The Exchange Rate and Interest Rate Differential Relationship: Evidence from Two Financial Crises

This paper examines the contemporaneous and inter-temporal interaction between real exchange rate and real interest rate differential in the two financial crises of 1997 and 2008 by using data from thirteen countries from different world regions. The empirical result shows that negative contemporaneous relationship exists in most countries. In addition, there is little evidence on a systematic inter-temporal relationship between the real interest rate differential and the real exchange rate, and an absence of consistent result in supporting a negative relationship among the thirteen economies. An extremely low change in the conditional correlation between real interest rate differential and real exchange rates can be found in small countries.Contemporaneous, inter-temporal relationship, exchange rate, interest rate differential, financial crisis

Applications of Hilbert Module Approach to Multivariable Operator Theory

A commuting $n$-tuple $(T_1, \ldots, T_n)$ of bounded linear operators on a Hilbert space \clh associate a Hilbert module $\mathcal{H}$ over $\mathbb{C}[z_1, \ldots, z_n]$ in the following sense: $$\mathbb{C}[z_1, \ldots, z_n] \times \mathcal{H} \rightarrow \mathcal{H}, \quad \quad (p, h) \mapsto p(T_1, \ldots, T_n)h,$$where $p \in \mathbb{C}[z_1, \ldots, z_n]$ and $h \in \mathcal{H}$. A companion survey provides an introduction to the theory of Hilbert modules and some (Hilbert) module point of view to multivariable operator theory. The purpose of this survey is to emphasize algebraic and geometric aspects of Hilbert module approach to operator theory and to survey several applications of the theory of Hilbert modules in multivariable operator theory. The topics which are studied include: generalized canonical models and Cowen-Douglas class, dilations and factorization of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces, a class of simple submodules and quotient modules of the Hardy modules over polydisc, commutant lifting theorem, similarity and free Hilbert modules, left invertible multipliers, inner resolutions, essentially normal Hilbert modules, localizations of free resolutions and rigidity phenomenon. This article is a companion paper to "An Introduction to Hilbert Module Approach to Multivariable Operator Theory".Comment: 46 pages. This is a companion paper to arXiv:1308.6103. To appear in Handbook of Operator Theory, Springe

The effect of crystal orientation on the cryogenic strength of hydroxide catalysis bonded sapphire

Hydroxide catalysis bonding has been used in gravitational wave detectors to precisely and securely join components of quasi-monolithic silica suspensions. Plans to operate future detectors at cryogenic temperatures has created the need for a change in the test mass and suspension material. Mono-crystalline sapphire is one candidate material for use at cryogenic temperatures and is being investigated for use in the KAGRA detector. The crystalline structure of sapphire may influence the properties of the hydroxide catalysis bond formed. Here, results are presented of studies of the potential influence of the crystal orientation of sapphire on the shear strength of the hydroxide catalysis bonds formed between sapphire samples. The strength was tested at approximately 8 K; this is the first measurement of the strength of such bonds between sapphire at such reduced temperatures. Our results suggest that all orientation combinations investigated produce bonds of sufficient strength for use in typical mirror suspension designs, with average strengths >23 MPa

Asymptotics and Dimensional Dependence of the Number of Critical Points of Random Holomorphic Sections

We prove two conjectures from [M. R. Douglas, B. Shiffman and S. Zelditch, Critical points and supersymmetric vacua, II: Asymptotics and extremal metrics. J. Differential Geom. 72 (2006), no. 3, 381-427] concerning the expected number of critical points of random holomorphic sections of a positive line bundle. We show that, on average, the critical points of minimal Morse index are the most plentiful for holomorphic sections of {\mathcal O}(N) \to \CP^m and, in an asymptotic sense, for those of line bundles over general K\"ahler manifolds. We calculate the expected number of these critical points for the respective cases and use these to obtain growth rates and asymptotic bounds for the total expected number of critical points in these cases. This line of research was motivated by landscape problems in string theory and spin glasses.Comment: 14 pages, corrected typo

