Estimating the ex-ante and the ex-post effects of Chinese outward FDI

This study investigates the relationship between outward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the performance of Chinese enterprises. Using firm-level panel data over the period 2008–2014, we introduce a taxonomy of outward FDI that accounts for the decision to invest abroad and the location of foreign affiliates. Through different specifications, we show systematic differences in performance between FDI starters and non-starters two years before and two years after the first investment by the starters. This fact points to the existence of strong ex-ante and ex-post effects of Chinese outward FDI. On one hand, we provide evidence – so far not present in the literature – that the best performing Chinese firms self-select into outward FDI. On the other hand, controlling for endogeneity through propensity score matching (PSM) techniques, we detect significant learning effects from outward FDI to firm-level performance. Interestingly, these effects are heterogeneous with respect to destination, with deeper learning for Chinese enterprises investing in Asia

Observing the intrinsic linewidth of a quantum-cascade laser: beyond the Schawlow-Townes limit

A comprehensive investigation of the frequency-noise spectral density of a free-running mid-infrared quantum-cascade laser is presented for the first time. It provides direct evidence of the leveling of this noise down to a white noise plateau, corresponding to an intrinsic linewidth of a few hundred Hz. The experiment is in agreement with the most recent theory on the fundamental mechanism of line broadening in quantum-cascade lasers, which provides a new insight into the Schawlow-Townes formula and predicts a narrowing beyond the limit set by the radiative lifetime of the upper level.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Relating a gluon mass scale to an infrared fixed point in pure gauge QCD

We show that in pure gauge QCD (or any pure non-Abelian gauge theory) the condition for the existence of a global minimum of energy with a gluon (gauge boson) mass scale also implies the existence of a fixed point of the $\beta$ function. We argue that the frozen value of the coupling constant found in some solutions of the Schwinger-Dyson equations of QCD can be related to this fixed point. We also discuss how the inclusion of fermions modifies this property.Comment: 4 pages, Revtex - Added some clarifying comments and new reference

Novel laser-based techniques for monitoring of volcanoes

An overview of novel laser techniques suitable for volcanic monitoring, based on different kinds of infrared laser sources, is presented. Their main advantages and drawbacks are discussed focusing on the achievable sensitivity and precision levels in analysis of gaseous species. Some of the most recent experimental results obtained in laboratory development as well as in field tests of home-built laser spectrometers are reported. New perspectives in optical devices aimed at geochemical and geophysical applications are also considered

Relating the Quark and Gluon Condensates Through the QCD Vacuum Energy

Using the Cornwall-Jackiw-Tomboulis effective potential for composite operators we compute the QCD vacuum energy as a function of the dynamical quark and gluon propagators, which are related to their respective condensates as predicted by the operator product expansion. The identification of this result to the vacuum energy obtained from the trace of the energy-momentum tensor allow us to study the gluon self-energy, verifying that it is fairly represented in the ultraviolet by the asymptotic behavior predicted by the operator product expansion, and in the infrared it is frozen at its asymptotic value at one scale of the order of the dynamical gluon mass. We also discuss the implications of this identity for heavy and light quarks. For heavy quarks we recover, through the vacuum energy calculation, the relation m_{f} \sim - {1/12} \gc obtained many years ago with QCD sum rules.Comment: 21 pages, LaTeX, final version to appear in Physical Review

Selective leaching of precious metals from electrical and electronic equipment through hydrometallurgical methods

The rapid human evolution has improved the quality of our lives through the use of technology. This not only resulted in increased raw materials extraction but also in the production of a worrying amount of electronic wastes. Indeed, in 2019 worldwide production of Electronic and Electric Equipment Waste (WEEE) was worth 50 million tons, causing several disadvantages such as the reduced space in landfills and massive shipping to countries with less restrictive regulations. On the other side, the billionaire electrical devices market is causing a significant increase in Precious Metals (PM) demand. Nowadays, the economic importance of PMs is as high as their supply risk. The answer to this problem consists of finding selective methods to extract and raffinate precious metals from disposed WEEE. On average, WEEEs contain around 30 % of plastics, 30 % ceramics, and 40 % metals; among these only around 0.1 % is characterized by PMs, such as gold, silver, rhodium, platinum, and palladium. The separation of PMs from other non-precious components is generally obtained using pyrometallurgy, which consists of fusing the wastes at temperatures up to 1500 ÷ 1700 °C. However, this method produces toxic gaseous byproducts and implies high energy costs. A possible alternative is given by hydrometallurgical processes, consisting of leaching the WEEE with solutions containing acids and oxidants at temperatures lower than 100°C. One of the main issues of the hydrometallurgical process is to leach copper and other non-precious base-metals selectively while keeping PMs in the solid-state. In this work, we report preliminary results of equilibrium and kinetic leaching tests in a well-stirred batch reactor, aimed at the optimization of the main operating parameters of a hydrometallurgical process for selective leaching of copper and other base-metals from Wasted Printed Circuit Boards (WPCBs). In particular, experiments have been carried out at different HCl and NaCl concentrations of the leaching solutions, exploring also the effect of temperature variation (20, 50, and 70 °C)

Lagrangian subcategories and braided tensor equivalences of twisted quantum doubles of finite groups

We classify Lagrangian subcategories of the representation category of a twisted quantum double of a finite group. In view of results of 0704.0195v2 this gives a complete description of all braided tensor equivalent pairs of twisted quantum doubles of finite groups. We also establish a canonical bijection between Lagrangian subcategories of the representation category of a twisted quantum double of a finite group G and module categories over the category of twisted G-graded vector spaces such that the dual tensor category is pointed. This can be viewed as a quantum version of V. Drinfeld's characterization of homogeneous spaces of a Poisson-Lie group in terms of Lagrangian subalgebras of the double of its Lie bialgebra. As a consequence, we obtain that two group-theoretical fusion categories are weakly Morita equivalent if and only if their centers are equivalent as braided tensor categories.Comment: 26 pages; several comments and references adde

Sensitivity of bovine blastocyst gene expression patterns to culture environments assessed by differential display RT-PCR.

The use of culture media to support the development of preimplantation embryos to the blastocyst stage is often associated with detrimental effects on normal development. These effects have been uncovered largely by investigating the phenotypic abnormalities displayed by fetuses and newborns derived from cultured preimplantation embryos. Research to understand the impact of culture on the embryonic developmental programme has focused on embryo metabolism, gene expression and genomic imprinting. We have used differential display RT-PCR to examine culture influences on global transcript pools in bovine embryos. Others have examined culture influences on candidate marker genes in cultured murine, ovine and bovine embryos. These studies have demonstrated that culture conditions influence the amount of marker gene transcripts and downregulate or induce the expression of novel genes during early development. Optimized defined culture media maintain embryonic gene expression patterns closely resembling those displayed by embryos derived in vivo. Preimplantation mammalian embryos display an impressive capacity to respond to the pressures that suboptimal culture environments place upon them. However, this plasticity operates within a defined range of tolerances. Continued research using molecular techniques will lead to increased understanding of developmental mechanisms causing culture-related phenotypic abnormalities in post-implantation embryos

Cognitive Function and Atrial Fibrillation: From the Strength of Relationship to the Dark Side of Prevention. Is There a Contribution from Sinus Rhythm Restoration and Maintenance?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia with an increasing prevalence over time mainly because of population aging. It is well established that the presence of AF increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, sudden death, and cardiovascular morbidity. In the last two decades several reports have shown an association between AF and cognitive function, ranging from impairment to dementia. Ischemic stroke linked to AF is a well-known risk factor and predictor of cognitive decline. In this clinical scenario, the risk of stroke might be reduced by oral anticoagulation. However, recent data suggest that AF may be a predictor of cognitive impairment and dementia also in the absence of stroke. Cerebral hypoperfusion, reduced brain volume, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensity, neuroinflammation, and genetic factors have been considered as potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AF-related cognitive dysfunction. However, a cause-effect relationship remains still controversial. Consequently, no therapeutic strategies are available to prevent AF-related cognitive decline in stroke-free patients. This review will analyze the potential mechanisms leading to cognitive dysfunction in AF patients and examine the available data on the impact of a sinus rhythm restoration and maintenance strategy in reducing the risk of cognitive decline