Mapping Prices into Productivity in Multisector Growth Models

Two issues related to mapping a multi-sector model into a reduced-form value-added model are often neglected: the composition of intermediate goods, and the distinction between value added productivity and gross output productivity. We demonstrate their quantitative significance for the case of the well known model of Greenwood, Hercowitz and Krusell (1997), who find that about 60% of economic growth can be attributed to investment-specific technical change (ISTC). When we recalibrate their model to allow for even a small equipment share of intermediates, we find that ISTC accounts for almost the entirety of postwar US growth.Intermediate goods, investment-specific technical change, growth accounting, gross output, multisector growth models

An R&D-Based Model of Multi-Sector Growth

We develop a multi-sector general equilibrium model in which productivity growth is driven by the production of sector-specific knowledge. In the model, we find that long run differences in total factor productivity growth across sectors are independent of the parameters of the knowledge production function except for one, which we term the fertility of knowledge. Differences in R&D intensity are also independent of most other parameters. The fertility of knowledge in the capital sector is central to the growth properties of the model economy.Endogenous technical change, multisector growth, fertility of knowledge, total factor productivity, R&D intensity, investment-specific technical change

Accounting for Research and Productivity Growth Across Industries

What factors underlie industry differences in research intensity and productivity growth? We develop a multi-sector endogenous growth model allowing for industry specific parameters in the production functions for output and knowledge, and in consumer preferences. We find that industry differences in both productivity growth and R&D intensity mainly reflect differences in "technological opportunities", interpreted as parameters of knowledge production. These include the capital intensity of R&D, knowledge spillovers, and diminishing returns to R&D. Among these parameters, we find that the degree of diminishing returns to R&D is the dominant factor when the model is calibrated to account for crossindustry differences in the US.Multisector growth, total factor productivity, R&D intensity, technological opportunity

The kinetics of quality deterioration in lemon juices and concentrates during storage : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology in Food Technology at Massey University

The effects of initial dissolved oxygen content, temperature and total soluble solids content on the kinetics of the quality deterioration in lemon juices (9 °Brix) and concentrates (20-50 °Brix) during storage were determined. The parameters used to measure quality loss were ascorbic acid retention, nonenzymic browning, and sensory quality. The suitability of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as indices of quality deterioration was also investigated. Ascorbic acid degradation and HMF formation were observed to follow a first-order reaction model while browning and furfural formation followed a zero-order model. Temperature dependence of the different reactions could be described by the linear and Arrhenius expressions over the temperature range of 10 to 36°C. The initial dissolved oxygen content (0.41, 1.44 and 3.74 mg/L) did not significantly affect the rate of ascorbic acid degradation and furfural formation in single-strength lemon juice stored at 36°C. However, browning and HMF formation were significantly higher in the juice with 3.74 mg/L dissolved oxygen content than in the samples with the other two oxygen contents. The total soluble solids concentration affected the rates of the different reactions but not to such a significant extent as the temperature effect. Ascorbic acid retention was observed to increase with an increase in soluble solids content. The rate of the browning reaction generally increased with increases in soluble solids content for the 20 to 50 °Brix juice samples. The rate of furfural formation consistently increased with increases in soluble solids level at 36°C, but was not as consistent at 10 and 20°C. The rate constants and activation energy values of the different reactions for the 9 °Brix juice were considerably higher than those for the 20 °Brix concentrate. These observations and the poor correlation obtained between ascorbic acid retention and browning, and between ascorbic acid retention and furfural formation for the higher Brix concentrates, suggested that different reactions or reaction mechanisms predominated in single-strength juice compared with concentrates. Furfural could serve as an index of quality deterioration in single-strength lemon juice but not in concentrates (20-50 °Brix) due to its simultaneous formation and decomposition at these high soluble solids levels. The sensory panel perceived significant changes in colour in the juices prior to changes in flavour. The browning reaction should thus be the main criterion in the determination of storage life. Low temperature storage is essential for optimum storage stability. Over a 16-week storage period at 10°C, it is suggested that lemon juice be stored as a 50 °Brix concentrate. Some advantages of storing lemon juice at such high soluble solids levels are high retention of ascorbic acid and flavour properties, and reduction in storage and distribution costs. To extend the storage life of lemon juice concentrates beyond four months, storage temperatures lower than 10°C would be necessary so that the extent of browning would not reach unacceptable levels

Early hospital readmissions post‐kidney transplantation are associated with inferior clinical outcomes

Unplanned hospital readmissions are common early post‐kidney transplantation. We investigated the relationship between early hospital readmissions and clinical outcomes in a single‐center retrospective study that included all adult kidney transplant patients between 2004 and 2008 with follow‐up to December 2012. The early hospital readmissions within the first 30 d were numbered and the diagnosis ascertained. Patients were grouped as none, once, and twice or more readmissions. Predictors of early readmissions were assessed, and clinical outcomes and patient and death‐censored kidney survival were compared. Among 1064 patients, 203 (19.1%) patients had once and 83 (7.8%) patients had twice or more readmissions within 30 d. Surgical complications, infections, and acute kidney injuries/acute rejection were three most common diagnoses. The length of initial hospital stay and African American race were among the variables associated significantly with readmissions. Patients with early readmissions had lower baseline renal function (p < 0.01) and more early acute rejection (p < 0.01). During follow‐up, only frequent readmissions, twice or more, within 30 d were associated with increased risk of death ( AHR 1.75, p   =   0.01) and death‐censored kidney failure ( AHR 2.20, p < 0.01). Frequent early hospital readmissions post‐transplantation identify patients at risk for poor long‐term outcomes, and more studies are needed to understand the mechanisms.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106830/1/ctr12347.pd

