15 research outputs found
Building and running general equilibrium models in EViews
No full textA crucial step in policy analysis involves computing consequences of policy actions. The author shows how to implement numerically a general equilibrium model in EViews. Computable general equilibrium models are now commonly used in both industrial and developing countries to assess the impact of external shocks or economic policies on the structure of the economy or the distribution of welfare. The current version of EViews offers a set of tools for building and solving simulation models in general. The same tools make it possible to conduct policy analysis within a general equilibrium framework. Based on the generalized Salter-Swan framework and macroeconomic data for Indonesia, the author shows how to process a social accounting matrix, specify and calibrate the model, and run simulations. The results replicate welfare and structural effects of shocks and policies consistent with the underlying conceptual framework. They also reveal the key role played by structural parameters, such as the elasticity of export transformation and that of import substitution, in determining the extent of structural adjustment to shocks and the relevance of the policy response.Economic Theory&Research,Environmental Economics&Policies,Payment Systems&Infrastructure,Labor Policies,Fiscal&Monetary Policy,Economic Theory&Research,Environmental Economics&Policies,Economic Stabilization,Inequality,TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT
Author Correction: Priority list of biodiversity metrics to observe from space
No full textIn the version of this Perspective originally published, Claudia Roeoesli was missing from the author list. This has now been corrected
Art and the artist in the literary works of Elsa Triolet
No full textThis thesis takes a representative selection of Triolet's works to study the themes of writing and creativity as they are presented in the novels. These are all portraits of artists and the accounts of the search for a synthesis of aesthetic freedom and ethical responsibility. It considers Triolet's importance as a foreign writer, adopting a new creative language to be adopted by a different cultural
environment, to be essential in understanding her importance to the French literary tradition. By emphasising her formative years in the avant-garde circles of prerevolutionary Russia, my study demonstrates her considerable contribution to the meeting of Russian and French aesthetic theories. I extend this with close textual
readings of certain works to demonstrate her techniques in novelistic construction which reveal many Formalist practices before Formalist works in translation made
their official influence on creative methods.
The introduction considers the reasons for Triolet's neglect as a writer. It then considers various contemporary and recent critical appraisals which indicate
the interest she has received until present and which allow me to define my own critical approach. Part One traces Triolet's literary evolution from her formative
years in Russia, through exile to her first publications in Russian. It then considers her insertion into French literary activity, and her association with the schools of
socialist realism and the "nouveau roman".
Part Two examines two traditional novels which portray the creative and metaphorical roles of the artist and his work, showing the constant conflict between private and public lives. In Part Three, I show how aspects of novelistic
traditionalism are gradually foregrounded so that the work develops a dual-sided character where it both narrates and examines the processes of its own narration. In Part Four, this move to highly self-conscious aesthetics demonstrates an idiosyncratic exploration of new paths for the novel that bring visual, auditive and cinematographic media into the traditional domain of written art. Accompanying
the very post-modernist experimentation, I show how this research within the novel into the novel's own future has an ethical and redemptive purpose whose final conclusion is that creativity and human freedom are inexorably interwoven
The importance of women's status for child nutrition in developing countries:
No full text"Malnutrition affects one out of every three preschool-age children living in developing countries.This disturbing, yet preventable, state of affairs causes untold suffering and, given its wide scale, presents a major obstacle to the development process.Volumes have been written about the causes of child malnutrition and the means of reducing it. But the role of women's social status in determining their children's nutritional health has gone largely unnoticed until recently. This study explores the relationship between women's status and children's nutrition in three developing regions: South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)." from textChild welfare, Children Developing countries Nutrition, Women Social conditions, Gender, Health and nutrition,
