Estimating Structural Shocks with the GVAR-DSGE Model: Pre- and Post-Pandemic

This paper investigates the possibility of using the global VAR (GVAR) model to estimate a simple New Keynesian DSGE-type multi-country model. The long-run forecasts from an estimated GVAR model were used to calculate the steady-states of macro variables as differences. The deviations from the long-run forecasts were taken as the deviation from the steady-states and were used to estimate a simple NK open economy model with an IS curve, Philips curve, Taylor rule, and an exchange rate equation. The shocks to these equations were taken as the demand shock, supply shock, monetary shock, and exchange rate shock, respectively. An alternative model was constructed to compare the results from GVAR long-run forecasts. The alternative model used a Hodrick−Prescott (HP) filter to derive deviations from the steady-states. The impulsive response functions from the shocks were then compared to results from other DSGE models in the literature. Both GVAR and HP estimates produced dissimilar results, although the GVAR managed to capture more from the data, given the explicit co-integration relationships. For the IRFs, both GVAR and HP estimated DSGE models appeared to be as expected before the pandemic; however, if we include the pandemic data, i.e., 2020, the IRFs are very different, due to the nature of the policy actions. In general, DSGE−GVAR models appear to be much more versatile, and are able to capture dynamics that HP filters are not

Dirichlet-Neumann and Neumann-Neumann Waveform Relaxation for the Wave Equation

We present a Waveform Relaxation (WR) version of the Dirichlet-Neumann and Neumann-Neumann algorithms for the wave equation in space time. Each method is based on a non-overlapping spatial domain decomposition, and the iteration involves subdomain solves in space time with corresponding interface condition, followed by a correction step. Using a Laplace transform argument, for a particular relaxation parameter, we prove convergence of both algorithms in a finite number of steps for finite time intervals. The number of steps depends on the size of the subdomains and the time window length on which the algorithms are employed. We illustrate the performance of the algorithms with numerical results, and also show a comparison with classical and optimized Schwarz WR methods.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, presented in 22nd International conference on Domain Decomposition Methods, to appear in Domain Decomposition in Science and Engineering XXII, LNCSE, Springer-Verlag 201

The Radon Monitoring System in Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment

We developed a highly sensitive, reliable and portable automatic system (H$^{3}$) to monitor the radon concentration of the underground experimental halls of the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment. H$^{3}$ is able to measure radon concentration with a statistical error less than 10\% in a 1-hour measurement of dehumidified air (R.H. 5\% at 25$^{\circ}$C) with radon concentration as low as 50 Bq/m$^{3}$. This is achieved by using a large radon progeny collection chamber, semiconductor $\alpha$-particle detector with high energy resolution, improved electronics and software. The integrated radon monitoring system is highly customizable to operate in different run modes at scheduled times and can be controlled remotely to sample radon in ambient air or in water from the water pools where the antineutrino detectors are being housed. The radon monitoring system has been running in the three experimental halls of the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment since November 2013

Understanding the role of chromatin remodeling in the regulation of circadian transcription in Drosophila.

Circadian clocks enable organisms to anticipate daily changes in the environment and coordinate temporal rhythms in physiology and behavior with the 24-h day-night cycle. The robust cycling of circadian gene expression is critical for proper timekeeping, and is regulated by transcription factor binding, RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) recruitment and elongation, and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Recently, it has become clear that dynamic alterations in chromatin landscape at the level of histone posttranslational modification and nucleosome density facilitate rhythms in transcription factor recruitment and RNAPII activity, and are essential for progression through activating and repressive phases of circadian transcription. Here, we discuss the characterization of the BRAHMA (BRM) chromatin-remodeling protein in Drosophila in the context of circadian clock regulation. By dissecting its catalytic vs. non-catalytic activities, we propose a model in which the non-catalytic activity of BRM functions to recruit repressive factors to limit the transcriptional output of CLOCK (CLK) during the active phase of circadian transcription, while the primary function of the ATP-dependent catalytic activity is to tune and prevent over-recruitment of negative regulators by increasing nucleosome density. Finally, we divulge ongoing efforts and investigative directions toward a deeper mechanistic understanding of transcriptional regulation of circadian gene expression at the chromatin level

Homotopy Method for the Large, Sparse, Real Nonsymmetric Eigenvalue Problem

A homotopy method to compute the eigenpairs, i.e., the eigenvectors and eigenvalues, of a given real matrix A1 is presented. From the eigenpairs of some real matrix A0, the eigenpairs of A(t) ≡ (1 − t)A0 + tA1 are followed at successive "times" from t = 0 to t = 1 using continuation. At t = 1, the eigenpairs of the desired matrix A1 are found. The following phenomena are present when following the eigenpairs of a general nonsymmetric matrix: • bifurcation, • ill conditioning due to nonorthogonal eigenvectors, • jumping of eigenpaths. These can present considerable computational difficulties. Since each eigenpair can be followed independently, this algorithm is ideal for concurrent computers. The homotopy method has the potential to compete with other algorithms for computing a few eigenvalues of large, sparse matrices. It may be a useful tool for determining the stability of a solution of a PDE. Some numerical results will be presented

FeAs-based superconductivity: a case study of the effects of transition metal doping on BaFe2As2

The recently discovered FeAs-based superconductors are a new, promising set of materials for both technological as well as basic research. They offer transition temperatures as high as 55 K as well as essentially isotropic and extremely large upper, superconducting critical fields in excess of 40 T at 20 K. In addition they may well provide insight into exotic superconductivity that extends beyond just FeAs-based superconductivity, perhaps even shedding light on the still perplexing CuO-based high-Tc materials. Whereas superconductivity can be induced in the RFeAsO (R = rare earth) and AEFe2As2 (AE = Ba, Sr, Ca)) families by a number of means, transition metal doping of BaFe2As2, e.g. Ba(Fe1-xTMx)2As2, offers the easiest experimental access to a wide set of materials. In this review we present an overview and summary of the effect of TM doping (TM = Co, Ni, Cu, Pd, and Rh) on BaFe2As2. The resulting phase diagrams reveal the nature of the interaction between the structural, magnetic and superconducting phase transitions in these compounds and delineate a region of phase space that allows for the stabilization of superconductivity.Comment: edited and shortened version is accepted to AR:Condensed Matter Physic