Symbolic-Numeric Algorithms for Computer Analysis of Spheroidal Quantum Dot Models

A computation scheme for solving elliptic boundary value problems with axially symmetric confining potentials using different sets of one-parameter basis functions is presented. The efficiency of the proposed symbolic-numerical algorithms implemented in Maple is shown by examples of spheroidal quantum dot models, for which energy spectra and eigenfunctions versus the spheroid aspect ratio were calculated within the conventional effective mass approximation. Critical values of the aspect ratio, at which the discrete spectrum of models with finite-wall potentials is transformed into a continuous one in strong dimensional quantization regime, were revealed using the exact and adiabatic classifications.Comment: 6 figures, Submitted to Proc. of The 12th International Workshop on Computer Algebra in Scientific Computing (CASC 2010) Tsakhkadzor, Armenia, September 5 - 12, 201

Introducing new technologies for sustainable agricultural development in Mongolia : towards a collaborative and effective extension system

A major goal for Mongolia is to eliminate rural poverty through sustainable rural development. To accomplish this, the agricultural sector must become more profitable and sustainable. Declining crop yields can be addressed by the adoption of new technology. Barriers to introduction of new agricultural technologies were evaluated using an inter-disciplinary perspective. Field research was carried out to understand the factors affecting Mongolian farmers’ decisions to adopt conservation farming practices. A semi-structured survey questionnaire was completed by 42 farmers and 30 extension agents and in-depth interviews were conducted with ten adopter-farmers in Mongolia. The introduction of conservation tillage was used to illustrate a technology transfer system and the challenges it poses. To most of the farmers, the main advantages of this technology were reduced soil erosion, increased cost efficiency, and higher crop yields. The main disadvantages found were high investment costs, unreliable input supply, and a lack of knowledge of the technology. Factors that encourage adoption of new technologies include government financial incentives, reduced labor requirements, and increased production due to better soil and water conservation. A lack of investment capital, required inputs, and relevant knowledge were all identified as barriers for the utilization of such new technologies. In general, early adopters and non-adopters of conservation tillage differed in that the early adopters tended to have more farmland, livestock, and equipment. The field studies in Mongolia were complemented by field research trials in Canada that evaluated new technologies for weed control in conservation tillage systems. One key to the successful adoption of new agriculture technologies is an effective and responsive research and extension system. Currently, for Mongolian farmers and extension agents, international projects are the main source of information with respect to new agricultural technologies. The capacity of local research and extension institutions is fairly limited. It will be important to establish better linkages among 3 researchers, extension agents, farmers, and policy makers through reorganization and strengthening of Mongolia’s “top-down” research and extension system. Meaningful farmer participation must take place at all stages of any technology transfer process. Based on these principles, an interdisciplinary, inclusive, and responsive national agricultural research and extension model is proposed

Examining the impact of emotional and behavioral problems on parenting stress in mothers of children with autism in Mongolia

The present study examined the effects of emotional and behavioral problems on parenting stress among mothers of children with autism in Mongolia. The hypothesis is that if children with autism presented more problems on their emotional and behavioral aspects, the higher parenting stress perceived among the mother of children with autism. The convenience sample of the study was composed of 62 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. The present study used the Parenting Stress Index-Short form (PSI/SF) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which are translated into Mongolian language by research team. Using the current sample of mothers of children with autism, Cronbach`s alpha coefficients of PSI/SF-M was 0.94 and SDQ-M was 0.62 for our sample. Bivariate correlation between the variables measuring difficulties of child and parenting stress revealed the existence of small to moderate correlations between SDQ subscales and PSI/SF subscales. PSI/SF total score and SDQ total score are correlated significantly at 0.35 (p=0.01). Difficult child subscale is correlated mild to moderate with SDQ total score (0.53), emotional symptoms (0.37), hyperactivity/inattention (0.35) and conduct problem (0.50) in positive way. Strong correlations were found between subscales of PSI/SF (0.67-0.89). The result of multiple regression analysis indicated that in addition with emotional and behavioral problems of children, income sufficiency of household and social support variables is significantly associated with parenting stress of mothers

Role of Democracy Assessment Tools in Democracy Consolidation: Lessons Learned From Mongolia

Executive summary 1. Democracy assessment in Mongolia was a state-led exercise conducted as part of the follow-up activities to the 5th International Conference of New or Restored Democracies and involved the active participation of the Government, Parliament, and Civil Society. 2. The process of democracy assessment itself provided a unique opportunity for critical self-reflection within Mongolia about the quality of democracy, the performance of democratic institutions, and elite and mass perceptions of democracy. 3. The follow-up activities successfully generated methods for assessing democracy in the particular context of Mongolia using comparable concepts and measures employed in the measurement and assessment of democracy in other developed and developing democracies around the world, as well as a series of ‘satellite’ indicators that captured aspects of democracy particular to the Mongolian national context. 4. Mongolia has built on the assessment process by institutionalising a democratic reform agenda through the passage of the 9th Millennium Development Goal on democracy, human rights, and zero tolerance of corruption. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i18.73 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.18 2013: 105-11

Determinants of Bank Interest Margins in Mongolia

Research on interest margin is an interesting issue since it has been one of the measures of banks efficiency as well as it defines a part of banking system development. This study investigates Net interest margin and its determinants of the Mongolian Commercial banks over the period of 2004-2010.Net Interest margin is determined by Bank Specific variables using Panel data estimation techniques. According to the estimation carried out for the Mongolian banking system, the evidence reveals that, net interest margin positively affects by the level of market concentration (Mongolian banks tend to increase interest margin when market concentration increases), by the level of Capitalization (higher the risk aversion tend to have a higher net interest margin), and operating cost as well as credit risk are negatively associated with interest margin. Keywords Net interest margin, Credit risk, Banking system, concentration, Foreign bank, Market structureInstitute of Economic StudiesInstitut ekonomických studiíFakulta sociálních vědFaculty of Social Science