International evidence on convergence and openness

In this paper we examine for both economic convergence and openness convergence across the global economy and within specific regions. We find that convergence in openness is much more profound than income convergence. Moreover, convergence within regions takes place faster than convergence across the globe. We then examine for the effects of trade openness on income convergence. We use both trade openness indicators based on actual trade volumes as well as indices that rank countries according to trade policy openness. Finally, we consider the effects of such indices on openness convergence. We discuss our results in the context of the regionalism versus globalization debate.peer-reviewe

Trade openness and aggregate productive efficiency

We consider whether openness is related to the aggregate technical efficiency in the OECD countries. We obtain efficiency measures using Data Envelopment Analysis and we find that our measure of openness is positively related to the technical efficiency scores.peer-reviewe

Measuring productivity and efficiency: a Kalman filter approach

In the Kalman filter setting, one can model the inefficiency term of the standard stochastic frontier composed error as an unobserved state. In this study a panel data version of the local level model is used for estimating time-varying efficiencies of firms. We apply the Kalman filter to estimate average efficiencies of U.S. airlines and find that the technical efficiency of these carriers did not improve during the period 1999-2009. During this period the industry incurred substantial losses, and the efficiency gains from reorganized networks, code-sharing arrangements, and other best business practices apparently had already been realized

International Evidence on Convergence and Openness

In this paper we examine for both economic convergence and openness convergence across the global economy and within specific regions. We find that convergence in openness is much more profound than income convergence. Moreover, convergence within regions takes place faster than convergence across the globe. We then examine for the effects of trade openness on income convergence. We use both trade openness indicators based on actual trade volumes as well as indices that rank countries according to trade policy openness. Finally, we consider the effects of such indices on openness convergence. We discuss our results in the context of the regionalism versus globalization debate.

Trade flows revisited: Further evidence on globalisation

We consider the relative effects of globalisation and regionalism in the context of recent developments in the world economy. We extend and advance the work of Chortareas and Pelagidis using the recently updated Penn World Tables data. This allows consideration of the recent golden era of globalisation, great moderation and the Washington consensus. We produce evidence that corroborates the findings of Chortareas and Pelagidis. We find, however, that in the 1990s and in the new millennium globalisation dynamics outpace regionalism. Nevertheless, regionalism displays resilience and in a potential de-globalisation context it is more likely to dominate over globalism. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved

Trade Openness and Aggregate Productive Efficiency

We consider whether openness is related to the aggregate technical efficiency in the OECD countries. We obtain efficiency measures using Data Envelopment Analysis and we find that our measure of openness is positively related to the technical efficiency scores.

The Efficacy and Safety of Ketogenic Diets in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Children and Adolescents: a Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose of Review: Drug-resistant epilepsy represents around one-quarter of epilepsies worldwide. Although ketogenic diets (KD) have been used for refractory epilepsy since 1921, the past 15 years have witnessed an explosion of KD use in the management of epilepsy. We aimed to review evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy and safety of KD in drug-resistant epilepsy in children and adolescents. Recent Findings: A literature search was performed in the Pubmed, Cohrane, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar databases. Predefined criteria were implemented regarding data extraction and study quality. Data were extracted from 14 RCTs in 1114 children and adolescents aged from 6 months to 18 years. Primary outcome was seizure reduction after the intervention. In 6 out of the 14 studies, there was a statistical significant seizure reduction by > 50% in the KD-treated group compared with the control group over a follow-up of 3–4 months. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, seizure severity, quality of life, and behavior. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most frequent adverse events. Serious adverse events were rare. Summary: We conclude that the KD is an effective treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy in children and adolescents. Accordingly, RCTs investigating long-term impact, cognitive and behavioral effects, and cost-effectiveness are much anticipated. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature