Monetary Policy Shocks in a Small Open Economy: Assessing the 'Puzzles' of Monetary Policy by SVAR

The paper examines the effects of monetary policy shocks and its puzzles on a small open economy using quarterly Korean data by applying a theoretically motivated Structural VAR, with the objective of introducing empirical evidence that investigates the magnitude and persistence of monetary policy using impulse response function analysis. There is some evidence on the occurrences of monetary policy puzzles confirming previous outcomes in the literature, results suggest that domestic monetary contraction fail to significantly decrease inflation while lost output is more significant, and effect of foreign interest rates suggests limited capacity for an independent monetary policy in the small open economy of Korea.Monetary Policy; Macroeconometrcs; Structural Vector Autoregression models; Small Open Economy.

Using Recycled Water For Potable Reuse In Santa Clara County, CA: High School Students\u27 Knowledge and Acceptance

The drought-prone State of California has an ever increasing demand for water. Potable reuse provides a viable alternative water supply, but public attitudes, knowledge, and acceptance have limited implementation. This study investigated the knowledge and acceptance that high school students have towards potable reuse. Previous research has identified four critical factors that influence acceptance of potable reuse: 1) knowledge of the wastewater treatment process, 2) knowledge of local water supplies, 3) trust in local water resource managers, and 4) belief in the need for a new water supply. This study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods through a Likert-style survey and open-ended questions on 174 students at three high schools to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance that they have towards potable reuse before and after an educational intervention. The results of this study showed that a short educational intervention had a significant impact on student knowledge and acceptance of potable reuse. The belief in the need for a new water supply had the largest impact on acceptance, and demographic variables were not significant. The results of this study will help local water managers better focus their efforts on outreach to improve attitudes toward acceptance of potable reuse

COMET: Gateway to Commercial Space

The COMmercial Experiment Transporter (COMET), scheduled to begin its first mission in September of 1992, is expected to be the baseline that is used to measure the capabilities of the next generation of commercial To Space and Back systems. This paper provides an overview of the COMET system with emphasis on its operational capabilities. The design of the Service Module (spacecraft bus) will be highlighted and its modular design and flexible architecture will be discussed

Monetary Policy Shocks in a Small Open Economy: Assessing the 'Puzzles' of Monetary Policy by SVAR

The paper examines the effects of monetary policy shocks and its puzzles on a small open economy using quarterly Korean data by applying a theoretically motivated Structural VAR, with the objective of introducing empirical evidence that investigates the magnitude and persistence of monetary policy using impulse response function analysis. There is some evidence on the occurrences of monetary policy puzzles confirming previous outcomes in the literature, results suggest that domestic monetary contraction fail to significantly decrease inflation while lost output is more significant, and effect of foreign interest rates suggests limited capacity for an independent monetary policy in the small open economy of Korea

Monetary Policy Shocks in a Small Open Economy: Assessing the 'Puzzles' of Monetary Policy by SVAR

The paper examines the effects of monetary policy shocks and its puzzles on a small open economy using quarterly Korean data by applying a theoretically motivated Structural VAR, with the objective of introducing empirical evidence that investigates the magnitude and persistence of monetary policy using impulse response function analysis. There is some evidence on the occurrences of monetary policy puzzles confirming previous outcomes in the literature, results suggest that domestic monetary contraction fail to significantly decrease inflation while lost output is more significant, and effect of foreign interest rates suggests limited capacity for an independent monetary policy in the small open economy of Korea

General anesthesia does not have persistent effects on attention in rodents

Background: Studies in animals have shown that general anesthesia can cause persistent spatial memory impairment, but the influence of anesthetics on other cognitive functions is unclear. This study tested whether exposure to general anesthesia without surgery caused a persistent deficit in attention in rodents.Methods: To evaluate whether anesthesia has persistent effects on attention, rats were randomized to three groups. Group A was exposed for 2 h to isoflurane anesthesia, and tested the following seven days for attentional deficits. Group B was used as a control and received room air before attentional testing. Since there is some evidence that a subanesthetic dose of ketamine can improve cognition and reduce disorders of attention after surgery, rats in group C were exposed to isoflurane anesthesia in combination with a ketamine injection before cognitive assessment. Attention was measured in rats using the 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task, for which animals were trained to respond with a nose poke on a touchscreen to a brief, unpredictable visual stimulus in one of five possible grid locations to receive a food reward. Attention was analyzed as % accuracy, % omission, and premature responses.Results: Evaluating acute attention by comparing baseline values with data from the day after intervention did not reveal any differences in attentional measurements. No significant differences were seen in % accuracy, % omission, and premature responses for the three groups tested for 7 consecutive days.Conclusion: These data in healthy rodents suggest that general anesthesia without surgery has no persistent effect on attention and the addition of ketamine does not alter the outcome

