The NIST compilation of ionization potentials revisited (I): From He-like to Xe-like ions

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database on ionization potentials for neutral atoms and ions is examined. For each isoelectronic sequence, we construct a regularized perturbative series that exactly matches the large-$Z$ and $Z\approx N-1$ regions. Comparison of the NIST data with this series allows the identification of problematic values in the reported data.Comment: 19 pages, 43 figure

Remittances and Inequality

The impact of remittances on inequality is uncertain a priori. However, at the margin, remittances are likely to be more inequality increasing (or less inequality decreasing) in poorer as opposed to richer areas. This is suggested with a simple theoretical model, and tested empirically using survey-based estimates of the Gini income elasticity of remittances in Honduras. The results are robust to alternative distribution weights used for measuring inequality.Migration, Remittances, Income Distribution.

Do Cash Transfers to Farmers Reduce Migration? Procampo in Mexico

This paper provides a theoretical model to suggest that if cash transfers for farmers have or are perceived to have conditionalities in terms of location (whereby at least some household members must remain at the place of origin to benefit from the transfers), their impact on temporary and permanent migration is uncertain a priori. To test empirically what the impact of the transfers could be, we use data on Procampo, a large transfer program for rural farmers in Mexico implemented since 1994. We find that the impact of Procampo on both permanent and temporary migration has been negative.Migration, Cash Transfers, Mexico, Latin America