Doping-dependence of nodal quasiparticle properties in high-TcT_{\rm c} cuprates studied by laser-excited angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We investigate the doping dependent low energy, low temperature ($T$ = 5 K) properties of nodal quasiparticles in the d-wave superconductor Bi$_{2.1}$Sr$_{1.9}$CaCu$_2$O$_{8+\delta}$ (Bi2212). By utilizing ultrahigh resolution laser-excited angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we obtain precise band dispersions near $E_{F}$, mean free paths and scattering rates ($\Gamma$) of quasiparticles. For optimally and overdoped, we obtain very sharp quasiparticle peaks of 8 meV and 6 meV full-width at half-maximum, respectively, in accord with terahertz conductivity. For all doping levels, we find the energy-dependence of $\Gamma \sim |\omega |$, while $\Gamma$($\omega =0$) shows a monotonic increase from overdoping to underdoping. The doping dependence suggests the role of electronic inhomogeneity on the nodal quasiparticle scattering at low temperature (5 K \lsim 0.07T_{\rm c}), pronounced in the underdoped region

Using Stories in Coach Education

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how storied representations of research can be used as an effective pedagogical tool in coach education. During a series of continuing professional development seminars for professional golf coaches, we presented our research in the form of stories and poems which were created in an effort to evoke and communicate the lived experiences of elite professional golfers. Following these presentations, we obtained written responses to the stories from 53 experienced coaches who attended the seminars. Analysis of this data revealed three ways in which coaches responded to the stories: (i) questioning; (ii) summarising; and (iii) incorporating. We conclude that these responses illustrate the potential of storied forms of representation to enhance professional development through stimulating reflective practice and increasing understanding of holistic, person-centred approaches to coaching athletes in high-performance sport

Why is the Matrix Model Correct?

We consider the compactification of M theory on a light-like circle as a limit of a compactification on a small spatial circle boosted by a large amount. Assuming that the compactification on a small spatial circle is weakly coupled type IIA theory, we derive Susskind's conjecture that M theory compactified on a light-like circle is given by the finite $N$ version of the Matrix model of Banks, Fischler, Shenker and Susskind. This point of view provides a uniform derivation of the Matrix model for M theory compactified on a transverse torus $T^p$ for $p=0,...,5$ and clarifies the difficulties for larger values of $p$.Comment: 9 page

Stories as personal coaching philosophy

The importance of coaches developing and articulating a personal coaching philosophy which encapsulates their values and beliefs is widely recognised. Yet it is also acknowledged that many coaches resist what appears an abstract task or find it to be of limited use in their day-to-day practice. In this paper we explore the potential of an alternative approach to developing and articulating a personal coaching philosophy: storytelling. Following a discussion of the potential of stories, we present a story written by one coach which expresses her personal philosophy in a way that is firmly rooted in her coaching practice. Storytelling approaches, we suggest, can reveal the connections between abstract/general philosophy and the personal embodied experience of coaching. We reflect on the possibilities and problems of using stories as philosophy and offer some suggestions for how coaches may be supported in developing their coaching philosophy through storytelling

Building capacity for dissemination and implementation research: One university’s experience

Abstract Background While dissemination and implementation (D&I) science has grown rapidly, there is an ongoing need to understand how to build and sustain capacity in individuals and institutions conducting research. There are three inter-related domains for capacity building: people, settings, and activities. Since 2008, Washington University in St. Louis has dedicated significant attention and resources toward building D&I research capacity. This paper describes our process, challenges, and lessons with the goal of informing others who may have similar aims at their own institution. Activities An informal collaborative, the Washington University Network for Dissemination and Implementation Research (WUNDIR), began with a small group and now has 49 regular members. Attendees represent a wide variety of settings and content areas and meet every 6 weeks for half-day sessions. A logic model organizes WUNDIR inputs, activities, and outcomes. A mixed-methods evaluation showed that the network has led to new professional connections and enhanced skills (e.g., grant and publication development). As one of four, ongoing, formal programs, the Dissemination and Implementation Research Core (DIRC) was our first major component of D&I infrastructure. DIRC’s mission is to accelerate the public health impact of clinical and health services research by increasing the engagement of investigators in later stages of translational research. The aims of DIRC are to advance D&I science and to develop and equip researchers with tools for D&I research. As a second formal component, the Washington University Institute for Public Health has provided significant support for D&I research through pilot projects and a small grants program. In a third set of formal programs, two R25 training grants (one in mental health and one in cancer) support post-doctoral scholars for intensive training and mentoring in D&I science. Finally, our team coordinates closely with D&I functions within research centers across the university. We share a series of challenges and potential solutions. Conclusion Our experience in developing D&I research at Washington University in St. Louis shows how significant capacity can be built in a relatively short period of time. Many of our ideas and ingredients for success can be replicated, tailored, and improved upon by others