168 research outputs found
The high cost of protecting Uruguay's automotive industry
No full textDomestic content requirements are regulations that mandate minimum percentages of domestic value-added, or domestic components for products sold within the country, or provide strong incentives to substitute domestic for imported inputs. The author developed a model to investigate the distortions, costs, and transfers among groups caused by the combination of domestic content and compensatory export requirements. This model was applied to the protection scheme for Uruguay's automobile industry. The author found that the protective regime keeps vehicle prices and domestic production costs high and transfers large sums to special interest groups. Higher finished vehicle prices encourage more output from domestic assembly operations, but domestic content and compensatory export requirements discourage domestic assembly. The net effect could either encourage or discourage domestic assembly operations, depending on the net impact of the regulations. Trade in this industry should be liberalized. Care should be taken not to inadvertently increase effective protection of the assembly industry by, for example, phasing out domestic content and compensatory export requirements on kits faster than those on finished autos, thus temporarily encouraging domestic assembly.Economic Theory&Research,Environmental Economics&Policies,Access to Markets,Markets and Market Access,Water and Industry
Aspects of critical spin 1 chains and 2 dimensional symmetry protected topological phases of matter
No full textEffective field theory is a very useful technique for understanding quantum many body systems. We use this approach to study a certain class of critical quantum spin-1 chains and symmetry protected topological phases of matter in two spatial dimensions.
In the first context we consider the SU(3) symmetric spin-1 chain with additional interactions. We use bosonization to demonstrate that the effective field theories describing the critical behaviour of these spin chains can be mapped to free compact boson conformal field theories (CFTs) with central charge c=2. We also describe how some predictions from field theory can be verified in numerical calculations using exact diagonalization (ED) and the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) algorithm. In particular, the bosonization method gives a formula for the evolution of four Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid (TLL) parameters as a function of the lattice parameters. Using the analytic formulae for the scaling dimensions in terms of the TLL parameters and matching of lowest scaling dimensions, we numerically calculate these field-theoretic parameters and confirm that their evolution agrees with the prediction using bosonization.
We also tackle aspects of the challenging problem of understanding interacting topological phases. In this context, we aim to understand the effects if interactions in certain classes of symmetry protected topological (SPT) phases of matter. We consider non-chiral SPT phases in two spatial dimensions protected by a discrete symmetry such as Z_K or Z_K x Z_K symmetry. We argue that modular invariance/noninvariance of the partition function of the one-dimensional edge theory can be used to diagnose whether, by adding a suitable potential, the edge theory can be gapped or not without breaking the symmetry. By taking bosonic phases described by Chern-Simons K-matrix theories and fermionic phases relevant to topological superconductors as examples, we demonstrate explicitly that when modular invariance is achieved, we can construct an interaction potential that is consistent with the symmetry and can completely gap out the edge.
We also briefly discuss preliminary results of a numerical approach for simulating the 3 dimensional Landau Level problem. This includes a brief description of a potential application of variational Monte Carlo to spin-orbit coupled ab initio systems.Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'U of I Access', the embargo will last until 2018-05-01The student, Olabode Sule, accepted the attached license on 2016-02-02 at 18:25.The student, Olabode Sule, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2016-02-02 at 18:39.This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2016-02-03 at 13:28.DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #9061 on 2016-07-07 at 13:48:12Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-07T20:26:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 3
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Previous issue date: 2016-02-03Embargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 93068
Lift date: 2018-07-07T20:28:14Z
Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemEmbargo set by: Seth Robbins for item 93068
Lift date: 2018-07-07T20:35:34Z
Reason: Author requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD systemU of I Only Restriction Lifted for Item 93068 on 2018-07-08T09:15:23Z
Hearing loss among the elderly at a geriatric centre in South-west Nigeria
