The Dutch disease revisited : absorption constraint and learning by doing

This paper revisits the Dutch disease by analyzing the general equilibrium effects of a resource shock on a dependent economy, both in a static and dynamic set- ting. The novel aspect of this study is to incorporate in one coherent framework two distinct features of the Dutch disease literature that have previously been analyzed in isolation: capital accumulation with absorption constraint, and productivity growth induced by learning-by-doing. The result of long run exchange rate appreciation is maintained in line with part of the Dutch Disease literature. In addition, a permanent change in the employment shares occurs after the resource windfall, in favor of the non-traded sector and away from the traded sector growth engine of the economy. In other words, in the long run both of the classic symptoms of the Dutch Disease remain in place.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A randomized, controlled cross-over trial of dermally-applied lavender (lavandula angustifolia) oil as a treatment of agitated behaviour in dementia

Background: Lavender essential oil shows evidence of sedative properties in neurophysiological and animal studies but clinical trials of its effectiveness as a treatment of agitation in people with dementia have shown mixed results. Study methods have varied widely, however, making comparisons hazardous. To help remedy previous methodological shortcomings, we delivered high grade lavender oil in specified amounts to nursing home residents whose agitated behaviours were recorded objectively. Methods: 64 nursing home residents with frequent physically agitated behaviours were entered into a randomized, single-blind cross-over trial of dermally-applied, neurophysiologically active, high purity 30% lavender oil versus an inactive control oil. A blinded observer counted the presence or absence of target behaviours and rated participants’ predominant affect during each minute for 30 minutes prior to exposure and for 60 minutes afterwards. Results: Lavender oil did not prove superior to the control oil in reducing the frequency of physically agitated behaviours or in improving participants’ affect. Conclusions: Studies of essential oils are constrained by their variable formulations and uncertain pharmacokinetics and so optimal dosing and delivery regimens remain speculative. Notwithstanding this, topically delivered, high strength, pure lavender oil had no discernible effect on affect and behaviour in a well-defined clinical sample. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12609000569202

Temperature Dependence of Water Retention Curves for Wettable and Water-Repellent Soils

The capillary pressure (ψ) in unsaturated porous media is known to be a function of temperature (T). Temperature affects the surface tension (σ) of the pore water, but possibly also the angle of contact (γ). Because information on the temperature dependence of γ in porous media is rare, we conducted experiments with three wettable soils and their hydrophobic counterparts. The objectives were (i) to determine the temperature dependence of the water retention curve (WRC) for wettable and water-repellent soils, (ii) to assess temperature effects on the apparent contact angle γA derived from those WRCs, and (iii) to evaluate two models (Philip-de Vries and Grant-Salehzadeh) that describe temperature effects on ψ. Columns packed with natural or hydrophobized soil materials were first water saturated, then drained at 5, 20, and 38°C, and rewetted again to saturation. Capillary pressure and water content, θ, at five depths in the columns were measured continuously. The observations were used to determine the change in γA with T, as well as a parameter β0 that describes the change in ψ with T It was found that the Philip-de Vries model did not adequately describe the observed relation between ψ and T A mean value for β0 of −457 K was measured, whereas the Philip-de Vries model predicts a value of −766 K. Our results seem to confirm the Grant-Salezahdeh model that predicts a temperature effect on γA For the sand and the silt we studied, we found a decrease in γA between 1.0 to 8.5°, when the temperature was increased from 5 to 38°C. Both β0 and γA were only weak functions of θ. Furthermore, it seemed that for the humic soil under study, surfactants, i.e., the dissolution of soil organic matter, may compound the contact angle effect of the soil solids

Gebruiksvriendelijkheid van computerondersteunde cognitieve training bij psychogeriatrische patiënten met lichte tot matige cognitieve functiestoornissen

Cognitieve functiestoornissen als gevolg van dementie kenmerken zich door een zich progressief verslechterend beloop. Cognitieve training is een methode om specifieke functies zoals geheugen en aandacht te trainen om cognitieve achteruitgang te voorkomen of te vertragen. Een klein aantal studies laat zien dat cognitieve training op de computer een positief effect heeft op zowel de cognitie als de stemming van mensen met geheugenproblemen. In deze pilotstudie onderzochten we of serious games konden worden ingezet als hulpmiddel in de psychogeriatrische revalidatie. Veertien psychogeriatrische patiënten participeerden twee maal per week in cognitieve trainingssessies op de computer. Zowel de deelnemers als de begeleider ervoeren de sessies als leuk en uitdagend. Toch nam na vijf weken nog slechts de helft van de steekproef deel. Dit kwam mede door de korte verblijfsduur van sommige patiënten en doordat het gebruik van serious games een nieuwe taak voor de begeleider was. Andere redenen voor uitval waren faalangst, lichamelijke beperkingen of snel verslechterend cognitief functioneren van de deelnemers. Voor een succesvolle training is van belang dat de patiënt de games plezierig vindt en dat de begeleider de moeilijkheidsgraad continu bewaakt en afstemt op de capaciteiten van de individuele deelnemer

Realization of a classical counterpart of a scalable design for adiabatic quantum computation

We implement a classical counterpart of a scalable design for adiabatic quantum computation. The key element of this design is a coupler providing controllable coupling between two bistable elements (in our case superconducting rings with a single Josephson junction playing the role of a classical counterpart of superconducting flux qubits) The coupler is also a superconducting ring with a single Josephson junction that operates in the non-hysteretic mode. The flux coupling between two bistable rings can be controlled by changing the magnetic flux through the coupler. Thereby, the coupling can be tuned from ferromagnetic trough zero to to anti-ferromagnetic.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figures v2: extended discussion experimental result

The Collective Action On Governing The Commons In The Surroundings Of Protected Areas

This work has as its theme the common natural resources and the management models that allow new governance systems in the rural areas in the surrounding of protected areas. In this sense, this paper aims to discuss the collective action of social actors in the management of common natural resources in the surroundings of the National Park of Serra da Bodoquena (PNSB). Based on institutional approach for the study of the self-organisation and self-governance in common-pool resources situations developed by Elinor Ostrom, the investigation sought the theoretical explanation of phenomena. The conclusions point out that the expected mobilisation of groups of individuals in the pursuit of common goals is twofold. In this case, the participants of the action arena create different goals and different collective actions according to their interests.194213

Debt sustainability, public investment, and natural resources in developing countries: The DIGNAR model

Policymakers in resource-rich developing countries often face complicated fiscal choices to manage natural resource revenues. While investing resource revenues in public capital may promote economic growth, spending without saving or borrowing against future revenues can expose the economy to debt sustainability risks. This paper presents the Debt, Investment, Growth, and Natural Resources (DIGNAR) model for analyzing the macroeconomic and debt sustainability effects of scaling up public investment in resource-rich developing countries. It captures pervasive problems of these countries that may be aggravated during scaling-ups, including investment inefficiency and limited absorptive capacity. It also allows for flexible fiscal specifications: investment can be jointly financed by resource revenues and debt; a resource fund may be used as a buffer; and distorting fiscal adjustments are subject to feasibility constraints. The application to an average low-income country shows that, when fiscal adjustment is implementable, a delinked public investment approach combined with the resource fund - such that government spending is a-cyclical with respect to resource revenues - can reduce macroeconomic instability relative to a spend-as-you-go approach. However, even with the fund, ambitious frontloading public investment plans combined with more borrowing can induce debt sustainability risks, especially with declining investment efficiency or when future resource revenues turn out to be lower than expected