120 research outputs found
Stochastic Structural Change
Full text linkWe propose a tractable algorithm to solve stochastic growth models of structural change. Under general conditions, structural change implies an unbalanced growth path. This property prevents the use of local solution techniques when uncertainty is introduced, and requires the adoption of global methods. Our algorithm relies on the Parameterized Expectations Approximation and we apply it to a stochastic version of a three-sector structural transformation growth model with Stone-Geary preferences. We use the calibrated solution to show that in this class of models there exists a tension between the long- and the short-run properties of the economy. This tension is due to the non-homothetic components of the various types of consumption, which are needed to fit long-run structural change, but imply a counterfactually high volatility of services, and counterfactually low volatilities of manufacturing and agriculture in the short-run
The cytotoxic effect of slow Loris (nycticebus) venom, on human cancer cells
Full text linkWithin the Kingdom Mammalia, venom evolution is rare, occurring in only six orders. Arguably the most cryptic, and academically neglected venom occurs within primates among slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.). Venoms comprise novel biological compounds with a potential plethora of proteins and peptides available for utilisation in bio-medical research. We collected samples of slow loris saliva from eight captive-bred pygmy slow lorises (N. pygmaeus) at Paignton Zoo and Shaldon Wildlife Trust UK, given voluntarily as slow lorises chewed on Salimetrics children’s swabs. From January to March 2017, we employed MTT assays, and microscopy assessments to determine cell survival on human epidermal carcinoma cells (A431 line) after the application of concentrations of slow loris salivary venom. Cell survival from both male and female derived saliva was half that of untreated cells. Cytotoxic action is demonstrated in concentrations as low as 0.01% venom. Results demonstrate a cytotoxic effect with ensuing physiological damage on human cancer cells, demonstrating the cytotoxic action of slow loris saliva only, without the admixture of brachial gland exudate. We show that even captive-bred slow loris saliva harbours potentially dangerous substances, with functional applications towards slow loris husbandry. Knowledge of slow loris salivary venom increases understanding of the novel salivary composition and supports discussions of slow loris conservation by proposing a functional narrative to oppose the illegal pet trade, by contradicting their ‘cute and cuddly’ appeal. Evidence of salivary venom shows that cytotoxic effects can result even in the absence of a bite puncturing the skin, and further demonstrates their inappropriateness as pets
Iscrizione nei libri contabili obbligatori e circolazione dei debiti aziendali (con alcune considerazioni sui criteri di imputazione e di responsabilità tra diritto civile e diritto commerciale)
No full textThe author, inspired by a recent jurisprudential conflict emerged in the judgments passed by the Italian Supreme Court about the legal interpretation of the section 2560, paragraph 2 c.c. (which states the assumption of the company debts), examines the most important and recent Italian theories about the legal framework of the company and shows how the different solutions to the issue are dictated by a different concept of the subjective imputation criteria and the liability for breach of contract
Structural change and the long run dynamics of the equity premium
Full text linkWe study whether structural change helps in rationalizing the declining equity premium observed in the data in the post-war period in the U.S. The recent literature on micro shocks and aggregate fluctuations finds that, when the portfolio of production technologies in use in an economy evolves over time, so do aggregate fluctuations. In particular, technological diversification tracks well low frequency movements in aggregate and industry level U.S. asset prices. We investigate whether the relation between structural change in aggregate consumption and aggregate volatility has implications or risky asset returns and their differentials with the risk-free return. Our preliminary results suggest that a generalized multi-sector Lucas-tree model, which can account
for the structural change observed in the U.S., is able to pin down the low frequency dynamics of the U.S. equity premium over the period 1947-2010
The sticky tasty: the nutritional content of the exudativorous diet of the Javan slow loris in a lowland forest