No full textBackground: Aging is an unavoidable process that is connected with several health issues, including presbycusis, a degenerative disease of the cochlear hair cells and central auditory pathways with a resultant reduction in hearing acuity. In developing countries like Nigeria, little attention is given to the elderly population with possible underreporting of presbycusis, hence the need for this study. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate hearing loss, the type, and associated risk factors among the elderly attending a geriatric clinic in South-west Nigeria. Patients, Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study of patients aged 60 years and above in a geriatric centre. All consented participants were given a structured questionnaire to collect important data such as demographics, history of hearing loss, family history of hearing loss, risk factors, and so on. Ear examinations, otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, distortion-product otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry were also performed on all patients. Results: Ninety-five participants, comprising 33 males and 62 females, were recruited, and their ages ranged from 60 to 89 years (74.5 ± 7.6 years). The mean pure-tone average was 42.2 dB ± 17.4 and 39.21 dB ± 17.4 in the right and left ears, respectively. About 80% of them have a hearing threshold above 15 dB, with 13 (13.7%) being conductive hearing loss, 48 (50.6%) sensorineural hearing loss, and 15 (15.8) mixed hearing loss. Presbycusis was diagnosed in 37 (38.9%) participants. There was a significant correlation between the pure-tone average and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions results in both ears of the participants (P = 0.0001). Tympanograms were abnormal in 21 (22%) right ears and 27 (28%) left ears. Conclusion: Hearing loss is highly prevalent among the elderly, with presbycusis being the most common type. Periodic hearing screening for the elderly is hereby recommended
The macroeconomics of the public sector deficit : the case of Morocco
No full textThis paper tries to uncover the reasons underlying the performance of the Moroccan economy. The author argues that wage moderation and judicious monetary policies were instrumental in restraining inflation. With one brief exception in 1983, monetary authorities remained firmly committed to eschew any inflationary financing of the budget deficit. This strategy could only succeed however because of the wide ranging system of credit and monetary regulations which worked to channel domestic funds toward the Treasury at relatively low costs. The prospects for the continuation of such a strategy are not favourable however. As far as the growth performance is concerned, it appears that it can be attributed to an outstanding export response to the new trade regime on the one hand and a set of favourable supply shocks, including a string of recordagricultural harvests and the collapse of real oil prices, on the other. The paper studies the evolution of the budget and its different components and argues that the reluctance by Morocco's policy makers to monetize existing budget deficits is well explained by the sharply unfavourable trade-offs between higher monetization and inflation existing in Morocco. It analyzes the implications that continuing budgetary disequilibria has on investment and saving decisions and finds that such implications may be substantial, even though they may not work their way exclusively through traditional interest rates channels.Economic Theory&Research,Environmental Economics&Policies,Banks&Banking Reform,Public Sector Economics&Finance,Financial Intermediation
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Development – The Exigent and Foundational Approaches for Nigeria
No full textHaving identified ICT production as the component of the ICT revolution that can enhance true socio-economic development to developing countries like Nigeria. This paper
provides a way to achieving this by closely examining what ICT production entails and
positioned that since ICT production is closely related to science, engineering/ technology,
a more meaningful policy implementation in the area of technological growth and Science & Technology education is desirable. The paper is aimed at suggesting the redesigning of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) policy to inculcate ICT production knowledge into Nigerian child from the primary school level if our dream of ICT for development be fulfilled
Sensible debt buybacks for highly indebted countries
No full textPrevious studies indicate that debt buybacks at market prices benefit lenders the most because the lack of a seniority structure in sovereign lending distorts secondary market prices upward. The author examines whether welfare-improving buybacks would arise at the"fair"price. If so, policy intervention is needed to remove the distortion. In a model of intertemporal consumption smoothing, buybacks at the fair price are desirable if the country experiences unusually heavy export earnings and if large reserve holdings tend to increase transfers to creditors in default states. Concerted agreements in which debt repurchases are linked to cuts in interest rates or new money requirements can make buybacks at the fair price viable, while preventing the free-rider problem among lenders.Economic Theory&Research,Banks&Banking Reform,Environmental Economics&Policies,Financial Intermediation,Strategic Debt Management
Exchange rates and foreign tradein Korea
No full textKorea's exports have made an important contribution to its outstanding economic growth. Its exports, in turn, have been affected by domestic economic variables, including exchange rate policy, and by external influences. Among domestic economic variables, the exchange rate appears to have had a greater influence on exports than changes in export prices or changes in the prices of competing domestic goods. Taking into account that Korean exports are influenced by external factors, such as foreign export prices and foreign incomes, does not affect this conclusion. Korean imports are affected by domestic income, the exchange rate, import prices, and the prices of competing domestic goods. Again, the influence of the exchange rate is greater than that of import prices and the price of domestic goods. The results indicate that Korea can usefully employ the exchange rate as a policy variable. This has been the case during much of the 1965-88 period that the author considers, except for 1975-80, when it led to a substantial overvaluation of the currency. Korea should also use the exchange rate in the future as long as domestic and foreign inflation rates differ.Economic Theory&Research,Environmental Economics&Policies,Access to Markets,Markets and Market Access,Economic Stabilization