Baffin Bay late Neogene palynostratigraphy at Ocean Drilling Program Site 645
No full textAnalyses of marine and terrestrial palynomorphs of Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 645 in Baffin Bay led us to define a new biostratigraphical scheme covering the late Miocene to Pleistocene based on dinocyst and acritarch assemblages. Four biozones were defined. The first one, from 438.6 m below sea floor (mbsf) to 388 mbsf, can be assigned a late Miocene to early Pliocene age (>4.5 Ma), based on the common occurrence of Cristadinium diminutivum and Selenopemphix brevispinosa. Biozone 2, spanning from an erosional unconformity to a recovery hiatus, is marked by the highest occurrences (HOs) of Veriplicidium franklinii and Cristadinium diminutivum, which suggest an early Pliocene age >3.6 Ma (∼4.5 to ∼3.6 Ma). Biozone 3, above the recovery hiatus and up to 220.94 mbsf, corresponds to a late Pliocene or early Pleistocene age based on occurrences of Bitectatodinium readwaldii, Cymatiosphaera? icenorum, and Lavradosphaera canalis. Finally, between 266.4 and 120.56 mbsf, Biozone 4, marked by the HO of Filisphaera filifera, Filisphaera microornata, and Habibacysta tectata, has an early Pleistocene age (>1.4 Ma). Our biostratigraphy implies that horizon b1 of the Baffin Bay seismic stratigraphy corresponds to the recovery hiatus at ODP Site 645, which suggests a very thick Pliocene sequence along the Baffin Island slope. Dinocyst assemblages and terrestrial palynomorphs in our records indicate that the late Miocene and (or) early Pliocene were characterized by relatively warm coastal surface waters and boreal forest or forested tundra vegetation over adjacent lands. In contrast, the early Pleistocene dinocyst assemblages above the recovery hiatus indicate cold surface waters, while pollen data suggest reduced vegetation cover on adjacent lands.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Priority list of biodiversity metrics to observe from space
No full textMonitoring global biodiversity from space through remotely sensing geospatial patterns has high potential to add to our knowledge acquired by field observation. Although a framework of essential biodiversity variables (EBVs) is emerging for monitoring biodiversity, its poor alignment with remote sensing products hinders interpolation between field observations. This study compiles a comprehensive, prioritized list of remote sensing biodiversity products that can further improve the monitoring of geospatial biodiversity patterns, enhancing the EBV framework and its applicability. The ecosystem structure and ecosystem function EBV classes, which capture the biological effects of disturbance as well as habitat structure, are shown by an expert review process to be the most relevant, feasible, accurate and mature for direct monitoring of biodiversity from satellites. Biodiversity products that require satellite remote sensing of a finer resolution that is still under development are given lower priority (for example, for the EBV class species traits). Some EBVs are not directly measurable by remote sensing from space, specifically the EBV class genetic composition. Linking remote sensing products to EBVs will accelerate product generation, improving reporting on the state of biodiversity from local to global scales
The 2001 recession: how was it different and what developments may have caused it?
No full textThe 2001 recession was unique in several respects. For instance, the peak-to-trough decline in real gross domestic product was one of the smallest on record and its duration was slightly shorter than average. This article examines some of the other unique features of the 2001 recession compared with the “average” post-World War II recession. The author also shows that forecasters were surprised by the onset of the recession, perhaps because of incomplete data available to them in real time. Finally, the article examines the errors from a well-known macroeconomic forecast and finds that forecasters were surprised by the declines in real business and household fixed investment, as well as real net exports, before the March 2001 business cycle peak.Recessions ; Economic indicators ; Business cycles
Author Correction: Priority list of biodiversity metrics to observe from space
No full textIn the version of this Perspective initially published, there was an error in units reported in the main text. Specifically, in the first sentence of the sixth paragraph under the heading “A critical review of EBVs retrieved by remote sensing,” in the text now reading “Finally, when harmonizing the terminology used by ecological and remote sensing communities, it is important to emphasize that utilizing broadband optical wavelengths (for example, for PlanetScope, approximately 400–700 nm) at very high spatial resolution,” 400–700 nm originally appeared as “60–90 nm.” The error has been corrected in the online version of the article
Water relations of cucumber, tomato, and sweet pepper
