Browsing by Author "Mohammed Mahmud"

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    Exploring Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics and Quantum Fluctuations: Perspectives from Spin-1 Systems in Nmr
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-12-20) Mohammed Mahmud; Mulugeta Bekela
    This dissertation explores the non-equilibrium thermodynamics of quantum systems, specifically focusing on spin-1 nuclei and the dual influences of external perturbations and quadrupolar interactions. We first analyze the dynamic responses of these nuclei to external perturbations, utilizing principles from quantum and statistical mechanics. By manipulating a work parameter and treating work as a random variable, we collect data from finite-duration cyclic processes to compute the generated work distribution. We then extend our investigation to the contributions of quadrupolar interactions, comparing their effects with those of external perturbations. Through this comprehensive analysis, we derive key equilibrium quantities, such as the free energy difference between initial and final states, while deepening our understanding of work distribution properties. Overall, this research enhances our insights into the complex dynamics of non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics and sets the stage for future explorations of quantum systems under varying conditions.
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    Measuring Environmental Benefit of a Recreation Site: An Economic Estimate of Sodere Recration Area
    (A.A.U, 1998-05) Mohammed Mahmud; Croppenstedt Andre
    In this study, an attempt was made to attach quantitative estimates to the on-site recreational benefit of Soldered Recreation area so as to demonstrate how the respective authorities can extract revenue out of the excess benefits to improve qualities and expand the types and varieties of their services. Furthermore, welfare effects of two of the major drawbacks of recreational qualities on the site were estimated. In doing so, the study applied two standard procedures in Environmental Economics, i.e. Travel cost and contingent Valuation methods, using primary data collected from a survey of 232 visitors at Sodere Recreation Area. The Travel Cost Method used the amount of money and time people spend getting to the site to derive the demand function for the site, which in turn was used to calculate recreational benefits associated with the site. On the other hand, the contingent Valuation method used hypothetical elicitation techniques to evaluate people's Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) in exchange for access to an improved recreational qualities, which in turn was used to estimate the welfare effects of the existing problems on the site. Like other similar studies, travel costs, visitor's income, mode of transport, and experience on other substitute sites were identified as major determinants of visits to the site. On the other hand, visitor's income, visitor's attitude towards the problems, and visitor's position and responsibility in the household were found to be important determinants of the WTP responses. Using Maximum Likelihood estimators of truncated models, the annual on-site recreational benefit of the site was estimated to be Birr 9,824,094.80 (US $1,403,442.10) per year, in which the site authorities collect only 9 percent of this sum, i. e. an average of Birr 856,680 (US $122,382) per year, from gate fees. This shows that much can be done to generate revenue for the support of quality improvement and expansion projects at the site. On the other hand, using the same models, the welfare effects of congestion and malaria problems were valued as Birr 1.37 (US $0.20) and Birr 4. 39(US $0.63) per visit respectively, showing the relative depth and seriousness 'of malaria problems on the site.
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    Willingness to Pay for Amenity Values of Urban Forest: The Case of Addis Ababa
    (A.A.U, 2007-06) Gizaw Solomon; Mohammed Mahmud
    The forest resource in Addis Ababa, particularly the mountainous areas to the north and western directions of the city was once covered with dense natural forests of diverse species. But now a day only few patches of natural forests are left in this area mainly due to development activities, agricultural expansions, over exploitations associated with rapid population growth and too little natural management of forest land. These events have resulted in serious environmental degradation. In view of these problems, a botanic garden is introduced in this area so as to give answer for the urgent need to conserve and sustain-ably utilize the remaining natural forest and restore degraded forest areas through expansion of forest plantations. Therefore, economic analysis is required for proper management of urban forests. Such analysis would help to make decisions on varieties of urban land use options and investments. Hence, this paper has examined the application of Contingent Valuation Method in measuring the households' willingness to pay (WTP) for Improved amenity service of urban forests and tries to identify the factors that may affect their WTP. The total WTP amount for improved amenity service of urban forests through executing the botanical garden is estimated to be Birr 4,265,211 per month. The mean WTP for the open-ended and dichotomous choice formats are Birr 6.07 and 9.30 per month per household respectively. In addition to this, above 87% of the respondents have the demand for further improvements. Here, the main values are related to non use values while use values are achieved distinctively low priority. Households income, above grade 6 level of education and respondents trust for the reliability of the project implementation are found to be the major determinant factors for households WTP. This study also indicated that households' welfare gains in changing from the current situation (poor environmental condition with no payment) to the improved service by subscribing some reasonable price can be huge. It also suggests that Contingent Valuation survey can measure amenity values of urban forests with theoretically consistent and sufficiently reliable results.