The time interval between kidney and pancreas transplantation and the clinical outcomes of pancreas after kidney transplantation

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/91368/1/ctr1519.pd

Copernicus’ Role in the Scientific Revolution: Philosophical Merits and Influence on Later Scientists

Nicolaus Copernicus\u27 publication of De Revolutionibus Orbium Coesltium marks the beginning of a revolution in the field of astronomy and physics. Within 150 years, a heliocentric system became almost universally accepted in the scientific community. Copernicus’ model was significant not because it of its scientific merit, but because of its ideological appeal to scientists during the 16th through 18th century. This paper explores the philosophical foundations of Copernicus\u27 model, and examines his influence in later work of four significant astronomers and physicists, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton

Effects of uncertainty in soil properties on simulated hydrological states and fluxes at different spatio-temporal scales

Soil properties show high heterogeneity at different spatial scales and their correct characterization remains a crucial challenge over large areas. The aim of the study is to quantify the impact of different types of uncertainties that arise from the unresolved soil spatial variability on simulated hydrological states and fluxes. Three perturbation methods are presented for the characterization of uncertainties in soil properties. The methods are applied on the soil map of the upper Neckar catchment (Germany), as an example. The uncertainties are propagated through the distributed mesoscale hydrological model (mHM) to assess the impact on the simulated states and fluxes. The model outputs are analysed by aggregating the results at different spatial and temporal scales. These results show that the impact of the different uncertainties introduced in the original soil map is equivalent when the simulated model outputs are analysed at the model grid resolution (i.e. 500 m). However, several differences are identified by aggregating states and fluxes at different spatial scales (by subcatchments of different sizes or coarsening the grid resolution). Streamflow is only sensitive to the perturbation of long spatial structures while distributed states and fluxes (e.g. soil moisture and groundwater recharge) are only sensitive to the local noise introduced to the original soil properties. A clear identification of the temporal and spatial scale for which finer-resolution soil information is (or is not) relevant is unlikely to be universal. However, the comparison of the impacts on the different hydrological components can be used to prioritize the model improvements in specific applications, either by collecting new measurements or by calibration and data assimilation approaches. In conclusion, the study underlines the importance of a correct characterization of uncertainty in soil properties. With that, soil maps with additional information regarding the unresolved soil spatial variability would provide strong support to hydrological modelling applications

Reflexiones sobre la comunicación interpersonal = Reflections about interpersonal communication

Resumen: Introducción: cada uno de nosotros captamos e interpretamos subjetivamente la realidad que nos rodea; según esta captación o interpretación así nos comunicamos. Objetivo: realizar una reflexión sobre algunos aspectos que nos permitan desarrollar una comunicación interpersonal más eficaz. Método: a través de la reflexión sobre distintas teorías se construye un sencillo esquema que poder seguir para adquirir conciencia y habilidades comunicativas. Resultados: el enramado proceso comunicativo está influenciado por diversos factores. La percepción es una fuente de conceptualización propia de cada individuo, aunque en determinadas circunstancias puede abordar a un colectivo con experiencias y expectativas similares. Las creencias y valores, tienen también carácter individual y subjetivo; puede comprender a colectivos, familias e incluso formar parte de la cultura de un grupo más o menos amplio de personas. Estas disparidades pueden pronunciarse tanto por parte del paciente como del profesional sanitario, desencadenando conflictos y desacuerdos que requieren de destrezas para clarificar y consensuar las intervenciones a realizar. Conclusión: la capacidad de adquirir y desarrollar herramientas de comunicación, influirá sustancialmente en el tipo de interacción que mantengamos con nuestros pacientes; siendo importante, priorizar la capacidad de empatía y de sensibilización con la realidad del paciente partiendo de la suya propia.Palabras clave: Enfermería, Paciente, Comunicación, Relaciones Interpersonales Abstract: Introduction: each one of us interprets the reality that surrounds us in a subjective way; we are able to communicate according to this catchment or interpretation. Aim: realise a reflection on some appearances that allow us to develop an interpersonal and more effective communication. Method: through the reflection on different theories, it is possible to build a simple diagram to follow in order to purchase consciousness and communicative skills. Results: the communicative process is influenced by diverse factors. The perception is a source of conceptualization own of each individual, although in determinate circumstances can address to a community with similar experiences and expectations. Beliefs and values, have also individual and subjective character; it can comprise to communities, families and even be part of the culture of a more or less wide group of people. These disparities - showed by patients or by health professionals-, unchaining conflicts and disagreements that require skills to clarify and to consensus interventions to realise. Conclusion: the capacity to purchase and develop tools of communication, will influence substantially in the type of interaction that are supported by our patients; being important, to prioritise the capacity of empathy and of sensitisation with the reality of the patient splitting of his own. Keywords: Nursing, Patient, Communication, Interpersonal relation