Second order perturbations in the radius stabilized Randall-Sundrum two branes model II -- Effect of relaxing strong coupling approximation --

We discuss gravitational perturbations in the Randall-Sundrum two branes model with radius stabilization. Following the idea by Goldberger and Wise for the radius stabilization, we introduce a scalar field which has potentials localized on the branes in addition to a bulk potential. In our previous paper we discussed gravitational perturbations induced by static, spherically symmetric and nonrelativistic matter distribution on the branes under the condition that the values of the scalar field on the respective branes cannot fluctuate due to its extremely narrow brane potentials. We call this case the strong coupling limit. Our concern in this paper is to generalize our previous analysis relaxing the limitation of taking the strong coupling limit. We find that new corrections in metric perturbations due to relaxing the strong coupling limit enhance the deviation from the 4D Einstein gravity only in some exceptional cases. In the case that matter fields reside on the negative tension brane, the stabilized radion mass becomes very small when the new correction becomes large.Comment: 12 pages, No figures, typos correcte

Structures and Magnetic Properties of Tm1-yYyMn1-xCoxO3

The structure and magnetic properties of Tm1−y Y y Mn1−x Co x O3 with 0 ≦ x ≦ 0.5 and 0 ≦ y ≦ 0.3 were investigated by X-ray diffraction, specific heat and magnetization measurements. Thulium manganite TmMnO3 prepared by solid-state synthesis at ambient pressure is hexagonal and antiferromagnetic with a Nèel temperature T N of 86 K. The substitution of Y for Tm in TmMnO3 does not greatly affect the fundamental hexagonal structure. The magnetization and specific heat measurement results for Tm1−y Y y MnO3 can be qualitatively explained in terms of the dilution effect of Tm by Y. On the other hand, the structure of TmMn1−x Co x O3 changes gradually from hexagonal to orthorhombic with the substitution of Co for Mn; hexagonal and orthorhombic phases coexist in samples for x ≦ 0.3 whereas TmMn0.6Co0.4O3 is almost a single orthorhombic phase. The magnetization of TmMn0.6Co0.4O3 in a field of 250 Oe increases rapidly at about 60K with decreasing temperature. The difference between zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) magnetizations increases remarkably at about 60 K. Moreover, the temperature dependences of the ZFC and the FC magnetizations exhibit peaks at about 40 and 30K, respectively. Thus, TmMn1−x Co x O3 exhibits complex magnetic properties

Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Japanese Chronic Disease Patients’ Quality of Life and Perceived Stress

This mixed methods study examined the association between the frequency of five lifestyle-related complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and perceived quality of life (QOL) and stress among patients in Japan diagnosed with chronic disease, and also examined why patients decided to receive Okada purifying therapy [(OPT) biofield therapy]. Data from 1,190 patients were analyzed using bivariate and multiple regression analysis, followed by analysis of one-on-one in-depth interviews conducted among 25 patients on reasons why patients decided to practice OPT. Grounded theory methodology was used to analyze transcribed interview data. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that engaging in arts and cultural activities and exercise was associated with a decrease in perceived stress, while arts and cultural activities, exercise, consumption of organic (additive-free) food, and practice of OPT were associated with increased QOL. Gender weakly moderated the effects of arts and cultural activities on stress but not on QOL, and gender did not have any moderating effects on the association of OPT with either stress or QOL. One theme, five clusters, and 13 categories emerged from the qualitative analysis. Feelings of desperation due to unrelieved symptoms of disease seemed to be the principal reason for most patients’ practice of OPT. Other reasons were perception of the limits of conventional medicine in being able to treat patients’ disease, dissatisfaction with conventional medicine, positive relationship with staff and doctors of the integrative medicine clinic providing OPT, and benefits of OPT, among others. Although many patients expressed feeling doubts towards the practice of OPT at first, many seemed satisfied with the results of the practice, mainly because they were able to manage their symptoms and gain a sense of control. This may have led to an increase in QOL. The mixed methods design was able to inform the interpretation of the association of OPT with reported increase in QOL in the quantitative phase of the research

An Analysis of Fiscal Governance : Why Japan’s Fiscal Consolidation Fails?

To date, Japan has failed in every attempt to consolidate its public finances, leaving the balance of government debt moving in an upward direction in terms of GDP. Among several reasons, weak budgetary institutions and insufficient fiscal transparency are the most possible candidates for explaining why Japan fails. This can be also applied to other countries, because some countries are successful in maintaining fiscal discipline while others are not, and thus such differences can be explained by budgetary institutions. Budgetary institutions include many things, but those which could strengthen fiscal governance matter; in particular, fiscal rules, a medium-term fiscal framework, and independent fiscal institutions. Thus, the objective of this paper is to analyze Japan’s fiscal governance by comparison with other OECD countries. This type of assessment cannot exclude arbitrariness, but the analysis provides the evidence that, among advanced countries, fiscal governance is at a low level in Japan. The problem with Japan’s budgetary institutions, in particular, is the lack of a mechanism for the oversight and observance of rules as well as the absence of post hoc evaluation and verification. Reforms of budgetary institutions are urgent to strengthen fiscal governance, but policymakers are always reluctant to implement such reforms. In Japan, efforts have been made for reforms intended to strengthen its political and administrative governance, such as the overhaul of the electoral system and the restructuring of ministries and agencies since the collapse of the bubble economy. It is now possible for a prime minister to exercise political power much more than in the past, but this power is not utilized for strengthening fiscal governance. Ultimately, this is one of Japans greatest political problems