash hold its own? International comparisons: Theory and evidence

A number of papers predict the imminent demise of currency use in transactions while some make a case for its continued use due to its distinctive feature of anonymity. Notwithstanding the latter, this paper shows on both theoretical and empirical grounds, that cash use is sustainable for the foreseeable future because of the cost competitiveness of ATM networked cash to the consumer relative to electronic POS card substitutes. Indeed, since the mid-1990s, Finland, Canada and France which are countries in the vanguard of EFTPOS development, have experienced a resurgence of ATM cash use as measured by its expenditure share.

Inconsistency of fairness evaluation in simulated labot market.

Reciprocal behavior was often explained by perception of fairness derived from either agents’ intention or distributional outcome. In this paper, we demonstrated that fairness perception depended on the evaluability of the partner’s type. We conducted experiments to investigate how workers formed fairness perception on the employers. We found inconsistency in fairness evaluation in the two simulated worker-employer relations; workers derived fairness by comparing own wage with market wage in a one shot interaction, but workers derived fairness based on current and previous wage when interacting with same employer. The reversal of fairness perception suggested the role of evaluability of partners’ attribute in effort decision among workers.Preference reversal; reciprocity; gift exchange; evaluability hypothesis;experiment.

Hamman’s syndrome: spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema during second stage of labour

Subcutaneous emphysema with pneumomediastinum in labour is also known as Hamman's Syndrome. Maternal pneumomediastinum associated with subcutaneous emphysema is a rare complication of pregnancy. The incidence rate being between 1:2000 and 1:10,000. Pneumomediastinum occurs most frequently in the second stage of labour in a healthy primiparous women with prolonged labour. A 29-year-old primigravida, who had no relevant medical history, had an uneventful spontaneous vaginal delivery at term. She used Entonox as analgesia in labour. She developed facial and neck oedema associated with mild breathing discomfort towards the end of her second stage. Crepitus was felt in her cheek, neck and anterior chest wall. Observations were stable including oxygen saturation. Chest X-ray demonstrated gross and extensive surgical emphysema across the chest and up into the neck and with no evidence of pneumothorax. She was managed conservatively and the subcutaneous emphysema was found to have considerably better within 24 hours. She recovered uneventfully and was discharged within 3 days of admission. A future pregnancy is planned. Hamman’s syndrome is generally a self-limiting condition. The key to successful management is early recognition followed by appropriate measures to prevent further complications in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. Supportive measures alone may be the only requirement for resolution. Recurrence of the condition is rare but the appropriate management of subsequent pregnancies is unclear. Our case was appropriately managed with multidisciplinary input in the HDU on labour ward

Diversity of Orchidaceae from Murum Dam, Belaga, Sarawak, Borneo

Murum Dam in Sarawak is located about 70 km upstream of Bakun Dam, on the rivers Murum, Danum and Plieran, forming a reservoir over an area of 245 km2. The area consists of mainly lowland to hilly mixed dipterocarp forests, with riparian and alluvial forests along the main rivers and streams, as well as patches of mossy and heath forests. Most of these forests are logged over and some areas have been converted into oil palm plantations. A flora rescue project was carried out to collect selected plant species including orchids from the areas affected by the dam. Most epiphytic orchids were collected from partially submerged trees. Over 2,000 specimens of orchids from 80 genera and c. 276 species were collected from May 2013 to December 2014. The most abundant genus recorded is Bulbophyllum Thouars (c. 44 species). Of these, 37 species are endemic to Borneo, two (Bulbophyllum upupops J.J.Verm., P.O’Byrne & A.L.Lamb and Thrixspermum lingiae P.O’Byrne & Gokusing) are newly described and ten species are new records for Sarawak. The collection of species from this work has provided valuable material for the research and conservation of orchids from vulnerable areas around dams

Can cash hold its own? International comparisons: Theory and evidence

A number of papers predict the imminent demise of currency use in transactions while some make a case for its continued use due to its distinctive feature of anonymity. Notwithstanding the latter, this paper shows on both theoretical and empirical grounds, that cash use is sustainable for the foreseeable future because of the cost competitiveness of ATM networked cash to the consumer relative to electronic POS card substitutes. Indeed, since the mid-1990s, Finland, Canada and France which are countries in the vanguard of EFTPOS development, have experienced a resurgence of ATM cash use as measured by its expenditure share

Ownership Of Computer And Its Usage At Home: A Case In Malaysia.

The multi-functionality of computer and the increased accessibility of Internet have created a demand for computers at home which previously was concentrated in offices. Using the Heckman two-step model and by combining socio-economic factors and insights from Becker's (1965) theory on allocation of time in the household with information system theories, it is found that i) the household allocation of resources, ii) age and gender and iii)household social environment are significant in determining computer purchase decision and its extent of usage in households. Responses collected from 500 computer users are used in the study