Reconsidering the evidence: Are Eurozone business cycles converging

This paper, using 40 years of monthly industrial production data, examines the relationship between the business cycles of the 12 Eurozone countries. Since estimates of the business cycle have been found to be sensitive to how the cycle is measured, a range of alternative measures are considered. We focus on both parametric and nonparametric univariate measures of the ‘classical’ and ‘growth’ cycles. We then investigate whether Eurozone business cycles have converged. This is based on an analysis of the distribution of bivariate correlation coefficients between the 12 countries’ business cycles. This extends previous work that has tested for convergence, in a similar manner by focusing on correlation, but has not considered the entire distribution, instead focusing on the mean correlation coefficient or particular bivariate correlation coefficients. Although empirical inference about individual Eurozone business cycles is found to be sensitive to the measure of the business cycle considered, our measure of convergence between the Eurozone business cycles exhibits common features across the alternative measures of the business cycle. Interestingly, we find that there have been periods of convergence, identified by the distribution tending to unity, and periods of divergence. Although further data are required to corroborate the story, there is evidence to suggest that the Euro-zone has entered a period of convergence after the clear period of divergence in the early 1990s in the aftermath of German unification and at the time of the currency crises in Europe. This is encouraging for the successful operation of a common monetary policy in the Eurozone. --

Some new results concerning the dynamic behavior of annular turbulent seals

The dynamic characteristics of annular turbulent seals applied in high pressure turbopumps can be described by stiffness, damping, and inertia coefficients. An improved procedure is presented for determining these parameters by using measurements made with newly developed test equipment. The dynamic system seal, consisting of the fluid between the cylindrical surfaces of the rotating shaft and the housing, is excited by test forces (input), and the relative motion between the surfaces (output) is measured. Transformation of the input and output time signals into the frequency domain leads to frequency response functions. An analytical model, depending on the seal parameters, is fitted to the measured data in order to identify the dynamic coefficients. Some new results are reported that show the dependencies of these coefficients with respect to the axial and radial Reynolds numbers and the geometrical data of the seal

Navajo Studies: Archival Collections at the UNM Center for Southwest Research

The UNM Center for Southwest Research (CSWR) collects, preserves, and makes available materials to help document the culture and history of the Diné in historical and contemporary times, from both native and non-native perspectives. Our unique archival holdings include manuscripts (personal papers, government and business records), oral histories, photographs, sound recordings, and architectural records. Our University Archives include records and a new oral history project to document Native Americans at UNM, including many Navajo students, faculty and staff. The CSWR also maintains many books, journals, videos, audios, newspapers & microfilm relevant to Navajo studies. We respectfully present this guide to the people of the Navajo Nation whose knowledge and voices are represented here. This guide was originally developed for use by the Navajo Studies Conference, 2006. Revised 2012

An investigation into man's identity crisis within the context of social pressure by the visual mass media as a theme in contemporary fine arts

ThesisIt was of vital importance to firstly discuss various theories concerning the visual mass media and how it has caused social pressure on the individual, resulting in man's identity crisis. These theories were selectively chosen as the most prominent (n the field and would supply a sufficient understanding of the visual mass media and how it affected man's identity crisisJ he theories will specify which elements of the visual mass media affect the individual and also which type of individual is affected by the media. Another important aspect was the !_ll_anipulation of the audience and how man was influenced to self idolize or to be manipulated so as to cause an identity crisis. Before various contemporary theories of mas! media and its effects on man were to be examined, it was of considerable importance to review earlier theories concerning the visual mass media and how it affected the individual.\ These earlier theories are significant as they -....) were the forerunners or influential elements in the construction of the more contemporary ideas. A brief review of these theories will be sufficient in furthering understanding of their basic principles. Some media research had taken place before the television became widespread in the 1950's, but the advent of this new highly distributed medium then prompted researchers to look more deeply into the media's effects

Improving Nutritional Properties and Extractability of Pea Proteins for Human Consumption via Fungal Bioprocessing

Yellow peas are a rich source of protein and phytochemicals. Peas are compatible with many diets restricted by sensitivities, allergies, or personal choice. As a result, peas are gaining popularity in food markets, despite the challenges they present. The biggest challenges for pea proteins in food markets are high content of fiber, starch, and saponins. These components cause processing challenges and create undesirable textures and bitter flavors. Pea proteins are typically extracted with alkaline extraction or air classification methods which result in 80% and 50% protein products respectively. With low protein purity, these products are not competitive with other, more established, plant-based proteins like soy. The objectives of this study are to (1) Determine the effect of fungal fermentation on the protein, saponin, phenolic, and dietary fiber content of dry processed proteins (DPP), (2) Describe the effects fungal fermentation has on the saponin, protein, starch, and phenolic composition of dehulled peas (DHP), (3) Understand how fermentation, drying method, and antimicrobial techniques affect alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation from DPP and DHP. In DPP and DHP, fermentation has potential to improve composition. Fermentation increased protein, total saponins, and total phenolic content for both substrates. During fermentation, total dietary fiber decreased in DPP, and starch content decreased in DHP. With high fiber- and starch- contamination in DPP and DHP respectively, these results indicate that fermentation may reduce these unwanted components. In addition, increased phenolic- and saponin content may provide increased antioxidant activity and health benefits. Extraction of both DPP and DHP indicate that chemical antimicrobials are superior to autoclaving in terms of protein yield, extraction yield and protein content of isolates. Drying method does not significantly impact protein extraction. Fermentation increased solubility but resulted in unrecoverable protein during isoelectric precipitation. Methods such as ultrafiltration may be a superior method for protein recovery. These results demonstrate that fungal fermentation has potential to broaden the application of pea proteins in food markets. Fungal fermentation improves composition of DPP and DHP in regard to protein and starch as well as non-nutritive components like saponins, phenolics and fiber. Fermentation also may produce a more soluble protein isolate

Navajo Studies: Archival Collections at the Center for Southwest Research

Welcome 2006 Navajo Studies Conference Participants! The Center for Southwest Research (CSWR) collects, preserves, and makes available a large variety of materials to help document the culture and history of the Diné in historical and contemporary times, from both native and non-native perspectives. Our unique archival holdings include manuscripts (personal papers, government and business records), oral histories, photographs, sound recordings, and even architectural records. The Center also maintains many books, dissertations, journals, videos, audio tapes, newspapers, and microfilm relevant to Navajo studies