No full textPlant exudates are an important food source for many primates. The Critically Endangered Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) was previously found to prefer Acacia decurrens exudate in an anthropogenically disturbed site, while its feeding habits in secondary natural forest remain unknown. Knowledge of the chemical characteristics of the plant exudates that Javan slow lorises consume is limited, especially with respect to those that they feed on in natural forests. As plant exudates may contain plant secondary metabolites (PSM), which are considered unpalatable in high concentrations, differences in PSM composition may drive feeding preferences. This research aims firstly to confirm exudate consumption by the Javan slow loris in a lowland tropical forest in Central Java, and secondly to identify the chemical characteristics of the exudates consumed. We followed wild slow lorises in Kemuning Forest, Central Java and observed their behaviour. We investigated the gum-producing trees that were utilized by the slow lorises by tapping the exudates and examining their nutritional and PSM contents. We found that exudates are the predominant food source for the Javan slow loris in this lowland forest, and that their nutritional contents are similar to those of exudates consumed by lorises in anthropogenically disturbed areas. Significant differences in polysaccharide and flavonoid contents were found between consumed and unconsumed exudates. Knowledge of the diet of the Javan slow loris is crucial to its conservation, and our findings confirm the importance of exudates in its diet. We also highlight the need to preserve natural slow loris habitat, and to manage the diets of these species in captivity. The results of this study indicate that plant exudates should constitute a significant portion of the diet of captive slow lorises, and that the presence of exudate-producing trees is vital in areas into which slow lorises are to be translocated. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Japan Monkey Centre
Innovation and the Elasticity of Trade Volumes to Tariff Reductions
Full text linkI study the implications of endogenous productivity choices ("innovation") on the effects of trade liberalization. I find that a model with innovation generates an elasticity of trade volumes to tariff reductions that is fifty percent larger than models without innovation, and consistent in magnitude to empirical estimates. To show this, I develop a new model of international trade with innovation, and calibrate it to data on Canada and the United States before the Free Trade Agreement. Feeding into the calibrated model the tariff drop that resulted from the agreement, the increase in the trade volumes is similar to that observed in the data. Without innovation, the change in trade volumes is considerably lower, and similar in magnitude to what existing models without innovation have found
Innovation and the Elasticity of Trade Volumes to Tariff Reductions
Full text linkI study the implications of endogenous productivity choices ("innovation") on the effects of trade liberalization. I find that a model with innovation generates an elasticity of trade volumes to tariff reductions that is fifty percent larger than models without innovation, and consistent in magnitude to empirical estimates. To show this, I develop a new model of international trade with innovation, and calibrate it to data on Canada and the United States before the Free Trade Agreement. Feeding into the calibrated model the tariff drop that resulted from the agreement, the increase in the trade volumes is similar to that observed in the data. Without innovation, the change in trade volumes is considerably lower, and similar in magnitude to what existing models without innovation have found.innovation; trade liberalization; trade elasticity; international trade
Development of cooperation of 9th grade students in the biology topic of "How a new organism is created?
No full textSadarbības pilnveidošana 9. klases skolēniem bioloģijas tematā "Kā rodas jauns organisms?". Autors: Gustavs Loris. Darba vadītāja: Vad. pētn. Dr. paed. Rita Birziņa. Diplomdarbs, 42 lappuses, 5 attēli, 4 tabulas, 29 literatūras avoti, 9 pielikumi. Latviešu valodā. Darba mērķis ir noskaidrot, vai ar strukturētu pieeju 9. klases skolēni bioloģijas tematā "Kā rodas jauns organisms?" uzrādīs augstāku akadēmisko sniegumu un sadarbības prasmes grupu darbā. Darba metodes veido pedagoģiskais novērojums, kritērijos balstīts akadēmiskā snieguma vērtējums un aptauja. Ir secināts, ka uzdevumā ar sadarbību noteicošiem elementiem, konkrētām darba lomām skolēni uzrāda augstāku akadēmisko sniegumu un labākas sadarbības prasmes darba izstrādē, kā arī skolēniem ir augstāka skaidrība un atbildība par savu veicamo uzdevumu. Būtiskus izaicinājumus sagādā nepietiekamas sadarbībai pakārtotās prasmes, galvenokārt, komunikācijas prasmes, kuras ir attīstāmas ilgākā laika posmā.Development of cooperation of 9th grade students in the biology topic of "How a new organism is created?". Author: Gustavs Loris. Supervisor: Sen. res. Dr. paed. Rita Birziņa. Diploma thesis, 42 pages, 5 figures, 4 tables, 29 references, 9 attachments. In Latvian. Aim of this thesis is to find out, whether with structured approach 9th grade students will show higher academic achievement and cooperation skills in group work in the biology topic of "How a new organism is created?". Methods comprise pedagogic observation, academic achievement assessment based in criteria, and a survey. It is concluded that in a group task with cooperation promoting elements students show higher academic achievement and better cooperation skills during work, also the students have greater clarity and responsibility in their specific task. Significant challenges are posed by insufficient cooperation subordinate skills, as communication skills, which are to be developed in a longer period of time
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