Is it Who You Ask or How You Ask? Findings of a Meta-Analysis on Genetically Modified Food Valuation Studies

This paper presents a meta-analysis of 46 primary studies reporting a total of 108 genetically modified food valuation estimates. The analysis shows that elicitation methods and formats used in the primary studies affect valuation estimates much more than do sample characteristics. Moreover, consumer aversion to genetically modified food seems to have increased over time. Previous findings are confirmed that consumer valuation strongly depends on the type of food product and varies among regions. --meta-analysis,consumer preferences,genetically modified food

Stochastic Income Statement Planning and Emissions Trading

Since the introduction of the European CO2 emissions trading system (EU ETS), the development of CO2 allowance prices is a new risk factor for enterprises taking part in this system. In this paper, we analyze how risk emerging from emissions trading can be considered in the stochastic profit and loss planning of corporations. Therefore we explore which planned figures are affected by emissions trading. Moreover, we show a way to model these positions in a planned profit and loss account accounting for uncertainties and dependencies. Consequently, this model provides a basis for risk assessment and investment decisions in the uncertain environment of CO2 emissions trading.CO2, emissions trading, EU ETS, risk, stochastic business planning

Computer modeling of arc drivers

Model is generated from description of element connections involved in complete arc network, list of corresponding circuit element values, description of circuit current excitation, and list of out-puts desired. Waveform of current is determined by structure of capacitor storage system, driver geometry, and preset driver conditions

A superweak solution of the Strong CP Problem

A non-axion solution to the Strong CP Problem is proposed that works even in the context of gravity-mediated supersymmetry breaking. Both $\epsilon'/\epsilon$ and indirect CP violation in the $B-\bar{B}$ are predicted to be unobservably small. $\mu \longrightarrow e \gamma$ is predicted to arise, typically, with branching ration $3 \times 10^{-12}$. A new source of dark matter is also predicted in the model.Comment: LaTex 12 page

On the formation of coalitions to provide public goods: Experimental evidence from the lab

The provision of public goods often relies on voluntary contributions and cooperation. While most of the experimental literature focuses on individual contributions, many real-world problems involve the formation of institutions among subgroups (coalitions) of players. International agreements serve as one example. This paper experimentally tests theory on the formation of coalitions in different institutions and compares those to a voluntary contribution mechanism. The experiment confirms the rather pessimistic conclusions from the theory: only few players form a coalition when the institution prescribes the full internalization of mutual benefits of members. Contrary to theory, coalitions that try to reduce the freeriding incentives by requiring less provision from their members, do not attract additional members. Substantial efficiency gains occur, however, both along the extensive and intensive margin when coalition members can each suggest a minimum contribution level with the smallest common denominator being binding. The experiment thereby shows that the acceptance of institutions depends on how terms of coalitions are reached. --public goods,institutions,coalition formation,cooperation

Does Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Modified Food Grant Consumers the Right to Know? Evidence from an Economic Experiment

Opponents of the voluntary labeling scheme for genetically modified (GM) food products often argue that consumers have the ?right to know? and therefore advocate mandatory labeling. In this paper we argue against this line of reasoning. Using experimental auctions conducted with a sample of the resident population of Mannheim, Germany, we show that the quality of the informational signal generated by a mandatory labeling scheme is affected by the number of labels in the market. If there are two labels, one for GM products and one for non-GM products, mandatory and voluntary labeling schemes generate a similar degree of uncertainty about the quality of products that do not carry a label. --labeling,genetically modified foods,consumer preferences,experimental auctions