No full textThe ever increasing importance of water as a critical resource for agricultural production has encouraged more research on water relations in recent years. Most attention has been paid to field crops and less information is available for horticultural crops, especially vegetables. The results of studies on water relations of cucumber, tomato, and pepper are reported and discussed in this thesis.Drying cycle experiments were carried out with tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper at two temperatures and three light intensities in order to: (1) examine suitability of some plant parameters as criteria for expression of plant water status; (2) investigate which parameter is most suitable as a basis for timing of irrigation; and (3) observe the change of various parameters during a drying cycle as affected by environment. Measurements were carried out on transpiration rate, stomatal diffusive resistance ( rs ), leaf temperature, plant and soil water potentials, and relative water content. The transpiration rate at 25°C was in general higher than that at 21°C due to the higher vapour pressure deficit (vpd) at the former temperature. For all the three species, a more pronounced stomatal closure was demonstrated at 25°C as compared to that at 21°C when drought was imposed on the plants. This result could be due to the fact that at 25°C the vpd and/or the internal CO 2 concentration was higher. Various levels of irradiance did not invoke different responses of stomata or transpiration rates throughout the drying cycles. The difference among the three light intensities used are thought to have been too small to show distinct responses. Moreover, relatively low intensities were used in this series of experiments. The measured rs , values did not always correlate significantly with soil water potentials because rs , measurements were carried out on single leaves at only one point in the photoperiod and the measurements were also affected by other environmental factors, such as humidity, prevailing during the measurements. Calculated rs , values showed better correlations with soil water potential, presumably because transpiration rates of the whole plants over the entire photoperiod were used for their calculation. Relative water content and leaf water potential correlated significantly with soil water potential. Among the plant parameters studied, the plant water potential as measured with the pressure chamber, was judged as the most suitable parameter expressing plant water status.Some physical aspects of the internal plant water relations were considered for the three species. The measured parameters were relative water content, sap electrical conductivity, and leaf water potential and its components (osmotic, pressure, and matric potentials). The contribution of matric potential to the total plant water potential was considerable. Neglecting the matric component would result in unrealistically low levels of pressure potential for the three species. Tomato was considered to have the best osmotic and matric adjustments, followed by cucumber and pepper. Sap osmotic potential and electrical conductivity were found to be significantly correlated with leaf water potential. Electrical conductivity was considered as an easy and accurate method to determine the osmotic potential indirectly. From the regression of relative water content on leaf water potential, cucumber, tomato, and pepper showed, in this order, decreasing drought resistance. Examination of some other parameters, however, such as osmotic and matric adjustments and reduction of photosynthesis in stress conditions, confirmed a better drought resistance property to tomato, followed by cucumber and pepper. Relative position of cucumber and tomato in drought resistance was discussed. For all the criteria examined, pepper was considered to be the least drought resistant. It was concluded that a better understanding of the drought resistance mechanisms in plants is required.Carbon dioxide exchange and transpiration rates were measured in a gas exchange assembly in two series of experiments. In the first series, measurements were carried out on cucumber and pepper at light saturation and in darkness. In the second series, photosynthesis-light curves for cucumber, tomato, and pepper were obtained. For both series, well-watered as well as stressed plants were used. Both photosynthesis and transpiration were reduced as stress set in. It was shown that both stomatal and nonstomatal mechanisms were involved in the reduction of photosynthesis. For all the three species, an increase in mesophyll resistance was observed as a result of water stress. In experiments with different levels of irradiance, it was observed that the stressinduced reduction of photosynthesis was more pronounced at light saturation compared to low light. After showing some initial opening reaction to light, the stomata of stressed plants showed a closing pattern, especially for cucumber and pepper, regardless of irradiance levels. It was proposed