Soil classification and concentration of selected heavy metals in some soils of the Niger Delta region, Nigeria
No full textThis thesis is for the award of Master of Science (MSc.) in Soil Survey and LanduseSome physicochemical characteristics and heavy metal levels in selected spilled and unspilled soils of the Niger Delta region, Nigeria were analysed. A total of three locations were sampled and two profile pits (spilled and unspilled) were dug at each location making a total of six (6) profile pits. Samples were collected from genetic horizons starting from the lowest horizon in each pedon. Conventional analytical methods were employed for the determination of these physico-chemical properties and heavy metals. Data gotten from the laboratory analysis were subjected to simple correlation, coefficient of variability and t-test. Results showed that the consistence of the soils was very friable(Egbem-spilled and unspilled, Oguta unspilled), friable(Oguta spilled and Ugwunagbo spilled) and loose in the epipedons and friable in all subsurface horizon, while the soil structure ranged from very weak fine granular to medium subangular blocky in spilled pedons whereas unspilled pedons were predominantly very fine single grained. There were generally fine and medium roots in the studied soils. The soils were basically Sandy Loam (SL) and Sandy Clay Loam (SCL). The value of sand ranged from 740 - 810 g/Kg. Sand and Silt fractions decreased down the pedons. Low clay characterized the epipedons. The soils were well drained and all soils were deep (> 180cm). Bulk density increased with depth for all pedons and ranged from 1.17 – 1.56 gcm-3 . Spilled pedons had higher bulk densities (1.37 gcm-3 , 1.37 gcm-3 and 1.40 gcm-3 ) than the unspilled pedons (1.33 gcm-3 , 1.30 gcm-3 and 1.33 gcm-3 ).Slight variations (CV 15mg/Kg). It was highly variable (CV>35%) in most pedons. Available Phosphorus was higher in unspilled than spilled soils. Organic Carbon generally decreased with depth. Values of Calcium and Magnesium were higher in unspilled than in spilled soils. Sodium values were generally low and varied for different pedons. Exchangeable Potassium had higher values in unspilled than spilled soils. Ca:Mg ratio was below 3 in (Egbema-spilled and unspilled, Oguta unspilled and Ugwunagbo spilled and unspilled) indicating unfertile soils. Higher values were recorded for ECEC in unspilled soils than in spilled soils. Values of Base saturation were higher in unspilled than spilled soils and showed a significant difference between spilled and unspilled pedons. Aluminum saturation values were low in the studied soils. Heavy metal values decreased down the pedon and were generally higher in spilled than unspilled soils, but they were within the permissible limit for use. Generally, the magnitude of heavy metals followed Ni > Pb > Cd > Cr for spilled soils and Ni>Pb>Cr>Cd for unspilled soils. Though the detected levels of heavy metals in the studied soil were within the permissible limits, caution should be taken to avoid accumulation and toxicity. The soils of Ugwunagbo and Egbema were classified as Typic paleudult - Dystric Nitisol (FAO/WRB). While those of Oguta were classified as Typic tropudult - Orthic Acrisol (FAO/WRB)
T2 breast cancer presenting with diffuse liver metastases and hepatic failure following fertility treatment. Cautionary report
No full textAbstractBackgroundDiffuse hepatic metastases with hepatic failure as a presentation of a T2 breast cancer is rare. This is also remarkable seeing our case had been on fertility treatments before presentation. There are no documented reports of breast cancer patient on fertility treatment presenting with diffuse hepatic metastases and liver failure.Case summaryA 41 year old Para 1 Nigerian woman being managed for secondary infertility with an extended use of clomiphene presented with a 3 months history of a left breast lump, nipple bleeding and later, yellowness of eyes, right hypochondrial pain malaise and drowsiness. Abdominal USS showed an enlarged liver with diffuse metastatic nodules. Liver function tests showed persistently elevating liver enzymes and serum bilirubin. Serology showed Hepatitis B negative. She was diagnosed with a T2 left invasive ductal carcinoma, Er−, Pr+ Her2+ with deteriorating liver function from diffuse hepatic metastases She had chemotherapy but succumbed barely a week of presentation.ConclusionBreast cancer screening for patients before fertility treatments and continual surveillance while on such treatment is highly recommended
Subprime Consumer Credit Demand: Evidence from a Lender's Pricing Experiment
No full textUsing a unique panel data set from a U.K. credit card company, we analyze the interest rate sensitivity of subprime credit card borrowers. In addition to all individual transactions and loan terms, we have access to details of a randomized interest rate experiment conducted by the lender on existing (inframarginal) loans. For the whole sample, we estimate a statistically significant £3.4 reduction in monthly credit demand in response to a five percentage point increase in interest rates. This aggregate response is small, but it masks very interesting heterogeneity in the sample. We find that only low-risk borrowers who fully utilize their credit cards lower their credit demand significantly when faced with an increase in interest rates. We also document that a five percentage point increase in interest rates generates significant additional revenue for the lender without inducing delinquency over a short horizon. © 2013 The Author
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