Identification robust inference in cointegrating regressions

In cointegrating regressions, estimators and test statistics are nuisance parameter dependent. This paper addresses this problem from an identification-robust perspective. Confidence sets for the long-run coefficient (denoted β) are proposed that invert LR-tests against an unrestricted or a cointegration-restricted alternative. For empirically relevant special cases, we provide analytical solutions to the inversion problem. A simulation study, imposing and relaxing strong exogeneity, analyzes our methods relative to standard Maximum Likelihood, Fully Modified and Dynamic OLS, and a stationarity-test based counterpart. In contrast with all the above, proposed methods have good size regardless of the identification status, and good power when β is identified

Distinguishing Carrot's Characteristics by Near Infrared (NIR) Reflectance and Multivariate Data Analysis

Rosana G. Moreira, Editor-in-Chief; Texas A&M UniversityThis is a paper from International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR, Commission Internationale du Genie Rural) E-Journal Volume 6 (2004): N. Abu-Khalaf, B. Bennedsen and G. Bjorn. Distinguishing Carrot's Characteristics by Near Infrared (NIR) Reflectance and Multivariate Data Analysis. (March 2004

Design and Construction of a Testing Platform and Estimating Attenuation Painting Reflectivity to Laser Beam

The project has been described the design and construction of a reliable optical testing platform used for evaluate the reflectivity of metal surfaces treated with special paintings required for laser beam attenuation. The platform comprises an Nd-YAG laser system which has been designed and fabricated with specifications to be compatible with their corresponding in laser range finder transmitters used for various applications. The reflectivity of various attenuating paintings, at different detection angles, has been observed. Moreover, the variation of the reflected energy with painting type and metal type to be painted has been studied experimentally. Results illustrated the existence of a definite angle, at which the reflectivity was maximum (specular reflection). On the other hand, samples with attenuation paintings have constant very low diffusive reflectivity and are independent of the detection angle

E-nose Development for Safety Monitoring Applications in Refinery Environment

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A detailed binding free energy study of 2 : 1 ligand–DNA complex formation by experiment and simulation

In 2004, we used NMR to solve the structure of the minor groove binder thiazotropsin A bound in a 2 : 1 complex to the DNA duplex, d(CGACTAGTCG)2. In this current work, we have combined theory and experiment to confirm the binding thermodynamics of this system. Molecular dynamics simulations that use polarizable or non-polarizable force fields with single and separate trajectory approaches have been used to explore complexation at the molecular level. We have shown that the binding process invokes large conformational changes in both the receptor and ligand, which is reflected by large adaptation energies. This is compensated for by the net binding free energy, which is enthalpy driven and entropically opposed. Such a conformational change upon binding directly impacts on how the process must be simulated in order to yield accurate results. Our MM-PBSA binding calculations from snapshots obtained from MD simulations of the polarizable force field using separate trajectories yield an absolute binding free energy (-15.4 kcal mol-1) very close to that determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (-10.2 kcal mol-1). Analysis of the major energy components reveals that favorable non-bonded van der Waals and electrostatic interactions contribute predominantly to the enthalpy term, whilst the unfavorable entropy appears to be driven by stabilization of the complex and the associated loss of conformational freedom. Our results have led to a deeper understanding of the nature of side-by-side minor groove ligand binding, which has significant implications for structure-based ligand development

Ranking ligand affinity for the DNA minor groove by experiment and simulation

The structural and thermodynamic basis for the strength and selectivity of the interactions of minor-groove binders (MGBs) with DNA is not fully understood. In 2003 we reported the first example of a thiazole containing MGB that bound in a phase shifted pattern that spanned 6 base-pairs rather than the usual 4 (for tricyclic distamycin-like compounds). Since then, using DNA footprinting, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry and molecular dynamics, we have established that the flanking bases around the central 4 being read by the ligand have subtle effects on recognition. We have investigated the effect of these flanking sequences on binding and the reasons for the differences and established a computational method to rank ligand affinity against varying DNA sequences

IMPROVEMENT OF TRAFFIC CAPACITY FOR AL-MOTANABI SQUARE IN KUT CITY

The concept of capacity and level of service are the control points of the analysis of intersections and must be fully considered to evaluate the overall operation of the intersections. The objectives of the present study include the analysis, evaluation and improvement of the operation for AL-Motanabi square in Kut city and to present a best proposal to enhance the performance from the capacity point of view. To achieve these objectives, the estimated distribution of the traffic data in different direction that required for the traffic and geometrical analysis were gathered manually, while SIDRA traffic program is used for the requirements of traffic analysis process. It has been concluded that, two layer flyover is the best proposal to improve the operation ability of AL-Motanabi square

An examination of maximum legal application rates of dairy processing and associated STRUBIAS fertilising products in agriculture

peer-reviewedThe dairy industry produces vast quantities of dairy processing sludge (DPS), which can be processed further to develop second generation products such as struvite, biochars and ashes (collectively known as STRUBIAS). These bio-based fertilizers have heterogeneous nutrient and metal contents, resulting in a range of possible application rates. To avoid nutrient losses to water or bioaccumulation of metals in soil or crops, it is important that rates applied to land are safe and adhere to the maximum legal application rates similar to inorganic fertilizers. This study collected and analysed nutrient and metal content of all major DPS (n = 84) and DPS-derived STRUBIAS products (n = 10), and created an application calculator in MS Excel™ to provide guidance on maximum legal application rates for ryegrass and spring wheat across plant available phosphorus (P) deficient soil to P-excess soil. The sample analysis showed that raw DPS and DPS-derived STRUBIAS have high P contents ranging from 10.1 to 122 g kg− 1. Nitrogen (N) in DPS was high, whereas N concentration decreased in thermo-chemical STRUBIAS products (chars and ash) due to the high temperatures used in their formation. The heavy metal content of DPS and DPS-derived STRUBIAS was significantly lower than the EU imposed limits. Using the calculator, application rates of DPS and DPS-derived STRUBIAS materials (dry weight) ranged from 0 to 4.0 tonnes ha− 1 y− 1 for ryegrass and 0–4.5 tonnes ha− 1 y− 1 for spring wheat. The estimated heavy metal ingestion to soil annually by the application of the DPS and DPS-derived STRUBIAS products was lower than the EU guideline on soil metal accumulation. The calculator is adaptable for any bio-based fertilizer, soil and crop type, and future work should continue to characterise and incorporate new DPS and DPS-derived STRUBIAS products into the database presented in this paper. In addition, safe application rates pertaining to other regulated pollutants or emerging contaminants that may be identified in these products should be included. The fertilizer replacement value of these products, taken from long-term field studies, should be factored into application rates