A minimal model for acoustic forces on Brownian particles

We present a generalization of the inertial coupling (IC) [Usabiaga et al. J. Comp. Phys. 2013] which permits the resolution of radiation forces on small particles with arbitrary acoustic contrast factor. The IC method is based on a Eulerian-Lagrangian approach: particles move in continuum space while the fluid equations are solved in a regular mesh (here we use the finite volume method). Thermal fluctuations in the fluid stress, important below the micron scale, are also taken into account following the Landau-Lifshitz fluid description. Each particle is described by a minimal cost resolution which consists on a single small kernel (bell-shaped function) concomitant to the particle. The main role of the particle kernel is to interpolate fluid properties and spread particle forces. Here, we extend the kernel functionality to allow for an arbitrary particle compressibility. The particle-fluid force is obtained from an imposed no-slip constraint which enforces similar particle and kernel fluid velocities. This coupling is instantaneous and permits to capture the fast, non-linear effects underlying the radiation forces on particles. Acoustic forces arise either because an excess in particle compressibility (monopolar term) or in mass (dipolar contribution) over the fluid values. Comparison with theoretical expressions show that the present generalization of the IC method correctly reproduces both contributions. Due to its low computational cost, the present method allows for simulations with many particles using a standard Graphical Processor Unit (GPU)

International NGOs in New York City: A Comparative Study

New York City is a global city, not just for its place in the global market, or for its role as an innovator of policy. This report indicates it should also be known for its significant contributions in the field of international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs). Using data collected from IRS Form 990 tax filings, this report creates the first comprehensive assessment of the INGO sector in NYC and demonstrates that New York City's INGO sector is not only a leader of the nationwide INGO sector, but it also reflects the city's unique history and diverse population

CHARACTERISATION OF THE REPUTATION OF PRIVATE EQUITY MANAGERS: EVIDENCE IN SPAIN

In the light of the Agency and Signalling Theories, the aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between investors and private equity managers in order to identify the factors that affect the latter's reputation. Since there are no individual references about their past returns, the reputation of such players is thought to be linked to their capacity for obtaining new funds in countries such as Spain. Two groups of variables that might affect reputation are identified: variables in the first group are linked to the private equity cycle, and those in the second are related to the external image of the operator. The analysis focuses on the activity of almost all private equity investors operating in Spain during 1991-2001. The results show that the lagged volume of investments acts as an indicator of the ability to manage larger amounts of capital. The exogenous characteristics of highest importance are the size of the funds under management and the belonging to the National Private Equity Association. Because of the wide variety of private equity firms, the analysis is completed for diverse groups, which may behave in a different manner. En este artículo se analiza la relación que se origina entre inversores y operadores decapital riesgo dentro del marco de las Teorías de Agencia y de Señales. La finalidad esidentificar los factores que determinan la reputación de estos operadores. Ante la ausenciade referencias individuales de rentabilidad, la reputación puede representar un elementobásico para señalar la capacidad para captar nuevos fondos en países en los que el mercadode capital riesgo está en proceso de maduración. Dos grupos de variables que puedenafectar a la reputación son identificados: uno relacionado con la actividad desarrolladay otro vinculado a aspectos externos. El análisis se centra en la actividad de la prácticatotalidad de operadores de capital riesgo activos en España durante el periodo 1991-2001.Los resultados muestran que el volumen de inversiones registrado en el pasado indica unacapacidad para gestionar una cifra superior de capitales. Las características exógenasde mayor importancia son el tamaño del operador y la pertenencia a la AsociaciónNacional de Capital Riesgo. Dada la gran variedad de operadores existentes en España,el análisis se completa para diferentes subgrupos que podrían comportarse de distintamanera, encontrándose evidencia en este sentido.Captación de fondos, capital riesgo, reputación; Teoría de Agencia y de Señales. Fundraising, private equity, reputation; agency, signalling theory.

ASEAN Rules of Origin: Lessons and Recommendations for Best Practice

Rules of Origin (ROO) set the criteria in determining the nationality of a product and where a product was made. The importance of ROO has increased in the past years as more countries engage in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and begun treating goods differently according to where the product was made, along with trade-specific preferences or restrictions to the imported good once its origin is determined. This study is done to cull the lessons from ASEAN's experience in determining and implementing the Rules of Origin. It draws the important lessons and makes recommendations for best practice that would contribute to the cooperation and integration efforts in the region. The paper examines the various design and implementation practice in ROO regimes, focusing on RTAs where the ASEAN is involved. The paper presents findings from recent studies on the cost of ROO compliance and the FTA utilization rates. It concludes with recommendations on simplification of ROO and some reforms on administrative procedures, bringing in the development country dimension, and some general guidelines to follow to improve ROOs.Rules of Origin, Free Trade Agreements, ASEAN.

DETERMINANTS OF PRIVATE EQUITY FUNDRAISING IN WESTERN EUROPE

The aim of this paper is to identify the key factors that lie behind venture capital/private equity fundraising in countries where there is scarce and asymmetric information about final returns. The main contribution of this paper is to explain fundraising by means of variables directly related to the venture capital process rather than by macroeconomic ones. We use panel data techniques on data from 16 European countries during the nineties. In the light of the long period required for investing committed capital and the illiquid nature of investments until the fund is divested, the focus is placed on the investing capabilities of fund managers. We find that the amounts invested in the previous year have a positive and significant impact on fundraising. In this sense, the market would be regarding the ability of fund managers to invest the total amounts investors have previously committed.Disbursements; Fundraising; Private Equity; Venture Capital.

Editorial: Microbial Taxonomy, Phylogeny and Biodiversity

The great diversity of microbial life is the remaining majorreservoir of unknown biologicaldiversity on Earth. To understand this vast, but largely unperceived diversity with its untappedgenetic, enzymatic and industrial potential, microbial systematics is undergoing a revolutionarychange in its approach to describe novel taxa based on genomic/envirogenomic information(Rosselló-Móra and Whitman, 2019)S

The Impact of ASEAN-China FTA Early Harvest Program: the Case of the Philippines with Focus on Short-run Effects on the Agriculture Sector

This paper aims to provide some information on the implications for the Philippine agriculture sector of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. In particular, the paper explores the possible impact of the agreement, with emphasis on the Early Harvest Program (EHP). It also provides a brief background on the state of the Philippine agriculture system, the liberalization initiatives undertaken, as well as some policy gaps and interventions done to address these. The paper also revisits a simulation exercise conducted on the possible short-run impact of an EHP to identify the vulnerable sectors.agriculture sector, China, agricultural liberalization, ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, Early Harvest Program (EHP)