Analytical High-efficiency Spot beam Model for High Throughput Satellites

We develop a simple model for a feed horn with a uniformly excited circular aperture at the focus of an offset paraboloidal reflector antenna and compare it with reflector antenna analyses using combinations of circular waveguide TE1n modes. The model demonstrates the deep dip that can occur at the center of the spot beam for certain feed diameters and it is used in a design procedure that relates the feed and the spot-beam diameter. The model may be extended to include feed horn flare effects

Implications of Globalization for Monetary Policy

This paper argues that the implications of globalization for monetary policy come mainly through two channels: On the one hand, the many structural changes, which are associated with the globalization process, cause an increase in uncertainty surrounding monetary policy. This leads to an increase in uncertainty about how to interpret macroeconomic data/indicators and about the monetary transmission mechanism. On the other hand, by strengthening the process of global economic integration, the globalization process increases international competition. Thereby, globalization forces market players to make structural adjustments or reforms which change the conditions or constraints under which monetary policy is implemented.

Investments in Painting: The interaction of monetary return and psychic income

The financial press gives very regular attention to art and culture in their many forms. Business newspapers such as the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, Het Financieele Dagblad and De Financieel Economische Tijd give over plenty of space in their weekend editions to news of art auction prices and exhibitions of major or less well-known works. As well as this practical outlook, more theoretical economists have given increasing attention to the economics of art since the 1970s. There has been a remarkably large amount of research into the pricing of art and the closely associated subject of the return on purchases of art. This centres on painting in general and on individual painters. The attention to painting in the business press is without doubt prompted by the need for journalistic variety, plus the wish to impart a cultural element to the reporting. The provision of market information to readers is, of course, another significant motive. It is less simple to explain the academic interest of economists. At first sight, it seems exotic. But that is a hasty conclusion. Along with intellectual curiosity, there is probably a role for the need to apply trusted analytical methods to new areas of research. Whatever the reason, there is a place for the systematic study of the literature on the sense and nonsense of investing in painting and this is the objective of this paper. It is, however, also a report of explorations in a field that has fascinated me personally as an economist for many years. I, therefore, wrote this essay with great pleasure and hope I can share my enjoyment with my readers in the same way that guidebooks can sometimes add to the pleasure of a trip.