OSIRIS-REx, Returning the Asteroid Sample

This paper addresses the technical aspects of the sample return system for the upcoming Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) asteroid sample return mission. The overall mission design and current implementation are presented as an overview to establish a context for the technical description of the reentry and landing segment of the mission.The prime objective of the OSIRIS-REx mission is to sample a primitive, carbonaceous asteroid and to return that sample to Earth in pristine condition for detailed laboratory analysis. Targeting the near-Earth asteroid Bennu, the mission launches in September 2016 with an Earth reentry date of September 24, 2023.OSIRIS-REx will thoroughly characterize asteroid Bennu providing knowledge of the nature of near-Earth asteroids that is fundamental to understanding planet formation and the origin of life. The return to Earth of pristine samples with known geologic context will enable precise analyses that cannot be duplicated by spacecraft-based instruments, revolutionizing our understanding of the early Solar System. Bennu is both the most accessible carbonaceous asteroid and one of the most potentially Earth-hazardous asteroids known. Study of Bennu addresses multiple NASA objectives to understand the origin of the Solar System and the origin of life and will provide a greater understanding of both the hazards and resources in near-Earth space, serving as a precursor to future human missions to asteroids.This paper focuses on the technical aspects of the Sample Return Capsule (SRC) design and concept of operations, including trajectory design and reentry retrieval. Highlights of the mission are included below.The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft provides the essential functions for an asteroid characterization and sample return mission: attitude control propulsion power thermal control telecommunications command and data handling structural support to ensure successful rendezvous with Bennu characterization of Bennus properties delivery of the sampler to the surface, and return of the spacecraft to the vicinity of the Earth sample collection, performed by the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), to acquire a regolith sample from the surface Earth re-entry and SRC recovery. Following sample collection, OSIRIS-REx drifts away from Bennu until the Asteroid Departure Maneuver is commanded on March 4, 2021, sending OSIRIS-REx on a ballistic return cruise to Earth. No additional large deterministic maneuvers are required to return the SRC to Earth. During the cruise, tracking and trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs) are performed as necessary to precisely target the entry corridor. As OSIRIS-REx approaches Earth, the reentry plans are reviewed starting about a year before arrival, and preparations begin. The spacecraft is targeted away from the Earth until 7 days before entry. The final two trajectory correction maneuvers bring the spacecraft on target toward the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR), with sufficient time for contingency resolution. The SRC releases 4 hours prior to atmospheric entry interface and, using the Stardust capsule heritage design, employs a traditional drogue and main parachute descent system for a soft touchdown

Coronary Artery Perforation Following Implantation of a Drug-Eluting Stent Rescued by Deployment of a Covered Stent in Symptomatic Myocardial Bridging

We successfully rescued a patient whose coronary artery perforated following implantation of a drug-eluting stent (DES), by deploying a stent-graft in symptomatic myocardial bridging. Our case demonstrated that coronary perforation could be handled without difficulty when perforated myocardial bridging is confined to the interventricular groov

Spectrum of disease associated with partial lipodystrophy: lessons from a trial cohort

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/136360/1/cen13311.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/136360/2/cen13311_am.pd

Political Economy of Aid in Conflict: An Analysis of Pre- and Post-Intifada Donor Behaviour in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Despite conflict-affected economies being among the largest recipients of aid worldwide, the theoretical frameworks and the political inclinations of donors make it very unlikely for their assistance programmes to have a lasting developmental impact in conflict zones. This paper highlights the key shortcomings in donors’ theoretical frameworks, policies and approaches when dealing with a situation of conflict – suggesting that such shortcomings in some cases could even contribute towards a prolonging of the conflict itself. A pre- and post-Intifada analysis of donor activities in the occupied Palestinian territories is presented in order to demonstrate the stark shifts in donor funding in response to the rise of conflict: from development spending to institution building and governance reforms. It is argued that this shift was not only out of tune with the emerging needs of the Palestinian economy, but also, in some cases, helped worsen the impact of the conflict on the Palestinian economy – yet, nevertheless, it helped to justify the donors’ continued presence in one of the most politically-charged conflicts in the world