Symmetries of modules of differential operators

Let ${\cal F}\_\lambda(S^1)$ be the space of tensor densities of degree (or weight) $\lambda$ on the circle $S^1$. The space ${\cal D}^k\_{\lambda,\mu}(S^1)$ of $k$-th order linear differential operators from ${\cal F}\_\lambda(S^1)$ to ${\cal F}\_\mu(S^1)$ is a natural module over $\mathrm{Diff}(S^1)$, the diffeomorphism group of $S^1$. We determine the algebra of symmetries of the modules ${\cal D}^k\_{\lambda,\mu}(S^1)$, i.e., the linear maps on ${\cal D}^k\_{\lambda,\mu}(S^1)$ commuting with the $\mathrm{Diff}(S^1)$-action. We also solve the same problem in the case of straight line $\mathbb{R}$ (instead of $S^1$) and compare the results in the compact and non-compact cases.Comment: 29 pages, LaTeX, 4 figure

Harmonic fields on the extended projective disc and a problem in optics

The Hodge equations for 1-forms are studied on Beltrami's projective disc model for hyperbolic space. Ideal points lying beyond projective infinity arise naturally in both the geometric and analytic arguments. An existence theorem for weakly harmonic 1-fields, changing type on the unit circle, is derived under Dirichlet conditions imposed on the non-characteristic portion of the boundary. A similar system arises in the analysis of wave motion near a caustic. A class of elliptic-hyperbolic boundary-value problems is formulated for those equations as well. For both classes of boundary-value problems, an arbitrarily small lower-order perturbation of the equations is shown to yield solutions which are strong in the sense of Friedrichs.Comment: 30 pages; Section 3.3 has been revise

On the Axiomatics of the 5-dimensional Projective Unified Field Theory of Schmutzer

For more than 40 years E.Schmutzer has developed a new approach to the (5-dimensional) projective relativistic theory which he later called Projective Unified Field Theory (PUFT). In the present paper we introduce a new axiomatics for Schmutzer's theory. By means of this axiomatics we can give a new geometrical interpretation of the physical concept of the PUFT.Comment: 32 pages, 1 figure, LaTeX 2e, will be submitted to Genaral Relativity and Gravitatio

Massive Electrodynamics and Magnetic Monopoles

Including torsion in the geometric framework of the Weyl-Dirac theory we build up an action integral, and obtain from it a gauge covariant (in the Weyl sense) general relativistic massive electrodynamics. Photons having an arbitrary mass, electric, and magnetic currents (Dirac's monopole) coexist within this theory. Assuming that the space-time is torsionless, taking the photons mass zero, and turning to the Einstein gauge we obtain Maxwell's electrodynamics.Comment: LaTex File, 9 pages, no figure

Complex Kerr Geometry and Nonstationary Kerr Solutions

In the frame of the Kerr-Schild approach, we consider the complex structure of Kerr geometry which is determined by a complex world line of a complex source. The real Kerr geometry is represented as a real slice of this complex structure. The Kerr geometry is generalized to the nonstationary case when the current geometry is determined by a retarded time and is defined by a retarded-time construction via a given complex world line of source. A general exact solution corresponding to arbitrary motion of a spinning source is obtained. The acceleration of the source is accompanied by a lightlike radiation along the principal null congruence. It generalizes to the rotating case the known Kinnersley class of "photon rocket" solutions.Comment: v.3, revtex, 16 pages, one eps-figure, final version (to appear in PRD), added the relation to twistors and algorithm of numerical computations, English is correcte

Discrete Laplace Cycles of Period Four

We study discrete conjugate nets whose Laplace sequence is of period four. Corresponding points of opposite nets in this cyclic sequence have equal osculating planes in different net directions, that is, they correspond in an asymptotic transformation. We show that this implies that the connecting lines of corresponding points form a discrete W-congruence. We derive some properties of discrete Laplace cycles of period four and describe two explicit methods for their construction

A Mathematica Notebook for Computing the Homology of Iterated Products of Groups

Let G be a group which admits the structure of an iterated product of central extensions and semidirect products of abelian groups G i (both finite and infinite). We describe a Mathematica 4.0 notebook for computing the homology of G, in terms of some homological models for the factor groups G i and the products involved. Computational results provided by our program have allowed the simplification of some of the formulae involved in the calculation of H n (G). Consequently the efficiency of the method has been improved as well. We include some executions and examples

Consumer credit in comparative perspective

We review the literature in sociology and related fields on the fast global growth of consumer credit and debt and the possible explanations for this expansion. We describe the ways people interact with the strongly segmented consumer credit system around the world—more specifically, the way they access credit and the way they are held accountable for their debt. We then report on research on two areas in which consumer credit is consequential: its effects on social relations and on physical and mental health. Throughout the article, we point out national variations and discuss explanations for these differences. We conclude with a brief discussion of the future tasks and challenges of comparative research on consumer credit.Accepted manuscrip

Sabotage in Contests: A Survey

A contest is a situation in which individuals expend irretrievable resources to win valuable prize(s). ‘Sabotage’ is a deliberate and costly act of damaging a rival’s' likelihood of winning the contest. Sabotage can be observed in, e.g., sports, war, promotion tournaments, political or marketing campaigns. In this article, we provide a model and various perspectives on such sabotage activities and review the economics literature analyzing the act of sabotage in contests. We discuss the theories and evidence highlighting the means of sabotage, why sabotage occurs, and the effects of sabotage on individual players and on overall welfare, along with possible mechanisms to reduce sabotage. We note that most sabotage activities are aimed at the ablest player, the possibility of sabotage reduces productive effort exerted by the players, and sabotage may lessen the effectiveness of public policies, such as affirmative action, or information revelation in contests. We discuss various policies that a designer may employ to counteract sabotage activities. We conclude by pointing out some areas of future research