Network externalities in a dynamic monopoly

We reconsider the role of network externalities in a dynamic spatial monopoly where the firm must invest in order to accumulate capacity, while consumers may have either linear or quadratic preferences. We (1) characterise saddle point equilibria, (2) prove that the extent of market coverage is increasing in the network effect and (3) unlike the existing static literature on the same problem, the monopolist may not make introductory price offers. Then, we briefly deal with the socially optimal solution, showing that, in general, a planner would serve more consumers than a profit-seeking monopolist.      

On an evasion problem on a semi-infinite interval for a class of controlled distributed systems

In this paper, we study an evasion problem in systems described by equations of parabolic type. We consider four versions of constraints on the control parameters.     

Developing professional judgement with the aid of a ‘low-profile’ group support system

This paper reports positive results from an application of one type of group support system (GSS) to a training application. Reviews of the findings of other trials of GSS have been mixed, and inconclusive. We describe the results of a series of seven training sessions in a field-based application of group process support. The subjects were professionals working in various agencies concerned with the welfare of older people. A ‘low-profile’ type of group support system, based on wireless handsets, was used. This design enabled responses from each participant to be input and displayed anonymously. Each session was aimed at stimulating a dialogue focused on the reasons for differences of judgement, as displayed on a single projected feedback screen. Changes of individual judgements were recorded for subsequent analysis and comparison with already known ‘expert judgements’. Frequent changes of judgement were recorded. A significant proportion of these were related to an improvement, which could not be explained as simply the result of conforming behaviour. We propose that the mode of operation and design of a ‘low-profile’ GSS have the potential to create a learning environment by reducing personal anxieties while encouraging group-based learning with focussed conversation. We conclude that this type of GSS design is particularly suited to ‘selective’-type tasks in groups.     

On Lattices of Uniformities

We study lattice theoretical properties of lattices of uniformities such as modularity, distributive laws and the existence of (relative) complements. For this the concepts of permutable uniformities (see Definition 3.1) and independent uniformities (see Definition 4.1) are important. Moreover, we show that e.g. the lattice of all lattice uniformities on a lattice L is a closed sublattice of the lattice of all uniformities on L.     

Quotient probabilistic normed spaces and completeness results

We introduce the concept of quotient in PN spaces and give some examples. We prove some theorems with regard to the completeness of a quotient.     

A dynamic scorecard for monitoring baseline performance with application to tracking a mortgage portfolio

A principled technique for monitoring the performance of a consumer credit scorecard through time is derived from Kalman filtering. Standard approaches sporadically compare certain characteristics of the new applicants with those predicted from the scorecard. The new approach systematically updates the scorecard combining new applicant information with the previous best estimate. The dynamically updated scorecard is tracked through time and compared to limits calculated by sequential simulation from the baseline scorecard. The observation equation of the Kalman filter is tailored to take the results of fitting local scorecards by logistic regression to batches of new clients that arrive in the current time interval. The states in the Kalman filter represent the true or underlying score for each attribute in the card: the parameters of the logistic regression. Their progress in time is modelled by a random walk and the filter provides the best estimate of the scores using past and present information. We illustrate the technique using a commercial mortgage portfolio and the results indicate significant emerging deficiencies in the baseline scorecard.     

Superconducting magnetis in spectrometers of high-energy particles

This is a retrospective review of superconducting magnets for spectrometers of high-energy particles. The magnets are grouped according to the purpose of the spectrometers and the shape of coils. Data on the thermostatting and electrical protection of the coils are presented. Design features of various-type magnets are described. The first large superconducting solenoids were constructed for hydrogen bubble chambers. Further progress was related to the construction of spectrometers that were designed for experiments at colliders and included solenoids with radiation-transparent walls. Along with solenoids, dipole and toroidal magnets were used in spectrometers; some designs of such magnets are also discussed in the review. A special type of polarizing solenoid is used in polarized targets. Spectrometers with magnets of various coil shapes were created for astrophysical research. As an instance, the original radiation-transparent solenoid and the dipole magnet with a cryocooler are represented. Prospects for the future development of magnets are connected with the use of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). Information on the present situation in engineering the HTS ribbon and solenoids is given.     

Comparative analysis of the twin and heterophase structures in (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3 crystals

The specific features of the coexistence of phases in heavily twinned crystals of the (1?x)Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃?xPbTiO₃ system in the vicinity of the morphotropic phase boundary (0.30≤x≤0.40) are investigated. The phase transformations in crystals at x = const during cooling are considered at electric field strengths E=0 and 0.1 MV/m. The conditions of the formation of interphase boundaries (zero net strain planes) are determined for different first-order phase transitions. The results of calculating the tetragonal-monoclinic M _C and monoclinic-monoclinic (M _C –M _A ) phase transitions are represented in the form of “twin state-interphase boundary” diagrams. The effect of a 90° domain (twin) structure of the tetragonal phase on the heterophase state associated with the presence of monoclinic phases is analyzed.     

Group-valued measures on coarse-grained quantum logics

In [3] it was shown that a (real) signed measure on a cyclic coarse-grained quantum logic can be extended, as a signed measure, over the entire power algebra. Later ([9]) this result was re-proved (and further improved on) and, moreover, the non-negative measures were shown to allow for extensions as non-negative measures. In both cases the proof technique used was the technique of linear algebra. In this paper we further generalize the results cited by extending group-valued measures on cyclic coarse-grained quantum logics (or non-negative group-valued measures for lattice-ordered groups). Obviously, the proof technique is entirely different from that of the preceding papers. In addition, we provide a new combinatorial argument for describing all atoms of cyclic coarse-grained quantum logics.     

Mixed Elastico-Plasticity Problems with Partially Unknown Boundaries

In this paper,we study mixed elastico-plasticity problems in which part of the boundary is known,while the other part of the boundary is unknown and is a free boundary.Under certain conditions,this problemcan be transformed into a Riemann-Hilbert boundary value problem for analytic functions and a mixed boundaryvalue problem for complex equations.Using the theory of generalized analytic functions,the solvability of theproblem is discussed.