that the closing effect of drought overrode the opening effect of light. Severely stressed plants of cucumber and pepper were rewatered to study their recovery. Photosynthesis did not reach the pre-stress level one day after rewatering, this was due to an aftereffect of drought on stomata in cucumber and pepper and a damage to the photosynthetic system in pepper.Diurnal changes in water relations parameters were measured in a glasshouse for tomato and pepper. In a constant environmental condition, gas exchange rates were monitored throughout the photoperiod for cucumber, pepper, and two cultivars of tomato. Both well-watered and stressed plants were used for the above measurements. In the glasshouse, transpiration, leaf water potential, stomatal diffusive resistance, as well as the diurnal changes in environmental factors such as radiation, temperature, vpd, and evaporation were measured. It was observed that the diurnal variation in leaf water potential followed that of transpiration. Changes in the whole plant transpiration were not necessarily accounted for by the rs values measured on single leaves. Multiple regression relationships were obtained for plant water potentials on radiation and temperature and suggestions were made to their use in timing of irrigation. In a constant environmental condition, all species showed maximum rates of transpiration and photosynthesis during the first hour of the photoperiod. The rates steadily declined thereafter, and the decline was more pronounced in stressed plants. A decrease in leaf water potential could not account for these diurnal phenomena, and other internal control mechanisms were thought to be involved. It has been suggested that photorespiration increased under the high irradiance employed. Internal CO 2 levels then increased, causing stomatal closure, leading to a decline in transpiration. Photosynthesis also decreased through both stomatal closure and a decrease in the CO 2 gradient. Increases in mesophyll. resistance in the case of cucumber and pepper also occurred.<p/
Characterization of the efficiency and uncertainty of skimmed milk flocculation for the simultaneous concentration and quantification of water-borne viruses, bacteria and protozoa
No full text[EN] In this study, the use of skimmed milk flocculation (SMF) to simultaneously concentrate viruses, bacteria and protozoa was evaluated. We selected strains of faecal indicator bacteria and pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori. The viruses selected were adenovirus (HAdV 35), rotavirus (RoV SA-11), the bacteriophage MS2 and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). The protozoa tested were Acanthamoeba, Giardia and cryptosporidium. The mean recoveries with q(RT)PCR were 66% (HAdV 35), 24% (MS2), 28% (RoV SA-11), 15% (BVDV), 60% (E. coli), 30% (H. pylori) and 21% (Acanthamoeba castellanii). When testing the infectivity, the mean recoveries were 59% (HAdV 35), 12% (MS2), 26% (RoV SA-11) and 0.7% (BVDV). The protozoa Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum were studied by immunofluorescence with recoveries of 18% and 13%, respectively. Although q(RT)PCR consistently showed higher quantification values (as expected), q(RT)PCR and the infectivity assays showed similar recoveries for HAdV 35 and RoV SA-11. Additionally, we investigated modelling the variability and uncertainty of the recovery with this method to extrapolate the quantification obtained by q(RT)PCR and estimate the real concentration. The 95% prediction intervals of the real concentration of the microorganisms inoculated were calculated using a general non-parametric bootstrap procedure adapted in our context to estimate the technical error of the measurements. SMF shows recoveries with a low variability that permits the use of a mathematical approximation to predict the concentration of the pathogen and indicator with acceptable low intervals. The values of uncertainty may be used for a quantitative microbial risk analysis or diagnostic purposes. (C) 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.This study was funded by the Water Challenges for a Changing World Joint Programming Initiative (W2013-095-C03-01), the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO - AGL2014-55081-R) and the Grup de Recerca Consolidat: Virus, bacteris i protozous d'interes en salut publica, aigua y aliments (Generalitat de Catalunya, Virbap - 2014-SGR-914). Eloy Gonzales-Gustavson would like to acknowledge the Presidente de la República scholarship from the Peruvian Government, which supported a PhD grant.Gonzales-Gustavson, E.; Cárdenas-Youngs, Y.; Calvo, M.; Figueira, M.; Hundesa, A.; Amoros, I.; Moreno Trigos, MY.... (2017). Characterization of the efficiency and uncertainty of skimmed milk flocculation for the simultaneous concentration and quantification of water-borne viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Journal of Microbiological Methods. 134:46-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mimet.2017.01.006S465313
