Weak expansiveness for actions of sofic groups

In this paper, we shall introduce $h$-expansiveness and asymptotical $h$-expansiveness for actions of sofic groups. By the definitions, each $h$-expansive action of sofic groups is asymptotically $h$-expansive. We show that each expansive action of sofic groups is $h$-expansive, and, for any given asymptotically $h$-expansive action of sofic groups, the entropy function (with respect to measures) is upper semi-continuous and hence the system admits a measure with maximal entropy. Observe that asymptotically $h$-expansive property was firstly introduced and studied by Misiurewicz for $\mathbb{Z}$-actions using the language of topological conditional entropy. And thus in the remaining part of the paper, we shall compare our definitions of weak expansiveness for actions of sofic groups with the definitions given in the same spirit of Misiurewicz's ideas when the group is amenable. It turns out that these two definitions are equivalent in this setting.Comment: to appear in Journal of Functional Analysi

Are crisis-induced devaluations contractionary?

Why are some currency crises followed by economic contractions while others are not? This paper is an attempt at answering this query. In particular, we investigate two closely related questions. First, we explore whether there is a difference in the output effects of a devaluation during “normal” periods versus crises ones; after all, during noncrisis periods, real exchange devaluation is seen as an important policy option for promoting exports and output growth. Yet, the literature has not made a distinction between crisis and noncrisis periods. To preview the main conclusion, we find that the contractionary effects tend to exist only during the crisis period. Building on this, we go one to explore the factors that cause a crisis-induced devaluation to be contractionary.Financial crises ; Foreign exchange rates

Different Impacts of Metabolic Syndrome Components on Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes

Objective. To examine the different impacts of MS components on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Methods. A number of subjects (144) who met the criteria of (1) age between 30 and 75 years, (2) had type 2 diabetes for more than one year, and (3) taking gliclazide and metformin for more than 6 months were enrolled. All subjects were assigned to one of the four HOMA index categories. The HOMA index quartile 4 denotes the highest insulin resistance. The main outcome evaluated is the odds ratios (ORs) of different MS components on HOMA index quartile 4. The characteristics in HOMA index quartiles and groups of nonmetabolic syndrome (NMS; number of components 2) were also evaluated. Results. The results showed that both MSA and MSB groups had higher ORs (5.9 and 13.8 times, resp.) than the NMS group; and that subjects with large waist circumference (LWC) and high triglyceride (HTG) level have higher ORs (6.1 and 2.6 times, resp.) in developing higher insulin resistance than normal control subjects. Conclusion. Type 2 diabetic patients with greater number of MS components have higher ORs in developing increased insulin resistance

Effects of free methionine and lysine on in vitro fermentation and in vivo performance and ruminal fermentation of late lactation holstein cows

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of free Met and Lys supplementation on ruminal fermentation in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro study, supplementation of Met and Lys had effects on concentrations of total VFA and NH4+, proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, valerate, and the ratio of acetate to propionate. Percentages of microbial N synthesis in effluent pellets were not affected by supplementing Lys and Met. The combination of 0.52% Met and 1.03% (90% DM) Lys resulted in the highest concentration of total VFA, second highest concentration of NH4+, and lowest ratio of acetate to propionate with no decrease in the microbial CP production. In the in vivo study, supplementing 0.29% Met and 2.27% Lys (100% DM) had no impact on mean DMI, OMI, milk yield, milk component production or percentage, SCCS, 4% FCM and ECM production efficiencies, or body weight gain. Although DMI for the treatment group was numerically lower than the control group, milk yield, % milk fat, and % milk protein for the treatment group were numerically higher than the control group and resulted in numerically higher 4% FCM and ECM efficiencies for cows received AA supplementation. There was a statistical interaction of treatment and day observed on DMI, OMI, and 4% FCM and ECM production efficiencies indicating that the treatment group maintained a better production efficiency than the control group throughout the experiment. The concentration of ruminal NH4+ and the proportion of butyrate were increased, but proportions of acetate and valerate were decreased while the pH, total VFA, proportions of propionate, isobutyrate and isovalerate, and the ratio of acetate to propionate were not affected by supplementing AA

U.S. HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION OF FRESH FRUITS

This study uses the 1987-88 U.S. Department of Agriculture Nationwide Food Consumption Survey data to analyze the impacts of income, prices, and selected socioeconomic characteristics on household consumption of fresh fruits. Results suggest that fresh fruits are considered economic necessities, with own prices significantly influencing consumption. Cross-price effects are generally weak and insignificant, but the number of adults in the age group 18-64 is an important determinant of household consumption of fresh fruits. While nutrition information and household savings have significant, positive influences on most fresh fruit consumption, the presence of a working wife has a significant and negative influence.Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Common wave behavior for mergers and acquisitions in OECD countries? a unique analysis using new Markov switching panel model approach

This paper investigates whether or not there is co-waved merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in 26 OECD countries. We apply the Markov Switching model to panel data (MSP hereafter), an approach which has not previously been attempted. Two distinct regimes are recognized in emerge from M&A data: the wave merger regime and normal merger regime. Our MSP captures the co-wave pattern of the sample countries and has a much better fit than either the univariate Markov Switching model or the conventional linear panel model.